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Ruthless Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Brittany Angel

Ruthless Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 1)Ruthless Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Giacomina and her daughter Viviana need to pack their things quickly and get out of town with her father due to an unknown risk to their family, she never imagines running into him. Nolan. The man who has not left her mind for 5 years.

When he walks into his father’s office and sees the one woman who he has been obsessed with for the last 5 years, his world is turned upside down.

This book has forced proximity, second-chance romance, a pending mafia war and so much more. Written incredibly well, you can’t help but fall into the lives of every character in this book. I am looking forward to reading everything this author has about these families.

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Creatures of the Night by C.A. King – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Creatures of the NightCreatures of the Night by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When an unusual anomaly in outer space opened up portals it brought with it a black mist that covered the earth. It also brought something far more sinister and deadly when it brought monsters and war started across the human race. The war raged on for generations and the remaining humans grew up training to fight and kill demons and monsters. In this new world they survived by forming clans where they could better protect themselves.

Zoe always knew that she was different and did not see things like others. In this new world she was expected to possess magic and men were expected to be warriors. Zoe knew that magic was no good if you were unable to protect yourself, so she also wanted to be a warrior. Instead, she must obey society’s rules and is sent off to the academy to hone her magic.

When Zoe meets a demon, it changes her outlook on everything. She has always fought alongside her family battling the black mist, demons, and monsters and never questioned why they do so. When she falls in love with a demon she starts to questions the rules and all that she has been taught throughout her life. Zoe begins to realize that maybe all demons are not the same after all. She is faced with the difficult decision of choosing between love and her family and friends. No matter which choice she makes she will lose something or someone that she loves. What will Zoe’s heart decide is best for her?

This book was well written and the scenes were described so vividly that you feel like you are part of Zoe’s journey. The character of Zoe really grows and develops as the story unfolds. She is smart, strong, feisty, and a force to be reckoned with. When Zoe meets a demon she becomes conflicted about what she has been taught and must make a difficult decision. She craves love but will she choose it over her own family. What a gut-wrenching decision to have to make. A great Dystopian Fantasy read with love, romance, adventure, supernatural, magic, demons, and monsters.

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Ruthless Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Ruthless Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 1)Ruthless Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ruthless Hawke is a Second Generation Hawke Family Novel. Although you don’t NEED to read the others to read this one, I personally would recommend reading the other series first. You will know most of the family and their back stories more coming into this one that way. BUT you CAN read it as a stand alone.
The Hawke’s New Orleans empire has only grown over the years and so has the family. Children are older and into different parts of the businesses. You have to be ruthless in this town, business, and for this family. Isaac does just that in the courthouse or where ever else it’s needed, including the streets! Their family has suffered enough and it is on him to do what it takes to keep it all safe. There is something fishy going on though! This weird company covered by shell companies has been popping up messing with their family’s businesses. The mob is at their doors, again! And now a woman from his past shows up and throws his world upside down. Mina aka Jack is sick of being dragged around and always in the dark. Sneaking out once, 5 years ago was the best and worst night of her life. But now that past is being thrown back at her at the worst of times. The universe must be laughing at her! She’s not sure what to tell him about the past, but with Hawke blues eyes staring them both in the face Isaac and Jack must figure out a LOT of things and fast!. Five minutes can change your whole world. Now Isaac must defend not only his family and it’s empire, but also what’s his. With threats all around, what will this family go through next?! Can they finally get this other company out of the way? And what about the mob? Again?! A war in New Orleans will defiantly be bad for not only their family but their businesses too. Boy oh boy do you need to read this book!! And all the other sets!! I can’t wait to read more!!! And I just learned of another! I am so hooked!! You will not be disappointed in this book, the series, or any of the other Hawke series!

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@jaimie0459

Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Manipulator's War (Ruarnon Trilogy, #1)Manipulator’s War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ruarnon has spent their life learning lessons in combat and how to run the kingdom they will one take over. As the non-binary heir to Tarlah they have had to work harder to impress their father who happens to be the King of Tarlah. When Ruarnon’s parents are abducted in the middle of the night they are thrust into the role quicker than anticipated and find themselves forced to make difficult decisions as they take over ruling the kingdom. In their new role Ruarnon finds that they are uncertain who to trust within the Royal Council and is also faced with the news that the neighboring kingdom wants to expand into Tarlah. Ruarnon is thrown headfirst into their role as heir to the throne and jumps straight into battling an ongoing war.

Meanwhile, Linh is on an excursion to Australia with her class when her and her classmates find themselves in a foreign land they do not recognize. As they try to find their way back Linh learns of a place that has a race that may have the knowledge to help her get back home. In her journey she stumbles onto a small island where monsters are attacking anyone and everyone. The monsters see everything as a target and annihilate anything that moves. Will she be able to escape to safety and find this race that will help her find her way home?

This book was action packed from the first pages as Ruarnon was thrust into their role as ruler of Tarlah. The storylines were entertaining, and I had to continue to read to see how the two were going to join together. I loved that the protagonist was non-binary and written from their perspective. The character of Ruarnon was written well and the author did a great job of including the struggles they faced as being non-binary without that defining them. It was an aspect of who they were, not what they were. A great read full of action, war, rivalry, betrayal, and even some monsters.

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Emissary (Star-Crossed Celestials Duet) by A.L. Morrow – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Emissary: An MM Forbidden Romance (Star-Crossed Celestials Duet)Emissary: An MM Forbidden Romance by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kai is known as an Emissary, or Angel of Death, who along with Messengers are those that hunt down and destroy Watchers and demons. His life is full of darkness and loneliness, and he has become even more lonely after an error in judgement caused the death of his true love. Kai’s life revolves around following orders dictated by the stars, so he finds himself conflicted when he is ordered to kill a demon named Byron, but the stars tell him that it is not Byron’s time for death yet.

Byron is a demon who has had a rough life and has struggled to survive in a world where death chases after him constantly. Someone wants Byron dead, and he feels that death will be inevitable when he meets Kai. Instead, Kai not only saves his life but teams up with him to find out who is trying to kill Byron. The two find themselves on the run as they race to get to the truth behind who the person responsible is. Their time together draws them closer and their attraction to one another grows more intense.

This book was an intense, action-packed read from start to finish. The author did an amazing job of vividly describing the worlds of each character, and each scene jumped off the pages. Kai and Byron’s relationship is complex due to Kai being an Emissary and Byron being a demon but the attraction they feel towards one another is undeniable. Complicating matters farther is the feelings that Kai has about the tragic loss of his true love which leave him feeling remorse and sadness. I found their storyline interesting and loved the idea that just because you are an Angel does not mean that you are any better than a demon. Kai and Byron may have been from two different worlds, but their relationship worked. The storyline of who Byron’s father was took me by surprise and I can honestly say that I never saw that twist coming. A great read from start to finish.

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Echoing Hearts (The Echo Series Book 1) by C.R. Alam – Review by Barbara Bohls

Echoing Hearts (Book 1 of The Echo Series)Echoing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book has everything from drama, some sassiness, and romance. The book is the first in the series by this author. I was drawn in by the synopsis of what the book is about. I love a good feisty book. This story did not disappoint. The main characters from the beginning are real sassy towards each other but yet they have this independence to do things their way which makes it even better. I am a sucker for strong lead characters. Going through what threading female did growing up, it would make anyone jaded when looking at life. This is where most of that sassiness that I love comes form. She is used to doing things on her own to get things done. Meanwhile, the leading male character has had a relatively easy lifestyle compared to the leading female. However, they both bring their own hurts for the past to what they are working with now. They are reluctant to even consider a relationship because of those hurts but like any true romance story they overcome those obstacles. This book had me laughing out loud during certain parts and swooning with others. It does start out a little slow in my opinion, like it is slowing building into what the climax of the book. Normally that bothers me but this time I felt like it needed to start slow for the reader to fully grasp what the characters have bene through. I would recommend taking a day to read this book because you wont be disappointed. It is a true slow burn romance that will have your emotions all over the place while reading.
Reviewed by: @bbohls

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Echoing Hearts (The Echo Series Book 1) by C.R. Alam – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Echoing Hearts (Book 1 of The Echo Series)Echoing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rae is a woman focused on her job that has no time to look for romance. She is happy to travel and write articles for magazines without worrying about settling down. Rae does not believe in the concept of a fairy-tale romance with a happily ever after ending because she watched as her mom fell into a deep depression after she had her heart broken. When Rae takes on a last-minute assignment as a favor for a friend, she is only expecting to write an article on an up-and-coming female architect.

When Rae arrives on the property she is to write the article about she is greeted by a man who accuses her of being a trespasser. The man greeting her so coldly unbeknownst to her is the homeowner, Dean. Her first impression of him is that he is good-looking but that does not make up for how rude he is. Dean is home on a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city and his flourishing business. He is not expecting a sassy little redhead to come wandering into his life so unexpectedly. Although he finds her attractive, he has no desire to be in a relationship and wants nothing to do with women after his fiancée left him at the alter. Rae and Dean spend the weekend remaining cordial to each other for Dean sister’s sake. Dean does not want to ruin his sister’s career and Rae finds his sister to be a genuinely kind person.

Once the weekend is over, Rae and Dean expect to go their separate ways and never see one another again. Life has unexpected plans for them when they both end up at the same club. Dean is there for work and Rae is there to see a friend of hers that plays in a band that is playing at the club. Dean cannot take his eyes off Rae but refuses to admit that he is drawn to her. Rae does her best to ignore her attraction to Dean and still thinks he is a jerk. Despite their denial they feel the intense attraction towards one another but refuse to act on it.

This book was very well written, and I enjoyed reading it to see how things would play out between the characters. Both Rae and Dean had their own emotional baggage they were carrying around that came from past hurt and trauma. This made them fearful of getting hurt again so they decided it was best to just stay away from relationships. When they meet they realize that they have to work through their demons and heal from their past trauma so they could move forward. The ensuing journey is an emotional rollercoaster ride as Rae and Dean struggle to overcome their past. A beautifully written love story with passion, chemistry, drama, emotional scars, family, friends, jealousy and raw emotion.

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Ruthless Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Helen Dawkins

Ruthless Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 1)Ruthless Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the series of the 2nd generation of Hawkes. It does NOT disappoint!!!! I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting! I couldn’t put it down. While it is not needed to read the first generation, I definitely suggest to. It will give you an intense amount of back story of most of the characters in the book. Why they act a certain way, or do things a little odd.

Issac and Mina are 🔥🔥🔥 . I recommend reading the prequel, but if you’d like you definitely can just jump right in to this book. I absolutely LOVE their chemistry. Everything about them is electric. This may very well be my favorite book from Gwyn McNamee. Issac may be hard on the outside, but he is ALWAYS loyal to his family. He will do absolutely anything to protect them.

Mina and Issac had a weekend together 5 years ago, neither have ever been able to forget the other. But, unfortunately they weren’t able to find eachother since they both gave fake names. After Mina’s family is in danger, she is sent to live with the Hawkes, a family friend of her father’s. Fate brought them back together, but it won’t be so simple to just be together. There are many complications now, and they will fight their attraction until it’s impossible to ignore.

I definitely recommend reading this book & any of the others in this series or the 1st generation Hawkes!

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Deadly Intentions by Anise Storm – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Deadly IntentionsDeadly Intentions by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Viviana’s life changed in an instant when her and her best friend, Donnatella, took a girl’s trip to New York City. During the trip Donna was murdered by a member of a notorious mafia family. Viviana is overcome with grief and vows revenge on the man who murdered her best friend. She spends the next decade transforming herself from quiet and meek to a sleek killing machine. When the opportunity presented itself, Viviana set her plan into motion.

Fast forward ten years from her friend, Donna’s, death, and Viviana has infiltrated the notorious Vaccaro crime family as the head member’s mistress. Stefano Vaccaro is a force to be reckoned with and has a reputation for being cold and ruthless. Viviana feels that she has prepared herself to exact her revenge when the opportunity presents itself but Stefano’s son, Nazario knows otherwise. He fears for her safety and tries to warn Viviana not to follow through with her plan, but Viviana ignores his pleas. Viviana hates him for being part of the notorious mafia crime family and knows that he is as equally ruthless as his father but is unable to deny the intense chemistry she feels towards him. Nazario is equally drawn to Viviana and vows to make her his at all costs. Before long they can no longer deny the attraction and an intense, passion filled affair develops between them. Will Stefano learn of his son and mistress’ betrayal? Will Viviana get her long sought after revenge?

This book had everything one would expect from a dark mafia crime novel; deceit, revenge, lust, passion, and betrayal. Stefano was cold, calculating and showed no remorse in anything he did throughout his career as a crime boss. Viviana was once what someone might consider to be quiet and mousy but when tragedy struck it changed her. The only thing that she could think of was exacting revenge on those responsible for the murder of her best friend. The trauma she suffered turned her into someone else and she learned to shut off her feelings until Nazario resurfaced in her life. He was the son of the man responsible for her friend’s death and although she hates him she is consumed by desire for him. Nazario feels equally attracted to Viviana and knows what her true intentions are towards his father but it does not deter him from pursuing his feelings for Viviana. The attraction is undeniable and the two of them share some passionate and steamy moments.

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A Mountain in the Air: A Trilogy by Laura Koerber – Review by Tori Mitton

  1. <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/79191649-a-mountain-in-the-air” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”A Mountain in the Air: A Trilogy” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1673983030l/79191649._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/79191649-a-mountain-in-the-air”>A Mountain in the Air: A Trilogy</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16725711.Laura_Koerber”>Laura Koerber</a><br/>
    My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5393253186″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
    This is my first read of this series. It’s about dystopia, and what the future is, shape shifting. Mischief, mystery. It makes you really think of what the world could turn into, far into the future.<br />
    <br/><br/>
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Echoing Hearts (The Echo Series Book 1) by C.R. Alam – Review by Brittany Angel

Echoing Hearts (Book 1 of The Echo Series)Echoing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a sweet, romantic, read. Rae and Dean don’t really believe in love anymore due to experiences in their pasts. But when fate aligns for a chance encounter, they find that it isn’t always easy to ignore your heart. This novel was moderately paced and the banter between the two was very entertaining. A great Saturday morning read.

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Spirit Guide (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 3) by Byrd Nash – Review by Helen Dawkins

Spirit Guide (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #3)Spirit Guide by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love this series by Byrd Nash. It is such a lighthearted story, but immediately grabs your attention and doesn’t let go! I read this book in one sitting! This is the 3rd book in the series “Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries” and personally this one has been my favorite so far! It went into a deeper explanation of exactly what the Morpheus Society and what they actually teach their students. The smaller plot with the romance with the duke of Archambeau kept me on the edge, wondering exactly what Madame Chalamet was feeling towards their relationship. I also enjoyed the banter between Madame Chalamet and her new apprentice, it showed a different side of Mys Chalamet and how she interacts with people. I cannot wait until book 4 is released and I can continue reading about their mysterious adventures and the relationship between the duke and Mys Chalamet.

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The Veil of Corruption (The Virus of Beauty Book 2) by C.B. Lyall Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

The Veil of Corruption (The Virus of Beauty #2)The Veil of Corruption by C.B. Lyall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book two in the Virus of Beauty series continues the story from the first book and centers on teen wizard Wilf. In Book One we learned about Wilf who has no interest in magic and all he truly wants to do is play soccer. However, life has other plans for him, and he now finds himself caught in the middle of a long-held dispute between the witches and the wizards. The ongoing dispute has somehow destabilized the Magical Realm and it is up to Wilf to find the antidote for the Virus of Beauty that many of the witches have been plagued with before it is too late.

When Wilf’s stepsister, Myra, disappears it is left up to Wilf to find her and bring her to justice. In his quest to find her the defensive barrier known as the Veil between the witch and wizard cities becomes corrupted and Wilf is blamed. The corruption of the Veil allows the virus to spread and affects both wizards and witches throughout the magical realm. When evil strikes and his witch friend, Katryna, is kidnapped Wilf will do anything to save her even if it means that he risks his own life in doing so. He is the only one that holds the key to saving both his friend and the Magical Realm from certain disaster.

Book Two in the Virus of Beauty Series did not disappoint. The reader is transported to places all over the world as the wizards and witches fight to stabilize the magical realm before it destroys them all. Our teen wizard Wilf has to really step into his role as wizard because this unlikely hero is the only one who can save them. Wilf must put aside his thoughts and feelings on what his perception of a normal life may be and embrace his wizard side while fighting evil head on. Wilf really discovers who he is and what he is capable of as he becomes stronger as both a person and a wizard. It was interesting to read how his relationship with Katryna unfolded and how her family slowly came to terms with it.

This book has everything a YA reader can hope for in one place. Magic, self-discovery, adventure, suspense, unlikely heroes, family drama, young romance, and even some witty banter. It held my attention and kept me reading until the end. The overall most intriguing part of the story for me, since Book One, has been what the witches perceive as beauty in their realm. For them to catch a virus that makes them beautiful by our society standards is horrifying. In their realm ‘beauty’ is defined entirely different and for the witches you are ‘beautiful’ if you have warts, hairy chins, and large noses. It truly goes to show how perception can change everything and what one sees as normal, or beautiful, is not necessarily the same way another person may view it. Fascinating concept! I highly recommend!

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What I Wish I’d Known: For Writers by H.D. Thomson – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

What I Wish I'd Known: For Writers: 100 Authors Reveal What They Wish They'd Told Their Younger SelvesWhat I Wish I’d Known: For Writers: 100 Authors Reveal What They Wish They’d Told Their Younger Selves by H. D. Thomson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an inspiration!! In this book, 100 HIGHLY accomplished authors (I won’t throw out names, but trust me there are so many good ones that I knew and even some I didn’t that I plan to look up!!) talk about what they would have wanted to know when they were first starting out in the writing world. They share not only their time, but also their extensive knowledge in this book. Paying it forward to other aspiring authors. New and old alike! If you feel like you are having problems on what to write, wondering if you are doing it correct, wondering what you should be doing differently, or just need a little help getting motivated this is the book for you!! In the great pages of this book these authors give you encouragement, cautions about some things, so much inspiration, and more!! Things they wish their younger selves would have know before starting their very own writing careers. Imagine if everyone had a handbook on their career path, written by greats before them!!! People would jump at that knowledge! This is that book for authors! You will find SO MUCH helpful information. From writing, the industry itself, the business aspect, what to avoid and what to look for, to time management, lots of ideas and inspiration, and even stuff about conflicts that can arise with friends and family! It really is just a HUGE book on a writing career and what you need and don’t need to get where they are/have been. With each new author I found at LEAST one thing that I loved about their entry in this book. The way some of them write their entries, is just as inspiring! You can tell that a lot of love and care went into their words for others. You can find some real gems! Authors inspiring other authors to get their stories into the world! I LOVE IT!! I wish I would have read this book sooner! Maybe it would have pushed me to write sooner. I am that person with TONS of ideas, with little, to no follow through. This book has tips to help that too! And more!!!! If you are writing a book/books I have to recommend this book to you! You can be a number one best seller on the top and I would still tell you to read this book!! It is that good and has a TON of great advice and information. So what are you waiting for?? Read this book and get to writing your next book(s)!!

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Reviewed by: @jaimie0459

Straight for the Kill (Benoit and Dayne Mystery Book 3) by Winter Austin – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Straight for the Kill (Benoit and Dayne Mystery, #3)Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Elizabeth Benoit’s best friend died of an accidental overdose 25 years ago. Elizabeth suspected that there might have been more to the case but chose to push those feelings aside and move forward. Lila Dayne is a Deputy working in the same department as Elizabeth Benoit who discovers the body of another young girl twenty five years later who has died under similar circumstances. Lila chooses to move forward with the case without involving Elizabeth but that does not go well. As Sheriff of the department not only is she Lila’s superior but it also becomes personal for Elizabeth because of the loss of her friend in a similar manner years prior.

As Lila digs deeper into the case she comes up with a list of suspects but nothing concrete. As Lila struggles to pinpoint a main suspect in the case important members of the community suddenly vanish. This leads Lila to believe that there is something bigger at work and that there is more to this case than she originally thought. Elizabeth has tried to stay away from the case due to the personal issues of it, but when her sister suddenly vanishes, she must do everything she can to find her. Elizabeth and Lila must team up to solve the case and bring the murderer to justice. Will they be able to find out in time before more people vanish?

This book kept me on the edge of my seat and was action packed out of the gate. Both Lila and Elizabeth are smart, strong, independent, feisty, kick-ass women who do not back down from a challenge. I found myself cheering them on and trying to crack the case along with them. A highly suspenseful, action packed read!

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Hush, My Darling (Benoit and Dayne Mystery Book 2) by Winter Austin – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Hush, My Darling (Benoit and Dayne Mystery, #2)Hush, My Darling by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lila Dayne is a Deputy with Eckhardt County who survived an attack on her life by a serial killer. Two years later she is haunted by the memories of that vicious attack. Still running from that night and trying to overcome her fears she is desperate for a fresh start. Even after moving to a small part of southeast Iowa, Lila is unable to shake her fears of constantly being watched.

Elizabeth Benoit is the new Sheriff of the department in Eckhardt County where Lila is now working as a Deputy. Elizabeth is quickly thrown from her task of stopping corruption into the solving of murder when dead bodies suddenly start to appear. The murders are freakishly similar to those of a serial killer who left bodies along the I-80. When one of the bodies portrays a sinister message directed at a member of the department it sets off a chain of events that has one member spiral out of control.

I loved this book and found myself really invested in Lila and her story. I could feel her fear and experienced the terror that went along with her as she fought through the things that triggered her. As I read along and followed her on her journey I found myself trying to solve the mystery of who the serial killer was and why they were after Lila. I was compelled to read through in one sitting to find out what was going to become of Lila and solve the mystery along with Lila and Elizabeth. I was on pins and needles as the story unfolded. This book is full of action, suspense, mystery, and intrigue. I highly recommend!

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The Exchange by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

The Exchange: A NovelThe Exchange: A Novel by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After graduation Sam leaves her small hometown behind her to move to LA and start a career in acting. Once in LA it is not as easy as Sam was hoping that it would be nor is life as she had expected. Her apartment is rundown, the neighborhood she lives in is rampant with crime, and her money is running out. Things start to look up for Sam when she lands a meeting with a talent agent, but her hopes are quickly dashed when the agent rejects her. With her hopes and dreams suddenly shattered Sam starts to look for a job to make ends meet. She finds a small coffee shop that hires her immediately and she eagerly accepts the job.

While at work an attractive man comes into the coffee shop and flirts with Sam who instantly becomes smitten with him. Cory promises her that he can help her with her acting career and takes her under his wing. He helps her out of her desperate situation and offers her a room in his house where she can feel safe. It does not take long before Sam realizes that something is not right with her living situation but with nowhere else to go, and no money, or job, she brushes off her uneasy feeling. When Sam becomes pregnant Cory offers a proposition that seems too good to be true. He can make all her acting dreams come true in exchange for her child.

Four years go by, and Sam is living a normal life and raising her child on her own. When her child suddenly goes missing without a trace Sam wonders if Cory has made good on the deal and taken her child. She is desperate to find her son, at any cost, but what will that cost be? To what lengths will Sam go to in order to save her child?

This book was a brilliant read and I instantly fell in love with the character of Sam. She was smart, determined, strong, and never gave up hope no matter how dire the situation became. She kept her wits about her when most others would have given up all hope and fallen into despair. Cory was superficially charming but something sinister lurked under the surface. This book took some twists and turns that I did not suspect coming and they caught me off-guard. To say that Sam was clever is an understatement. Wow, just wow! I will not spoil it; you will have to read it for yourself. Brilliantly written!

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Loretta’s Caterpillar (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Loretta's Caterpillar (Loretta's Insects #4)Loretta’s Caterpillar by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a cute and informative book!!! I LOVE butterflies and so do my kids!! I got this book for my 8 year old, but I think that anyone who loves butterflies can see how great this book is! It teaches you a little about their life cycle, where they are and studied the most, the difference between mail and female, what eats them, what they eat, and just so much more!! I can picture a field of butterflies all taking off, but also a field of caterpillars hatching too!! So pretty!! In this book Loretta is the main character. She wakes up one day to see all the butterflies gone from the milkweed field outside her window. Where could they be?!?! She runs outside, but only finds eggs all over the underbelly of the milkweed leaves. She finds a specific one and wants to keep it. She protects it from a bunch on things (insects, birds, and lizards), watches it grow through metamorphosis, and then she and her family watch it become a beautiful monarch butterfly! One morning she watches all the butterflies as they fly away. Such an adorable book! Again it teaches you so much about monarch butterflies and their life process. Not taking away from the book AT ALL!!!!!!!!! Because it really is cute and my daughter and I LOVED it so much!!!! BUT I feel that if you read this book with your kid(s) and they LOVE it as much as me, you should grab the butterfly hatcher kit that comes with all the stuff you need to hatch your own butterflies at home! A friend of mine did it and also bought a milkweed plant for her yard. She gets to see them EVERY year, down here in Florida! So cute and fun! Plus they get to learn from the book and watch their own at the same time!!!!

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What I Wish I’d Known: For Writers by H.D. Thomson – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

What I Wish I'd Known: For Writers: 100 Authors Reveal What They Wish They'd Told Their Younger SelvesWhat I Wish I’d Known: For Writers: 100 Authors Reveal What They Wish They’d Told Their Younger Selves by H. D. Thomson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this book over 100 authors share their wisdom, words of advice, and experiences of becoming an author. Some share some very personal stories of how they overcame the obstacles and personal issues to get to where they are today. Many share their stories of how when they first started, they received stacks and stacks of rejection letters from publishers. Many authors recall how friends and family laughed at them or mocked them for wanting to become a writer. Yet, despite all the rejection and the mocking they never gave up their dream of becoming a published author.

Whether it be years ago, in a time prior to Indie publishing, when they were trying to find a traditional publishing house, or now with self publishing options so widely available, there is a lot to learn. These authors share their vast wealth of knowledge and give tips and pointers on what it takes to be an author. Not only are we offered support and words of encouragement, but we are able to learn from mistakes they may have made on their own personal journey.

Of course, the one prevalent theme throughout is to just sit your butt in the chair and write. Whether it is just for a few minutes, or even just writing one sentence, but just write something. They also give tips on finding the time to write when you feel that your life is just too busy. Beyond the words of encouragement are invaluable pointers on not just the writing process but the publishing process as well.

Throughout the book is the common theme of never giving up and of believing in yourself, even when others do not. No matter how many rejection letters you receive do not give up. No matter how many people mock you for your dream do not give up. No matter how little time you have in your day do not give up. No matter what, sit your butt in the chair, write, and never give up on your dreams. As numerous authors said throughout the book, as long as you are writing, you are a writer. Thank you for this book and to these authors for sharing your stories, advice, and words of encouragement, I feel truly inspired!

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Loretta’s Caterpillar (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Loretta's Caterpillar (Loretta's Insects #4)Loretta’s Caterpillar by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loretta loves to look out her window and watch all of the beautiful butterflies flying around. When she wakes up one morning and all of the butterflies are gone she becomes concerned. She goes outside to see what happened and finds a leaf with a tiny egg on it. The egg is from a Monarch butterfly and she is determined to take care of it and watch it grow. She protects the egg from a bird, a wasp and even a lizard as it grows and goes through metamorphosis. Loretta is thrilled when it finally turns into a beautiful butterfly and flies away to go through its migration journey.

I adore the stories that this author writes and find myself wishing that I had these books for when my children were little. Up until reading this book, my favorite book by this author was Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet. Now, I am adding this book at the top of my list of favorites. As with every book by this amazing author it is beautifully illustrated which really brings the story to life.

In all of this author’s books I learn something new and this one was no different. I was fascinated to learn that it took five generations of butterflies to migrate from the United States to Canada! I also learned the difference between a female butterfly and a male butterfly. I had no idea that there was a difference. Children of all ages will love this cute story about the life cycle of a butterfly from egg to metamorphosis to migration. I highly recommend!

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The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Barbara Bohls

The Man In BlackThe Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is completely not in my wheel house at all. I first don’t normally read historical romance or western. That said, this book was amazing. It is a long book but I loved it because it doesn’t feel long while you are reading it. It is a quick read for its length so don’t let that distract your from reading it. The way this book is written is what sells me so much on it. It takes turns that you don’t see coming and has you on the edge of your seat the further you get into the story line. The intrigue that you enter when Simon starts to figure out his sexuality in a time period that it was not common and banned, brings you understanding of what it might have been like during that time. The way things unfold in this book kept my interest the whole way through. The self discovery, the feeling of being bored and complacent, and the will to do something dangerous is what had me hooked, line, and sinker. I am not one to really read westerns or even watch one but this one appealed to me because of the darker nature that was described in the book synopsis. The mystery in the book is there and it is a slow build. I feel like the first few chapters are a little slow but it completely picks up and you find yourself lost int he land of outlaws. The murder mystery will have you guessing every character that is in the story and there are a lot of them. It seems like it could be anyone and the mystery man in black that haunts Simon’s dreams……complete plot twist because it not only gets you thinking in one direction while dropping seeds of doubt in other directions. I found myself not knowing what I thought I knew. This made the book so much, much more than just a story to read. It almost felt as if I was going into this time period and living it right along with the characters. If you have a weekend that you need a break consider this book!! You wont disappointed and don’t let the length scare you off because after the first few chapters, the pages will just continue to turn without you realizing that you are turning them.
Reviewed by: @bbohls

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Master Calabrea (Masters of the Consulate Book 6) by Sylvia Black – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Master Calabrea: Dark Vampire Romance (Masters of the Consulate Book 6)Master Calabrea: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Master Calabrea is Book 6 in the Masters of the Consulate series. Master Calabrea is a vampire with the Consulate who has been given the task of hunting down Isala, an enemy of the vampire community. Embry’s cousin, Tansia, has come for a visit and to help her out. Tansia’s arrival has an unexpected effect on Calabrea, who acts indifferent to her but feels the opposite. He has no time nor need for a mate, let alone a human one so he chooses to ignore his feelings. Tansia has no luck at all with relationships and has a terrible track record, so she has no desire to try again, especially with a vampire who clearly hates her.

Time is running out to capture Isala, so Tansia and Calabrea are teamed up and told to remain together at all times. Tansia feels this is an impossible task because Calabrea cannot stand her. She could not be more wrong. Tansia has an unexplained effect on Calabrea, and this sets a chain of events into motion between Tansia and Calabrea that neither expected.

This book could possibly be read as a standalone, but it is probably better to read the series from the beginning. Sadly, I have not read the first books in the series so I feel as though I may have missed something. This book was fast paced from the beginning with wonderful characters and a great storyline. The attraction between Calabrea and Tansia is sizzling and undeniable. The hunt for Isala is fraught with tension and danger as they try to capture her before time runs out. I enjoyed this book and know that I will be reading this series from the beginning.

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Grace Under Fire (The Anderson Sisters Book 2) by Jennifer Raines – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Grace Under FireGrace Under Fire by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grace is an Artisan Cheese Maker who is determined to become the fifth generation to live on her family farm. She wants to do it alone because she trusts nobody to help her and is used to relying on herself and doing things on her own. After having recently lost her closest friend to suicide and watching her father get swindled out of land it is important for Grace to keep the family farm going to pass down to farther generations. When she learns that her mom has declining health, she is racing against the clock to come up with money to buy her parents out.

When the bank makes it difficult for her to come up with the money Grace considers selling part of the land to her neighbor Ryan. Ryan’s brother has recently committed suicide and he blames himself for his brother’s death. After years away from his family’s farm, he has only returned with the intention to sell the farm. Ryan finds himself not wanting to become attached to anyone or anything. His only passion in life is to buy a property, flip it, and move on. He surprises himself when he offers to help Grace after someone sabotage’s her purchase. Grace and Ryan both get more out of the deal than they originally bargained for.

Grace and Ryan have undeniable chemistry going on between them but first they both must learn to open their hearts and trust again. Both are headstrong, determined, and used to being independent so learning to lean on each other for help does not come easily. Grace has to first realize that asking for help does not make her a failure and Ryan needs to take down the walls around his heart. Together, they make an amazing couple, and I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold. A great read!

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Taylor’s Law (The Anderson Sisters Book 1) by Jennifer Raines – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Taylor's LawTaylor’s Law by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ella’s sister, Chrissy, has recently died and Ella has been left to raise her young niece on her own. Ella loves Tessa as her own child and has helped to raise her since she was a baby because Chrissy was too sick to care for her on her own. Ella is still coming to terms with the death of her sister when she receives a letter summoning her to Taylor law to discuss paternity and custody of Tessa. Ella is in shock over the letter and is scared to death of losing Tessa.

When Ella arrives at the law office of Jacob Taylor, she is expecting to meet him alone but instead finds him sitting with an older gentleman. It turns out the older man is the father to the man Chrissy has stated was Tessa’s father, Drew Browning. Ella is shocked when news is revealed to her of a letter that her sister Chrissy was supposed to have written to Drew prior to her death. It seems that her sister had some secrets that she kept well hidden from Ella.

Jake has the best interests of his aunt and uncle at heart and thinks that Ella is trying to con them by saying his cousin, Drew, is Tessa’s biological father. Before they have even determined that Tessa is their granddaughter the Browning’s develop an attachment to the young girl and this concerns Jake. He thinks that Ella is lying and will do everything in his power to protect them from getting hurt and conned. Drew only wants to exploit his relationship with Tessa for his own selfish gain. As secrets are revealed and things ensue Ella and Jake are on opposite sides of a custody battle for Tessa. Both Ella and Jake want to protect Tessa but that becomes complicated by their undeniable attraction to one another.

This book had an overwhelming theme of the love of a family and never giving up. Ella loves her niece as her own child and will do anything to protect her. Jake loves his aunt and uncle and will do anything to keep them from getting hurt. Both Ella and Jake want what is best for young Tessa but Jake is conflicted between the love of his family and the love of a woman. Will he be able to make the right decision? There was a rollercoaster ride of emotions throughout as the story unfolded and secrets are revealed. I highly recommend!

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Three Made In Heaven (Made In Heaven #1) by Elena Kincaid – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Three Made in Heaven (Made in Heaven, #1)Three Made in Heaven by Elena Kincaid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Maddie met the men of her dreams when she was only nine years old but she was too young to realize it at the time. As she got older, she realized that no man she dates can ever compare to the two men, Charlie, and Cole, that she has been dreaming about for years. Maddie is desperately in love with Charlie and Cole but knows that they are only a part of a fantasy that occurs in her dreams. Even if they were real, they can never be together because she could never choose between them.

Charlie and Cole have been meeting up with Maddie at different locales in her dreams since they were twelve years old. They have had mindless relationships with other women over the years, but none compared to Maddie. Both men are hopelessly head over heels in love with Maddie but fear losing her if she only chooses one of them. Rather than risk losing her altogether they secretly love her from within their dreams.

When Maddie starts having a recurring nightmare and the men find out they fear for Maddie’s safety. Charlie and Cole need to save her but do not know if she is even real. Cole knows that he himself is real and after learning from a psychic that the three of them are soulmates with a unique bond he sets out to find Charlie. It turns out that Charlie is quite real as well, and after the two men do some sleuthing they track down Maddie and set off to rescue her.

I was intrigued by the concept of soulmates being connected through dreams without ever having to meet in person. Maddie, Charlie, and Cole had a special connection that ultimately brought them together even though they were miles apart. The bond was so strong that two men were willing to risk their lives to save the woman of their dreams without ever having met her in person. That is the ultimate sacrifice for the woman you love. When they do finally meet in person the chemistry between them is undeniable so be prepared for some hot and steamy sex scenes.

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Shadow Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 1) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Shadow Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 1)Shadow Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tamaska meets Kodiak when she hires him to work as security for an important event that she has put together where a priceless jewel is to be auctioned off. She is immediately attracted to him but refuses to allow herself to feel anything towards him. After all, not only is he staff that has been hired to work the event, but she also does not believe in one-night stands. Kodiak also feels attracted to Tamaska but tries to deny it. Not only is she a human, and he hates all humans, but he must maintain focus on the job he was hired to do.

When the priceless jewel is stolen from under their noses it is up to Kodiak to find it. He knows that it has to be the work of the vampires and sets out to get the jewel back. Tamaska blames Kodiak for the theft and wants nothing to do with him. She is determined to find the jewel and bring it back because she does not want to lose her job or her reputation. What Tamaska is unaware of is that the world she is venturing into is dangerous and that the vampires want to capture her. Kodiak must protect her, but Tamaska refuses his protection because she does not trust him.

Kodiak knows that he is the only one who can protect Tamaska from being killed by the vampires. An event that could wreak destruction and death on the world. He approaches the alpha of his pack and requests his permission but is told that he must not allow himself to be distracted by a human. Kodiak must now choose between his pack and the woman he is finding himself attracted to and feels compelled to protect.

This book was a great read with wonderful characters and a great storyline. It had action, suspense, murder, passion, vampires, wolves, and shapeshifting. I loved the shapeshifting aspect of this book and the love-hate thing that Tamaska and Kodiak had going on between them. It was obvious from the very first look between them that they were equally attracted to one another. Yet, both were allowing their pride to deny them to really act on their feelings. Tamaska is a strong-willed, stubborn, hardworking, and independent woman who is used to doing things on her own. She does not feel that she needs protection and feels that she can do everything on her own. Kodiak is not used to feeling like he should protect anyone, especially a human. He finds Tamaska bossy and pig-headed but still feels drawn to help her. Neither Tamaska nor Kodiak are used to needing another person to rely on and are used to doing things on their own, yet the attraction between them is undeniable.

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Master Calabrea (Masters of the Consulate Book 6) by Sylvia Black – Review by Shelly Kittell

Master Calabrea: Dark Vampire Romance (Masters of the Consulate Book 6)Master Calabrea: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is quite the romantic suspense with your paranormal twist to it. Master Calabrea is a Vampire in the consulate. Tansia has come to help her cousin, Embry, and get her life back on track. She gets involved in the local club life. If you have followed the series, you know that you have the mafia, vamps, weres, and witches. The hunt is still on for Isala. Love is in the air for Tansia and Calabrea. The question is can Calabrea tame Tansia. She’s a pretty independent buttkicker. She proves she can take care of herself. She does know what she wants though… MMM, can’t tell but you should read. This author puts a story together that has you feeling like you are righter there in the story. Old friends and new friends appear. There is a cliffhanger! Can’t wait for the next Master in the series. I’ve read them all so far and she’s one of my favorites. A series that will have you wanting more.

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The 45th Parallel (Antipodes Series Book 6) by T.S. Simons – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

The 45th Parallel (Antipodes, #6)The 45th Parallel by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my I wasn’t expecting so much of this series! I am so glad that I decided to read this post apocalyptic series even though it isn’t the norm for me. I did lose some sleep because I couldn’t wait to finish it. Quite a few times I fell asleep with the eBook in my hand, as I do most of my reading at night once my kiddos are in bed. Anyways, this series starts out with Cam. The first two books are in his point of view. The third book switches from his point of view to that of his wife’s (Freyja). Then books four and five are in her view. But book six is in Caitlin’s point of view. She is one of the children that grew up on Lewis. She and her sister Seraphine are fed up with their lives. As their lives have been calculated since before birth they long for something different. More adventure. They were created for the sole purpose of ensuring the survival of the human race. A virus in the water killed the world. The plants, the animals, and most of the humans. Scientist quickly came up with a plan to place biodomes around the world to try and save the human race (read more in book 1). There was a very lengthy test to pick candidates to live while everyone else perished. About 300 people were in each dome. Some domes connect, but that’s a whole thing (again read the rest of the series for all that craziness!) itself. Most domes were on the coast or on islands, but there were a few inland as well. Scientist resided in two of the domes, whereas the rest of the selected people were spread out in the other domes. Back to the girls. Being immune children who’s purpose is to save the human race, there is a lot of pressure on them. Ordered around and everything planned for them gets old fast. Being 21 with a special role to live up to, but what if you reject your sole purpose? You’ve been specifically designed for a reason, but you don’t care. Cait and Sera endanger not only themselves but everyone they love when they run off. Embarking on a very dangerous and yet thrilling journey, they reactivate the Nexus (read the other books for more info on that too!! Just read the set man!!) and discover new underwater worlds they never new existed. Will this journey end up killing one or both of them? What about their loved ones? Will they survive through these once again hard times. Dangerous people in a dangerous world that you know nothing about isn’t want these girls thought about, but now they must face that and more! They have opened up their home to invasion by struggling communities and they have to stay alive long enough to contact their family. Can they even get back home? What will they have to sacrifice in order to make it back? I can’t wait for the author to write more once rested! This is such a wonderful series!! If you read this set you HAVE to read it in order. You could read this one as a stand alone, BUT you get so much information in the others that you will probably kick yourself for it. Trust me, you want to read them all! I will be not so patiently waiting for more!!!

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Sessrummnir (Antipodes Series Book 5) by T.S. Simons – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Sessrumnir (Antipodes, #5)Sessrumnir by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Have you started this set yet?? If not you need to!! Go grab them all and buckle down for a great story! This series can totally become a movie that I would watch! It is so good!! For those who haven’t read any of the books yet I will TRY not to give any spoilers from any of them, but if anything small slips in any of my reviews I apologize. It is such a great set and so much happens in ever single book! The first two books are in Cam’s point of view. The third starts in his view, but then switches to his wife’s (Freyja) point of view. Book 4 and 5 are also in her point of view. So here we go again…. After getting MORE life changing news, AGAIN! The residents of Lewis (& Roseglen) are once again thrust into the thick of things to protect their families. Drastic action is required and they are forced to see who behind this latest threat. Will life ever be normal again for this world? All they want is to be left in peace, be free, safe, and secure. Is that to much to ask in a post apocalyptic world? Discovering this newest threat and eliminating it is the only course here to keep their children protected and safe. Before it takes all their lives Freyja, some old friends, and even some new friends are forced into action. What will happen next?! I am sad that this set is coming to a close, but I can’t wait to read book 6 either! I am SO glad that I choose to read this series! As my first post apocalyptic set I am loving it more and more with each book. The author created this world, it’s characters, and all their stories so well. I can picture it all and some of it is quite scary to think about! Who knows what will come of the world! Off to read book 6 and find out!!

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Caim (Antipodes Series Book 4) by T.S. Simons – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Caim (Antipodes, #4)Caim by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book four is just as suspenseful and captivating as the first three!! This book starts in Freyja’s point of view after the third ended in hers’. Seven years later, Cam and Freyja are on Lewis living with their family and friends in their small sustainable community called Roseglen. They now have four kids of their own, but with all their family and friends they have their own small village which totals 13 kids! They all finally feel safe and are happy just living their simple “normal” lives. In a post apocalyptic world under a biodome that is. The water outside is still unsafe and scientists think that it will take generations before it starts to return to life. But things never go as planned with this family. When some doctors from the scientist’s domes show up with some kids and earth shattering news for Freyja, they are thrust into the thick of it again and off on another journey they never thought they’d take. Freyja, Cam and two friends who join them are off to find out the truth. Or more truths really. All the lies they’ve been told just keep stacking up higher and higher. Who knew about all these plans? Who knew and lied? Who and what will this effect now?? Making some close friends suspects to these diabolical godlike plans they have to unearth the truth and fast! So much is at stake. The journey takes weeks and along the way Freyja learns about Caim, which is a circle of protection from Gaelic roots. Feeling like their family is at risk, yet again she feels a little lighter after calling the circle. But once home again will things fall apart? Will the messengers be killed? And what about all the kids! They unfortunately get into some trouble and it leads to some life threating stuff too. Life changing events should be the theme of this series because this poor world sure goes through some stuff! If you haven’t started this series….why not?!?! It is so so good!! I’m trying so hard not to give anything away so if you read the reviews of all the books you get no spoilers from me, but let me tell you it is hard!! I want to mention so many things!! These characters are so easy to fall in love with and very relatable in many ways. It shows you that even in hard times traditions are important. Love, loyalty, and friendships are definitely tested in every book of this series so far, and I’m sure the rest will be the same. Trust me when I say you will not regret picking up this set!! You might lose a little sleep, but who hasn’t done that for a really good book…. right??!! I’m off for more adventure in book 5!!

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