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Ouroboros (Antipodes Series Book 3) by T.S. Simons – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Ouroboros (Antipodes, #3)Ouroboros by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh wow! This is getting better and better with every book!! Imagine that the world has ended….. A virus spreading that was unstoppable. Scary right?! It’s in the water and it kills everything! Plants, animals, and of course humans. You can’t drink it. You can’t cook with it. There is no filter to take it out. It is in the water, so it kills the planet! It’s a post apocalyptic world now. Scientists have made bio-domes throughout the earth to help save the human race from the virus. These bio-domes start with roughly 300 people and are all separated. They have to start everything right away to make sure there is food and shelters for everyone. Planting for food later on, breeding animals, and building house are top priority in those first five or so years. You only have so many resources to start with after all. Most of these domes are on coasts or islands that have a natural water source that is closed off before the virus spreads to it. Some of these domes are linked with portals (read book 1 & 2 for more information on that!), but most are cut off from the rest. It is later discovered that there are some inland domes and even some survivors without domes! Imagine how all that is! Now let’s get to Cam. He is the main character throughout these wonderful books. He has had a horrible go at all this so far. Of course everyone has with the world ending!! But he just can’t keep away from being thrust into situations that are so life changing. How much worse can it be since the world ended? Oh boy, don’t even ask that! You will jinx it!! Just read these books asap! I don’t want to give away ANYTHING from the other books (so you HAVE to read them!!!!), but boy does he go through some stuff! Finding love, being poisoned, finding loved ones (from before), losing loved ones, traveling in the dangerous virus reddened world, and all the stuff in between has Cam spiraling head first more than once in this series! In this book Cam finds out even more about the way the scientists choose people to survive, how and with whom they’d be placed them with in said domes, what they could and couldn’t have, and so so so much more!! Hard to believe that a few short years ago they thought they were alone on this world, but now they find out that there are others and they’re more connected than they know! Will this new knowledge threaten his life? His family? His friendships? Friendships will defiantly be and are tested! Some relationships might not last through all the lies and omissions. The book does shift to Freyja’s point of view and it finishes that way. Freyja is Cam’s 1st & 3rd wife (read the other books for those details!!). Man oh man do you have to read this set of books! This is the first bio-dome post apocalyptic series that I have read and I can’t wait to finish it!! I am loving it so much! This book will have you staying up all night, on the edge of you seat, gripped in, and sometimes even crying! The characters and the world are put together so well. You can see the heart and soul put into this book the more you read. I’m off to read book 4!!!!

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The Liminal Space (Antipodes Series Book 2) by T.S. Simons – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

The Liminal Space (Antipodes, #2)The Liminal Space by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book had me in tears!!! Seriously!! The Author builds the world and characters so well that you are so attached to it all! The characters are so diverse and relatable that you can’t help but fall in love with so many of them. And maybe even dislike a few too! When anything happens you are on the edge of your seat, reading as fast as you can to find out what will happen next! I did this a few times and stayed up way to late to find out! This is only book two in the set and I have to say that I am hooked and can’t wait to read the rest! Cam is happy with his new life on Lewis with his new wife (Read book one for more info on all that craziness!!). Anyways, he has become a welcomed productive member of this new community and he feels at home. Not at all like how he was treated in his last community. Settling into Lewis has been much easier and he treasures that and the people so much. As he is getting into that new life, Cam is burdened with some news. Someone he loves from “before” may still be alive! What do you do when it’s the end of the world and you find out someone you love might be out there somewhere? Torn between leaving his wife and making yet another torturous journey into the rings or staying and letting the past be the past, he must make a choice. Traveling yet again in the gray unknown world has him embarking on a path that will forever change his life. Again! How much more can one man deal with?! Virus that kills the whole world and now all this! Who knew the end of the world would be so challenging! Don’t say ” what else can happen?” because even more does!!!! Pick up this book NOW and get reading!! You won’t be disappointed with this set!! So far it is SSSSOOOO good!!! Look for my other reviews on the other books in the set because I AM going to be reading them ALL!!!!

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Antipodes (Antipodes Series Book 1) by T.S. Simons – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Antipodes (Antipodes, #1)Antipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What would you do when a global outbreak threatens to decimate the whole planet? A virus that is killing off everything and is spread through water! Well a group of scientists come up with a plan but picking a group of young people who have certain skills is hard. A crazy long test that asks about anything and everything help sort out who will stay and who will go. Could you leave your family behind to die while you try to live and save the human race? Campbell (Cam) is one of the few to be chosen. The guilt of him being picked over others has him homesick. Being lonely when surrounded by 300 people is heartbreaking. His anxiety is crippling at first, but he slowly over comes it and finds that his new life isn’t so bad. He finds friendship and belonging in the community and slowly everyone adjusts to the new ways of this world they’re trying to save. Cam unfortunately finds himself alone and he’s pulled through the crazy vortexes of life in a dome. Circumstances change quickly and he must overcome even more obstacles in this post-apocalyptic society. Such a great read! I CAN NOT wait to finish the rest in the set!! This is the first set that I have read that is post-apocalyptic with biospheres of people trying to keep the human race going. The author really does a great job in building the world and characters. Coming up with solutions for the rain, wind, cooking, farming and sustainability had to take a lot of research and thought and you can tell the love and care that went into this book. I would totally recommend this book to everyone! I am off to read part two!!

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@jaimie0459

The 45th Parallel (Antipodes Series Book 6) by T.S. Simons – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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

The 45th Parallel is the sixth book in the Antipodes Series. This book follows many of the children of the individuals from the first five books in the series, but the main focus is on Caitlin and Seraphine. They were born with a specific goal in mind of repopulating the community and keep it immune from disease. Cait and Sera have been told all of their lives that is their destiny to do so but they want more from life than to breed and populate the community. They want adventure and choose to reactivate the Nexus in search of new communities and to see what else is out there. In doing so they get more than they bargained for and are suddenly swept up in events beyond their wildest imagination.

Cait and Sera find themselves in an underwater community where strict rules are in place to prevent overpopulation. The community is ruled with an iron fist and outsiders are forbidden. Cait and Sera do their best to remain hidden until they are able to travel back but one small mistake ends with them getting caught. Will they be able to escape back to the safety of their own community before it is too late?

This book was fantastic and I enjoyed how the author chose to tell the story of the children from the inhabitants of the community of Lewis. The characters were lovable, and the setting was an interesting spin to the story. Cait and Sera were strong willed, independent, feisty, and smart young ladies. All traits that they clearly inherited from their parents. The underwater community was a fascinating aspect to the story, and I enjoyed reading about how it worked. This entire series is a must read and I highly recommend it! You will find mystery, action, suspense, intrigue, love, romance, loss, and even murder. I highly recommend!

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Sessrumnir (Antipodes Series Book 6) by T.S. Simons – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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

The residents of Lewis must do whatever they can to save the lives of their children after they receive some terrifying news. It is up to Illyria and Freyja to figure out who or what is threatening to destroy them and all they hold dear to them. Joining forces with both old and new friends they must eliminate the threat before it eliminates them. Will they be able to save the lives of their children in time?

This series has had me hooked from the first book and it just keeps getting better and better. Cam, Freyja, and the residents of Lewis have all become like family to me and I have become heavily invested in their lives. I have watched them grow older and wiser. I have been there with them and experienced the ups and downs with them. I have felt the sadness through the deaths of loved ones and the joy at the births and new beginnings. I have experienced a rollercoaster ride of emotions as the characters deal with some unimaginably difficult situations. Yet, throughout it all they overcome adversity, and fight through all of their difficulties becoming stronger for them. Through it all the importance of the love of family has been the focus and of never giving up hope through the darkest of times.

This book was beautifully written, as were all the books in the series. The characters were relatable and the issues they experienced were ones that I feel many of us can relate to. The author draws the reader into the story, and you can picture yourself there with them in that time and place. You feel each emotion as much as the characters do and root for them each step of the way. This is a series that will be worth reading time and time again. I cannot begin to say enough good things about this series! I highly recommend!

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Caim (Antipodes Series Book 4) by T.S. Simons – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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

Freyja and Cam are blissfully happy with their lives in their community of Lewis. After all the hardships they have experienced through the years they finally feel safe and secure. Their community is sustainable and they have forged some valuable friendships. Life is peaceful until some individuals from their past arrive unexpectedly and bring with them some horrific news. Freyja feels compelled to get answers and heads out on a quest to find them.

This book was a bit darker than the first few books and really digs into the diabolical plans that the scientists had for them and the reasons why they were chosen. Cam and Freyja face some horrific and terrifying adventures throughout their journey that really tests their courage and perseverance. This one is told from Freyja’s point of view and it really opens up the reader’s eyes on who Freyja is and how courageous she is. She is a strong female role model and I admired her strength, courage, and resilience through the most difficult of hardships. Cam and Freyja make a remarkable power couple as they build each other up and are there to lean on one another through the hard times. Nothing can stop them when they are together and are a force to be reckoned with. A must read!

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Ouroborus (Antipodes Series Book 3) by T.S. Simons – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Ouroboros (Antipodes, #3)Ouroboros by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In Book 3 of The Antipodes Series things become intense for Cam and everything he values is put at risk. Freyja is not only back in his life but they have been thrown together in the hopes that together they can save everything they hold dear to them. Cam is still reeling from the loss of his one true love and his on his own journey to discover who she was and where she came from. Now he is tasked with facing the feelings he has kept suppressed for his first love Freyja when they join forces to save their community.

Along their journey Cam and Freyja make some horrifying discoveries about the truth of their community and why they were chosen to rebuild. As secrets are revealed and the truth comes to light, they are shocked at what they learn. The real reasons each of them was chosen were purely evil and were part of a much more sinister plan. The survivors are now pitted against each other, communities are divided, and friendships are tested as they decide what to do.

This series has captured my attention from the first book and it has been impossible to put down. The storyline is brilliant and as the story unfolds it becomes more intense. There have been some twists and turns that I did not see coming. Freyja returning came as a surprise to not only me as the reader, but to Cam as well. He had suppressed his feelings for her so long that it was eating him up inside. I was surprised that Freyja had been pining away for him and that she had not moved on with her own life. Her love for Cam almost came across as obsession, in a way. In other ways, it was sappy and romantic and you could not help but feel sad for her that she had still loved Cam after all that time apart. The revelation behind the real reasons each of the individuals was chosen was mind blowing! A must read!

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The Liminal Space (Antipodes Series Book 2) by T.S. Simons – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

The Liminal Space (Antipodes, #2)The Liminal Space by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 2 in The Antipodes Series picks up where the first book left off and continues with Cam’s journey. He is now living in the community of Lewis where he has been accepted and where he feels at home. He loves his community and has not only made some strong friendships, but he has found love again. Although still in love with Freyja, Cam knows that she is never coming back and it is best that he move on with his life. He has found his soulmate in Laetitia and is wholly, truly, and deeply in love with her. For once he is content and feels at peace with his life and his community.

Then Cam’s world is turned upside down when he makes the startling discovery that someone, he loves dearly may not be dead as he had thought. He sets out on another journey and along the way he makes some startling revelations. Cam is overjoyed with the news of the loved one still being alive but is conflicted when someone else from his past also suddenly resurfaces. After finally coming to terms with his feelings and letting go of the past he is faced with some very difficult decisions and must navigate through the conflicting emotions of joy, grief, anger, betrayal, loss, and hurt simultaneously. Any decision Cam makes has a devastating outcome for those he loves dearly.

Book Two was amazing and we really got to see Cam grow as a person. The hard work of rebuilding and making a community flourish have made Cam wiser and stronger as a person. I enjoyed reading about his journey as told from his point of view. Laetitia is a truly beautiful person both inside and out and it is easy to see why Cam fell in love with her. I enjoyed reading about the portals and was fascinated by how they worked. I highly recommend this book! Now please excuse me, while I anxiously read Book 3 to see what happens to Cam next!

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Antipodes (Antipodes Series Book 1) by T.S. Simons – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Antipodes (Antipodes, #1)Antipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The world’s water supply has been contaminated by a deadly virus and it is rapidly killing people all over the world. Australian scientists decide to select a group of individuals within a specific age range, and with very specific skills, to live in on an island in a domed community. The young people are put through rigorous testing prior to being chosen because the intention is for them to save and rebuild the human population.

Cam is one of the young people who has been chosen for this important task and he must make the difficult decision to leave his parents and his sister behind. Cam finds himself settling into a routine on the island and even finds love in a girl named Freyja. However, when Freyja disappears Cam finds himself lonely and at a loss. He sets out to find Freyja and makes some startling discoveries along the way. In his journey he finds similar communities and forms new friendships. However, in doing so, Cam is forced with making a difficult decision that could change his entire life.

I loved this book and was invested from the first few pages. I was fascinated with the idea of the pandemic that was wiping out the world’s population and how the author had come up with creative solutions for the characters to rebuild. Cam was smart, tough, and unafraid to back down from a challenge. As the story unfolds Cam really grows as a person due to all the hardships and challenges, he faces along the way. I highly recommend!

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Hot For Me (The Balefire Series Book 4) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Tori Mitton

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60054291-hot-for-me” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Hot For Me (Balefire, #4)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1641561630l/60054291._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60054291-hot-for-me”>Hot For Me</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19849371.Tam_DeRudder_Jackson”>Tam DeRudder Jackson</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5372518471″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Adam is in a rock band, Cristy is the woman of his dreams. Or so he thinks. She has a deep secret that gives her nightmares. Cristy is publicly scrutinized for everything she does or hasn’t done her whole life. Adam and Cristy through thick and thin, get through it all.<br />With this series you get steamy, romance, mystery. All of it. Such a wonderful series!!
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Ruthless Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Carlie Del Gallo

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

Wow this book was so good! I have read other books by this author and once I saw this one, I knew that I had to read this too! I could not put this book down! I felt as if I was a part of the story and not just sitting there in my office at work reading. I cannot wait to read the next book that comes out in this series to read as it was such a great book to read!!

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn – Review by helen dawkins

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

This book is the prequel to the Isla Vaughn’s new series Hidden Valley Elite. The story follows two young teenagers, Cole and Riley. They comes from drastically different background and financial statues. Riley and her mother move around constantly, never staying in one place to long because they are con artists and hiding from her biological father. Her mother says that this time is different, that they will hopefully be able to settle in and stay. The first day Riley is in town, she comes across a house party at a mansion sized beach house. After scoping out the house, Riley steals a gold lighter and get caught by a dangerously attractive alpha male. Cole, catches Riley in a bold face lie and when taunted by Riley, kisses her. To both of their surprise it is the most intense kiss either of them have ever experienced. Riley’s mother’s plans of staying are quickly changed and before they know it they are on their way to moving again. The book ends with a cliffhanger! I cannot wait until Book One is released to see what happens between Riley and Cole!

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The Authorpreneur Yellowpages by Winnifred Tataw – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

The Authorpreneur YellowpagesThe Authorpreneur Yellowpages by Winnifred Tataw
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I cannot begin to say enough good things about this book! It is an invaluable resource for anyone who is looking for book and publishing services. Each page is packed with information and includes information for cover designers, editor services, book marketing services, beta reader services, author support services, and so very much more.

The author has included not only contact information but also costs associated for the services she lists. The book is laid out in an easy-to-read format and can easily be read in one sitting. It is a quick read, yet it is jam packed with information. This is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to make their dreams of publishing a book become a reality! I highly recommend this book!

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Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand, #1)Wild Lavender by Nicole E. Kelleher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Aubrianne has recently wed Lord Roger in a marriage arranged by her parents. She knows little about this man but feels that in time that she can grow to love him. Aubrianne is determined to make the most of their marriage and be a good wife. However, married life turns out to be anything but bliss and Lord Roger only has coldness in his heart. He turns out to be cruel and is violent not only towards his wife but to his servants and help as well.

Aubrianne is a fighter, and she is determined to not allow Lord Roger to break her. Along with a small group of servants, who have become her closest friends, they set out to find out why Lord Roger is frequently gone for weeks at a time. They suspect treachery and want to stop it before they become implicated in his treacherous acts.

Unbeknownst to them Lord Roger is being investigated by the Royal Guard of Aurelia. Larkin, a member of the Royal Guard, met Aubrianne by chance years earlier and has not been able to stop thinking about her. He is eager to set out on new adventures and investigate the dealings of Lord Roger and see Aubrianne again. However, if she is implicated in Lord Roger’s treacherous acts she will be faced with the same punishment as Lord Roger. Death will the punishment for all those involved.

This book was beautifully written, and it was easy to become immersed in the story as it unfolded. You could feel yourself being swept back in time and see yourself in each scene. You could feel yourself bounce along on the back of the horse and hear the clip clopping of the horse’s hooves as they traveled along on the roads through ancient forests. You could feel the pain Lord Roger inflicted on Aubrianne and doled out to his servants. The characters, whether you loved them or hated them, were wonderful. Aubrianne is a woman to be admired for her strength and courage to get through the horrific abuse that she endured. Lord Roger is a cruel, cold, and heartless man that deserved to receive the same treatment that he dished out so easily to others. Larkin was kind, sweet, and patient and easy to find yourself drawn to. Wild Lavender is a historical romance that is packed full of action, suspense, mystery, intrigue, murder, and romance. A must read!

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Hot For Me (The Balefire Series Book 4) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Barbara Bohls

Hot For Me (Balefire, #4)Hot For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is amazing!! I love a good rock star genre book and this one did not disappoint. This book is really well written and it almost make you feel as if you are part of the stage crew. You will feel like a fly on the wall during some of the dialogue with the main characters. What could happen when the leading female is invited to open for the leading male character? The characters deal with real life issues and they lean on each other to overcome traumatic events that have happened in the past. There are twists and turns that I didn’t see coming in this book. That in mind it does have some steam but it also has a great story line that you will feel yourself getting worked up and emotional when they characters get emotional. This happens to be the 4th book in the series but each can be read as a stand alone. I have not read the others in this series but if they are written the way this one is, I will be reading them shortly. I love series that follow the characters and you get glimpses of the other characters in each book. It makes it feel like I am becoming friends with the characters. This book kept me turning the pages to see what was going to happen, was the last going to destroy what neither of the characters had saw coming which is falling in love. Does the leading female run when things get tough and the leading man get his heart broken or do they work together to figure things out. You will have to read this book to figure it out. You won’t be disappointed when you do.
Reviewed by: @bbohls

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Deadly Intentions by Anise Storm – Review by Barbara Bohls

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

This book started with steam right out the gate. It has everything that you would expect from a dark romance with mafia. The FMC was set out for revenge and found a lot more than that. The MMC is your typical broody mafia guy with a chip on his shoulder concerning his dad. He also has a huge heart and even though he is seeking a revenge of his own he is always wanting what is right for the FMC. Even if that means going through some things. It is the “I will do what is best for you even if it kills me,” type of vibe. It has page turning adventure and twists that you don’t really see coming but once they are there, you wonder why you didn’t think about that to begin with. The steam is there and it is intense at times but it doesn’t deter from the story line. It enhances the love that you feel growing between that characters. I highly suggest reading this book for some steamy, twisted, traumatic, adventurous fun. It is a page turner that you won’t want to put down.
Reviewed by: @bbohls

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StoryTeller’s Tale (Wretched Soulz MC) by Manda Mellett – Review by Tori Mitton

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63041389-storyteller-s-tale” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”StoryTeller’s Tale: Wretched Soulz MC” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1666203870l/63041389._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63041389-storyteller-s-tale”>StoryTeller’s Tale: Wretched Soulz MC</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15350984.Manda_Mellett”>Manda Mellett</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5362843149″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Sheri and ST are what we like to call fate. No matter what, where or anything they always come together. If you need a good romance and book boyfriend I highly recommend.<br />
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True Colors (Landry’s True Colors Series Book One) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Tori Mitton

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22444090-true-colors” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”True Colors (Landry’s True Colors #1)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1402252280l/22444090._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22444090-true-colors”>True Colors</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8298036.Krysten_Lindsay_Hager”>Krysten Lindsay Hager</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5359415018″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Landry, Tori, and Erika are bffs in high school. They do everything together, Erika makes the best friends go to a modeling competition, and Landry is the only one who gets called for next casting.<br />This book is filled with drama, laughs, makes you feel nostalgic about high school all over again. It’s a must read!
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Lucky Stars by Fantasia Yu – Review by Taylor K Stephenson

Lucky StarsLucky Stars by Fantasia Yu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

~ Forbidden Love Space Romance ~

This is the first book in what I am hoping is going to be a series. If you are looking for a quick, steamy romance, that has a flair of uniqueness to it then you’ve found the right book. The author quickly jumps into the storyline and carries you through what feels like a short-film centered around two moon-princesses. There hasn’t quite been a book like this before, so it was easy to really appreciate the storyline.

The two moon-princess sisters are definitely head-strong, very compassionate, and have minds of their own. Which of course can lead to complications if they are always being told what to do, where to go…and who to love. There are very key characters you will meet, that you will either love, hate, or love to hate. There is quite a bit of sassiness, sarcasm, and definitely some steam. Amidst the tragedy that of course ensues, there is still comedic relief, and an ending you will want to read.

Between the laser guns, moon romance, robots, and space travel this will certainly captivate your interest. You won’t regret giving it a shot!

Reviewed by @TaylorKStephenson

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A Mountain in the Air: A Trilogy by Laura Koerber – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

A Mountain in the Air: A TrilogyA Mountain in the Air: A Trilogy by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Three novellas in one, all set in a mystical, dystopian future world that has been ravaged by climate change.

Coyote Jim is a shapeshifter who spends most of his time in the human form. He has lived in the desert all of his life but when climate change destroys all he knows he sets off in his truck in search of a new home. Along the way he meets numerous people and discovers they are also searching for better lives. In Coyote Jim’s journey of self discovery, he also finds love and hope.

Raven Woman’s Tavern is set in the near future in an abandoned mining town that is occupied by a small group of survivalists eking out a meagre existence. The story is centered on Rachel the Raven Woman, a shapeshifter, and her tavern. Many, but not all, of the community’s citizens are law abiding folks.

The third novella is focused on a musician named Pete who had a following back in the 1990’s but chose to disappear into the mountains. After forty years of living in solace he finds himself lonely and decides to approach people through their dreams.

Raven Woman’s Tavern was the first book that I read by this author, and I loved it. When I saw the trilogy available with three novellas included, I knew that I needed to read it. The novellas all gave a glimpse into how lives would be if we were suddenly stripped of all the modern conveniences, we have grown accustomed to having and often take for granted. This is something that I have though of often and found myself wanting a simpler life. Learning to fend for myself and be more self sustainable started with growing and canning my own food. These are skills that seem to have become lost through the years and I am hoping to pass these skills onto the next generation. Every year I build up on my skills and knowledge of plants and of being self-sustainable.

All three novellas include shapeshifting, magical realism, drama, and all contain the underlying important message about the havoc wreaked on the world by climate change. The author did a marvelous job of describing the characters, their lives, and the worlds they were struggling to survive in. The author’s description of a dystopian world ravaged by climate change really makes the reader more aware of the damage and pollution we are all part of creating. Unless we learn to stop destroying the earth we are destined to live in a world like the characters in the novellas. The world where fields of wildflowers grow on the mountain as far as the eye can see is the world I want to leave for future generations. Kudos to the author for bringing such an important topic to light. A great read!

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Family Lucky Stars by Fantasia Yu – Review by Helen Dawkins

Lucky StarsLucky Stars by Fantasia Yu
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is about two star crossed lovers, Mora and Darin. Princess Mora and her sister travel to the moon planet Xot, for the purpose of Mora marrying the Prince Fidge. Mora absolutely hates being a princess and wants nothing more than to be free, she does not wish to marry Prince Fidge, even if it means helping the galaxy. She has just received the best news, she was accepted to go to the Bronze City for school, where she hopes to be far, far away from Fidge and princess duties. Mora is introduced to the rugged criminal and possible terrorist Darin and immediately is smitten. She must keep her real identity a secret from him though, she is not sure he would still be accepting of her being a Princess. How long can she hide her identity from him when the royals send a bounty hunter to retrieve her?

Darin, also only wants to be free and be a pilot. He has is technically a criminal in Xot and must take the people on tours of all kinds to receive credits, once he has enough credits he is able to go home in a community out of orbit. Darin immediately becomes infatuated with Mora. Will be put aside his fears of not being good enough and take a leap of faith to be with her?

While I loved the idea of the book, it was VERY confusing and hard to keep along. The book jumped around Alot and was hard to follow conversations correctly. I found myself constantly rereading passages so I could understand what was exactly going on.

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Hot For Me (The Balefire Series Book 4) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Brittany Angel

Hot For Me (Balefire, #4)Hot For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was really entertaining and well written. When you put the biggest rock band in the world and the biggest pop star on the same tour, crazy things are bound to happen. While this is the 4th installment in the Balefire series, it can be read as a stand alone. I am not typically one to go for Rockstar romances and I’m starting to think maybe I should start. Every character was a delight on the page and I really wish I had more of Christy’s snarkiness to devour.

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Caspian’s UnBirthday (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Caspian's UnbirthdayCaspian’s Unbirthday by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Every year on his Unbirthday Caspian receives a present from his Grandpa. When Caspian receives brown socks for his unbirthday present he is disappointed because brown socks is not what he wanted. When Grandpa tells him to put hot chocolate on his socks something unusual happens. Suddenly Caspian is flying through the air and so is Grandpa. Thanks to their magical hot chocolate socks they are able to go flying in the air on a series of adventures.

This is a cute book for kids about silly adventures between a boy and his Grandpa. It is beautifully illustrated which brings the story to life. I am sure that children of all ages will love the little adventure that Caspian and his Grandpa go on. A fun read!

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True Colors (Landry’s True Colors Series Book One) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

True Colors (Landry's True Colors #1)True Colors by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Landry is convinced by her friend to enter a modelling contest for the American Ingenue show being held at the local mall she reluctantly agrees. Only doing so because her two friends, Ericka, and Tori, will also be entering the contest with her. Landry expects nothing to come of the tryouts because she does not consider herself to be pretty enough to be a model. When Landry receives a call that informs her that she has made it to the second round in the tryouts she is surprised, but not nearly as much as her friend who did not expect Landry to advance at all in the tryouts. Landry suddenly finds that the girls she considered to be her best friends are now snubbing her and barely speaking to her. Landry is hurt and upset by her friend’s treatment and soon finds herself having to make new friends.

Landry is a character that I found to not only be likable but also relatable and I really enjoyed how the story was told from her point of view. I was bullied a lot in school and took a lot of abuse in the form of criticism about my appearance from not just classmates but those that called themselves my friends. My self esteem suffered greatly from the criticism, but I never said anything because I did not want to risk losing my friends. It took me well into adulthood to realize that some of those that I considered to be my closest friends were never really a true friend to begin with. Landry was not only courageous enough to try to form other friendships but to also step outside of her comfort zone and try out for the American Ingenue show.

Landry had not only self esteem issues and bullying to deal with but peer pressure and issues at home as she tried to figure out the weird relationship between her parents. Her parents lived in separate cities but were not separated or divorced which was hard for her to sort out. With so much going on in her life it was often difficult for Landry to navigate her feelings, thoughts, and emotions on her own. This is a great book for not just teens, but for adults as well. I found myself reliving my teen years through Landry’s eyes and it gave me new insight into my own high school experience. I highly recommend!

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The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

The Man In BlackThe Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fenimore James is bored with his life, with his name, with his clothes, and everything about himself. He has always dreamed about leading a more exciting life and becoming a famous outlaw. Fenimore decides to runaway from home and change both his name and his appearance. On his way out west a chance encounter with a notorious outlaw has him joining the notorious Red Evans gang. Simon Shaw, as Fenimore now calls himself, gets more than he bargained for when the members of the Red Evans Gang start to get murdered one after another.

This book had a memoir feel to it as we read about Fenimore’s life and adventures first hand, and in his own words. Fenimore seems like a meek and mousy homebody so when he decides to join a notorious gang it comes as a bit of a surprise. How will Fenimore/Simon handle life as a gang member? Throughout his adventure Simon also finds an unlikely romance with one of the gang members. Gang life is complicated enough but to add a MM romance to it only complicates Simon’s life even farther. This book has action, adventure, mystery, and romance all in a historical western setting.

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Caspian’s UnBirthday (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tori Mitton

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75259634-caspian-s-unbirthday” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Caspian’s UnBirthday (Invisible Magic Wand)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1671845274l/75259634._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75259634-caspian-s-unbirthday”>Caspian’s UnBirthday</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/331633.Lois_Wickstrom”>Lois Wickstrom</a><br/>
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Caspian’s grandpa always gets him something not suitable for a birthday present. He thinks he get ordinary brown socks. Grandpa pour hot coco on his socks. Caspian and his grandpa can now fly! This story was absolutely adorable and hilarious!
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Vaughn’s Xena (Dirty Rockhard Billionaire Book 1) by M.I. Rosegold – Review by Barbara Bohls

Vaughn's Xena (Dirty Rockhard Series, #1)Vaughn’s Xena by M.I. Rosegold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is SPICY!!!! Oh my goodness, this book hit on every level I look for when reading erotica. It has the forbidden love interest, the secret that is being hidden, the burn between main characters, and the writing to keep you turning pages. This book is really well written that you get instantly caught up in the story and are swept away till the end of the book. It will leave you wanting more and more. The spice isn’t the only thing that will keep you turning the pages and fanning your face, there is an actual romance story in this book. Sometimes you get books that are all steam and spice with no depth but this book does not disappoint. There is an amazing romance and love story to add to the steam. By intertwining the love story with the amazing characters and the steam; the pace of this book is quick but it is good. Maybe it seemed quick because I couldn’t put it down.?. There doesn’t seem to be anything that is really not needed in the story and you are constantly getting all things that you need throughout the book. This is only possible with the amazing writing that the author has done. I highly recommend reading this book and I can’t wait for the next one in the series.

Reviewed by: @bbohls
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Evan (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 2) by Toni Denise – Review by Shelly Kittell

Evan (Billionaire Blind Dates #2)Evan by Toni Denise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this series. You can read it as a stand alone or the series. I recommend read book 1 first. Evan’s story is sweet and romantic. His dates are an adventure. He and Kayla are meant to be and the trick is to realize it. I enjoyed reading their story. A truly wonderful friends to lovers story. Sweet and romantic, the characters are well done and feel like friends. I do wish Luke would get what’s coming to him. Such a young turkey, lol. The story is perfect for the both them to go through the restaurant. You should read this series. I strongly recommend it.

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Night Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Prequel) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Shelly Kittell

Night Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation #0.5)Night Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Get the extinguisher! The heat between Jack and Isaac lights up this book. The prequel to The Hawke Family Second Generation, this starts out on a fast roll and gets you ready for an adventure that will have you fanning yourself off. Jack is only out for a night, but things could change. Can’t tell ya more, You’ve got to read this. The story, the characters, all of it is exciting and entertaining. It’s a quick read that will have you ready for book 1, Ruthless Hawke, of the new series. I can’t wait. This author has such a way of writing that leaves you wanting more.

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Operation Blackbird (Brass Compass Series Book 2) by Ellen Butler – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Operation BlackbirdOperation Blackbird by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is October of 1952 and Miriam Becker is on vacation in Argentina. Although the war is over, it still haunts her memories. Miriam was nearly killed on one of her missions as a CIA Agent and she is finding it difficult to move past what happened to her and the horrors of war that she witnessed. When she thinks that she has spotted a war criminal from her past Miriam is uncertain if it is really him or just ghosts from her past resurfacing to torment her. She is still reeling from her discovery when someone else from her past suddenly reappears out of the blue.

Jack Devlin manages to track down his friend and fellow operative in Argentina which surprises Miriam. Although she was supposed to return from her last mission some time ago she decided to remain in an effort to recoup from the horrors of war she had witnessed. Jack has another mission for her that involves smuggling a heavily guarded rocket scientist and his family out of Soviet controlled East Berlin. A mission that could spark World War III if they make one wrong move.

When plans for their mission go astray and Jake disappears, it is up to Miriam to complete the mission on her own. Although she trusts no one she must rely on people outside of the agency to help her get the rocket scientist and his family out of the country. She must also devise a plan to rescue Jake and bring him to safety.

This book was based on real events and was a real eye opener for me about the efforts made by so many behind the scenes not just during the war, but afterwards as well. Miriam is one tough cookie who could think quickly on her feet and come up with innovative solutions to problems. Thinking outside of the box was not only smart but courageous. Miriam was determined for her mission to succeed and for everyone to be safe. This book was full of action, suspense, intrigue, and mystery. A must-read historical fiction!

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