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Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance (Fall Lake Ballers, Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Alicia Furlan

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Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance (Fall Lake Ballers Book 1)Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book has it all – a fake relationship, secrets, drama, and suspense. Kylian’s football life is going just as planned and his future is looking great. His personal life is another story. His mother’s terminal illness and his politician father’s manipulations are taking a toll. When he finds Gia as a stowaway on his boat, he realizes this is an opportunity to get something they both need. For Kylian it’s for his mother to see him settled into both his career and personal life and for Gia it’s a chance to stay somewhere safe and to have a nest egg for later. As time goes by they begin to get closer and things change. Will Kylian be able to earn Gia’s trust? Will Gia be able to see a way out from her past that keeps threatening her?

I found this book to be a fast paced, suspenseful drama. I always love a good fake relationship romance and this one doesn’t disappoint. From the beginning you can feel the chemistry between Kylian and Gia. Gia’s conflict within doesn’t feel forced or fake. Don’t wait to read this one!

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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The Discovery of Magic (The Intrigue of Magic Series) by L. J. Evias – Review by Alicia Furlan

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The Discovery of Magic (The Intrigue of Magic, #1)The Discovery of Magic by L. J. Evias
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The book starts out rather slow but don’t worry that will change. We first meet Alice and her friends and get a peek into their lives. Alice is trying to win an archery competition and scholarship. She hopes that her parents won’t want to make her move if she wins. An innocent afternoon at the park changes everything for them. The friends are transported through a portal to Parsa. What follows is a great adventure full of action, drama, danger, and magic. This book is a wonderful start to this series. Even though it starts slow the action and drama help to keep the story building throughout the book. Can’t wait to see where this series will take us next.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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War Bunny (War Bunny Chronicles) by Christopher St. John – Review by Alicia Furlan

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War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny ChroniclesWar Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In a post-apocalyptic world humans have been extinct for 300 years. The animals have all begun to have more human attributes. Anastasia, a curious rabbit, begins to question her elders which results in her banishment from the Warren. Out in the wild and alone she begins to meet other outcasts and they band together in a revolution. Can rabbits and foxes coexist in peace?

An original and refreshing concept that is for the most part well executed. The concept of predator and prey is explored and how it mirrors human behavior. I found the start of book a little slow but methodical and it quickly morphed into an action packed story full of world building, drama, and some humor as well. Looking forward to the next books in the series.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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Love and Fate (A Braebeach Rockstar Romance) by Loriana Cappello – Review by Alicia Furlan

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Love and Fate (Braebeach Rockstar #2)Love and Fate by Loriana Cappello
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tommy and Angie’s story starts the same summer as Calla and Ash’s. However, theirs is a rollercoaster of emotion and life events. Through devastation and hard life choices can they find their way to each other?

This book is an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. The author has effortlessly and effectively wrote the turmoil that the characters had to go through before they were in a place to love and be with each other. I enjoyed that journey.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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Strings Attached: A Braebeach Rock Romance by Loriana Cappello – Review by Alicia Furlan

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Strings Attached (Braebeach Rockstar #1)Strings Attached by Loriana Cappello
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Calla comes home for summer break from university. She runs into Ash and they are both reminded of their crushes from years ago. Ash’s band is on the cusp of making it big and he needs to start making some hard decisions. Calla and Ash start spending more time together. Will their young love be able to handle all the obstacles thrown their way?

I enjoyed this first visit to Braebeach. Calla and Ash’s story is a sweet tumble into love when neither of them were looking for it. As always there’s outside influences and turmoil throughout the book. Overall the book flowed well. Both the main characters and side characters are well written. Can’t wait to read more from this author.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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A Safe Place (Philly Heat Series) by Becky Flade – Review by Alicia Furlan

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A Safe Place (Philly Heat series, #6)A Safe Place by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After losing her grandmother, Kat ends up in temporary foster care while the state tries to find her brother, Nathaniel. When the situation at the foster home leaves Kat feeling unsafe she runs away. While on the street she witnesses a murder and becomes a target. Maddie is the social worker who gets called in to help. She takes Kat home with her until her brother can make it back to town. Maddie and Nate feel an immediate connection. Will Nate be able to keep both Kat and Maddie safe? Will Maddie be able to trust in her feelings for Nate or will he leave like everyone does?

I loved the combination of suspense and romance in this book. The spice level is low but it definitely has all the emotions needed for a good romance. Maddie’s past leads her to be closed off from love and her struggle with her burgeoning feelings is very well written. And with any good suspense, I didn’t see the twist at the end coming at all. I’m looking forward to delving into more of the Philly Heat Series.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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Night Sweats and Hockey Nets (Hot Flash Hookups Series) by Sylvie Stewart and Marika Ray – Review by Alicia Furlan

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Night Sweats and Hockey Nets (Hot Flash Hookups #3)Night Sweats and Hockey Nets by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chloe and Nikolai meet by chance at a bar in Toronto during All Star week. After sharing a flirtatious evening and a scorching kiss Nikolai is reminded of his reality by an ill timed phone call. He must remain focused on fighting for custody of his daughter and tells himself he doesn’t have time to pursue a relationship with anyone. Back in Tampa Bay he finds out that Chloe is his coach’s daughter, which means she is off limits to him. Chloe is just starting to get her life back on track after losing her husband. When Chloe ends up helping Nikolai with his custody case and becoming a temporary nanny for his daughter, Ayana, lines become blurred. Will Nikolai be able to let go and allow himself to love Chloe?

I loved this storyline and absolutely am obsessed with this book! Chloe and Nikolai were so well written. I enjoyed their banter and their chemistry. It was so refreshing to read a book featuring a female main character who is strong, beautiful, and over 40. I could not put this book down and when it ended I wanted more! This was the first book I read by this author duo and I will definitely be going back and reading the first two books from this series as well.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella – Review by Alicia Furlan

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A Pig and A PokeA Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Angela and the other kids are all trying win the pig wrestling contest. Angela stands back unsure of how to proceed. After being taunted by her bully, Bruce, she makes her move. Through determination she battles and catches the pig!

A wonderful story about perseverance and determination. Angela finds her strength to not only catch the pig but to stand up to her bully.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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Unmasking a Cowgirl (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Alicia Furlan

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Unmasking A Cowgirl (Match Made in Montana Book 3)Unmasking A Cowgirl by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Abby Witt moved to town 2 years ago. She’s won over almost everyone in town, except Joe Staunch. Joe can’t figure out what it is about her that makes him feel like this. When Abby’s secret is revealed Joe realizes that maybe he’s been wrong about her all along. Will they be able to put aside their own insecurities and finally get their happy endings?

I enjoyed the storyline of the book but I found the writing style to be very choppy. I felt that this made the story harder to follow. I found the supporting characters to be flat. I really like books that have well developed supporting characters. This could also be because I haven’t read the first books in the series. Perhaps if I had I might have learned more about the town and it’s residents.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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Lapidius: Book 1 (A Nation Found Series) by Matthew Runals – Review by Alicia Furlan

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LapidiusLapidius by Matthew Runals
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a world the author has created in this first book of A Nation Found series! In this dystopian novel, Novum Albion is nation facing famine and ruin due to greed and inflation. Hoping for a better future for their kids some parents are choosing to send their children to a military camp, Lapidius. Joey, Kyle, Brian, and Lucas are scared and unsure of what’s to come. What follows is a story of friendship, magic, adventure, and most of all unity.

Gosh, I truly enjoyed this book. Other reviews have compared it to Harry Potter and I have to agree. The author has built a wonderful world and an amazing cast of characters. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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Mr. Lucky (Trentbridge Crime Series Book 1) by Lee Wood – Review by Alicia Furlan

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Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales #1)Mr Lucky by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a start to this series from author Lee Wood!
James Sheldon had it all. A successful career and a beautiful family. One day his world is shattered. He ends up homeless and living on the streets. His life is changed 18 months later when he wins the lottery. In the blink of an eye he’s thrown into a world of crime bosses and dangerous criminals. Will he be able to survive and follow through with his plans to help hundreds of families?
I enjoyed this first book of the series. I found the first few chapters a bit choppy and it hard to follow how they fit in the book. Once they got to James’ story, it started to fit and make sense. From there it was easy to follow even with all the twists and turns. This book was truly good versus evil! And what I thought was a good dose of karma. I can’t wait to start reading the rest of the series!

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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Made to Love Her (Moore Family Saga Novella) by Michele Sims – Review by Alicia Furlan

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Made to Love Her: Romantic Suspense Novella (Moore Family Saga)Made to Love Her: Romantic Suspense Novella by Michele Sims
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This novella is packed with love, drama, deceit, and suspense. Cade and Lecia Moore are in Greece to enjoy each other in the down time between Cade’s concerts. As a world renowned saxophone player, Cade was invited to come play multiple shows around Greece leading up to the Olympics. Will their vacation be an idyllic getaway or nightmare?

For such a short novel, it’s packed with a lot of details. I found that I didn’t miss anything from not having read the other books in the series. It was a page turner and I was quickly able to finish it. None of the story felt like it was missing, which is sometimes hard to accomplish in novellas.

Reviewed by@aliciaknoke

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Decisions Matter (Buddy the Blue Corgi Series) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Alicia Furlan

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Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong (Buddy the Blue Corgi 3)Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Buddy is growing up with his new brothers, Salem and Donut. Buddy keeps being blamed for something he’s not doing and he tries to figure out who is the culprit. Donut helps the brothers to understand that telling the truth is always the most important thing.

What another great lesson taught to us by Buddy the Blue Corgi. I love the simple approach to these books. One small but meaningful lesson in each book. Can’t wait to see what Buddy and his family get up to next.

Reviewed by@aliciaknoke

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Corpse Pixie by Sinister Styx – Review by Alicia Furlan

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Corpse PixieCorpse Pixie by Sinister Styx
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rene had been battling the demons in his head for three years since his twin sister, Cherise, was murdered. After the latest murder he begins to feel a presence around him. Glimpses of an otherworldly woman with purple hair start to plague Rene. Belladonna has spent years preparing and planning to find and destroy the hunters who killed her family. Rene is the key to all her plans.

This was my first necromancer book and it didn’t disappoint. I enjoyed the storyline and that it was dual POV. The story flowed well. Overall was a quick and easy read. This was also my first time reading Sinister Styx and I will definitely be reading more.

Reviewed by@aliciaknoke

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Good Things Take Time (Buddy the Blue Corgi Series) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Alicia Furlan

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Good Things Take Time (Buddy the Blue Corgi, #2)Good Things Take Time by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Buddy, the Blue Corgi, is spending his days playing with his siblings. One day they notice people talking to the farmer. They find out from their Momma that they will all be getting adopted. One by one his siblings find their forever homes. His Momma reminds him that he is special and his forever family will come he just needs to wait.

Another cute book in the Blue Corgi Series. Waiting is never easy but sometimes the rewards are worth waiting for. This cute book is a great way for kids to start to understand the concept.

Reviewed by@aliciaknoke

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You Are Special (Buddy the Blue Corgi Series) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Alicia Furlan

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You Are Special (Buddy the Blue Corgi, #1)You Are Special by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a cute little story about Buddy the Blue Corgi. In the first book of the series we meet Buddy who is born looking different than his siblings. He becomes sad when he thinks being different is bad. His momma helps him to understand that being unique makes you special. I can’t wait to see what else we can learn from Buddy.

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Offsides (Game Time Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Alicia Furlan

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Offsides: Game Time SeriesOffsides: Game Time Series by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Finn and Chessly meet and their attraction is immediate. Chessly doesn’t trust that Finn isn’t a player on and off the field. Will Finn be able to prove to Chessly that he isn’t a player? Will Chessly ever realize how special Finn is?

The characters of Finn and Chessly are so well written. The dual POV is well done and so integral to the story. I love that we get to see Finn’s vulnerable side. This can definitely be read as a standalone. I feel like the other Wildcat players book happen almost simultaneously so you don’t need to read one before the other.

Reviewed by@aliciaknoke

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She’s My Rhinestone Cowgirl (My Cowboy Series) by Brooke May – Review by Alicia Furlan

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She's My Rhinestone Cowgirl (My Cowboy #7)She’s My Rhinestone Cowgirl by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

At 15, Trinity Redhawk breaks up with Shooter Price to chase her dreams. Through hard work and determination she achieves those dreams. All these years later Trinity is ready to hang up her crown and move on to the next phase of her life. Shooter has finally found his place as a sheriff’s deputy. After they connect during a dance it’s clear there is still a connection there. Will they be able to put the past behind them and find their happiness?

This was an enjoyable read. I found it to be low angst, which I always enjoy reading. I found the story flowed well and it ended up being a fairly quick read for me. The characters and their chemistry were well written. I didn’t feel like I was missing out by not reading the previous books in the series.

Reviewed by@aliciaknoke

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Alchemy of Glass (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Alicia Furlan

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Alchemy of GlassAlchemy of Glass by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alchemy of Glass is the second book in the Apothecary Series. It follows Gaelan in the aftermath of book 1, The Apothecary’s Curse. He’s left facing the consequences of his actions while immortal. His only hope is Anne Shaw. Despite their past will she help him change the future?

This was a fantastical story that weaves through time. The author has done a great job of mixing genres to create this world. Even if you haven’t read the first book you’ll still enjoy this story. But as always I do recommend reading them in order, it will help with some details.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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Wheel of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Alicia Furlan

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Wheel of Evil (Hani's Daughter Mysteries Book 3)Wheel of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wheel of Evil is the third book in the Hani’s Daughter series. Neferet is back with a new mystery to solve. Her uncle got involved with some bad business dealings and people have been turning up dead. Both Neferet and her father, Hani, start investigating in their own ways. Will they be able to solve the mystery together? This is another great addition to this cozy mystery series. The author takes us on a journey through Ancient Egypt and what a journey it is. I enjoyed this final book in the series. I liked that the author had Neferet and her father working together to solve this mystery.

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Web of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Alicia Furlan

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Web of Evil (Hani's Daughter Mysteries #2)Web of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We head back to Ancient Egypt in the second novel in the series. Neferet goes on another mysterious adventure trying to solve who the dead man is that washed ashore and who killed him. Full of twists and turns you won’t want to miss. Another great cozy mystery from this author.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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Flowers of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Alicia Furlan

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Flowers of Evil (Hani's Daughter Mysteries #1)Flowers of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first novel in the Hani’s Daughter series. This mystery series is set in Ancient Egypt. The author does an amazing job describing the sights and life of Ancient Egypt. Neferet and Bener-ib are both senets (healers). They have opened their own shop together. A dying man enters their shop and they can’t save him. He utters a single word before his death that sets off an investigation by the two women. The author includes a glossary of terms and a character directory which was very helpful. If you’re looking for an enjoyable cozy mystery this is it.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Alicia Furlan

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The Apothecary's CurseThe Apothecary’s Curse by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In Victorian London, Simon Bell makes an elixir created by Gaelen Erceldoune from an ancient manuscript. Simon gives his wife the elixir meant to cure her cancer but instead it kills her. Simon takes the leftover elixir only to discover he can’t die. The two men connect 5 years later as they try to conceal their immortality. The novel continues to weave through time following the lives of Simon and Gealan.

I really enjoyed this first book in the series. It took me a little longer to get into the book as I found the first half moved slower. Although I usually find this the case with books from a series – it just takes longer to build the characters and their histories. It’s worth it because the characters in this one are well written and the story is fantastic.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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Wild King (King Brothers Series) by K.M. Scott – Review by Alicia Furlan

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Wild King (King Brothers Book 2)Wild King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wild King is the second novel in the King Brothers Series. Kellen escapes from his life for a few days in paradise. There he meets Salem and sparks fly. Salem is very clear with how this vacation fling will work – no names. Kellen goes along with the plan until it’s time to leave. Salem has made him want to change his bad boy ways. Unbeknownst to either of them, Salem has been hired to turn Kellen’s reputation around.

This was a steamy but emotional read. I love a good bad boy character redemption story. And this one doesn’t disappoint. I recommend reading the series in order as you’ll get more background into the King family and dynamics.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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Finding Hope: A Small Town Beach Romance (Half Moon Bay Series) by Erin Brockus – Review by Alicia Furlan

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Finding Hope: A Small Town Beach Romance (Half Moon Bay #1)Finding Hope: A Small Town Beach Romance by Erin Brockus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After winning a raffle, Hope Collins heads to St. Croix to officially take over her new diving resort. When she arrives the previous owner is nowhere to be found leaving Hope alone to learn the ropes. The diving instructor, Alex Monroe, and the manager, Patti, are there to help Hope find her bearings and run the resort. Will Hope and Alex be able to put their pasts behind them and find love?

What a wonderful start to the Half Moon Bay Series! The author has such beautiful and vivid descriptions of the island and resort. I enjoyed reading about the resort and the struggles Hope and Alex face. A great vacation read any time of the year.

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The End Of Try Try Again by Kristen Carter, MS – Review by Alicia Furlan

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The End of Try Try Again: Overcome Your Weight Loss and Exercise Struggles for GoodThe End of Try Try Again: Overcome Your Weight Loss and Exercise Struggles for Good by Kristen Carter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Small changes can make a big impact.

Kristen Carter breaks it down into steps for you. I love her simple approach to making new choices to better your health. If you’ve been struggling with starting and sticking to a plan this could be the book for you.

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The Chaos Clock: Tales of Cosmic Aether edited by Danielle Ackley-McPhail – Review by Alicia Furlan

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The Chaos ClockThe Chaos Clock by Danielle Ackley-McPhail
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fun anthology of short stories! Ackley-McPhail has put together a fun and thought provoking anthology. Each author’s story is unique but all are told with a steampunk theme. The anthology delves into the chaos, horror, and power of time. I felt like even though all the stories were unique they flowed well together.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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From Darkness into Love (Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor Book 1) by Sophie Bartow – Review by Alicia Furlan

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From Darkness into Love (Hope & Hearts from Swan Harbor, #1)From Darkness into Love by Sophie Bartow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jessie and Cam have known each other all their lives. After the tragedy of losing her family, Jessie and Cam grow even closer. While their lives take different paths they both end up Swan Harbor and Cam once again helps Jessie heal. Jessie leaves suddenly and Cam’s heart is broken. Just as Cam is putting his life back together Jessie comes back to town for a friend’s wedding. Will Jessie’s secrets tear them apart or will they fight for their love?

I love a fast paced romance with a little mystery thrown in. I don’t normally enjoy second chance romances but I quite enjoyed this one. Their story is told from a dual POV and includes trips to their past. I felt like this really helped build the characters and helped me understand why they made the choices they did. I also loved the Swan Harbor residents blurb included at the start of the book. It really helped to give a quick overview of all the characters. Sometimes I find it difficult to follow if I haven’t read any of the previous books. Overall this was an enjoyable read!

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Love Rinkside (The Playmakers Series) by G. K. Brady – Review by Alicia Furlan

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Love Rinkside (Playmakers)Love Rinkside by G.K. Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Drew and Katie meet at a Halloween costume party. They bond over their quirky costumes. Their chemistry is immediate even with the barrier of their costumes. It isn’t until later in the evening that their true identities are found out. What follows is a quick and steamy read. The angst level is perfect for this novella. I thought the characters were well written and enjoyed their banter. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my first book by G. K. Brady and will definitely be going back to read the other Playmakers books.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Alicia Furlan

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Unexpected HeroesUnexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Elijah Fox, along with his son Griffin, move into town for a new job and most importantly a new start. At a particularly low point for Elijah he meets his new neighbor, the enigmatic Jude Carvossa. Jude feels an immediate connection to Elijah and his son but will his demons prevent him from pursuing Elijah? When Elijah’s past catches up with him will Jude be able to save him and his son?

This is my first time reading Naomi Valkyrie and I really enjoyed this book. It flowed well and was a quick read but it didn’t lack anything in the story or characters. I always enjoy reading dual POV. The angst was real but wasn’t overwhelming to the story. This is definitely a must read and I can’t wait to check out more from this author!

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