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By Your Side (Willowbrook Lake Series) by Ashley Erin – Review by Alicia Furlan

By Your Side (Willowbrook Lake, #1)By Your Side by Ashley Erin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

By Your Side is the first book in the Willowbrook Lake series by Ashley Erin. Adeline moves to Willowbrook Lake after a devastating loss. While she’s starting over, she meets Owen and begins to feel things she never thought possible. Owen is torn between being her friend and being more while not wanting to be disrespectful of her grief. This was a beautiful love story. Adeline and Owen are wonderfully written. The story flows through time without feeling slow or dragging. For those looking for romance without all the spice this book is for you (there is only one scene in the book). I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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Bad Enough (The Deadman’s Tribe Series Book 2) by Nicole Craig – Review by Alicia Furlan

Bad Enough (The Deadman's Tribe, #2)Bad Enough by Nicole Craig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bad Enough is the second novel in the Deadman’s Tribe series by author Nicole Craig. Sylvan, an author, has been chatting with TB, an information specialist, researching her next book. After a few months chatting as their alter egos, Lobo feels connected to Flame even though they’ve never met in real life. TB and his Tribe team are hired by the father of a girl who goes missing at the club he frequents as Lobo. While TB’s team is finding out about Lobo and the club, Sylvan is receiving ominous messages from someone in her past. She’s hiding something and TB vows to get the information from her. Will TB be able to get the information without breaking Sylvan? Will Sylvan ever trust TB with the truth and her heart? Will they be able to move forward with each other and leave their past behind them?

So many things I loved about this book. Suspense, secrets, spice, and for me the perfect amount of BDSM. I don’t particularly enjoy the more hardcore BDSM books but this book really showed the trust that goes into a healthy dominant/submissive relationship. I felt like the author found the perfect blend of spice and plot for me, which is hard to do. I’m looking forward to reading more books from Nicole Craig!

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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Whiskey Throttle (Moto X Series Book 6) by Brooke May – Review by Alicia Furlan

Whiskey Throttle (Moto X #6)Whiskey Throttle by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Whiskey throttle is the final book in the Moto X Series. We finally get Parker’s story! Megan and Parker have been together for a few years now. Parker has tried changing his life for Megan and their daughter, Lindsey. But things haven’t been great between them and he just doesn’t see her and her needs. When Megan takes Lindsey to stay with her parents, Parker tumbles down to rock bottom. Ordered into AA after a drunken arrest, will he be able to accept the help of his new sponsor? Will he be able take responsibility for his actions and look toward the future? I enjoyed Parker’s story; his fall, his despair, his courage, and his eventual healing. The story flowed well for me and made this a quick read even with the heavy topic. I thought it portrayed how much you need a support system and a focus on mental health too. I think you’ll enjoy reading Parker’s story!

I highly recommend reading this series in order. So many story lines are mentioned in this book and I think it could confuse someone who hasn’t had the background of the first few books.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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Stout of My League (Love on Tap Series) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Alicia Furlan

Stout of My League (Love on Tap #4)Stout of My League by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Stout of My League is the final book of the Love on Tap Series by Sylvie Stewart. Even if you haven’t read the previous books in the series you should be able to follow along with the story well enough. If you’re like me though you’ll definitely want to go back and read the other three books first. I loved the characters and banter, both helping to make the story flow. Lynn, the youngest of the Brooks siblings, is focused on her schooling and future when she meets Joey Martel, star shortstop for the Asheville Arrows. Finding out Joey is a jock and a seemingly overbearing protector Lynn decides that he’s not for her. The following year, Joey ends up injured and needing treatment; it’s impossible for Lynn to ignore her attraction for him. Joey knows Lynn is the one and he’ll do his best to make her see he’s not an overbearing jock. Throw in the typical Brooks family hijinks, a little mystery, the perfect amount of spice, and you have a quick enjoyable read!

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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Wasabi (Evil Sushi Series) by C.A. King – Review by Alicia Furlan

Wasabi (Evil Sushi Book 3)Wasabi by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wasabi is the third book in the Evil Sushi Series by C. A. King. I’m so glad that I stuck with the series until this final book. I definitely enjoyed it a lot more than the first and second books. That said I’d definitely recommend reading them in order. A lot happens in the early books. I enjoyed the unexpected ending to the series – I think Aileen definitely had the right idea!

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke
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Sashimi (Evil Sushi Series) by C.A. King – Review by Alicia Furlan

Sashimi (Evil Sushi #2)Sashimi by C.A. King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sashimi continues the dystopian Evil Sushi series. How will the world respond to the newest threat from Sashimi? All over the earth new infections and mutants are emerging. Scientists are trying to discover a cure while the government and armed forces are trying to protect human life. In this second book in the series I had a hard time following the story as it jumped around quite a bit. I needed to backtrack a couple of times to figure out exactly what was going on. That said, it’s definitely an interesting storyline and I’m excited to see where the final book takes us.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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Salt Love by Marika Ray – Review by Alicia Furlan

Salt Love: A Summer Romantic ComedySalt Love: A Summer Romantic Comedy by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Salt Love is everything you want in a beach read! Kenna Cugly’s life implodes after finding out about her husband’s infidelity. With the death of her aunt, she heads down to Sunshine Key for the reading of her will. There she meets the gorgeous and gruff Dec Boggs. Along with her aunts beach house she also inherits half ownership in her aunts boating company. Who is the other co-owner? None other than Dec, who is also her new neighbor. Dec’s hiding secrets of his own but can’t resist the growing attraction he feels for Kenna. Will Kenna be able to find herself again? Will Kenna and Dec be able to overcome their pasts? You won’t be disappointed.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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Double Delight (Double Delight Series) by Julie Castle – Review by Alicia Furlan

Double Delight: The Complete SeriesDouble Delight: The Complete Series by Julie Castle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Double Delight was a quick and steamy read from author Julie Castle. I enjoyed both stories a lot. The characters were enjoyable and the stories flowed well.

April Love starts when April Brooks moves home to take over her aunts business after she has a stroke. She is a 28 year old virgin and wants to remedy that. Looking for a one night dream lover she heads to Red’s Bar & Grill where she runs into Will (Billy) Shepard from her school days. After she propositions him things get steamy. As they spend more and more time together they find themselves falling for each other. Will they both be able to move past their previous relationships?

In Monica’s Manhunt, Monica has decided that she’s ready to find a partner to spend her life with. While on the hunt she has to help plan various wedding activities with the help of Matt Shepard, the best man. Both are instantly attracted to one another but they are both honest with each other about their intentions. While Monica goes on some pretty horrible dates, Matt is there with steamy interludes. How long will it last? Will Monica be able to see past Matt’s player side? Will Matt realize that Monica just might be the one?

With fun and steamy scenes in both books, it makes for a quick, easy, and enjoyable read.
Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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Murder by Moonlight (Felines of Fairytale Forest) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Alicia Furlan

Murder by Moonlight (Felines of Fairytale Forest Book 1)Murder by Moonlight by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in the Felines of Fairytale Forest series. If you’re looking for a different sort of cozy mystery, this one’s for you. Cat and Gloria, night shift custodians at the park discover a body with the help of Zoe, the leader of one of the parks cat clowders. Cat teams up with Zoe and the rest of the cats to help solve the case. Gloria is such a fun addition to the story as the perfect sidekick. Will they be able to solve the case and keep the park open?

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Evil Sushi (Evil Sushi Series) by C.A. King – Review by Alicia Furlan

Evil Sushi (Evil Sushi #1)Evil Sushi by C.A. King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

What an interesting concept for a book series! This was a quick and easy read from author C. A. King. In a sort of dystopian future, Fishermen Rod and Ned find a new species of fish at the bottom of the ocean. Little do they know havoc it will wreck on their small fishing town and the world. I did feel like the character development was lacking, it’s definitely more plot driven. But overall it was a fun and quirky read.

 

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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Toasted (Love Burns Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Alicia Furlan

Toasted (Love Burns #1)Toasted by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Libby moves to Woodvalley, Wyoming, she never expected to set her world on fire – literally. Zach, the firefighter, comes to her rescue and is immediately intrigued by the sexy Libby in her Disney pajamas. Spending time together has Libby and Zach both questioning their futures. Will Libby be able to share and overcome her past with Zach? I LOVED this book and can’t wait to read the rest of the Love Burns series. The banter between characters helps keep the book on the lighter side while still being able to explore their feelings. The side characters are well developed and I can’t wait to read more of their stories in the next book.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood – Review by Alicia Furlan

Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series Book 1)Secrets, Lies and Betrayals by Lynn Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Michaela Manning has been living under an assumed name for 20 years. At 3 years old her life is forever changed by a moment of violence. Maxwell Cole, a special forces operative, rushed in to save a young Michaela. Building a life after the tragedy, Lea Milan finds solace and herself in Europe. Away from the political landscape and limelight she finds her art and love. A political decision by her father sets in motion the destruction of her carefully created life. Maxwell Cole has been a constant in Lea’s life. In charge of her personal security for years and part of Leah’s chosen family. Will he be able to help guide Lea through this terrible journey once again? Will Lea be able to resurrect herself once again? Will her family and chosen loved ones be able to help her through another tragedy?

I really enjoyed this political thriller. With so much political unrest in the USA this really hits home about the secrets and lies that politicians tell their public and themselves. Lea’s story contains great tragedies but also her perseverance and strength which helps her regain her life and herself.
I can’t wait to jump into the next book in the Protect and Honor Series. So glad we get to see more of Maxwell Cole!

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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Kris & The Cowboys (The Adventures of Kris) by Art Blegen – Review by Alicia Furlan

Kris & The Cowboys: The Adventures of KrisKris & The Cowboys: The Adventures of Kris by Art Blegen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What another fun read from Art Blegen. Kris and her dad travel to his Uncle Buddy’s farm. Disappointed that she isn’t able to join him on the upcoming cattle drive, Kris imagines her own adventure with Buddy, her horse Apples, and the little cow Patches. From an encounter with Indians to a dangerous flood this book, like previous ones with Kris, are full of adventure.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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The Rake (Daughters of Dishonour Series) by Ava Bond – Review by Alicia Furlan

The Rake (Daughters of Dishonour #1)The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this historical romance from author Ava Bond. The Rake is the first book in the Daughters of Dishonor duology. Miss Margot Keating travels with her sister to London at the request of the Duke of Ashmore. Upon arriving the Duke reveals a secret to Margot. Before Margot has a chance to learn more the Duke is murdered. Margot asks the Duke’s neighbour, the Earl of Langley, to help her solve the Duke’s murder. I loved the banter between Margot and Langley. Their growing feelings for one another was captured perfectly. The writing is so well done that I could visualize the lavish parties and scenes of historical London and the beau monde. I can’t wait to read the second book in this series!

 

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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The Ghostly Diva (Divine Vintage Series) by Sandra L. Young – Review by Alicia Furlan

The Ghostly Diva (Divine Vintage)The Ghostly Diva by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fun and quick read from Sandra L. Young. I always enjoy books with a paranormal side. Justine is thrown together with the grumpy Jackson while helping to sort through his mother Liza’s vintage wardrobe after she passes. Their connection is immediate but they both fight it as their lives are thousands of miles apart. While at the house, Justine discovers she is able to see and talk to Liza’s ghost. I enjoyed the storyline only wishing there were more scenes with the two main characters as I really enjoyed their interactions.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Alicia Furlan


Healing Hearts (Echo #0.5)Healing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this prequel to the Echo series by C. R. Alam we find out how Gene and Amanda find each other. Gene is burned out in his position as an ER doctor. He takes a sabbatical from the hospital. He spends his first 3 months in Costa Rica and then returns home to work at a local clinic. Amanda is the town’s beloved baker. She is in an accident and Gene helps her out at the scene. They both feel an immediate connection. I loved reading about their journey to love. I always enjoy reading prequels that tell the story of the connected characters in book series and this one does not disappoint. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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Kris & The Missing Prince (The Adventures of Kris) by Art Blegen – Review by Alicia Furlan

Kris & The Missing Prince: The Adventures Of KrisKris & The Missing Prince: The Adventures Of Kris by Art Blegen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh what a wonderful and magical story!

Art Blegen has created such an imaginative storyline and cast of characters for this book. Kris is a young girl who goes to stay with her Grandma in West Virginia while her dad works out of town. Kris loves to spend her days swimming in the pond and exploring at her Grandma’s farm. One day she ventures into the woods around the farm and this is where her adventure begins. If you or your children like to read about magical adventures then this book is for you. We can’t wait to jump into Kris’ next adventure.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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The Winemakers Box Set (The Winemakers Series) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Alicia Furlan

The Winemakers - Box set: A Series of Sun-Kissed Historical RomancesThe Winemakers – Box set: A Series of Sun-Kissed Historical Romances by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

These were my first books by Giovanna Siniscalchi and I can say for certain they won’t be my last. The author was able to paint the picture of the vineyards and Portugal countryside to perfection. I imagined it many times in my head while I was reading. All three books feature redemption stories but none of the characters are too similar. This is one of my favourite tropes in all of romance writing. Bad boys and the women who open their minds and hearts to change.

In The True Purpose of Vines, we are introduced to the Duoro region of Portugal I always love reading about a strong female MC and Julia is just that. Her passion for wine shines throughout. I enjoyed the journey of Griffin’s character from the start of the book to the finish.

In The Taste of Light, we are introduced to Anne, Griffin’s sister. She ends up on the run with Pedro who we met in the first book. This story captured my heart. I love a good broken man redemption story.

In The Truth about Myths, Henrique is tasked with escorting Princess Isobel to Spain by the King. Clashing personalities are put to the test. Another great love story.

If you love historical fiction, read this series!

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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