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Falling Again (Buckeye Falls Book 3) by Libby Kay – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Falling AgainFalling Again by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so excited to get to read this third novel and return to Buckeye Falls! I loved that we got to see Natalie and Anthony take center stage in this story. We got brief glimpses of the two of them in the previous novels, so it was wonderful to get to know them both better! I loved that we got to see the POV of both characters and their internal and external struggles. The difficulties that they both faced were very realistic, but I loved that they both wanted to try, but were struggling in the execution of it. I loved that we got to see some brief appearances from characters from previous books. This is a wonderful series and I am absolutely dying to get to read the next novel in the series. I just can’t get enough of Buckeye Falls.

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Trapping the Butterfly (Butterflies Fly Free Series Book 1) by Debra Parmley – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Trapping the ButterflyTrapping the Butterfly by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I found this to be a wonderful coming of age story set in the roaring twenties. The author did an amazing job of describing the settings, characters, and the feel of the roaring twenties. We have Bethany who feels trapped by her aunt and uncle, who have raised her for years. I loved how Bethany’s character development unfolded throughout the story. She has dreams and desires, but she is limited by her strict and abusive family members. With her 18th birthday just around the corner she has plans to set herself free, but she finds herself entangled with a business associate of her uncle’s, an associate of Al Capone, and the detective who is determined to take Capone down. I loved the character of Bethany and how she works so hard to find her own way. This is a great book for anyone looking for a descriptive well written story of a young girl finding her way in the roaring twenties.

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6) by Aubrey Wynne – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6)Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love historical romance and this story did not disappoint! I found it to be a very sweet story with two wonderful main characters. I had not read the previous books before this, but I loved that the author gave us the different POV’s so we could see what the different characters were thinking and feeling. The author did a wonderful job of describing the characters and the scenery, so you feel like you are really there in the story. Lady Helen and her daughter Maeve were such a sweet pair and seeing how much she loved her daughter was so heartwarming. I loved how sweet Conway was with Helen and how amazing he was with Maeve. If you love sweet historical romances, this is the book for you!

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Editor Kill Fee (The Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries Book 3) by GG Collins – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Editor Kill Fee (Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries #3)Editor Kill Fee by G.G. Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first Taylor Browning story and while the book alluded to the other two stories, it definitely made me want to check them out further! I loved how well written the characters were and how we got to see the back story on so many characters. It definitely made the story more enjoyable. I loved getting to meet Oscar and his new brother Cheddar. They definitely made the story so much more fun! I was absolutely impressed at how many different storylines were happening, but they were all important to the storyline. I love that Taylor just can’t help but get involved in a mystery while also trying to balance her professional and personal life. The author did an amazing job of weaving a story that felt mystical and realistic as well. It was a vivid cozy mystery full of amazing characters and the gorgeous background of New Mexico.

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Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Ways to Improve BaileyWays to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely adored this story! It was a very clean and sweet YA Rom Com, that is full of heart and laughter. I loved all of the characters; the author did a great job of creating multidimensional characters. I especially loved her older brother Dayton, he comes off as the annoying older brother, picking on his little sister, but as the story unfolds, we see how much he really does love his little sister and wants what is best for her. Tanner was such an amazing character, seeing his character development and his patience with Bailey was the cutest thing. Bailey was a great female heroine, she was spunky and sassy, but when it mattered, she was kind and caring. Seeing her and Tanner work through so many different situations was absolutely delightful! I loved the background of the Froyo store, definitely made me think about my froyo toppings! This was a wonderful story and I can’t wait to read more from the author.

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Twisted Bond by Danielle Jacks – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Twisted BondTwisted Bond by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first book by this author and I am definitely going to be checking her other books out ASAP! The bond between Rose and Titan was dark and as the title suggested, twisted. Rose was an amazing heroine who was strong and not afraid to get her hands dirty. Titan was the tortured prince, keeping a deadly secret about his kingdom. The author wrote a vivid tale that pulled you right into the story. She weaved a magical and paranormal story that had witches, shifters, magic, curses, and romance. I loved that we had different POV’s so we could get a full picture of what was happening. The story was extremely well written and it was fantastic to see how the characters grew. The author did an amazing job of developing all of the characters and creating some very intense situations. If you love dark romance, enemies to lovers, with a paranormal, fantasy twist, this is a great book to read!

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Concert Hall Hit (A Darcy Gaughan Mystery) by J.C. Kenney – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Concert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan MysteryConcert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan Mystery by J.C. Kenney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a fantastic cozy mystery! The author has created a very vivid life in the small town of Marysburg, Indiana. I had not read the first book in the series, but the author filled in enough of the blanks that I was able to have a good understanding of the characters from the previous story, but left enough out, that I will be catching up on the story ASAP. I found Darcy to be an amazing heroine and it was wonderful to see her continued growth as a character and sleuth. The author did an awesome job of really describing all of the characters, even smaller minor characters. She has created a town that you would absolutely want to go visit and explore. The mystery of who killed Derek Tufnell is full of twists and turns, with an ending I did not see coming! I hope the author is planning to write more Darcy mysteries in the future!

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The Serpent and the Firefly by Courtney Davis – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

The Serpent and the FireflyThe Serpent and the Firefly by Courtney Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely adored this story. The author created a unique world of angels, demons, fae, humans, and other magical creatures. We meet Jade and Baal and the electricity between the two of them was electric. The author did a great job of being descriptive and really drawing you into the tale. It was definitely a page turner that I couldn’t put down. All of the characters were well written and the author did a great job of creating well rounded characters. I loved seeing the growth in both Jade and Baal, both together and separately. This was my second story from the author, and I look forward to reading her other works.

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A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You absolutely can’t go wrong with a historical fiction with a steampunk fairy tale twist, a retelling of Cinderella, set in 1876 Philadelphia. Benjamin Grimm and Eleanor Banneker make the perfect team together. I did enjoy though that the author definitely created some additional obstacles for them, outside of just trying to break the curse. She did an amazing amount of research and you really do feel like you are in that time period with some added magical aspects. This was a wonderful young adult book that readers of all ages will be delighted to enjoy. This was my first novel from this author, but I can’t wait to check out the rest of her books!

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Obedience (Ties That Bind Book 1) by Liza Snow – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

ObedienceObedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, this book not only brought the steam, but the mystery and suspense kept me reading until the last page. Cassandra and Chandler were so sexy together and the age gap just made it all the hotter. The slow build up and reveal to the mystery. I had never thought of a circus as being a sexy background, but the author did an amazing job. The author created a vivid and descriptive world that our characters live in. This was an amazing start to an explosive series; I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

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The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills Book 1) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills #1)The Guardian of Whispers by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought the author did a wonderful job of setting up a fantastic series start. We meet the Reed twins, Jon and Frank, who it turns out, have special powers. This story definitely gave me Percy Jackson vibes and fans of that series will absolutely love this series. The book does a great job a creating a nice mixture of action, adventure, heart, and humor. The author has created a magical new world that will delight readers young and young at heart. I can’t wait to see what happens next in the series.

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Operation Escape (Space Force Rejects Book 2) by Landra Graf – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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

I was thrilled to get to read book two in this riveting and exciting series. I was hopeful it would pick up where book one left off, but instead takes on a new journey, where we see how the stories intersect and we learn more about Space Force and some of its deadly secrets. Sera and Markus make a great team and I loved how awkward Sera was, it made watching them stumble through their feelings. This was a great story that I couldn’t put down. You don’t have to read book one to follow this story, but I absolutely recommend it, as it’s an amazing story as well. If you love your sci-fi with some romance, this is a great story!

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A Spot of Earl Slay (Tea Time Troubles Book 1) by Aubrey Elle – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

A Spot of Earl SlayA Spot of Earl Slay by Aubrey Elle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a great start to a new series! I loved the small town of Fayette and all of the colorful people who live there. The author did a great job of drawing me into the story and describing the town and townsfolk. I loved how realistic the characters all were. Like they are people you could imagine in your everyday life. Naomi, her daughter Ella and their very helpful tea drinking neighbors Barbara and Ingrid, make up an amazing quartet of women that just works. This was a delightful cozy murder story, with plenty of heart and humor. I can’t wait to see what happens next in the town and I am hopeful for a bit of romance for Naomi in the coming novels.

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The Vassal of Magic (The Virus of Beauty Book 3) by C.B. Lyall – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

The Vassal of Magic (Virus of Beauty, #3)The Vassal of Magic by C.B. Lyall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so excited to get to finish this amazing series! The journey that Wilf has traveled, mostly against his will, is thrilling and will keep you turning until the final page. The author did a great job of creating realistic characters and relationships within a fantasy novel about magic. This is definitely a series you want to start at the beginning with, and you definitely won’t be disappointed when you get to this conclusion. This is an action packed adventure series full of magic, love, friendships, and family. Seeing Wilf grow into the strong person he becomes, as well as the rest of the characters as they learn to work together to save magic. I absolutely adored this series and I highly recommend it.

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Borne (The Crown of Stones Book 3) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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

This was a wonderful conclusion to a fantastic series. The author continues to do a great job of writing characters that feel so relatable, even in a world of magic. The author continues with a roller coaster of action and adventure. I loved how detailed and descriptive the story was, you really feel like you are there with the characters. I loved Ian and how he persevered through all of his trials and the strength he showed. This story will absolutely tug at your heart and keep you enthralled until the last page. Wonderful series for anyone who is a lover of fantasy novels.

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Amy’s Rebellion (Gemstone Massacre Book 1) by Julia Goldhirsh – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Amy's Rebellion (Gemstone Massacre)Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story. The author did a great job of creating a sci-fi fantasy world that mixes in their world with the regular human world. We jump right in with Amy, who is semi on the run from the powers that destroyed her home. She has made some close friends who are helping her and I loved the friendships between the characters and how they are all working to help take down Opal, the vengeful leader. I felt the author did an amazing job of inclusivity with LGBTQ+ characters and it is weaved in seamlessly. The author has created a magical world and story full of twists and turns. Amy is a fantastic character who you can’t help but root for. I will be checking out the prequel as well as this is an amazing start to a wonderful series!

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Noah’s Not So Super Summer (A Super Series–Book 1) by Brittany Tucker – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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

This was such a fun book for young teens and young or not so young adults, who are looking for an exciting adventure novel. The author does a great job of drawing the reader into the story and creates a wonderfully descriptive world of superheroes and monsters and atomic wedgies. Our hero Noah is such a great character that anyone could relate to. He is smart, hilarious, and just trying to survive his summer full of a monster infestation. The author did a great job of creating all sorts of twists to keep you guessing to the ending of the story. I absolutely recommend this for anyone who is looking for a fun adventure with a fun young hero.

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Return to Hoodoo (Boudin, Bourbon, and Barbecue, Book 1) by Reggi Dupree – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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

I loved how the author jumped us right into the story and then sprinkled the backstory in and she wove an amazing paranormal story. The writing style keeps you on the edge of your seat from the get go, wanting to learn more about what happened and what will happen. Gwen is a fabulous heroine, strong, fierce and sassy. She is the type of character that you would want to go get a drink with and see what happens. The author has created a wonderful world full of paranormal creatures mixed in with regular humans. I absolutely can’t wait to read the prequel book and what comes next from the author!

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Rogue (The Talisman Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Rogue (The Talisman Series Book 6)Rogue by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so excited to read book six in this amazing series. Another fast paced, paranormal, Celtic, romance jam packed with action. The author again does an amazing job of showing multiple POV’s which really gives you insight into both the main characters. The author did a great job of summarizing the previous 5 books and characters histories, but without it feeling like a full blown recap. It’s done in a brief way, so that readers of the previous books don’t feel bored, but new readers don’t feel overwhelmed. We have Baz and Delaney, two very unlikely partners, but they have amazing chemistry together. Baz was such the bad boy with a heart of gold, he had been dealt a rough hand, not finding his talisman before he turned 28 and had to make a tough choice about his future. Delaney was such an awesome role model, a hardworking heroine who was a talisman, but had also trained as a warrior. This was story full of twists and turns and as always I love that it is set in my home state Montana. I absolutely recommend that if you love action, paranormal, Celtic mythology and steamy romance, this is the book and series for you.

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Your Trainer Says Hi! (Vengeful Vixens Book 2) by Indie Sparks – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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

I had not read the first book in the series, but I will be remedying this immediately as book two was amazing. The author did a great job of sharing details from the first book, but not so much that I feel the story was spoiled. Nadine was an amazing heroine and her chemistry with Wicks was electric and the steamy factor was off the charts. He was such an amazing lead male who was sweet and sexy. He was such a supportive and caring guy which threw me, because I was expecting such a cocky guy, but he was just such a sweetheart. Nadine had such a rough go with her now ex and seeing her get such a fabulous guy, made it such an amazing story. I loved the title of the book, it cracked me up. I can’t wait to read the other books in the series and by the author.

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The Romanov Heiress by Jennifer Laam – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

The Romanov HeiressThe Romanov Heiress by Jennifer Laam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love history and the tragedy of the Romanov’s the last Tsars of Russia is a heartbreaking tale. The author did an amazing job of re-imaging what it could have looked like had the daughters survived. She was able to perfectly describe how they would have felt living in disguise, in fear of being discovered, and the heartache of losing their parents and younger brother. The second youngest daughter Anastasia is well known, so it was wonderful to get to see the perspective from Olga, the eldest daughter. She has to work to keep her sisters safe and after reading about how a peer of the realm is accusing her mother, a German princess, of betraying Russia, she can’t sit back and let it happen. The author does an amazing job of describing how the former Grand Duchess might feel in this situation. The story centers on the sisters and their bond, but there are elements of romance sprinkled in. It looks like there is going to be a sequel and I can’t wait to see what happens with the other sisters.

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A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

A Dress To Remember: A Fairy TaleA Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story gave me such Disney’s Brave vibes with the beginning of the story! I loved that Princess Zarina broke the rules about leaving the castle to see a witch to make her a gorgeous dress, so she would stand out at her Royal Advancement Ceremony. When she arrives and the dress isn’t what she wants, the witch leaves anyways and then her hut disappears as well, leaving the princess with a dress she doesn’t want, and cryptic words about how her fate will be revealed. Princess Zarina starts out as a spoilt princess, obsessed with her looks, but as the tale progresses, we see her grow into the type of heroine that is admirable. As the story progresses, you really see her learning how to use her new dress and discovering a world outside of her palace walls. The story is an action packed adventure with twists and turns, along with well written heroes and villains. This is an excellent book with a positive message that both young adults and older adults will enjoy. I can’t wait to see what new stories and adventure this author comes up with.

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Shadow Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 1) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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

Right off the bat I was intrigued by the instant connection between Tamaska and Kodiak, despite both of them fighting the attraction. I had not read any other books by the author, but I greatly enjoyed the world she created with shifters, vampires, and humans. I loved how well written the characters were and how well they worked together. Tamaska was such a wonderful female main character and I loved that she was so strong, Kodiak was such a sexy shifter and his abilities made him a great leading male. The author did a great job of keeping me in suspense of what was happening and I couldn’t put the book down. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and see where the series goes.

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Falling for You (Buckeye Falls Book 2) by Libby Kay – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Falling for You (Buckeye Falls, #2)Falling for You by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so excited to get to read Falling for You, the second book in the Buckeye Falls series, and it did not disappoint! This can definitely be read as a standalone story, but I would absolutely recommend reading book 1 Falling Home as both CeCe and Evan are in book 1. Evan is just such a perfect rom com book boyfriend; he is sexy, smart, sweet, caring and just overall a wonderful guy. CeCe was such a great character and her character’s growth was so incredible to see. I loved getting to meet Evan’s family and I loved how CeCe handled meeting them all! It was wonderful getting to see Max and Ginny again as well. I just love Natalie’s character and it looks like she will be getting her own story in book 3! Overall it’s a well written story, and I can’t wait to see what will happen next in Buckeye Falls.

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How To Write A Historical Novel And Love It by TL Clark – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

How To Write A Historical Novel And Love ItHow To Write A Historical Novel And Love It by T.L. Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I found this to be a thoroughly well written and researched how to guide on writing a historical novel. The author was extremely knowledgeable in her history of not only Great Britain, but other countries as well. She takes you through the Who, What, Where, Why, and When and all of the pieces to consider with each of them. I enjoyed that the author not only gave very factual and informative information, but her voice was shown throughout the story and made it more enjoyable. It almost felt like you were sitting down with the author as she shared her information and thoughts on writing. After each section she had a small checklist for you to think about as you are writing your story and for new and seasoned writers I think it would be very helpful. This is a wonderful guide that could be helpful for not only historical writers, but writers in general.

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Spirit Guide (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 3) by Byrd Nash – Review by- Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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

I was so excited to read the third book in the Ghost Mysteries series and it is just making me want to be able to read the rest of the series so I can see how it ends! The description of the slow burn romance is a completely accurate description of the relationship between Elinor and Tristan Fontaine, Duke of Archambeau. Tristan is an amazing brooding hero who is clearly attracted to Elinor, but appears to be doing his best to fight his attraction. The story line in this book was riveting; getting to see her new apprentice Twyla in action was fantastic. Getting to see Elinor as a mentor and helping to shape Twyla into a better ghost talker, was so interesting to see. As always it was great getting to see Dr. Charlotte LaRue, I love how she is always just so calm and helpful. It was great getting to see how Elinor’s side mystery of the murder of her father continues to progress. I can’t wait for the rest of the series to come out!

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Master Calabrea (Masters of the Consulate Book 6) by Sylvia Black – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

I thoroughly enjoyed book six in this explosive series about vampires, humans, wolves, and witches. The author did a great job of doing a subtle recap for readers who have not read the previous books in the series. It absolutely helps to have read them, but it can be read as a standalone as well. The attraction between Calabrea and Tansia was immediate and according to the Vade Mecum, the vampire’s guide and rules for the past, present, and future, it was fate. Tansia was a stellar heroine, who was strong and able to hold her own, while still being vulnerable. Calabrea was a dark and sexy vampire, who also had his moments of vulnerability that made him all the more appealing. Not only was the story steamy as all, the story line of trying to track down the rogues who are trying to take down the vampires, continues to heat up. It sounds like there will be 12 stories planned for the series, and if that is the case, I am so excited to see where the story line will go and which characters will take center stage as they fight to preserve their way of life.

The Veil of Corruption (The Virus of Beauty Book 2) by C.B. Lyall Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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

I was so excited to be able to read book two in this exciting and riveting series about witches and wizards and magic going hay wired. The author has done an amazing job of bring magic into the real world while still keeping their worlds separate. I thought the author did a great job of continuing the growth and development of the characters, especially Wilf, Katryna, and Myra. The story absolutely took multiple twists and turns as the characters are in a race to save their worlds and each other. I couldn’t put the story down until the final page. I can’t wait to see how the story finally ends in the third trilogy.

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Shameless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 2) by KG Fletcher – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Shameless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #2)Shameless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first book from this author, but I am absolutely looking forward to reading her previous and future works. Overall I found this to be a very sweet and sexy romance novel with some suspense twisted within the story. Elyse and Walt were electric from the start and their chemistry was palatable from the moment they saw each other. I loved the secondary story line regarding his sister Becky’s online cooking show which helped bring them together. I thought Becky was a wonderful character and absolutely enhanced the story. The Bennetts of Langston Falls is definitely a wonderful series and I can’t wait to see what happens to the rest of the family. It’s an easy read that kept me reading straight through until the final page.

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Cry Baby (Pierce Brothers Book 4) by Belinda Williams – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Cry Baby (Pierce Brothers, #4)Cry Baby by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so excited to get to read Noah’s story in the Pierce Brothers series. Reading about the previous 3 brothers, it was clear that Noah was the introverted brother who was a bit of a black sheep. Getting to see him opening up and growing was fantastic. I loved that we got to see Amy again, who was in Seth and Victoria’s story. The two of them had electric chemistry from the beginning and it was so sweet how they worked together to provide Amelia with structure and care. I loved getting to see bits and glimpses of the other brothers and characters from the previous series. As always, there is the big emotional twist before the final scenes wrap everything up. It was an amazing end to a fabulous series and I am excited to see what the author has for us next. This is definitely a book series that will be reread again. This story could be read as a stand-alone, but if you can, I absolutely recommend you read the previous books, as all of these brothers are swoon worthy and sexy as all.

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