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Sharing His Nanny (Forever Our Girl Book 2) by Tori Chase – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Sharing His Nanny (Forever Our Girl, #2)Sharing His Nanny by Tori Chase
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was fantastic! I couldn’t put it down; the interactions between Stella, Charles, Alex, and Jordan were electric. The story had a well written and realistic side that was then paired with an extremely sexy and racy side. The storyline was very sweet and then the added electric connections just made it hotter. The author did a wonderful job of balancing the sweet part of the story with the naughty parts, while still giving depth and heart to the characters. If you are looking for a book that will get your pulse racing and keep you entertained until the last page, this is the book for you!

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Three Made In Heaven (Made In Heaven #1) by Elena Kincaid – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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

This was a fantastic and well written romance that had some paranormal moments and brought the steamy factor to 11. The author did a great job of keeping me engaged in the story and wanting to keep reading until the end. The dynamics between Mattie, Charlie and Cole were sweet and extremely spicy and the characters were well rounded and developed. The story had several twists and turns that kept me guessing how things would end. It was a somewhat shorter book, but none the less enjoyable. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!

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Vaughn’s Xena (Dirty Rockhard Billionaire Book 1) by M.I. Rosegold – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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

Wow, I had not read anything previously from this author, but that will be changing quickly. This book brought steamy to a whole new level right from the get go. You can feel the attraction between Vaughn and Xena just radiating off of the pages. Not only was this a seriously steamy story, but it was a wonderful romance story that I found myself laughing and then yelling at the characters and then feeling a sense of relief when things would shift again. I absolutely loved her best friend Ron, she was such a great bestie and so hilarious and fun! I loved the interactions between all of the characters and the author did a wonderful job of creating characters that you truly care about. The pacing was well set and definitely ebbed and flowed well. If you are in the mood for an amazing romance with steaminess off the charts, this is the book for you! I can’t wait to read the rest of her work!

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Hot For Me (The Balefire Series Book 4) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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

Having read books from the author’s other series; I was so excited to get to check this book out. I had not read the first 3 books, but the author did an amazing job of recapping the relationships from the previous books in a way that was seamless with this story. The connection between Adam Tron and Cristy Valor was immediately electric and steamy. The character development of the characters as a couple and as individuals was well written. The author did a great job of setting up Cristy’s past and how it affects her life now in a way that you truly feel for her. The story definitely had some great twists and some seriously emotional scenes! If you are looking for a fun and steamy story, full of heart and wonderful characters, this is the book and series for you!

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Lucky Stars by Fantasia Yu – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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

I was unfamiliar with the author and her other works, but I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was a cute sci-fi romance with space adventure mixed in. I thought Princess Mora was a great character and we really got to see her learn and grow as a character throughout the story. Her sister Pola was hilarious and delightful and their robot JCee was amusing and so helpful to the characters. Darin was a charming space hero, who was so kind and hardworking, despite his tough exterior. The rest of the characters were wonderful and the story was an easy to read tale that kept me in suspense until the last page. I cant wait to see what happens in the next book.

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The Golden Garza (Red Cage Book 4) by S. Ann Cole – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

The Golden Garza (Red Cage, #4)The Golden Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had not read the previous books in the series, as it stated this was a standalone story, but I will absolutely be reading the first 3 books immediately. This was a fantastic story about Tripp and Soleil in the Red Cage series. The author did an amazing job of setting up the history between the two characters, as well as their individual backgrounds. Being his little sister’s best friend, Soleil has always had a crush on Tripp, but he always made it clear that he found her annoying. The steamy slow burn between them, in the background of the danger and mystery, created a pager turner I couldn’t put down. The story had excellent pacing and each time you thought everything was resolved, the author threw another twist. I also adored the secondary characters and I can’t wait to see Tillie get her own story and discover the mystery X. I highly recommend this story and can’t wait to see what else the author has in store for this series.

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Chasing Redemption (The Quimby Grove Series Book 2) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Chasing Redemption (Quimby Grove #2)Chasing Redemption by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so excited to go back to Quimby Grove so we could see how Max’s story played out and it did not disappoint! We get to meet Marley, the one who got away that fateful night on the beach, who runs into Max and shocks him with a surprise, they had twins. It was so wonderful getting to watch Max and Marley grow as a couple and find their footing together as they navigated uncharted waters as a family. Luckily we had Ellawyn and Beckett, from the first story, to pop in and lend a hand as needed. As always, the residents of Quimby Grove not only have matters of the heart to deal with, but a suspenseful mystery to deal with as well. The author did an amazing job with the flow of the story, while keeping the reader on high alert as to who the bad guy was. Numerous times I found myself internally yelling at the characters, this is who is doing all the horrible stuff, only to have another twist thrown at me. The final conclusion completely threw me for a loop! If you like steamy heartwarming romance with a dash of suspense, the Quimby Grove books are for you! I read the first book, but I think you could read this one as a standalone.

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Whispers in the Waters (Blood of the Fae) by Sarah Chilson – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Whispers in the WatersWhispers in the Waters by Sarah Chislon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first book by this author and it did not disappoint! I wasn’t completely sure what to expect, but I found a delightful story filled with fantasy mixed in with mystery. The author did a great job of creating a magical world where fantasy creatures blend in with the real world that rejects them and anyone touched by the Fae. We meet Jessa, a young lady, who is well bred, but has always wanted to walk a different path from her much loved older twin sisters. When her Aunt Caris, who lives with them, is summoned to a faraway town, near the OtherWorld, Jessa jumps at the chance to go with her. Soon after arriving, they find several mysteries, and despite multiple warnings, Jessa can’t help but start investigating, along with her cat, Jade. The author did a wonderful job of providing vivid descriptions in the story, as well as well round characters. This shorter story was a prequel to the series and was a great starting off point. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series!

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Talisman (The Talisman Series Book 1) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Talisman (The Talisman Series Book 1)Talisman by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had not read any of the author’s previous books before this one, something I will be remedying immediately; as this was a fantastic start to what will be an explosive series. The author did an amazing job with the character development of Rowan and Alyssa and how their bond and connection grows. You feel the hesitancy of Alyssa to just take at face value what she is being told and Rowan’s urgency to help her feel safe, but also needing her to understand what he is telling her. The author’s background and understanding of Celtic mythology in the modern world gave me Percy Jackson vibes, but with a much more adult twist. Being from Montana, I do also enjoy a solid story that takes place here as well. If you are looking for an amazing Celtic mythology story that that been modernized, full of steamy romance, and vivid action and adventure, this will be a series for you!

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A Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

A Dowry of Snails and MudA Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a fun and unique book to read. I wasn’t sure what to expect with a title including snails and mud, but I was pleasantly surprised to read such a sweet and entertaining story. I loved how unique Rhiannon is and how her character continues to develop and grow as the story continued. Prince Emerys is seen as a delicate fellow, but he definitely blossoms during his marriage to Rhi and we start to see the strength in his character. I am always a sucker for a good enemies to lovers story and this one did not disappoint. It was a quick read, but definitely a well written one. I am excited to see more stories from the author.

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The Taste of Light (The Winemakers Book 2) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

The Taste of Light (The Winemakers, #2)The Taste of Light by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first book by the author, but it definitely won’t be the last! This story has everything, action, humor, drama, romance, tension, and redemption all rolled into one amazing story. The author’s vivid descriptions of the scenery added to the beautiful romance she weaved together. She foreshadowed Pedro and Anna’s love story with the medieval love story of Dom Pedro and Ines de Castro, which just added to the intense suspension of their love story. You really get a sense of the characters and want to see them get their happily ever after. This is absolutely a must read if you are a lover of historical romance.

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first book by this author and while I am unfamiliar with her blog, I am now a huge fan! When I saw this book, I assumed it would be some silly book about how to conjure magic with hocus pocus, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was quite the opposite. I loved her explanations about how to find the everyday magic and how to change your thinking to find the beauty in the mundane. Her explanation of self-care and explaining it is a way to feel connect and to not feel guilty, really resonated with me. I found this to be a motivational and inspiring book to help find not only the magic in your everyday life, but to also find the beauty in it. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking to make a change in their lives.

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The Husbands by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

The HusbandsThe Husbands by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book I have read by this author and I continue to enjoy her style of writing and voice. I love how well she draws you into the story and creates characters that aren’t easily forgotten. Dorian and Augustine along with their gorgeous wives, Aubrielle and Magnolia, are vivid and well written characters that you immediately fall in love with. This story is full of action, excitement, drama, humor and HEA. The author does an amazing job of making you empathize with the characters given the truly tough emotional situation they find themselves in. She pulls at your heartstrings and has you rooting for everyone to get their happily ever after. I loved how she set up the beginning and gave us an epilogue so we know how things end. A quick and fantastic read!

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Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Byrd Nash – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #2)Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had not had a chance to read book one yet, but book 2 definitely didn’t disappoint! Despite not having read book 1, I found book 2 to be a very enjoyable read and I was able to follow the story line quite well. I absolutely fell in love with all of the characters, even the Noisy Ghost. I love how independent both Elinor and Charlotte are and how quickly they are willing to jump into action, whether it’s to save a ghost, save a lady, or save the king. I also really enjoyed the relationship between Tristan Archambeau and Elinor, seeing our strong fearless heroine keeping the stoic duke on his toes is quite enjoyable. I am intrigued to see how the rest of the series goes and how they will continue to find each other in new situations. If you like humor along with a mystery twist, full of great characters, and red herrings all over, this is a great series to pick up!

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Falling Home (Buckeye Falls Book 1) by Libby Kay – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Falling HomeFalling Home by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a wonderful story to read right before Christmas! It was a story filled with Christmas spirit and finding second chances at love. Ginny and Max were such a perfect couple and I loved how the author let us see the viewpoints of both of them and how both saw their marriage and their history. The secondary characters were fantastic as well. I can’t wait to see more of Natalie, Cece, and Evan. They all were such perfect characters and wonderful friends. I loved the meddling dad and his girlfriend, working behind the scenes to try and bring about a Christmas miracle. I loved how sweet this story was and all of the different foods that were made definitely made me want to try my hand at baking! I definitely recommend this story to anyone looking for a sweet Christmas tale about second chances at love.

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Son of Asmodeus by Barb Jones – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Son of AsmodeusSon of Asmodeus by Barb Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great start to a new supernatural/paranormal book series. It was nonstop action all the way to the last page; I couldn’t stop until I finished the story. This story had it all, secret agencies, demons, angels, a prophet, and a man just trying to figure out his place in the world that he has survived in for centuries. There are so many more secrets to be unraveled; I can’t wait to read the next book to find out what happens. Sully is a fantastic leading character and I can’t wait to learn more about Mick. I am intrigued to learn more about Sully’s brother Edward and what his future in the tale holds. The story is well written and full of action and adventure with wonderful characters that you will want to follow until their journey’s end.

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Minotaur’s Lair (Servant of the Gods Book 3) by Luciana Cavallaro – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Minotaur's Lair (Servant of the Gods, #3)Minotaur’s Lair by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A stunning conclusion to an epic trilogy filled with fast paced adventure in ancient Greece. I devoured this story as quickly as possible to discover what happens with Evan and his fellow companions who are in a race to save the gods. Again, a wonderfully researched story that makes you feel like you are right there in ancient Greece with the characters. The author did a fabulous job of blending history, mythology and fantasy into a stunning trilogy. The story continued to take you on different twists and turns, culminating into a surprising ending. I will definitely be checking out the author’s other series as her writing is stellar and kept my interest peaked throughout the entire trilogy.

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The Labyrinthine Journey (Servants of the Gods) Book 2 by Amanda Haller-Doris

The Labyrinthine JourneyThe Labyrinthine Journey by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I found this to be a well-researched and written story about ancient Greece laced with history and mythology. This was a well-paced story that immediately hooks you into the story and I couldn’t put it down. As a lover of Greek Mythology, I found this to be a wonderful story. I jumped into book 2 without reading book 1, but the story was detailed enough I was able to follow along, but I will be reading book 1 so I can get the full effect. I thought the character development was fantastic and Evan is definitely a hero favorite of mine. I can’t wait to read book 3 to see how the journey continues and what adventures our heroes will find.

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What Actually Happened to Isaac Moore by Samantha J. Rose – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

What Actually Happened to Isaac MooreWhat Actually Happened to Isaac Moore by Samantha J. Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the first book I have read by this author, but it won’t be my last! This was such a whirlwind of action, adventure, and fantasy; I couldn’t put it down until I had finished the story. The author did a fantastic job of developing the characters and it was a journey watching how they evolved. This story was filled with vivid imagery in a whimsical fantasy world. This story takes you on a voyage of heartache and tragedy, followed by heart and humor. The author paces the story in a way that comes at you in waves. If you are looking for an offbeat story that covers adventure, heart, fantasy, magic, mystery, and well developed characters, this is a wonderful book to check out.

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Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Amaleigha and the Big IdeaAmaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an adorable tale about a five year old that loves to spend time thinking and seems to view the world in a different way. The writer did an amazing job of describing this little girl’s attitude and ability to study and learn from the world around her. The pictures came out great on a Kindle and illustrated her and the world she sees. I love how even though she is only five, she comes up with such a wonderful idea and is able to explain it in a way that she gets everyone on board. It’s a great story that teaches children, just because you are young, it doesn’t mean you can’t have wonderful ideas. I have never heard of barefoot parks and I loved the idea of this. I fully recommend this story for anyone who wants to teach their children that they can make an impact on the world around them.

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Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday RomanceKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday Romance by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely adored this story and finished it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down! I loved that our female protagonist Tenley is the practical one in regards to love and Teagan our male protagonist is the Love Guru, who advocates for love. My favorite part of this story is that while also being hilarious, it is such a sweet tale. I loved the characters growth and development. I also enjoyed that we got to see view points from not only our main characters, but from the other characters in the story. I haven’t read the author’s other works, but I definitely am going to have to, so I can get to know the secondary characters better! This is definitely a fantastic book for lovers of romantic comedies.

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Malayeka (Heartstrings Book 3) by Brooke May – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Malayeka (Heartstrings Book 3)Malayeka by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such an adorable story! It’s part of a series, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone. We meet Malayeka, an ethereal being or angel, who, along with her with her five “sisters”, work for Cupid to help him with his workload in helping people fall in love. Malayeka is given an assignment to help two people fall in love, Billie Reid and Leo Thomson. The catch, they live in a small town and their families have been feuding for decades and it’s ugly. I loved how well written the characters were and Malayeka was hilarious in her efforts to help them fall in love. I found the story flowed well and had a use of both humor and heart. Highly recommended!

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The Sacrifice (Dragonpets Book 1) by R. L. S. Hoff – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

The Sacrifice (Dragonpets #1)The Sacrifice by R.L.S. Hoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought this was such a sweet, romantic, and exciting story. Rilla was such a well written character and she was definitely feisty and not afraid to stand up to a dragon. Vidar the dragon was such a sweetheart, it was heartbreaking to learn his backstory and they he had been trapped in his dragon form. Rilla is supposed to be some sort of sacrifice for him, but instead they begin to form a bond and relationship. I thought it was adorable how they worked together to learn more about the evil dragon and grow together. I loved the ending and I am so excited to read the next book in the series!

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The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch by Julia Brewer Daily – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

The Fifth Daughter of Thorn RanchThe Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this story; I couldn’t put it down until the very end as I wanted to see how things would turn out. I loved the author’s descriptions of the Texan wilds and life on a ranch. This was a well written story about intrigue and family drama. Emma was a strong female character who loved her life, but when taken in by The People, she worked hard to earn their trust. Emma consistently looked for ways to get home, but while living among her new people, she found a way to try to help them with her education and knowledge. I enjoyed how the story would switch back and forth from Emma’s point of view to her mother, Josie’s point of view. It was heartbreaking reading her mother’s anguish over her missing daughter and the pressures of the legacy of Thorn Ranch. I definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for a fast paced story about love, drama, and family.

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Raine Down (The Shadow Guardians Book 1) by CB Samet – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Raine Down (The Shadow Guardians, #1)Raine Down by C.B. Samet
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a fabulous beginning to a fast paced, action packed, paranormal/supernatural series. We meet Raine an intelligent, strong willed, butt kicking heroine with supernatural powers. Then we have Will, a hard-working, open-minded FBI agent who has to learn how to work with a partner, while searching for a serial killer. I loved how the story started right in the action and kept the pacing throughout the whole narrative. I love mythology, and while my Norse Mythology isn’t as sharp, it was done in a way that even a lay person would enjoy it, especially if they, like Will, watch Marvel movies. From the moment they meet, Raine and Will’s chemistry is off the charts and it was a delight seeing them grow together, while still keeping the story moving at lightening pace as they work to stop a killer. I couldn’t put this book down and I can’t wait for the next one!

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Master Catteneo (Masters of the Consulate Book 5) by Sylvia Black – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Master CatteneoMaster Catteneo by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, this was such a great paranormal romance story that was extremely steamy and sexy. I had not read the previous stories in this standalone story, so some of the characters backstories were unfamiliar to me, but the author did a great job of summarizing so it didn’t feel like I was missing huge gaps of information, but definitely made me want to check out the rest of the series! Master Catteneo and Alessia’s instant chemistry is electric and hot. This series has vampires, witches, psychics, and werewolves among other paranormal beings. I loved that the females were strong independent women who didn’t let the alpha males make their decisions. The story-line was fast-paced and full of intrigue, along with politics, hidden agendas, and revenge. I devoured the book quickly; I just couldn’t put it down! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and the upcoming books!

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Hot for Teacher by Felicia Carparelli – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Hot for Teacher - Shakespeare Made Us Fall in LoveHot for Teacher – Shakespeare Made Us Fall in Love by Felicia Carparelli
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a cute story with a dash of drama and suspense mixed in with the romance. We meet our main characters in a summer literature class, where Juliet is the teacher and Jim is a diamond in the rough student. They have an instant attraction, but Juliet is far more cautious, while Jim is impulsive and ready to jump in feet first. As they find the parallels with their love and Shakespeare, Jim is looking for ways to make it work, while Juliet’s caution makes her gun shy. I thought it was a very sweet romance story about second chances and that love doesn’t play by the rules. I thought both characters were very sweet and the story-line flowed well. I loved all of the Shakespeare quotes sprinkled throughout the story as well! It was a semi-quick read that I couldn’t put down!

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The Virus of Beauty (The Virus of Beauty Book 1) by C.B. Lyall – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

The Virus of Beauty (The Virus of Beauty #1)The Virus of Beauty by C.B. Lyall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You can’t escape your fate, as unwilling wizard Wilf discovers the hard way, in this well written fantasy novel about wizards and witches and magic. It’s a wonderful coming of age story mixed with magic. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started a book about beauty being a bad thing, and while it is a huge piece of the story, the main focus is Wilf’s journey to discovering who he was meant to be and how he can help support the battle between witches and wizards. The author did a wonderful job of describing the characters and creating a well thought out world. I enjoyed watching Wilf’s and Katryna’s relationship progress and his selflessness to help support her. Wilf’s journey unfolds in an emotional manner while still keeping the pace and action intriguing. The story had multiple twists and turns, and just when I thought I knew how it would end, the story had another curve ball for me. I can’t wait to read the rest of the trilogy and see how things end for Wilf.

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Lucas the Spy Cat (Jake the Growling Dog) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Lucas the Spy CatLucas the Spy Cat by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an adorable story from start to finish. I loved the creativity about the ideas of where Lucas might be going and what he might be doing. The story flowed and rhymed nicely. I loved all of the interactive activities at the end of the story as well. I thought it read well on a kindle and the pictures came across well too. It’s definitely a great story for parents with young children who enjoy interactive and creative stories.

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The Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

The Final BiteThe Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a quick and adorable story about second chances, full of action, and romance. Quinnlan has been chosen for a second chance at life, but with just 3 days, in a small town, his options are limited, and the opportunity for happily ever after is slim. Despite the shortness of the tale, the pacing was well set and the action well written. The heat between Quinnlan and Garrett is smoldering right from the start and just continues to get hotter. If you love paranormal stories with fast action and romance, this is a great story for you!

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