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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Robin Rankin

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rivals: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 7)

I fell in love with this series the moment I started reading the first book and I’m so much deeper in love now.  I love each and every one of these couples, their adventures and how though they are Mafia and toe the line of legal they are pretty good people.

Nico is the last of the group to fall and boy did he fall hard and fast. Being the quietest of the group we really didn’t get a sense of his personality before now.  The stong, sexy and deadly combination work very well for him

Like Nico, Mia was known to a point but she was an outsider.  She found herself with dangerous knowledge and needed protection.  Insert Nico and his family who such bad @$$es for back up.

I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. She has yet to disappoint.

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Key to His Heart by Kristina Beck – Review by Ana Evelyn

Key To His HeartKey To His Heart by Kristina Beck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Do you believe in soul mates? Do you think you’d recognize your soulmate at first glance? This novel takes you on a journey of two soulmates, who’re struggling to find their way in life & to each other. Very heartwarming, deep, and up-lifting. Don’t let that fool you, there are still lots of plot twists and moments of confusion, and chaos. Overall a great charming and emotional read. It’s a book you find yourself reading till 1am.

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Enemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Janel Bernotas

Enemies of DovesEnemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Enemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Janel Bernotas

What a twisting and turning, fast paced novel! This one left me with my jaw hanging, mouth agape! Fans of historical mystery novels will definitely not be able to put this one down. Very well-written novel by Shanessa Gluhm. Five stars!!

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Shield & Shade (Ascended Guardians Series Book 1) Audiobook by Misty Hayes – Review by Ashley Hasting

Zoey Taylor is a 15 year old teenager who is already super smart and dedicated to get out of Texas. 10 years ago, she was told by her family that she disappeared from her home and was found by her brother Corinth. Ever since then, she always had nightmares. Now she comes to Thanksgiving with new friends, a billionaire showing up to her family door, and many secrets revealed. It gets a lot more fun to listen!

Something About Aimee (Girls from the Street Book 1) by S.E. Smith – Review by Lisa Helmick

Something About Aimee (Girls from the Street Book 1)Something About Aimee by S.E. Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is NOT what I thought it was going to be at all!! Reading the bio and the label of “girls from the street” my mind was wandering. This was shocking and surprising and I LOVED every second of this fast-paced, action-packed, keep me on the edge of my seat story!

Aimee is incredible! She has such a great disposition just about all the time! Her job as a courier is definitely interesting and I was WOWed how she used a skateboard instead of a bike. She is mentally strong, is kind to people and not afraid to take chances.

My only small issue with this is a couple different times (early and middle of the book) the POV or a time frame was displaced and/or not needed. It took me out of the flow of the story. Those parts could have still been used but put in at the appropriate time frame. This did not seem to be a problem later in the book.

Overall this is so much more than what I thought it would be. I would highly recommend it to those who love a suspenseful action filled story.

There is Something about Aimee.

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Michele Del Rey

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a really good second chance romance ten years later. I really liked the story and the dynamic of the characters. Sometimes the grass is not always greener and we wonder what if? Fate has their own plans on what we need and this book was amazing on that for me. Really enjoyed.

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Bake Happy (Bake Believe Series Book 3) by Cori Cooper – Review by Jamie Truex

Bake HappyBake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Bake Believe series. If you haven’t read the first two, go do that now. It was a great ending to the series. I really enjoyed all three books. It was very cool to have recipes so we can actually bake these things too. I believe this would really draw in the teenage group, especially those who like to bake and like magic. I think the morals being visited are easy to understand. Definitely recommend this story.

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Skylar Daniels

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amy McKinley has quickly become one of my favorite authors and her Mafia Elite series has also became one of my favorite series. She’s back again with the 7th book in the series. This is a standalone but I recommend reading the other 6 books so you can understand everything better. I was not able to put this book down. It had me hooked from the very first page of the book to the last page. The characters were wonderfully written and I loved the feeling the author had set for this book.
They call me the quiet brother—but I’m just as brutal, dark, and broken.
No woman has ever breached the walls of my heart, and I’m content with who I am. Until Mia Tucci seeks me out.
The New York Mafia princess is an enemy, a fantasy with midnight hair, violet eyes, and a body that promises hours of sin—and she needs my help. But helping her will cost me.
When she barters information that could take down her family’s operation, I’m too intrigued to turn her away. And as we get to know one another, my defenses fracture, tempting me to give her my trust.
But no one in the Mafia is innocent.
My only hope is that intertwining our futures to protect her from her family will not be at the price of mine.
I can’t wait to see what else she has in store in the coming future for her books

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Princess of Prias by Courtney Davis – Review by Skylar Daniels

Princess of PriasPrincess of Prias by Courtney Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book that I have read from Mrs. Courtney Davis and I immediately fell in love with this book. It immediately captured my attention within the first few pages of the book. I had to read the book from start to finish, not be able to put it down until I had finished it. She has a way with words that captures your attention and immediately pulls you in, transporting you into her world that she has created. Being able to see and feel everything the characters are feeling is rare. The way she has written the characters is amazing.
When Elle is presented with every orphan’s dream, finding out she’s actually a princess, she isn’t sure if she should join the hulking sexy man, Locan, on a spaceship ride, or run screaming from the room because he’s obviously nuts. If it weren’t for the strange things she’d recently encountered, like suddenly gaining star shaped birthmarks and a bracelet that once belonged to her mother lighting up with an eerie green light, she would be out of there already. She has enough questions she wants answered to stay and find out, taking his hand and embarking on a journey across the darkness of space. He says she needs to save their people from her evil uncle. She wants to know where she comes from, who her mother was, and why she never fit in on earth. The path to their home planet isn’t without its bumps. Saving aliens, and earthlings while evading her uncle’s men and dodging the pushy goddesses who want to tell them all what to do. Elle has to learn who she really wants to be and to help Locan become the warrior he was meant to be.
I hope that there’s a sequel to this book. I look forward to reading more from this author in the near future.

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Enemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Christen Ware

Enemies of DovesEnemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fast-paced and wicked read that was near impossible to put down. This book was a dual mystery flip that followed two very different but interconnecting storylines. An unpredictable and impressive story design that captivates readers from nearly the first sentence, and the twists and wines of the story hold their attention to the very last page.

Joel, Clancy, and Garrison are all easy-to-like characters with secrets of their own that the reader slowly uncovers with each turn of the page. The twists are hard coming in nearly impossible to see, especially as we flip between times characters and their secrets. This novel works to keep every reader at the edge of their seat, and truly is a work of art whether the mystery is a preferred genre or not.

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The Liminal Space (Antipodes Book 2) by T.S. Simons – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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

What a book! So much information is given in this book…. This is a book that you read and you feel like you are learning but you don’t know it because it is so enjoyable. The author does a tremendous job of describing Cam’s personal struggles and his inherent loyalty to his family. I also love that there are other characters lives that are drawn into the mix and their backstory is given.

This book hits you in all the feels! You’ll feel joy, sadness, and deep grief. But the human spirit of hope is never extinguished! Can’t wait for the next one!

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Enchanted In Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Enchanted in TimeEnchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Roxanne Ferris is a woman who writes a blog, but she has a tragedy burdening her shoulders and so is best selling author Claudette Grayson, although there are decades in age between them, all they want is to escape from the memories haunting them. This led them to meet when Claudette asked for someone to be her caregiver over her last summer, she is unwell and has not got long to live, whereas Roxanne is younger but weighed down by her world. Both women both write and find they in common, but as they spend more time together, other things come to the fore as well.

Claudette is determined to write one last story and she wants Roxanne to help her with it, so they discuss the setting, timeframe, characters and the storyline, in between these conversations, Claudette gives Roxanne her notes so that she can start the task of writing it and it being up to her expectations. As the women dive into this story, they bond over it, however when Claudette goes to bed, Roxanne starts to experience unusual things in the house and starts to think that it is all in her head, so she tries her best to ignore it.

As time goes on, Roxanne starts to hear and see one of the fictional characters in the house and at some point, the apparition starts to talk to her and it all begins to feel a bit too real. Who is the stranger, what is his story and is it just a coincidence that he resembles one of the characters in this story? Will this summer be the undoing of both women, or will their sanity come out of the other side unscathed, stronger and more resilient, bringing about the peace they both so desperately crave? This is an emotional rollercoaster as the supernatural and fictional combine to create a fantastical story of grief, life, love and loss which will ensnare you hook, line and sinker from start to finish.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Bake Happy (Bake Believe Series Book 3) by Cori Cooper – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Bake HappyBake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book three in the trilogy about Cat Anderson and her magical baking. It was nice being back with Cat, as she is a very likeable and relatable main character. Cat has to navigate being a teenager alongside her magical baking abilities. Having been to her family’s bakery and learnt all about her magic baking, Cat is happier and more confident. In fact she’s making the world a better place through her baking, and is using her abilities at class parties and at family meal times. Just when everything seems perfect a surprise visit and a big announcement turn Cat’s world upside down, leaving her wondering how she can continue to ‘bake happy’. This is a fun and lighthearted read with a quirky and unique storyline, which had me happily turning the pages once again. I felt engaged with the characters and immersed in the story due to the descriptive narrative. An enjoyable read for both YA and adults alike.

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Desiree Ottinger

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mia Tucci is the daughter of a NY Mafia boss that is straight up EVIL. She needs a champion to save her from her father’s evil plans for her. Nico La Rosa fills that need and more, he just doesn’t realize it… yet. When Mia offers him information to take down her father’s illegal schemes hinging on them marrying, he’s not sure he can pass it up. Will he take the plunge and make her his, in order to take down an evil mafia boss? Or instead, will he find that she is the perfect match for him?

This is the last of the Chicago Mafia series… I am sad to see this series end, but I am looking forward to the cameos with the NY Mafia! I really would have liked this story to have been longer, but honestly, it’s because I didn’t want it to end. Mia is starved for family and what better family to be a part of then the Chicago Mafia family? I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about how these characters treat their women with respect and how deeply they love each other. There are no damsels in distress either; they are all fierce and loyal!

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Enemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Kayla Kearney

Enemies of DovesEnemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book had me HOOKED from the moment I started it! I had been in the mood for a good mystery novel and this definitely quenched that thirst for me! It was so hard for me to put down this book and continue living life, every time I thought that I was safe to take a break from reading it there was another thing that drew me right back in. I love how the author was able to make such an intricate story through weaving together multiple storylines and character backgrounds. I’m definitely going to read more by this author in the future!

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Bake Happy (Bake Believe Series Book 3) by Cori Cooper – Review by Candice Estes

Bake HappyBake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great junior level book for girls (or really anyone) who likes baking, and doesn’t mind a little relationship drama thrown in for good measure. Sometimes those relationships are family issues, and sometimes they are friends, but always they make for drama. One bonus with this book and the other two in the series is you get several recipes to go along with the story. Who couldn’t use that?
Cat and her family and friends are back for one last baking adventure. When Cat and Nate accidentally swap family curses, Cat is no longer able to bake her feelings, but Nate is…and boy is he misusing his abilities. Cat and Robyn try to stop him from doing bad things with a good gift. Meanwhile, Cat can’t seem to get boys to leave her alone. Between presents, over the top presentations, phone calls and texts, hundreds of boys are bothering her constantly. Cat and Nate are forced to live out the “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes” idiom. The question is, will they be able to fix it?

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Shield & Shade (Ascended Guardians Series Book 1) Audiobook by Misty Hayes – Review by Kerry Baker

It had been a while since I had read this book so I couldn’t wait to experience it in a different format. And what a great way yo dive back into it this was. I found myself becoming so immersed in the story while listening to it and I was completely hooked once again with the story. I thought the narrator did a great job – the boom was vivid and easy to picture exactly what was going on. It made me excited for this series all over again. For me, everything about this is perfect and I think everyone should have a listen today!

Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Kerry Baker

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I could not wait to get my hands on this boom to start reading. The next in an incredible series this book is just as amazing as each one before it. I was pulled straight in with no effort whatsoever and finished the entire book in one sitting. I could not get enough of these characters or the story. This author has such an effortless was of completely captivating me with everything single thing she writes. This book is just as dark, intense and utterly exciting as the rest of the series and I cannot recommend this book any more!

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Candice Estes

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The final book in this series is just as great of a book as all the others. Amy McKinley is most assuredly becoming one of my favorite authors.

In this entry to the series, we follow Nico La Rosa as he finally finds his happily ever after, even if it’s not quite how he expected it. Nico is on a trip to his family’s home in the Caribbean, when Mia Tucci finds him unexpectedly…or rather, he finds her standing on the deck of his house pointing a gun at him as he returns from the beach. Mia proposes the idea of marriage for information on how to bring down a human trafficking ring that her father and “adopted” brother are running as part of their New York mafia family business. Nico agrees, but isn’t quick to trust Mia at first. Eventually, the two share more than just their own secrets, and work together with the Five Families to bring down Mia’s father’s trafficking business. Through everything, Nico finally finds his happily ever after, and Mia finally finds a loving family that will take care of her and protect her at all cost.

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Megan Pesek

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the final book of the Mafia Elite series Amy McKinley nailed it again. There is only one brother left, Nico, and he’s too guarded to let love in. He’s perfectly content on his own. ‘Trust no one’ is the mafia mentality, after all. One night he is propositioned, and his life is forever changed. Mia may be the one person to change his stance. Mia and Nico will try to have their worlds meet, but catastrophic collision is equally possible when changing anything with mafia families.

Nico and Mia’s adventure is a page-turner. The characters continue to build from previous books and the story is just as exciting. Rivals is the perfect ending to the Mafia Elite series despite being sad that the series is complete.

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Something About Aimee (Girls from the Street Book 1) by S.E. Smith – Review by Piper Foster

Something About Aimee (Girls from the Street Book 1)Something About Aimee by S.E. Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Aimme wheels is true to herself and does not follow the masses. The dialogue between Aimee and Qadair is subpar at best. This book does create strong emotions. I wish there was a bit more hear in this book overall a decent read.

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this mafia romance story. This is the seventh book in this series and the best yet. This is a great author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. This is a series that you don’t want to miss. I highly suggest reading the previous books to help your enhancement of this series and this author. This is a well written story where enemies become lovers and their journey to get there. Their story is one that is hard to put down and full of romance and action. A story that is fast paced and hard to put down. I enjoyed being pulled into the story from the first word. A story that had me coming back for more. The characters are relatable and made the story for me. They brought the story to life on each page. This is a great story that made my afternoon steamy. I highly recommend this book and this author.

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Review by @bjwagner

The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan – Review by Bobbi Wagner

The Girl Who EscapedThe Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is not my first story by this author but it is one of my favorites yet. This is a well written story that has twists and turns that are not only edge sitting but also made the story hard to put down. I enjoyed how the author used details to make the story realistic and engaging. The characters pull you into the story from the start. They are connectable, strong and supportive of each other. This is a story about four girls where three are murdered and one escaped. The question now is, is she a victim or killer? This is a story you don’t want to miss. There is great plot growth throughout. I really enjoyed reading this story and I highly recommend it.

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Review by @bjwagner

This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Katie Turner

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This Time Around by Jane Suen is a fast paced second chance romance novella. It centers around Katie and Chase who were young lovers, but Katie shattered his heart when she left him, and everyone else she cared about, to pursue what she thought was her dream job. Chase never really forgave her, but tried to push thoughts of her and his pain aside to focus on raising his orphaned nephew, Timmy. When Katie returns to her hometown attend a wedding, the bride insists she bring a plus one and has the perfect person for her- Chase. Now Katie is placed face to face with the man she crushed a decade prior and her guilt is all-consuming. While trying his best to suppress it, Chase’s feelings of resentment cause inner turmoil as they resurface. Can they put everything aside and pick up where they left off or is the emotional damage too extensive?

I really enjoyed this story. It was easy to dive into and left me feeling all the feels. Jane Suen did a wonderful job developing and expressing each character. The story is relatable to anyone who has had to make hard choices in life to find happiness- which I would venture to say would make it relatable to nearly everyone! If you’re in the mood for a quick romance, I would recommend giving this story a try! I’ll be looking for more stories by this author in the future, as I quite enjoyed her writing.

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Something About Aimee (Girls from the Street Book 1) by S.E. Smith – Review by Jenique Bornman

Something About Aimee (Girls from the Street Book 1)Something About Aimee by S.E. Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a spur of the moment read… and boy was I surprised!!! I feel that the cover doesn’t really do this book justice. The story is superb and the characters are great especially Wheels aka Aimee. She’s a strong independent woman who saves the handsome prince, nit onc, but twice.. who saw that coming?

Excellent character building. My only critique is I would have loved to hear more about Aimee’s back story

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Lorrene Huisman

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been reading this book series since the first one, and this author does such an amazing job in all the books and the characters that they bring to life. This book installment has quickly become my favorite, as always I am very captivated, and wanting more, this book and series is impossible not to love!

First off I must say-this was a bitter sweet read, knowing this is my final read in the series as it has concluded. I could not have asked for a better send off! This book gave all the things I love, mystery, suspense, romance, those momenta that make you sweat from heat with words on the pages, I really found Nico and Mia were wonderful characters. Different but easy to love as a reader. They brought a lot to the story, and I loved the build up in this book! There was a lot of action and suspense, and the author certainly knows how to end the series with a bang! I also loved, that how it ends it seems to have left an opening for more books on a different family! Cant wait! Loved this book and series with all my heart!

Thank you to this wonderful author for the 7 books in this series that has given me sheer enjoyment over the past months of reading. This is the final book, can be read as a standalone, but to truly feel the characters and the stories, I highly suggest the whole series! Must read and high recommendation!

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Something About Aimee (Girls from the Street Book 1) by S.E. Smith – Review by Shannen Kern

Something About Aimee (Girls from the Street Book 1)Something About Aimee by S.E. Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Something About Aimee has a bit of everything in it and I love it. The many twists and turns in this book will have your emotions all over the place, I couldn’t put it down!

Aimee is a street-smart, no holds barred kind of girl living the free life in New York City. She is a street courier on a skateboard that seems to banish any kind of preconceived notions anyone has of her. Using her street smarts, she saves royal Sheikh Qadir from assassination. Qadir is drawn to her for many reasons and saving his life is just one. Every time Aimee has something to say, Qadir finds himself astounded.

I enjoy how strong-willed Aimee is and also that Qadir is not at all intimidated by her. This book threw me for a loop a few times! I thought I knew where it was going, and it would change direction. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend picking it up. I’m headed to get the second book in the series now!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Bake Happy (Bake Believe Series Book 3) by Cori Cooper – Review by Piper Foster

Bake HappyBake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the series. Been the final instalments of this series it’s sweet and brought memories of childhood times. Cat is such a fun character and is pleasant and nice to everyone even those she dispises. When thrown together due to events a wishes is made that changes thier lives forever. I adore the connection we read between her and her grandma due to her passing her love of baking to cat.

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Key to His Heart by Kristina Beck – Review by Alison Risher

Key To His HeartKey To His Heart by Kristina Beck

Two strangers meet, and they are instantly drawn to one another in a love-at-first-sight book. The characters are amazing. The instant connection they form is heart-warming. Readers learn the dangers of an undiagnosed medical problem. This book has new parents, instant families, and emotional baggage- a cathartic experience all around.

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Karyn Taylor

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 7th, and final (sob sob) book in this amazing series that I’ve loved from beginning to end. For me, this is an author who can do no wrong. I’m sure I’ve given 5 stars to every single book of hers that I’ve read, And I have read a lot of them. This is yet another 5 star cracker that I didn’t want to put down.
This is an enemies to lovers, mafia romance that has absolutely everything you want in a mafia romance story. Lots of drama, danger and intrigue added to hot romance, it has it all.
Nico and Mia are fantastic characters. Nico is underboss of one of the Chicago five families, whereas Mia is the daughter of one of the bosses of the New York families. Let’s just say there is no love lost between both factions.
I loved that we are introduced to new characters who will become the main characters in a new series set among the New York mafia families. I can’t wait for more mafia romance from this amazing author.

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