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Refrain (Off the Record Book 3) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Refrain (Off the Record Book 3)Refrain by Madelynne Ellis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Refrain is Book Three in the Off the Record Series. I will have to go back and read the first two books so that I get a better understanding of Spook and the rest of the characters’ backstories. This book is a continuation of Spook’s story and without reading the other books I did not have a full picture of him or his character. Spook has had a rough go of things and his traumatic past has caught up with him. Not only has his darkest secrets been exposed but they have been twisted to make even more sensational stories. Spook decides that it is best to walk away from everything he loves, including his beloved band Black Halo and his girlfriend Alle.

The book really puts the reader through the emotions as it starts off with Spook being found lying in a pool of his own blood by some of his friends. He is rushed off to the hospital and thankfully gets stitched back together but is unable to speak so he cannot say what happened to him. Xane is determined to help Spook and makes it his mission to do so. He wants Spook and Alle to get back together and for Spook to return to the band, Black Halo. Will Spook ever be able to get through the demons of his past and get his happily ever after?

This was a beautifully written poignant, and heart-wrenching story with a riveting storyline. The characters were engaging and relatable. My heart went out to Spook for all that he had been through. I so wanted Spook to be able to move forward in his life and have the happiness he deserves. This book will put you through the emotional wringer and have you reaching for the box of Kleenex. If you have triggers though, this book might not be for you as it discusses difficult subject matter. It contains references to depression, abuse, mental illness, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. It had angst, drama, friendship, trauma, heartache, passion, chemistry, and love.

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Mesmerised (Hybrid Lovers Book 2) by Toya Richardson – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Mesmerised (Hybrid Lovers #2)Mesmerised by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mesmerised is the Second Book in the Hybrid Lovers Series. Although this book is part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone. The story centers around the characters of Antoine and Donna and is told from each of their POV. Antoine is an angel/vampire Hybrid whose role has been to protect humans from demons. He has been alone for centuries because he has not been able to find his mate but if he does not find his human mate soon, he is doomed to die. To remain immortal Antoine must find his mate and only together can they destroy a demon completely.

Donna has recently lost everything and has fallen into a deep state of depression. She lost both of her parents in a horrific house fire, lost her best friends, lost her job, lost all her money to a hacker, and then lost her home. Feeling as though she has nothing left to live for, Donna sets off to find a quiet place to end her life. She ends up at the beach thinking it is the perfect place but as she is walking into the water she is rescued by Antoine. He felt her presence, sensed her despair, and felt the connection to Donna. He instantly knows from the intense feelings that he is experiencing that this woman is his mate. When Donna awakens, she is shocked to learn that she was saved and is determined to get away, but Antoine will not allow it. Naturally, Donna feels as though she must have been kidnapped and that this strange man is crazy when Antoine tries to explain to her about the two of them being mates. Donna finds herself drawn to Antoine and feels an instant connection to him as well but cannot explain why. The connection and chemistry between Antoine and Donna is instantaneous, explosive, and undeniable. As the two try to navigate their feelings towards one another the demons are drawing closer. Will Antoine and Donna give in to fate and temptation? Will they realize they are destined to be together? Will they be able to defeat the demons?

This was a beautifully written book with an interesting storyline, engaging characters, and vividly described scenes. I found myself rooting for Antoine and Donna to act on their feelings for one another and be together. Donna had suffered so much loss and grief that I wanted her to find happiness. Antoine was looking for love and wanted someone to spend eternity with. I found myself reading to the end to see what would become of these two. If they would end up with their happily ever after. I needed to see if they together they would destroy the demons. A great read full of loss, sorrow, despair, grief, hope, demons, hybrids, and the power of love. I highly recommend this book!

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Conversations with the Tarot by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Conversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the CardsConversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the Cards by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Conversations with Tarot is so much more than your basic how-to book on learning to read Tarot cards. In this book the author not only shows the reader how to read the cards but also discusses how she reads the cards every day and how they help to guide her. It is part magic and part divine inspiration that help to guide her. I loved how the author explains that a deck of Tarot cards may speak to you, in a sense and that the deck meant for you will come to you when the time is right. I have had my Tarot cards read to me in the past and have always been a bit intrigued by them. However, I was uncertain what each card meant or how one even begins to read the card that is drawn. This book enlightened me, and I learned that there are different types of decks of Tarot cards. Through this book I learned what each card means when that card is drawn and the symbolism behind the card. I also learned that the process of reading Tarot cards involves the formation of a special relationship or bond with your deck of cards. That it is more in-depth than just flipping the card over and describing what the symbol on the card means. I found this book very interesting and loved how the author uses a combination of stories, messages, and musings to explain the Tarot cards and how they can help guide you. This is a book that I will be reading repeatedly and intend to keep as a handy reference. I highly recommend this book!

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