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Whisper (The Entian Curse) by Kay Ross – Review by Ayla Phipps

Whisper (The Entian Curse, #1)Whisper by Kay Ross
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, wow what a ride. This is the first book I have read by Kay Ross and my oh my it was a spectacular ride. In a world where magic is known but forbidden to combine the outcome giving birth to “curses” this book gives an original take on discovering what it is to be alive.
Whisper is a disembodied spirit with knowledge, but no memories. While this might sound like a good thing, Whisper’s first experience of existence is fear, panic, and coldness. Finding compassion in a young woman named Ethene, this instantly becomes her favorite connection. All too quickly the joy of learning how to control “her” body and move, and talk she is faced with what death means. Death is an ending. Her goal quickly becomes that of staying alive and keeping others from being ended because of them. Whisper wants to make death, killing and ending outlawed. They want fear to be eradicated so that no one will ever feel it again.
Will Whisper succeed in protecting all from death and fear? Can she keep Ethene safe to achieve her goals? Or will Whisper slip back into the trees, and vines to live out their days? Being inside Whisper’s mind gave me Host feelings but at the same time so much more. Whisper isn’t a preexisting being they are a newborn and while they have no memories, they have knowledge they can pull on to quickly understand basic information. Only their first feeling of existence is nearly their ending. Ending another is quickly understood to be wrong by them and the journey they go on to try and abolish it will take you on an adventure with twists, turns, and revelations you may have never thought about before opening this book and diving in headfirst. Highly recommend. I will diffidently be keeping my eyes out for book two, to see what happens next in this amazing new and original series.

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Finally Friends: Donut the Dog & Peanut the Squirrel Learn Social Skills (Donut & Peanut Collection) by Debbie Sullivan – Review by Ayla Phipps

Finally Friends: Donut the Dog & Peanut the Squirrel Learn Social SkillsFinally Friends: Donut the Dog & Peanut the Squirrel Learn Social Skills by Debbie Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Colorful, beautiful illustrations gave me Clifford feels while reading this one. Wonderful life lessons in easy-to-understand ways. Just because Donut knew what he was doing, to little Peanut he came off as very scary. Sometimes being still, calm, and quiet when talking is best. Great easy to read book for growing readers.

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Gadrella by Tricia Gardella – Review by Ayla Phipps

GadrellaGadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Absolutely love Tricia Gardella’s books and this one is no different. Stunningly beautiful illustrations bring Gadrella to life as she helps her fellow witches embrace their uniqueness. Not the easiest of books to read for young readers. While the names are beautiful and unique I struggled with her two best friends names a bit. Perfect Halloween book for all ages.

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Hi Little Brother, I Love You by Deniese Dennis – Review by Ayla Phipps

Hi Little Brother, I Love You: A Sweet Gift Keepsake Book Welcoming a New Baby Brother to the Family.Hi Little Brother, I Love You: A Sweet Gift Keepsake Book Welcoming a New Baby Brother to the Family. by Deniese Dennis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As someone with little brothers I found nothing but facts in these beautifully illustrated pages. Absolutely love the fun words on every page to bring some silly into story time. Easy to read for all ages and those recently promoted.

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Reunion (The Hellgate Chronicles) by Jocelyn Lindsay – Review by Ayla Phipps

Reunion (The Hellgate Chronicles, #1)Reunion by Jocelyn Lindsay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Everything about this stunning new beginning to the Hellgate Chronicles series pulled me in. Jocelyn Lindsay is a new author to me, and I will continue to recommend her to everyone. You never know if you don’t give her a try, right? From the eye-catching cover to the line and sinker of the synopsis I knew I had to give this book a try and I was not disappointed. I grew up on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and in a lot of ways I got those same nostalgic feels when I read the synopsis. So glad I jumped in with both feet.
Meg Walker isn’t like everyone one else. She has literally saved the world but when her “duty” was done so was she. Moving away and leaving everything and everyone behind her might have seemed like a great idea, at least it was until now. Twenty-five years have passed since that day when Meg closed the Hellgate, but now someone wants to open it back up. Only once you save the world once it’s easy to do it again. But now all those unresolved issues of her youth are back. Running was a temporary solution that ended the moment she returned to town.
Can Meg finally find closure? Resolve? What secrets will finally be revealed? While the beginning was building up this incredible world you quickly fall in love with Meg, she is rough around the edges, she has some flaws, and her past isn’t all rainbows and smiles. Life has been just that, life, a beautifully imperfect perfect that she doesn’t let keep her down. I truly cannot wait to see what will happen next in this series and will keep an eye out for any news so I can mark my calendar.

Not all Reunions are rainbows and sunshine.

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The Crown of Stones Trilogy Box Set (The Crown of Stones Series) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Ayla Phipps

The Crown of Stones Complete TrilogyThe Crown of Stones Complete Trilogy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bravo C.L. Schnider, I now understand why I have seen this series everywhere. While this boxset was not my introduction to this incredible author or Ian Troy, I finally understood so much more about his story and the author’s talent. Already a big fan of C.L. Schnider, I was introduced to Ian Troy through the two Soulbound Journeys books. Having finally had a chance to go back and see where it all began, I was left awestruck by all her had overcome and made it out the other side, yes more scared both internally and externally but it gives so much more depth to the world and characters the author has created.
Ian Troy is a Shinree soldier. Their one downfall is their addiction to magic. Book One starts with the battle that changed the very map of the world itself. But Troy buried the crown with his fallen lover and queen and became a bounty hunter. Only the crown wasn’t done with him. Book Two, two years have passed since the events of book one and Troy has been beaten down and enslaved. Only now, he finds himself as a leader and so many others look to him for guidance and freedom. Book Three, Ian Troy is in hiding, the resistance has fallen, and he’s left trying to find a way to help the realm and the people who inhabit it.
Can Ian Troy get a handle on his addictions to save the realm? Will he become too broken, or will that feed his determination more? This entire world pulls every ounce of your soul into it. C.L. Schnider captured the power of legends like Tolkien and created her own ever-growing complex world that keeps you coming back for more. I may have read things out of order in the world of Ian Troy, but I can truly say that’s not gonna stop me from now going back to read Troy and discovering his full backstory that leads to him becoming the warrior that he was in the beginning of this trilogy.

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Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Ayla Phipps

SanctuarySanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oooo, this one will sneak up on you. While this is the first book, I have read by Bree M. Lewandowski I can promise its just the beginning of a beautiful future. This is a slow burn but is a mix of so many things in one, fantasy, romance, some spice, and of course mystery and so much more.
Petra goes to the royal city for one purpose and one purpose only, to discover the truth about her brother’s sudden death and clear his name so that his memory can be free. Things don’t start out the greatest but one moment of breaking the rules to get some fresh air and sit upright sets everything in motion. In one night, she is suddenly in the courier robes she had been working towards, delivers not one but two scrolls, given two rewards and meets the captivating Captain Rand. She adds vows to herself for things such she wants to achieve, such as getting her friend Winfred out of the washing house and away from the “Pod”. When an ancient incantation links Petra and Rand’s fates together everything begins to shift.
Who is responsible for her brother’s death? What does her fate with Rand mean for them? The slow beginning builds up so much of the world and where Petra enters it. Going through her integration into the Cloistered City and trying to rise while searching for answers. The sudden end made my heart drop and my soul weep a little as I wanted more. No, I need more. Sending out all the good vibes into the universe that Bree will make this at least a duology to give us more, to answer the questions left in our minds and to see how Petra and Rand evolve after what’s happened.

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The Viper’s Bloodline Awakened (The Gods’ Scion Series) by Winnifred Tataw – Review by Ayla Phipps

The Viper's Bloodline Awakened: The Fifth Book in the Urban Fantasy series The Gods' ScionThe Viper’s Bloodline Awakened: The Fifth Book in the Urban Fantasy series The Gods’ Scion by Winnifred Tataw
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh wow, where to start. This is the fifth instalment in The Gods’ Scion series and Winnifred Tataw’s creativity at weaving intricate stories continues to awe me. While I did read the previous book, The Sisterhood of Secrets, I have not read the first three books yet. That said this book will be very confusing if you have not at least read the fourth book as I personally would have been lost if I hadn’t. The events of this book are directly related to the fourth book and are mentioned many times without detail being given to explain what happened. Once again, the author gives us multiple perspectives giving more details and building the side plots as well as the overarching story of the series.
From Faye, Arcelia’s mom, choosing her daughter over her family. Rodrick dealing with nightmares of losing Arcelia, and the warning that the demon king Ryton’s spirit lives on. To Rona wanting time with her siblings and the arrival of a new one and another surprise. This instalment will leave you on the edge of your seat trying to race through the pages and find all the answers. That twist at the end had me shocked and speechless, only to read End. I instantly fell into a book hole cold and lost with my mouth wide open in stunned shock. I cannot wait for the next book to find out what will happen next and if it’s possible for a happy ending in this series in anyway. With each new book more twists, secrets, betrayals, heartbreaks and surprises pop up leaving you guessing on what will happen next.

When the bloodline awakens no one is safe. Destinys will change.

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It’s Cool To Be Kind by Shermaine Perry-Knights – Review by Ayla Phipps

It's Cool To Be Kind: A Children's Book on Kindness and FriendshipIt’s Cool To Be Kind: A Children’s Book on Kindness and Friendship by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a quick easy read that shows not only big dreams and ways that you can be kind but small ways every day to be kind. From helping to carry groceries to showing someone how to tie their shoes to just being nice to someone when others aren’t. Kindness is free and deserved by all. Bright colorful illustrations help grab your attention in this inspirational read on daily ways to be kind, and beyond.

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Luca Magoo, Don’t Eat The Glue (Luca Magoo Series) by Megan Delgado – Review by Ayla Phipps

Luca Magoo, Don't Eat The Glue: A back-to-school tale that encourages positive classroom behavior and creative expression.Luca Magoo, Don’t Eat The Glue: A back-to-school tale that encourages positive classroom behavior and creative expression. by Megan Delgado
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First book I have read by this author, and I LOVED it. The illustrations were nostalgic of Chalk Zone vibes and the fun easy to read rhymes gave a fun twist of what could happen if you ate glue. As a boy mom I may have laughed a little hard on some of the pages like the glue riding the fart cloud but highly recommend this book for a creative what if on eating just a drop of glue.

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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Ayla Phipps

Down By The RiverDown By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love Tricia Gardella’s books, yes all of them. They are always so beautifully illustrated and amazing for young readers. This one is about rivers, life inside them, above them, over them, and around them. Easy to read and beautiful illustrations gave me classic Disney feels of Winnie the Pooh.

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Cam Creates a Hero (Courage Tales Series) by Dagmara Sitek – Review by Ayla Phipps

Cam Creates A Hero: Growth Mindset Book For Kids (Courage Tales)Cam Creates A Hero: Growth Mindset Book For Kids by Dagmara Sitek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beautiful message in this one. While I found a few of the pages confusing on the order to read the talk bubbles the story was amazing. Dagmara Sitek shows an easy to understand for young readers what empathy is. How your imagination is only the first step in the creation of amazing things. Cam and his siblings might not be engineers, but his imagination and creativity created a hero that all of them could believe in and helped so many that needed to believe in good.

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A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella – Review by Ayla Phipps

A Pig and A PokeA Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Vibrant illustrations help this extremely entertaining story to life. Angela shows determination, perseverance, patience and overcoming bullies in this slippery match to catch a pig. Could you catch a pig? Also, side note LOVE how the pig was very similar looking to Pua from Moana. I love piggies.

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Decisions Matter (Buddy the Blue Corgi Series) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Ayla Phipps

Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong (Buddy the Blue Corgi 3)Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Aww poor little Buddy. This one has a very important lesson, HONESTY. All too often others take the blame for things because no one likes to get in trouble but letting others take it when they are innocent is so much worse. I have always told my two boys; Honesty is the best policy.

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Good Things Take Time (Buddy the Blue Corgi Series) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Ayla Phipps

Good Things Take Time: A picture book about learning patience (Buddy the Blue Corgi)Good Things Take Time: A picture book about learning patience by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, so important. Everyone is made special, and everyone has their special family out there waiting for them. Patience while you wait is one of the hardest things to do in this world, but the good things take time, but they always find you, eventually.

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You Are Special (Buddy the Blue Corgi Series) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Ayla Phipps

You Are Special (Buddy the Blue Corgi, #1)You Are Special by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a beautiful book. A wonderful message with beautiful illustrations brings this message full circle. Every living thing is made unique, or special in their own way. Yes, some can be cruel about those differences, but they make you special and they are never something to be ashamed of. Inspiring first book in this series.

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Master Bistrita (Masters of the Consulate Book 11) by Sylvia Black – Review by Ayla Phipps

Master Bistrita (Masters of the Consulate #11)Master Bistrita by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oooo. I can’t believe this series is almost over, I have enjoyed every moment of this series, and this book was no different. Sylvia Black truly is one of my favorite authors. Dual perspectives of Bistrita and Chara.
Chara is the best friend of Natalia from the previous book and Master Bistrița’s land butts up to Oradea’s in the target zone. Everything finally starts to come to a head in this one. Devora has finally given her blessing to the witches to help the purebloods. Also, with Natalia’s syndicate brothers and their men forming a barrier around the zone things seem to finally be working. Destiny has brought the witches to their pureblood mates. Now Bistrita has a new battle, one he never expected in the form of a red-headed beauty that won’t be ordered around without a fight. She’s not made of glass, and she won’t let him treat her as if she were.
Everything about this amazing series pulls you in. The tropes and the guaranteed happily ever after in each book for each couple is gold. I cannot wait to see how it all comes to an end in book twelve, Master Slobozia, October 19th, 2024. We already got glimpses of Taylen but how will she fair against her master?

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Forbiddenly Yours (Titans of Chicago Series) by Anise Storm – Review by Ayla Phipps

Forbiddenly Yours (Titans of Chicago Book 2)Forbiddenly Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my. This one gets into the heat quick and then builds. I have read several of Anise Storm’s books and I will always choose her work as a go to. While the first book in this series was friends to lovers, this one was a one-night stand, turned student professor forbidden love. Dual perspective of Callum and Nicole.
Callum is a thirty-year-old Titan of Chicago. A summer vacation to Costa Rica before he began his second year, first full year, teaching at the University of Chicago he attends an ayahuasca ceremony. His goal to learn more about himself. Nicole is a twenty-one-year-old senior in college. Breaking family tradition, she transfers from Stanford to the University of Chicago for her senior year and to intern at her uncle’s company which is in her field of study. She is the belle of a Titan and the niece of one. While finishing up her vacation in Costa Rica before her senior year she attends an ayahuasca ceremony to find out who she is. The moment they meet they are drawn to each other and a single night of desire follows them back to the states. Only fast forward, first day of classes and he is her Senior Lit professor, and she is his student. They both are flooded with memories and wants that no longer can be possible. But he’s not the only one watching and wanting Nicole.
Who wants to take Nicole from him? Will they succeed in taking down a Titan? What will come of the other man/student in Nicoles orbit? Everything about this series makes you want more. Makes you hold your breath with each new chapter and turn of the page as the story unfolds. I cannot wait to see what Titan’s story we will get next. Book three, Dangerously Yours, February 18th, 2025. I’ll see you there.

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G is for Gossamer: A Children’s SMART & SOPHISTICATED ABC’s Book by Miss Whitaker – Review by Ayla Phipps

G is for Gossamer: A Children's SMART & SOPHISTICATED ABC's BookG is for Gossamer: A Children’s SMART & SOPHISTICATED ABC’s Book by Miss Whitaker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The first book I have read by Miss Whitaker, and I must say those illustrations were STUNNING. We spent more time looking at everything on each page than reading all the definitions in the back. Both of my younger sisters are currently about to have their first baby, and this book is getting added to their gifts as well as one for my house. So beautiful.

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Andrew’s Armor by Jill Monaco – Review by Ayla Phipps

Andrew's ArmorAndrew’s Armor by Jill Monaco
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by the inspirational Jill Monaco, and it was perfect. Even as an adult we need a reminder that just because we don’t have physical armor, we always have our spiritual armor. Beautiful illustrations complete the wonderful message that Andrew goes through.

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The Places We Call Home by Kim Ann – Review by Ayla Phipps

The Places We Call Home: A picture book to remind us that home is where all love begins.The Places We Call Home: A picture book to remind us that home is where all love begins. by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Absolutely love Kim Ann’s books. Such fun and beautiful illustrations mixed with “fun fonts” that make it fun to read for all ages. I love how inclusive the author is also. This book didn’t just talk about different people’s homes but also included all animals, land, air, water. As well as different locations, cities, towns, mountains, grasslands, beaches.

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Oscar and Emmy Visit the Vet (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Ayla Phipps

Oscar and Emmy Visit the Vet: A book to explain how visiting the vet with your pets can be fun!Oscar and Emmy Visit the Vet: A book to explain how visiting the vet with your pets can be fun! by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again, Terri Sabol bridges the gap between people and understanding their pets. Oscar and Emmy are due for their annual checkups in this one and Charlie and Abby learn about all the ways they can help their pets at home. Brushing them daily and helping their teeth. This series always has such an amazingly informative story with beautiful illustrations and step by step information in the back on ways to help your pets.

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Alchemy of Glass (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Ayla Phipps

Alchemy of GlassAlchemy of Glass by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mystery, history, and more. Once again, the world Barbara Barnett weaves in the pages of this series pulls you in and fully emerges you. Apothecary’s Curse introduces you to the world and the characters, but Alchemy of Glass takes you deeper into the catacombs of who they are and what they must overcome.
It all starts with a journal and a piece of glass. Gaelen was surprised to see a long thought missing piece from one of his own stain glass windows changes everything. Now he must face the consequences of his actions towards Dr. Anne Shaw. Without her help and understanding the world could be doomed for the catastrophic future he’s seen ahead.
Can Gaelen and Anne trust each other? Is the past too much to overcome? What does the future show? This world is just *chefs kiss* everything is so perfectly weaved together and has a purpose even the simplest of details make a difference. Immortality has become too much for Gaelen and finding a cure is truly his biggest desire.

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Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Ayla Phipps

Dark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy RomanceDark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy Romance by Kristin Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ooooo this one was a treat. This is the first book I have read by Kristin Ward and the moment I saw “The End” I instantly went and preordered book two so that I could see what would happen next in this world.
Gillian has watched her town wither and suffer long enough. When her brother is taken, she does what is necessary to get him back safely and to take his place. Only she becomes caught and sucked into the history she never knew existed but involves her. The Lords who rule the Shadowlands are no more responsible for where they are born than any other and when Gillian finally begins to see past where they are from, she enters a new struggle. To honor her family duty or to honor her heart.
What has caused Rudgarde and the Kingdom of Mirynn to be taken over by the wasting? Is the truth behind history the key to saving the children and the crops? I have always been a fantasy girl, and this book had it all. Depth, growth, complex history, forbidden love, and so much more that once I started, I fell into the world until the last page. And that ending is perfect. *Chefs kiss* I cannot wait for book two, Treacherous is the Tower, December 1st, 2024. I’ll see you there to see what happens when Rapunzel meets Dragons, with Sorcha and Draven’s story.

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Shadowed Storm: A Shadow Defense Security Thriller Book 4 (Shadow Defense Security Series) by Mavery Ellscott – Review by Ayla Phipps

Shadowed Storm (Shadow Defense Security, #4)Shadowed Storm by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Never a dull moment in this series. The author doesn’t make you wait long for the action like life moments happen in an instant and this instalment in the Shadow Defense Security series is no different. Dual perspectives of Seb and Alexis.
A normal task for Alexis turns everything upside down when she discovers genetically engineered algae that even a small sample could poison the world’s freshwater supplies. Being the logical person she is she decides to sneak away and make her way to the University of Miami where she can get a second opinion before taking her information to the scientific community. Only she is immediately being watched and followed by those responsible. Seb is sent by Finlay, Alexis’s best friend, to help her complete her journey. Seb is a former Navy SEAL, partnered with Drake, Finlay’s boyfriend (book 3), and three others they own Shadow Defense Security, a private military contractor. Seb’s goal is to safely get Alexis to Miami, but the men hunting her and now him will stop at nothing to keep their discovery from seeing the light of day. First meeting in book three, the chemistry between Alexis and Seb is obvious as they trust in each other and fight to survive the situation they have found themselves in.
Will they get the sample to Miami? Who is behind this and why? Can Alexis and Seb find more together or is it fleeting with the mission? Everything about this series is designed to pull you in and keep you on the edge of your seat and heart racing from page one. The incredible author seamlessly introduces the next pair of each book in the previous one and then has them face their own set of missions and obstacles to overcome together. After reading book three back in March I was eagerly awaiting Seb and Alexis’ story and now with four out of the five owners story complete I cannot wait to see what book five will hold with Javier’s story is the only one left and I cannot wait to see how this world and the overarching story will play out. I’ll see you there.

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Wheel of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Ayla Phipps

Wheel of Evil (Hani's Daughter Mysteries Book 3)Wheel of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The things we do for family. N.L. Holmes brings us Neferet and Bener-ib’s newest adventure or I should say mystery. This time though it’s very close to home with her uncle being in direct danger and thus her entire family at risk. From different perspectives we get to see not only how Neferet investigates but her father Hani.
Neferet’s uncle Pipi is essentially a giant ten-year-old as she describes him, at least financially. His newest passion is chariot making, though when things start not going as planned, he recognizes that and wants out only his friend tries first and ends up murdered the next day. He has no other choice, he must let his older brother Hani know what’s going on, he needs his help in finding a way out and getting free. While Hani goes to speak to the widow about what happened and trying to learn more about the other investors, Neferet goes straight to the chariot maker in hopes of learning more. Learn more she does, the plan to get rich wasn’t his idea but someone else’s and even he doesn’t know all the details and who the investors are, he only states he won’t turn down the silver he’s brought.
Who is behind the plan? Can Neferet and Hani discover the truth? What will happen to Uncle Pipi and the entire family if they don’t figure it out in time? With each book in this incredibly in-depth series your shown more of the historical aspects of Ancient Egypt. This time we got a better look into chariot making and how one kick of a horse can damage the integrity of the entire thing. The map at the beginning, the character list, and the glossary all helps in fully immerse the reader in the mystery that follows. I can’t wait to see what mystery Neferet and Bener-ib will solve next.

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Wild King (King Brothers Series) by K.M. Scott – Review by Ayla Phipps

Wild King (King Brothers #2)Wild King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Who knew keeping it anonymous could go so wrong and so right. I love this series by K.M. Scott and can’t believe it’s been a year already since book one. Dual perspectives of Kellen and Salem.
Since the loss of his younger brother Theo, Kellen has been on a war path of his own destruction until it finally catches him in more ways than one. Salem is a public relations firm owner with her sister and when she is on her last night of vacation a stranger walk in and sweeps it off her feet and into a dream land. Suddenly reality smacks Kellen down with a mighty force, come back now and handle his mess with a hook up, Gina, or lose everything until he decides to finally man up and be an adult and “behave”. With no choice he must return to the city. The fixer his brother hires comes in and shock hits harder when it is none other than his mystery woman from the island. No names. No truths. But now everything comes out and the twenty-four-hour dream seems a lost memory plagued with reality.
Can Salem achieve the unthinkable? Will Kellen succeed at changing his image? How will he get the girl without losing everything? I loved the first book, but this one is an entirely other beast. Wild and free are two things Salem has never allowed herself to be until that night with a stranger on the islands and now she must fight a war between herself and her professionalism. I cannot wait to read more about the King brothers.

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The Veil (The Veil Realms Series Book One) by Karli Rush – Review by Ayla Phipps

The VeilThe Veil by Karli Rush
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My oh my. After more than two weeks of my best friend telling me I have got to read this book I finally got the chance to dive in. This is the first book I have read by Karli Rush and lordy it was a-mazing. I hate that it took me so long to get the chance to begin.
It all started with a quake, followed by a hunt and everything ran from there. It was just another day in a hard to find on a map town when Selene was gathering supplies for her shop and returning to work. A tremor made things fall then a quake that put a ravine down the middle of main street. When the hazy veil came in, she thought it would be sheer that her hand would go through it only to find it more like glass, a containment around half the town and her fiancé Rayden outside it watching. Screams, ghostly arrows, and a river of blood follow as she runs for her life. Suddenly the men are gone, the dead are gone and all that remains is running women and ghostly darts following them. The earth has rotated a hundred and eighty degrees opening to another dimension and the creatures that inhabit it.
Will Selene survive? Can she find her way back to Rayden? Has Sirius truly claimed her? From page one it had me hooked one moment it was five p.m. the next it was eleven thirty I couldn’t bring myself to put it down until I knew what happened and now, I sit and wait for book two. We need more. I need more.

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Blood & Ravens (The Casket Girls Book 1) by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Ayla Phipps

Blood and Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance (The Casket Girls)Blood and Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love, love, love this series already. This was my introduction to the outstanding A.D. Brazeau’s work, and I cannot wait to read more. The dual perspectives of Greer and Theron, Blood & Ravens transports you into history with a twist.
Greer was an orphan but was told her mother was in Paris. At age twenty to finally took her fate into her own hands, leaving England for Paris to find her mother and finding her place in the world. She has “dreams” about a dark knight and the need to unravel the mystery of who he is and what he looks like. Until the night that changed everything, and she woke up on a ship in the middle of the ocean headed for another continent. Theron once was a prince in the underworld until Persephone’s flirting got him banished by Hades. While he is different from the creatures he is forced to work for and with his bosses’ big plans it’s time to leave France and go to America. Greer finds herself in the hull of a ship with at least forty girls but unlike them she and a handful of others did not volunteer they were taken. In the terrible situation she finds a group with four others, one of which is just like her, taken and forced to be in this new place, their fates taken from them. Having made land Theron must continue with the next phase of the plans and feels with his boss Rook half a world away it is his place to take the lead in the transition to New Orleans. He has moments, he’s getting too invested into his “little rabbit” until the unimaginable in his life he finds softness, warmth and love risking everything to help her and her friends. Given no choice Greer risks everything to make a deal with Hades himself to help Theron and her friends.
What will happen to Greer? Does she succeed in saving those she cares about? While the world may not be completely based in reality, the interjection of historical information mixed with the paranormal makes this book golden. Having seen the Old Ursuline Convent in person when I finally went to New Orleans this book captured it perfectly. The twists of not only Theron’s being and origin but that of vampyrs in general in this world were a refreshing twist. I truly cannot wait to jump into book two, Blood & Vengeance to see Desiree’s story and see what happens next with Greer and Theron.

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Where’s Gramma? by Tricia Gardella – Review by Ayla Phipps

Where's Gramma?Where’s Gramma? by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a cute quick book for beginner readers. Tricia makes sure each grandson has a unique imaginative adventure but makes sure they have time altogether too. The illustrations bring everyone’s personality to view with each adventure.

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