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Wolf’s Beautiful Beast (The Untold Stories Book 3) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Betsy Melano

Wolf's Beautiful Beast (The Untold Stories, #3)Wolf’s Beautiful Beast by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wolf’s Beautiful Beast by Suzanna Lynn is the 3rd book in the enchanting The Untold Stories series. After reading the first two books in the series, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. These stories are so wonderful and bring a different twist to the fairy tales I loved reading as a child. Rapunzel, Red, and Lycus’ lives get intertwined in Timbergard where dark magic has transformed the once thriving land into the Black Forest. The trio are heading to Oz to confront the Wicked Witch, but their journey takes a turn when they are shipwrecked. Where are they and what will they find? I hope you take the time to read these books in order to get the most enjoyment.

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Red’s Tangled Tale (The Untold Stories Book 2) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Betsy Melano

Red's Tangled Tale (The Untold Stories, #2)Red’s Tangled Tale by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Red’s Tangled Tale by Suzanna Lynn is the retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood and is the second book in The Untold Stories series. I really like how the author had us meet Red, or Rosalee, back in the first book and how Red interacted with Captain Hook. We meet up with Captain Hook in this second book when Red offers to help him search for ash that he needs to help a friend who is being held captive by a wicked witch in the land of Oz (I seriously love all these characters crossing into each other’s stories!). The search for the ash is a dangerous one but Red is the best hunter in the village and happens to have helped her father gather ash even though it was a tragic moment in her life. Enjoy reading the tale! I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!

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Forged by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops, book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Betsy Melano

Forged by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops, #3)Forged by Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Forged by Secrets by Amy McKinley is the 3rd book in the Deadly Isles Special Ops series. I loved how each book focused on a different brother from the same family. This last book in the series focuses on Ty and Melina, the woman he’s felt a connection with for a long time. They’ve known each other since high school but Ty didn’t make any moves towards her because he knew he’d be enlisting. What a surprise it was to reconnect later when Ty is now a Navy Seal and Melina is one of the computer operators working with his team. This whole series is a wonderful read you can’t help but get sucked in. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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Hook’s Little Mermaid (The Untold Stories BOOK 1) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Betsy Melano

Hook's Little Mermaid (The Untold Stories #1)Hook’s Little Mermaid by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hook’s Little Mermaid: Captain Hook by Suzanna Lynn is a wonderful book about the background of how Captain Hook came to detest Peter Pan so much. I like that the author created such a detailed backstory. It makes the Peter Pan & Captain Hook story more interesting. Wonderful job keeping the fairytale and adding the background. There’s always two sides to a story and in this case we have a new perspective on Captain Hook. Doesn’t it make it much more interesting? I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

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Granted: Curse Of The Emerald Jinn by Rachel Huffmire – Review by Betsy Melano

Granted: Curse of the Emerald JinnGranted: Curse of the Emerald Jinn by Rachel Huffmire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Granted: Curse of the Emerald Jinn by Rachel Hoffmire

This is a wonderful young adult book. As a mother of a couple preteens I appreciate that the main character is a boy. It’s a refreshing change and I know my son would enjoy reading this book some day. It is exciting to see a more in-depth story about the magic of Jinns, aka genies.
Liam, the sixteen year old main character sees colors around people whenever they are about to do something bad. He learned early on that this wasn’t normal. So he tries his best to stay away from these colorful smoke or mists around his classmates. But Liam seems to attract trouble pretty much anywhere. When he gets hurt on a school field trip, things start to really get dangerous. What will Liam learn through this experience? I’ll let you find out.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

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Sons of Sindicato (Sons of Sindicato ) by Cam Johns & Sonya Jesus – Review by Betsy Melano

Sons of Sindicato (Sons of Sindicato #0)Sons of Sindicato by Cam Johns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sons of Sindicato: Seth and Shaw by Cam Johns & Sonya Jesus is a awesome first book in a series!! Braelynn Shaw’s character shines through from the beginning. She is excited for her new role but something happens that changes things and her life seems to be pointing in a different direction. Seth finds Shaw in a situation he never expected. His strength shines through to help Shaw when she needs it most. Overall, the interaction between the characters kept me wanting to find out more! I really enjoyed reading this book and I will definitely be checking out other books written by these authors.

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Can Dreams Come True? (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 1) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Betsy Melano

Can Dreams Come True? (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 1)Can Dreams Come True? by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Can Dreams Come True by Krysten Lindsay Hager is a sweet coming of age story for young adults. Thinking back to when I was a teen, I could totally relate to Cecily who feels like she doesn’t quite fit in with her friends and classmate. Cecily’s experience of her first relationship with a boy and the issues that pop up are spot on. I liked the fact that Cicely was willing to go to an audition to help a friend and ended up getting a gig herself. I do think that Andrew and Cecily had a great connection from having similar interests and beliefs which helped.
Overall, the story was well written and I would definitely be recommending this book to my daughter.

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The Liminal Space (Antipodes Book 2) by T.S. Simons – Review by Betsy Melano

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

The Liminal Space by T. S. Simons is the second book in the Antiodes series. I highly recommend you read the first book, you will be glad you took the time. I enjoyed learning how Cam thought about life and how important family is. This post apocalyptic book really makes you consider if your life would be different if you were able to start over. Would your life really change or would you make similar mistakes you made in your current life? I’m not sure I could answer that but it sure makes you wonder. I really enjoyed this book, I’d say even more than the first.

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Price of a Rose: a Beauty and Beast tale (Historical Fantasy Fairytale Retellings Book 2) by Byrd Nash – Review by Betsy Melano

Price of a Rose: A Beauty & Beast Tale (Historical Fantasy Fairytale Retellings Book 2)Price of a Rose: A Beauty & Beast Tale by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Price of a Rose: A Beauty & Beast Tale (Historical Fantasy Fairytale Retellings Book 2) by Byrd Nash is wonderful. When your father loses a bet in a card game against the “Beast” of Thorn Hall in exchange for one of his three daughters, the sisters find a way to ensure their fate turns out to their liking. Lily, Rose, and Poppy each find themselves a job at Thorn Hall manor. Lily begins running the household, Rose works to reclaim the overgrown garden, and Poppy searches out books of magic while working as the “Beast’s” secretary. I loved hearing about the magic that has overtaken Thorn Hall and how the sisters have helped to save the hall, the beast, and others who were affected by the fairy curse. The sisters and other characters in this story make it so much fun to read!
I’m looking forward to more in the Historical Fantasy Fairytale Retellings series!

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A Tennis Pro To Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For Book 3) by Judy Moore – Review by Betsy Melano

A Tennis Pro To Die For (Cozy Mysteries to Die For, #3)A Tennis Pro To Die For by Judy Moore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Tennis Pro To Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For Book 3) by Judy Moore is another great mystery starring Beck O’Rourke. Lizzie, Beck’s sister talks Beck into taking tennis lessons at a nearby country club. Beck loves to read and really isn’t an athletic gal, who I totally relate to. The thing Beck is good at is solving mysteries. Several weeks after starting tennis lessons one of the tennis pros that both Beck and Lizzie had class with is found dead. Beck has assisted the local detective Devon Mathis with solving a couple other mysterious death in the community of Manatee Beach, Florida. In the past Detective Devon was against Beck helping solve the crimes. But a summer spent apart (Beck was helping her mom after surgery) seems to have softened his feelings.
I think this is my favorite book of the series. I loved that we continue to learn more about the main characters and the supporting characters like Scratchoff and Shirley. Can’t wait to read more crime solving in future books.

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Bound by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops Series Book 2) by Amy McKinley – Review by Betsy Melano

Bound by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops, #2)Bound by Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bound By Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops Book 2) by Amy McKinley has secrets, tragedy, an abusive ex-boyfriend, family relationships, and some twisted logic in the part of one character. This book is about Jaxson a recently retired Navy Seal and Kayla who finds herself in an abusive relationship and runs away to hide. Jaxson and Kayla have unresolved feeling for each other from when they were kids. The night they finally got together as teens, Kayla’s brother died in a tragic accident and things got kind of messy. Although Kayla was holding onto a lot of anger and hurt, she reaches out to Jaxson for help with Roy and how much danger she is in.

The story is well written and kept my attention. Jaxson and his brothers were in the first book so it was nice to have that background. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

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At All (The Adams Brothers Book 3) by Mindy McKinley – Review by Betsy Melano

At All (Adams Brothers, #3)At All by Mindy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

At All (Adams Brothers Book 3) by Mindy McKinley is my favorite of the series! The book is about the youngest Adams brother Sebastian, a Jazz musician who plays the tenor saxophone but is taking. Break from touring with his band due to alcohol and other addiction issues. Maelie Barre is a accomplished violinist and a daughter of a world famous violinist. Unlike her father, she loves teaching the violin to young students more than performing Seb and Mae meet in a music store where they both happen to teach. Seb is new to teaching and isn’t prepared to teach at all. What he ends up doing is frustrating Mae when she is teaching by playing his sax too loudly in the classroom next to hers. Will their love of music pull them together or split them apart?

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Hell In A Handbasket (Life is Hell Book 3) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Betsy Melano

Hell In A Handbasket (Life is Hell #3)Hell In A Handbasket by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hell In A Handbasket by Naomi Valkyrie is the 3rd book in the Life Is Hell series. I love, love, love, this series. The characters are well written and you will want to read them in order to get the best experience of reading about them. There’s action, suspense, romance, the group works as a team, and all in all it keeps my attention. We met both Oren and Teivel in previous books. Oren’s family are Demon Hunters who have lived in Juniper Lake for generations but didn’t receive all the training due to his relatives passing. Teivel is a Demon who has a big attitude. The way these two come to be close and more sure of each other is a great part of the story. You won’t be disappointed!

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Stormy’s Thunder (Satan’s Devils MC Utah #2) by Manda Mellett – Review by Betsy Melano

Stormy's Thunder (Satan's Devils MC Utah #2)Stormy’s Thunder by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stormy’s Thunder: Satan’s Devils MC Utah Book 2 by Manda Mellett is a bit tough to read in the beginning. Stormy is a character who’s made some big mistakes in the eyes of his SD brothers. Not only the Utah Chapter but some of the others too. But as with many of Ms. Mellett’s books, you get hooked right into the story and take the twists and turns because the book is so good. I love that this book shows us the real Stormy and how lost he really feels. Is it too late for Stormy or will he find help in an unexpected way?

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Road Tripped (Satan’s Devils MC Utah #1) by Manda Mellett – Review by Betsy Melano

Road Tripped (Satan's Devils MC Utah #1)Road Tripped by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Road Tripped: Satan’s Devils MC Utah Book 1 by Manda Mellett is another great story that takes you for a ride! Road takes a bad fall during a race that changes his life. He’s brooding and angry when Drummer sends him to the Utah chapter to figure out “what doesn’t seem right” to Drummer about the Utah chapter. Road figures out quickly that this are not what he expected and he is pushed to make a choice that may mean he ends up dead. Something comes up that pushes Road to quickly learn what the Utah chapter is working on which changes his view. His new dilemma? Does he keep the information to himself or does he share it with Dummer?
I love everything about this MC chapter. There are parts that came up I never expected. And I’m always excited to see the bonds between all the characters whether they have small parts or larger ones.

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At Once (The Adams Brothers Book 2) by Mindy McKinley – Review by Betsy Melano

At Once: Adams Brothers: Book 2At Once: Adams Brothers: Book 2 by Mindy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

At Once (Adams Brothers Book 2) by Mindy McKinley is another wonderful book that I’ve read in one day. I can feel and understand Gabi’s reluctance to start a relationship after a divorce but I can also feel how much she is attracted to Mason. The Gabi & Mason combo is wonderful to read about as they have imagination and creativity that pulls them together as they work for a common goal in their businesses. The supporting characters again add to the book and expand how those around Gabi & Mason support them in their lives. It was definitely nice to see Dom & Lula show up in the this book.

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At Last (The Adams Brothers BOOK 1) by Mindy McKinley – Review by Betsy Melano

At Last: Adams Brothers: Book 1At Last: Adams Brothers: Book 1 by Mindy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

At Last (Adams Brothers Book 1) by Mindy McKinley is a book that really hooked me in, it is so good I even shed some tears at one point while reading. Dom & Lula’s romance is exciting but also so real I could imagine it happening to me or my friends. They definitely has some adjusting and arguments as any couple would as they learn to trust each other and figure out hoe to be there for one another. The relationship’s progression felt pretty natural and real. The supporting characters made the book extra special, especially Lula’s grandmother. I read it within a day and I’m looking forward to learning more about Dom’s brothers in the next books in the series.

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Murder at Lolly Beach (Eve Sawyer mystery series Book 2) by Jane Suen – Review by Betsy Melano

Murder at Lolly Beach (Eve Sawyer #2)Murder at Lolly Beach by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Murder at Lolly Beach (An Eve Sawyer Mystery Series Book 2) by Jane Suen is another great read. Eve Sawyer is taking some time over summer break to enjoy the beach with her friend Cassie she met and befriended during chemistry lab. Eve was ready to enjoy some sun and much needed R & R. The vacation turns into something more when Cassie’s friend Blake is found with a serious injury that leaves him in a coma in the hospital. Eve takes the opportunity to help the local newspaper reporter to find out what is happening in the quant beach town.

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Murder Creek (Eve Sawyer mystery series Book 1) by Jane Suen – Review by Betsy Melano

Murder Creek (Eve Sawyer #1)Murder Creek by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Murder Creek (An Eve Sawyer Mystery) by Jane Suen is a great mystery. First off, I thought it was interesting that Eve Sawyer relies one her extra senses, the ones she doesn’t share with others, to help her solve things. Murder Creek got its name because of a gruesome murder of some young men in the 1800’s. Eve feels something strange when she goes over the bridge crossing Murder Creek. This leads her to start researching the disappearance 20 years ago of Lacey Walken, a beautiful teenager who disappeared without a trace. The story had a twist I didn’t expect but throughly enjoyed.

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Mythical Alliance: Phoenix Team: the Complete Season by Claire Luana – Review by Betsy Melano

Mythical Alliance: Phoenix Team: The Complete Season (Mythical Alliance Series #1-6)Mythical Alliance: Phoenix Team: The Complete Season by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mythical Alliance: Phoenix Team: The Complete Season by Claire Luna is an amazing fast paced series of Sci-Fi/fantasy short stories. Imagine a world where humans coexist with creatures like demons, fae, vampires, shape shifters, etc. There would be a need for something like the MASC (Mythical Alliance of Supernatural Creatures) to make sure everyone is being treated fairly and the teams can come to help those in need! Each short story centers on a mission the team of 6 go to search for or help out creatures and you will want to keep reading to the end. The characters that make up the team and what they are capable of doing cements each of them as a integral member of the team. I really love the whole series of books.

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Daddy’s Girl (Freshwater Book 3) by Belinda Williams – Review by Betsy Melano

Daddy's Girl (Freshwater Book 3)Daddy’s Girl by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Daddy’s Girl by Belinda Williams is the 3rd book in the Freshwater series. This happens to be the first book I’ve read by this author – I will definitely be reading more of her books in the near future. I love Emily who is a strong, smart, straightforward, no nonsense kind of character. I couldn’t help but love Joel who is honest but very reserved due to childhood trauma and a life changing event. Emily and Joel are convinced they are not relationship material. They never expected to find such a captivating soul in each other. These two have some relationship struggles and blunder a bit, but are so relatable and lovable you won’t want to put the book down.

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Heartbeats and Roses (Hartwood Holiday Romance) by Jae Dawson – Review by Betsy Melano

Heartbeats and Roses: A Small Town Valentine's Day Romance (A Hartwood Holiday Romance)Heartbeats and Roses: A Small Town Valentine’s Day Romance by Jae Dawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Heartbeat & Roses: A Small Town Valentine’s Romance (A Hartwood Holiday Romance) written by Jae Dawson. Another fun holiday themed romance by this author. I think Rose and her family are super fun. An eclectic group who get along really well and you can tell they love each other. Liam is Rose’s best friend from high school who left town when his mother caught his Dad cheating on her. After a 20 year absence, Liam is back in his home town for a vacation. The last person he expects to see is Rose. His unexpected return brings up all kinds of memories for both of them.

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Moonlight and Belladonna: A Small Town Halloween Romance (Hartwood Holiday Romance) by Jae Dawson – Review by Betsy Melano

Moonlight and BelladonnaMoonlight and Belladonna by Jae Dawson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Moonlight & Belladonna: A Small Town Halloween Romance (A Hartwood Holiday Romance) written by Jae Dawson! The characters are relatable, sassy, and care for others. It is so good I sat down and read it all in a day! I loved the connection that Bella the teacher had with her students, her mom the witch was awesome, and with Cade the indie rock band frontman was troubled but you connect with him too. You can feel how much Cade is hurting for his family and how much he cares for his grandfather, and in return how much his grandfather loves Cade too.

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Ride with the Moonlight (Thunder on the Moor Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Betsy Melano

Ride with he Moonlight (Thunder On The Moor, #2)Ride with he Moonlight by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ride with the Moonlight (Thunder On The Moor Book 2) by Andrea Matthews

A historical fiction story that takes place in Scotland. Not only that, it includes time travel, family issues, love, adventure, and so much more. Wonderful job by the author to make the reader actually feel like he/she was in Scotland experiencing the life alongside the characters. The se characters have to survive running away from family in Scotland only to get accused of treason in a place they thought would be safer. I definitely recommend you read the first book to understand what happened.

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Dance of Hearts: a Cinderella Regency Romance Retelling (Historical Fantasy Fairytale Retellings Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Betsy Melano

Dance of Hearts: a Cinderella Regency Romance Retelling (Historical Fantasy Fairytale Retellings Book 1)Dance of Hearts: a Cinderella Regency Romance Retelling by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dance of Hearts: A Cinderella Regency Romance Retelling by Byrd Nash is a wonderful retelling of the Cinderella story. The story takes place in 1816 England. We first meet Melinda Wychwood when her father’s ailing health keeps her at home to spend the precious time left to him and also to manage the estate. After his death, her father’s estate passed to a distant cousin and Melinda basically turns onto a servant in the very home she grew up in.
This story is well written and I was hooked right away. The characters are lovely other than the cousin’s family who anyone can tell are not kind to Miss Mychwood.
You can’t go wrong with a story like Cinderella – this retelling takes it to the next level. It’s a novella so it doesn’t take long to read it but you will adore it.

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Don’t Worry, I Still Hate You by Marie Skye – Review by Betsy Melano

Happily Ever AfterHappily Ever After by Piper Rayne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love boxed sets where many authors add a short story they’ve written and share their talents with us. I can always find a new author (or two or three!) to follow or check out their other books in the future based on one of their short stories.
In this box set, I am specifically reviewing “Don’t Worry, I Still Hate You” by Marie Skye. This is a wonderfully funny tale of two people who come to live together because of a advertisement for a roommate. How would either of them know that fate would bring them back into their lives. Will these one time enemies work together in the hopes of sharing rent become more to each other? You won’t be disappointed reading this short story!

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Twisted Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops Book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Betsy Melano

Twisted SecretsTwisted Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Twisted Secrets: Deadly Isles Special Ops, Book 1
By Amy McKinley

This book has suspense, romance, and a bit of mystery all rolled into it. Xander is a SEAL who finds out his girlfriend has found someone new. While he is on an extended leave, he is considering what haw wants to do with his life. One day he catches sight of Riley at a local coffee shop and is drawn to her in a way he never expected.
Riley is beginning to wonder if her boyfriend Charles is really being truthful or not. As she considers her current relationship, odd things begin happening to her. Riley’s apartment is broken into, she is hit in the stomach while out for a run, and receives threatening texts from an unknown number. The more she considers her relationship with Charles, the more she feels she needs to make a change.
As Xander and Riley begin to spend time with each other and start a friendship, Riley is noticing that being around Xander is natural and good for her. Has Riley finally broken her family curse of being in a bad relationship?

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Broken Circle: A Gray Ghost Novel, Book 1 AUDIO BOOK by Amy McKinley – Review by Betsy Melano

I seem to be in an Amy McKinley kick lately – every book has been a joy to read! Broken Circle didn’t disappoint. This first nook in the Gray Ghost series, it has love, intrigue, suspense, awesome characters, and so much more. Alex and Olivia seem to have a great relationship at least that’s what Olivia believes. One day she overhears a phone conversation that makes her wonder what Alex might be hiding. It doesn’t help that Alex doesn’t want kids and Olivia happens to find herself pregnant. You won’t want to miss the what happens!
The Narrator, Regan Brown, does a wonderful job with the different characters and adds to the story.

Isle of Wings by E.A. Burnett – Review by Betsy Melano

Isle of Wings: A Silverglen Companion NovelIsle of Wings: A Silverglen Companion Novel by E.A. Burnett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isle of Wings: A Silverglen Companion Novel by E.A. Burnett

I love reading a fantasy book from time to time. It takes you to a different world but in some ways the same as where we live. This YA fantasy has magic, danger, sorcerers, action, mystery and so much more to keep you turning the page to see what happens next. Roana is trying to run away from her past she not only lost her family but is accused of killing them. When Roana is caught on a ship she shouldn’t be on, her life takes another turn. The wonderful strong characters in this book make it so much more than just a story. The journey these characters take are life changing and you can see how they grow during the adventure. I hope you like this book as much as I did!

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Moonlit Mirage (A Cook Islands Romance) AUDIO BOOK by Amy McKinley – Review by Betsy Melano

Moonlit Mirage (A Cook Islands Romance) Audio Book by Amy McKinley

A short, fast moving romance between Nadia and Cade full of suspense and intrigue. The two met 5 years before when Cade’s car went over a bridge into a river due to an accident. Nadia kept him safe by diving into the river and giving him much needed air. It is short but a wonderful introduction to these two characters. I hope that I find any book(s) that these two show up in. This is my first book by this author that I’m excited to check out her books in the future. Nadia has a secret she doesn’t want Cade to find out because she is worried he will not forgive her for it…
The book is narrated by Regan Brown, who did a wonderful job.