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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Betsy Melano

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

This series is one of my all time favorites! I love learning about each member of the Chicago 5 and their wives and Aldo love that the author wrote about the romances of those family members who aren’t the bosses.
This is the 7th book of the series, about Nico and and Mia. Nico is the quiet one and Mia is the daughter of one of the New York bosses. Mia has been learning about the Chicago families and finds a special strength in Nico as she looks at pictures and prays he will help her. When Mia escapes her basically captive life, she finds her way to Nico and proposes marriage of convenience. Will these two make it together or not? There are some twists and turns. You won’t be disappointed!

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Betsy Melano

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

Katie broke up with Chase, her high school boyfriend to give him space to grow and become the man he was meant to be. Did she regret the words she used to push him away? Of course. Did this mean she didn’t love him? Not exactly, it just meant she wanted to grow up and find her way in the world and wanted the same for him.
When Katie travels back to her hometown, she finds herself connected to Chase again due to the bride putting them together as each other’s plus one! Will this bring them back together as a couple or end in more sadness? I’ll let you finish the story.
I enjoyed reading this book. I connected to Katie’s character on many levels having moved away from family after college. I could feel her sadness and joy from different timeframes of her life with and without Chase as high school sweethearts. I would recommend this book to friends.

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

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

Wow! From the beginning the author gets you to visualize the workroom at Becker Courier Service. You can feel the excitement and chaotic atmosphere of those who work at there. Aimee wheels takes the bet and the bonus to get a last minute delivery out in less than a half hour. What she doesn’t realize is this delivery will change her life when she ends up saving “Mr. Moneybags” and gets shot while doing so.
The story is well written, I connected with the characters, felt the ups and downs of two different worlds colliding in a romance, and the action and danger that Aimee and Qadir face throughout the story. I would definitely recommend this book and I’m looking forward to the next book in the Girls from the Street series.

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Paige and the Reluctant Artist by Darci Garcia – Review by Betsy Melano

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Paige and the Reluctant ArtistPaige and the Reluctant Artist by Darci Garcia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Paige is a curator at a gallery in New York City. She is really good at her job and especially likes to find new artists to showcase in the gallery. When she spots an amazing painting of a horse by Mark Richard’s who lives in Montana. Mark is not a big fan of sharing his art so Paige decides to fly out to Montana to speak to Mark in person. What they don’t realize right away is their mutual attraction of each other.
The story is easy to read, I connected to the characters and got invested in their thoughts and feelings, and the descriptions of Mark’s home and pastures make you feel like you’re in Montana. Overall it is a cute story of love at first sight that takes you through a couple who’s finding if they can overcome past relationship issues and become a couple.

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Tale of a Body Thief (Rovena Silvex Book 1) by Kristy Centeno – Review by Betsy Melano

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Tale of a Body Thief (Rovena Silvex chronicles Book 1)Tale of a Body Thief by Kristy Centeno
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve read several books that include demon hunters and this book didn’t disappoint. I would categorize myself as a sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal genre lover at times although I enjoy reading pretty much anything fiction. I especially like reading books with strong female characters like Rovena. I easily got interested in Rovena and what makes her special. As I continued to read I became more and more invested in Rovena, the world she lives and works in. The author did a wonderful job with character descriptions, the world they strive to survive in, and building up the story to make the reader want to continue reading more. I think many reader will enjoy reading this book.

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Key to His Heart by Kristina Beck – Review by Betsy Melano

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

Katrina (Kat) Klenkos moved to a small town in Pennsylvania to raise her baby after her husband asked for a divorce. She can’t even understand how he could sign off his rights to his own son. But fate and visions have brought Kat to this town. In a twist of fate, Kat meets the guy that she’s been dreaming about and recognizes his voice. What happens next is truly amazing but it’s, not quite the right time for them to connect.

TJ, a chemistry teacher and high school football coach is heading over to help his aunt’s tenant paint her baby’s room and put together some furniture. What TJ doesn’t know is he’s about to meet Kat who will change his life for the better!

I don’t want to spoil the book because it’s amazing. There’s love, family, romance, and some supernatural things that explains the instant connection Kat and TJ feel. This book surprised me and kept me wondering. At one point I thought I knew what would happen and let me tell you, it’s so much better than my review. This author is new to me and I can’t wait to read more of her books.

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Levi (The Brothers of Creekside Ranch Book 1) by Edith Mackenzie Review by Betsy Melano

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LeviLevi by Edith Mackenzie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A lovely story of family, new love, ranch life, finding your true home, danger, suspense, and so much more. I love how the brothers came together to all be at the ranch to help their little sister. When Levi is asked to help hide Bella who is testifying against her Russian mafia ex-boyfriend, he has to keep Bella’s true identity a secret and he tells his brothers and sister that Bella is a nanny. Bella is a strong willed woman who has suffered from abuse from her ex boyfriend. Bella and Levi find that they are attracted to each other. Will Bella be able to testify or will something happen?
The characters are well written, you can feel their personalities and connect with them easily. The book was easy to read and follow and I enjoyed reading about them. I’m looking forward to more stories that bring the brothers of Creekside Ranch together.

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Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Betsy Melano

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

A well written story of love, romance, new friendships, helping each other through grief, tragedy, and so much more! I enjoyed reading this story from the start. Roxanne is taking on the roll of caregiver to Claudette a well known author. Not only does Claudette need some help getting around her house, she asks Roxanne to ghost write her next story which is personally important to Claudette. What Roxanne didn’t expect was finding an attic room where she meets Philip (a ghost?) and realizes Claudette’s book is a story based on real life people Claudette knew.
The story is easy to read, the characters are wonderfully written, and it sucks you in so you want to keep reading until the end. I enjoyed the book very much and would recommend it to friends.

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Let It Be Love (A Mustang Prairie Romance Book 5) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Betsy Melano

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Let It Be Love (A Mustang Prairie Romance)Let It Be Love by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A beautiful story of a pop star and her boyfriend as they work on their relationship through daily life and the crazy things that happen along the way. This is the fifth book in the Mustang Prairie Series and although I didn’t read the earlier books in the series, I was absolutely captivated by Erik and Kiki’s relationship and how they supported each other with open communication. They have great friends who speak their minds and support one another when the going gets tough. Mustang Prairie is a small city but seems to be full of love, support, and understanding. What a refreshing look on finding not only your soulmate but an extended family made up of great friends!
I can’t wait to read the earlier books and learn more about all of the characters living in Mustang Prairie!

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Castor’s Kiss (Soul Bonded in the Stars Book 2) by Tai James – Review by Betsy Melano

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Castor's Kiss (Soul Bonded in the Stars # 2)Castor’s Kiss by Tai James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second book in the series, Castor’s Kiss is easy to get hooked into. I love how Mia was working through a lot of emotions from the start and at the same time trying to keep De’ara alive and give her hope. It make it so easy to want to continue reading. The scene where Castor firsts spots Mia and Mia finally spots him was magic! I could understand Mia not trusting Castor right away with all the torture and fighting she needed to do to keep alive. The author did a great job of detailing each species and their differences while keeping the story moving along. I really enjoy reading sci-fi books and this one didn’t disappoint.

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Body Checked (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 2) by CJ Cartwright – Review by Betsy Melano

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Body Checked (Astoria Bay Thunder #2)Body Checked by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second book in the Astoria Bay Thunder series is almost better than the first. I loved reading Power Play (the first book) and I was so excited to read Body Checked. A story about a hockey team, learning about the players, witnessing the family they make as a team and how they have each other’s back. It’s great to see the camaraderie and overall team spirit.
Bridger McKelty is known as a play boy of sorts, out with a different girl every night, the party animal of the team. He’s gotten into some trouble and if he doesn’t shape up, he may get traded or may not play hockey ever again!
Tia just lost her job but her best friend Brynn needs help for a photo shoot over the weekend, photographing the whole Astoria Bay Thunder hockey team. Will Tia’s past brush with a playboy remind her to stay away from the very sexy Bridger?

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Dark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book Series (A Dark Sparrow Novel) by India Kells – Review by Betsy Melano

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Dark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book SeriesDark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book Series by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series is one of my recent favorites! I read the last 3 books in the series first and told myself I need to read the first 3 books so I can learn more about the other brothers. I was very excited to find out the 6 books came in a box set! The stories are easy to read, as you read them you’ll connect with the characters, danger and intriguing moments keep you interested, and along the way love blossoms for each of the very sexy sons.

Each book is about one of the many bastard sons of Jamieson Finch, a ruthless evil father, who left his sons and their mothers to fend for themselves. Along the way, each son finds their true love and the couples become a close knit family as the brothers work together to bring their father down and prove how a family can work together for the greater good.

Book 1: Lost Bastard is about Aleksei and Deva
Book 2: Cold Bastard is about Archer and Zoe
Book 3: Wild Bastard is about Kai and Isabel
Book 4: True Bastard is about Liam and Catriona
Book 5: Dark Bastard is about Sam and Ellie
Book 6: King Bastard is about Lazareth and Sasha

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Ballet School Rumours (Amberwood Hall Ballet School Adventure Book 3) by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Betsy Melano

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Ballet School Rumours: An Amberwood Hall Ballet School AdventureBallet School Rumours: An Amberwood Hall Ballet School Adventure by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Amberwood Hall Ballet School Adventure series. This book is definitely for younger readers but I still enjoyed reading it. Although I haven’t read the earlier books in the series, I easily connected to Lauren the main character and her friends and family. The opening chapter made me think of my days as a student in school and being part of a group of people who share common interests. I think many young readers would love this series as it includes fun moments with friends and classmates, shared expectations from parents, and it includes some paranormal aspects but nothing really scary.

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Isabella Bride of Ohio: American Mail Order Bride by Debra Parmley – Review by Betsy Melano

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Isabella Bride of Ohio: American Mail-Order Brides SeriesIsabella Bride of Ohio: American Mail-Order Brides Series by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I picked up this book because I was a bit curious about mail order brides of the 1800’s and what that might have experienced. Isabella has recently moved from Sweden to America with her parents. What was supposed to be new experiences for the three of them, takes a tragic turn when Isabella’s parents get sick on the voyage over and end up passing away. It must be hard for Isabella to be in this land where she has no family.
After a fire destroys her current job, Isabella decides to become a mail order bride. She is excited for the new journey and a bit worried about meeting her husband to be. Along the way, she almost gets kidnapped. Thank goodness a kind gentleman helps her out and she makes it to the train station where she finally meets Mr. Jenks, her husband to be. Will Isabella’s life be as picturesque as it’s described by Mr. Jenks?

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Betsy Melano

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny #3)Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first time I’m reading a book from this series. I really appreciated the prolog which helped me figure out a bit about the main character and how her vampire family was bound together for a purpose. Julia shares her troubles and learns to ask for help which is new to her. I felt a connection to Julia and her family as they work together. Overall I enjoyed the book even though I may have missed the earlier books.

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Vive la Resistance (Donovan Trait Book 3) by Seelie Kay – Review by Betsy Melano

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Vive la ResistanceVive la Resistance by Seelie Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So many things going on in the lives of Donovan Trait and his family! A war with the Vampire Coalition, trying to keep their family alive, and at the same time keeping the humans from finding out. What a great book! The story grips you even if you haven’t read the other books in the series, which I plan to read in the very near future. I really felt that I connected with and understood what they were going through.
I have read other books by this author and enjoyed them a lot. Love how she adds some humor to the stories. Can’t wait to read more of her books!

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Tickety Tock (Wicked Warriors MC Arizona Chapter) by Manda Mellett – Review by Betsy Melano

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Tickety Tock: Wicked Warriors MC Arizona ChapterTickety Tock: Wicked Warriors MC Arizona Chapter by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Any time I see a new book by this author, I get excited like a kid in a candy store. The stories are well written, the characters and environment come through so you can imagine being there.

This book is the story about Dwarf & Raven. Dwarf has basically been passed over by many beautiful women when they finally meet his friends. Raven comes out of nowhere and causes Dwarf to lose control of his bike. The two meeting each other is the start of something different by this author. I really enjoyed reading about this MC which is a new group to me. Also love the paranormal things that come up. Overall, I really had a hard time putting the book down so I could enjoy it for more than a day.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Betsy Melano

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As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bree, like many women, has had her share of crappy dates & boyfriends. And like some of us, she has decided that she needs to find new ways to meet people. Kudos to Bree for starting to play tennis, trying new foods, and going with the flow.

I can totally relate to Bree, dating is hard at any age but after college I think it’s even harder. You don’t quite have your tribe (maybe they moved away or you were the one to move) and feel somewhat lost. I really thought Bree was kind of smart to have specific things to look for in a man. But at the same time, you can’t judge one person by noticing the small little things others did in the past and you certainly need to see the big picture!

As Bree is navigating her dating world, two men seem to be good possibilities: Nate and Steve
Which one will she pick? Is there anything she’s missed along the way? Will she finally figure out the right guy for her?

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Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Betsy Melano

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Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 6)Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 6 in the Mafia Elite Series doesn’t disappoint. We have Trey the one who became a doctor to help his family and the other Chicago mafia families is ready for a change. The change brings him in contact with Hailey a socialite, who he’s met before during an event.

Hailey has family baggage due to the tragic death of her father & older sister in a car accident. Her mother is a wreck because of the loss and Hailey has to find her way through life without her mother’s support. This leads to some bad relationships with men. Can she trust Trey and work together to become a couple?

The author creates characters that are easy to connect with, I love the way the mafia couples interact with the new couple, and I can’t help but root for Trey and Hailey to find their way together. As always, I couldn’t put the book down because I was sucked into the story

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Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by Betsy Melano

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Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is the second in a series, which I thought I had read the first book but I must have been dreaming. lol Anyway, I was able to figure out the characters but I think I may have missed something by not reading the fist book. I’m sure I’ll be correcting that mistake very soon.

I love Cat and her grandma GG, who challenges Cat with recipes and not making it too easy for Cat and Robyn to figure out answers. How fun to have a scavenger hunt around the city finding the answers that GG won’t provide easily. I think this was not only fun but also helped
Cat really find out about her ancestors and especially the original baker of the family.

The characters are really easy to connect with, the book is a really fun read, and the recipes listed in the book would be a fun experience for young bakers to try!

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A Long Kiss Goodbye (Onyx & Mercury Book 2) by H.D. Thomson – Review by Betsy Melano

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A Long Kiss GoodbyeA Long Kiss Goodbye by H.D. Thomson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although this is the second book in a series, I decided to read it even though I didn’t read the first. It didn’t stop or confusing or felt like I missed something from the fist book. The author has written a suspenseful, page turner of a story that kept me wanting to read more. When Avery is attacked, she is already on edge and worried about her safety. Her neighbor Luys wants to help but is he the reason for the attack? I really like the author’s style or writing and I’m sure to pick up other books she has written.

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Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Betsy Melano

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Taming of the FewTaming of the Few by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The author has written an interesting world of fantasy that has aspects we recognize but at the same time gives us differences. The characters are well written regarding their individual powers and are fairly easy to connect with. From the start we can feel the danger and hostility the characters face for being different from the rest of the human race.
Many of the people with powers are finding it hard to stay safe. Those with powers are finding safe haven in Ireland at a school where they can learn more about their abilities and learn to work together. The ones who found sanctuary in Ireland must now work together to keep the school and others who helped them.
I enjoyed reading this first book in the series and I’m looking forward to see how the team continues to work together.

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The Wolf’s Shadow (The Lycanthropy Files Book 1) by Cecilia Dominic – Review by Betsy Melano

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The Wolf's Shadow (The Lycanthropy Files #1)The Wolf’s Shadow by Cecilia Dominic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love reading books about different kinds of human beings like shifters and vampires. This book looks at werewolves or lycanthropy from a viewpoint that it’s a medical disorder. The disorder was rare but has become more prevalent towards the end of the twentieth century. The concept of this story is very intriguing, the characters are generally believable and the plot twists kept my attention.

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Sashimi (Evil Sushi Book 2) by C.A. King – Review by Betsy Melano

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Sashimi (Evil Sushi #2)Sashimi by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I jumped right in to see how Sashimi, the second book in the series, continues the story that started in Evil Sushi and I wasn’t disappointed! The author does a wonderful job with the characters and scenes, so that I am easily able to connect with them, understand what they’re thinking, and I quickly get hooked into the story again! I liked seeing the relationship between Rod and Sally develop and see the characters grow. The story moves along at a good pace, has some danger, issues with the environment, mutants, and so much more. Sashimi really has multiple aspects that I think many readers would enjoy.

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Spring’s Showers (Romantically Seasonal Series) by C.A. King – Review by Betsy Melano

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Spring's Showers: Romantically Seasonal: SpringSpring’s Showers: Romantically Seasonal: Spring by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve enjoyed a couple other books by this author and I was happy to see this first book in a new series. This book is fun to read and got me hooked right away. Sometimes we assume things aren’t very hard when they really are don’t we? Well, it sure seems like the gods and other immortals had it wrong when they made fun of Cupid’s job! The characters will help get you tuned into this book. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series as I’m sure you will smile like I did.

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Finding Melodie and The Wedding Special Boxset by Laura Rossi – Review by Betsy Melano

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Melodie Boxset (Melodie #1-2)Melodie Boxset by Laura Rossi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a cute and fun stories in this boxset. From the start the intro on how Melodie thinks catches you and you feel like you can become her kindred spirit or close friend. The descriptions of the people she sees around her are wonderful and I wish I could think like that! The two books are about Melodie and Office Guy and their romance. Along the way funny things that happen that make you want to keep reading. The characters make you feel like life can really be fun!

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Evil Sushi (Evil Sushi Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Betsy Melano

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Evil Sushi (Evil Sushi #1)Evil Sushi by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First of all, the title makes you want to read this book doesn’t it? I know not everyone loves or even likes sushi but how does it become evil or what makes it evil?

The way the book starts makes you really consider what we are doing to this beautiful world of ours. Are we over eating the food source so much that we no longer eat meat and now we’re moving into decimate the fish in the sea? And what is the over harvesting of fish doing to the small coastal town fishermen? Just keep reading and find out what a couple of those fishermen find when their at the end of their rope.

This author does a wonderful job of making the reader connect with the characters. I enjoyed the twist on our world and what could possibly happen as we over populate and over farm the land and sea. The story sucks you in and makes you want to keep reading to see what happens.

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An Alien Storm (Soldiers of Saedo Book 4) by Calla Zae – Review by Betsy Melano

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An Alien Storm (Soldiers of Saedo, #4)An Alien Storm by Calla Zae
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This author and series is new to me and I have not read the previous books in this series. Jumping in at book 4 didn’t keep me from enjoying the book. Vanessa’s past experience being married was not healthy and she is determined to find peace in the new planet with her sisters were relocated to. The planet is different from Earth in ways and Vanessa is enjoying adding plants that are new to her to dishes she creates. When she meets Arkon, Vanessa finds that she’s attracted to him and has feelings for him in ways she didn’t expect after her marriage.

The author did a wonderful job describing the planet which helped set the scene well. The story has romance, some suspense, and overall kept my attention throughout the book. I’m looking forward to reading the earlier books in this series soon.

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Ruthless Heir (Mafia Elite Book 5) by Amy McKinley – Review by Betsy Melano

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Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite, #5)Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love reading books by this author and this series is one of my favorites! The connections the mafia bosses have with each other and their wives are important and strong. And the families in Chicago have been through so much together which keep them connected. They work very well as a team.

Book 5 introduces us and delves into the relationship between Luc and Summer. They haven’t known each other long but they have a connection they didn’t expect after a one night stand. Summer has not had a great life but is very resourceful and strong. The new couple mixed in with the mafia families well and we see them support the new couple as if they have been part of the group all along.

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Reunion in the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction Book 4) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Betsy Melano

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Reunion in the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, #4)Reunion in the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A wonderful ending to series that captured my heart. This book was about Yolanda, the youngest of 4 siblings, and her husband Michael. Yolanda and Michael left Bunya Junction right after high school. As with many families, things happen and conversations change as life changes. After a scary incident fear has caused the two of them to stop communicating like they used to. When she can’t take it anymore, Yolanda runs away back to Bunya Junction and her family.

I loved the characters in the series. It really made it special to see the family and couples come together. Each book had situations and people that I could relate to and feel the love shared between the couples as the siblings each find their way to love. This last book was emotionally hard to read at times but it is definitely a great ending to this series.

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