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Strega – Magic: The Spirit Never Dies by Lynne Russell – Review by Betsy Melano

Strega - Magic: The Spirit Never DiesStrega – Magic: The Spirit Never Dies by Lynne Russell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. The story caught my attention from the beginning where it described the area of Italy the family is from. The descriptions of the area is beautiful and the characters are also well written and helped transport me into the story. The history, romance, some suspense, and magic all combined to make this a story I didn’t want to put down. I really enjoyed this book and will be checking for future books by this author.

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Whatever Tomorrow Brings (Embrace Tomorrow Duet Book 2) by Amy Argent – Review by Betsy Melano

Whatever Tomorrow Brings (Embrace Tomorrow #2)Whatever Tomorrow Brings by Amy Argent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A beautiful romance between Will, a man fighting cancer, and Tori, who loves him more than anything. The book was a bit hard to read for me since both my parents passed due to cancer. However, the love Will and Tori shared in this book kept so much hope in my heart. The author did an amazing job with the story and how cancer can decimate a person’s body. The characters in the book are very relatable and genuine. I really enjoyed reading the book and finding hope along with the characters as I read.
I did not read the first book but I was able to figure out the characters and the basic reasons why Will sent Tori away but that their love for each other made them hope.

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Conveniently Yours (Titans Of Manhattan BOOK 1) by Anise Storm – Review by Betsy Melano

Conveniently Yours (Titans Of Manhattan #1)Conveniently Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A romance where a girl next door meets the boy next door who becomes her hero as kids and later meet again when they are all grown up. They have experienced different worlds along the way but meet by accident when they needed each other the most. I loved the connection between Caspian & Paisley from the start. Although I’m not sure I would have agreed to the marriage if I were Paisley, I totally understood why she did. There are some interesting characters in the book and the story definitely kept my attention.

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A Sweet Christmas: A Sweet Confections Novella by Nicole Richards – Review by Betsy Melano

A Sweet ChristmasA Sweet Christmas by Nicole Richard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is one of those you can’t put down because it’s a great romance and just makes you feel like anything is possible at Christmas time. Thea Sheldon meets Benjamin Sweet when he knocks on her bakery door as she is closing up shop for Thanksgiving weekend. There’s instant chemistry between them but Thea is apprehensive. Although Ben is very forward in asking Thea out, Thea finds that she is attracted to him.
The author did a wonderful job of describing the bakery and other locations, the characters are wonderful and at times I’d even say amazing. It’s a feel good Christmas romance. This novella is the perfect book to bring happiness to your holiday season.

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Caught in Midnight Shadows (The Caught Series Book 4) by Sharleen Scott – Review by Betsy Melano

Caught in Midnight Shadows (Caught series, #4)Caught in Midnight Shadows by Sharleen Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Brant Bellamy’s mother dies from injuries sustained in an attack. Her last words “Find him and make it right” sends him away from his home and family to the Oregon coast. Brant believes his mother meant for him to head there to find a man who his mother knew 40 years ago. Once he’s there, he meets Aubrey Chartrand, a beautiful woman who catches his attention. But he’s not here for pleasure because he has business. However, Brant and Aubrey seem to have a connection they can’t ignore while at the same time, Brant’s bad luck of being someone’s target seems to be including Aubrey.

I really enjoyed reading this romantic suspense story. Although this is the fourth book in a series, I had no problem following the story. It definitely could be a stand alone book. The characters were easy to connect to and I couldn’t help myself rooting for Brant and Aubrey to connect as a couple. It took me a while to catch on to who was causing so much trouble in Brant’s life. The story kept my attention and I really didn’t want to put it down. I’m sure I’ll be reading the author’s other books in the series soon.

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Christmas Cookies on a Cruise Ship (The Perfect Pairing Series Book 1) by Parker Fairchild – Review by Betsy Melano

Christmas Cookies on a Cruise Ship (The Perfect Pairings Series Book 1)Christmas Cookies on a Cruise Ship by Parker Fairchild
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fun book to read as Christmas approaches! Olivia is on a cruise during the week of Christmas to avoid her sister and her new fiancé. As luck would have it, Olivia meets Santa & Mrs. Clause and her life changes for the better and things happen to help Olivia bring out her independent and strong side. Olivia and Jase are cute together and oh so meant to be together. Their relationship has some bumps but they work through it as both of them believe they will be together for a long time. The other characters are fun and made the story fun. Jase’s friends made Olivia feel comfortable and not like an outsider. Overall, I enjoyed the book.

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The Mating Call (Long Claw Pride Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Betsy Melano

The Mating Call (Long Claw Pride Book 1)The Mating Call by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cheyenne is a strong willed woman who sets out from her hometown to try finding her own way in San Francisco. Cheyenne is searching for her mate, someone she can wholeheartedly be herself with as a mountain lion shifter. One night after a date that didn’t work out, she finally feels the mating call pulling her in the direction of her home town. Who will be waiting for her when she reaches her childhood home?
I really enjoyed reading this book. The author did a great job sharing Cheyenne’s thoughts and feelings. And I loved how independent Cheyenne is going off to the big city and giving her dream career a chance. The characters in the book are a big family and love each other very much. I definitely connected with Cheyenne and the multitude of feelings she dealt with after meeting her mate. I can’t wait to learn more about Cheyenne’s siblings and the changes happening around their town in future books of this series.

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A Spell of Rowans by Byrd Nash – Review by Betsy Melano

A Spell of RowansA Spell of Rowans by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Spell of Rowans by Byrd Nash is an interesting book about the Rowan family. I was a bit worried about some aspects of this book which was noted that some instances could be a trigger for some readers. Even with that thought on my mind, I tried my best read the story with an open mind. Although I don’t have the abilities the Rowan siblings have, I did connect with the characters. Family can bring so much pain an suffering to some, the Rowan siblings went through a lot of bad things.

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Cross-Country Christmas (A Silver Buckle Brides Romance) by Laurie Lewis – Review by Betsy Melano

Cross-Country Christmas (Silver Buckle Brides #1)Cross-Country Christmas by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cross Country Christmas by Laurie Lewis is a wonderful story about finding love when you least expect it. CC Cippolini takes on a cross country job driving a Tesla from Chicago to Las Vegas. She wanted to honor her late father by going to Las Vegas because that’s where he wanted to retire. CC never expected to find herself stuck in a snow bank surrounded by cows and saved by Reese a rancher in Utah!

I really enjoyed the way the author kept the story moving and sucked me in pretty quickly. The two main characters, CC and Reese were easy to relate to as they learn to trust each other and share their life while feeling mutual attraction. The book is a great reminder for those of us who have been hurt by those we love but have faith that we will find love again.

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Love’s Reverie (The Stardust Duet, Book 2) by KG Fletcher – Review by Betsy Melano

Love's Reverie (The Stardust Duet, #2)Love’s Reverie by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love’s Reverie is the second book in The Stardust Duet Series by KG Fletcher. I was so excited to read the continuation of Kat and Phillip’s story. I could feel the love this couple shared through each interaction and the way they showed their love supporting each other. This time travel romance was a beautiful story that I didn’t want to stop until the end. I will definitely be suggesting this book to friends. I hope you love this series as much as I did.

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Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery) by Merissa Racine – Review by Betsy Melano

Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery)Shadows of Doubt by Merissa Racine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shadows of Doubt, the second book in the series A Crawford Mystery by Melissa Racine is just as good as her first book. Although each book could be read as a standalone, it sure helps to know what the main character Lauren went through in the first book. In this second book we find Lauren is now a freelance stenographer. Due to her freelance work being not steady work, Lauren agrees to be the court reporter for her ex-husband… This second book has great character like the first book, plot twists, and Lauren questioning whether she should look for the killer herself. I have really enjoyed this series. I’m sure I’ll be checking for new books by Ms. Racine!

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Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Betsy Melano

Silent Gavel (Crawford Mystery #1)Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Melissa Racine caught my attention from the start. Lauren, a court reporter, finds the Judge she works for murdered one morning when they are supposed to be on the road to a trial in another district. Soon after the police and other emergency vehicles arrive, Lauren is answering questions about why she was there and she begins feeling uneasy about the direction the questions are heading. At one point after frustrated, Lauren starts a list of suspects to find who really did it. This book is full of great characters, some plot twists, a couple of dogs, and kept me guessing as to who the real killer might be. Overall, I really enjoyed the book.

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Red’s Peril Part 1: The making of an MC Prez (Satan’s Devils MC Vegas Chapter) by Manda Mellett – Review by Betsy Melano

Red's Peril Part 1: The Making of an MC Prez (Satan's Devils MC Vegas #1)Red’s Peril Part 1: The Making of an MC Prez by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Red’s Peril Part 1: The Making of a MC Prez by Manda Mellett is another awesome MC book by the author. I always look for her books and keep an eye out for the next one. Red was dealt a difficult blow in high school when his father was in an accident and now needed round the clock care for more years than expected. After his father’s funeral Red quickly decides it’s time for him to find himself. After traveling more than half way across the United States, he ends up in Tuscan, Arizona. When he meets some Satan’s Devils while searching for a job as a mechanic, Red is pulled along to meet the MC President with a potential job and future membership.
The story of Red’s journey and fining his place isn’t over. Ms. Mellett, thank you for another glimpse into the Satan Devils chapters and specifically Red’s life changing journey.

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Stand Your Ground by A. J. Ullman – Review by Betsy Melano

Stand Your GroundStand Your Ground by A.J. Ullman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As I started to read Stand Your Ground by A. J. Ullman I had an idea of what the story might be about. What I didn’t anticipate was how quickly I got pulled into the story. Mr. Ullman does a fantastic job of not only showing you what the characters are thinking and feeling but also gives details about the settings. Many times I felt like I was right there with Cady as she was navigating through a life changing situation that could potentially mean she could be accused of murder. The story is full of suspense and keeps you reading through some tough moments that are very relevant to events that have and continue to occur in our country.

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Tenacious (Billionaire Bodyguards Book 6) by Via Mari – Review by Betsy Melano

Tenacious (Billionaire Bodyguards # 6)Tenacious by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tenacious (Billionaire Bodyguards Book 6) by Via Mari is amazing. Although I haven’t read the earlier books in the series, I was able to get wrapped up in the story. The patience that Nick Montgomery shows to wait for Allie O’Conner to truly trust in him melted my heart. It doesn’t hurt that Nick is a bodyguard who exudes his alpha maleness! The story of Allie and Nick has romance, danger, suspense, and so much more! As soon as I started the book, I knew I couldn’t put it down until I was finished and I wasn’t disappointed. I can’t wait to pick up the rest of the series.

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Goddess of Everything: A Blood-Curdling Tale of Truth, Freedom, and Love by Paul DeBlassie III – Review by Betsy Melano

Goddess of EverythingGoddess of Everything by Paul DeBlassie III
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goddess of Everything by Paul DeBlassie III, is a very interesting tale with some supernatural aspects that make you think and wonder. It’s definitely not a book for those who are faint of heart and I would not suggest it for younger audiences. Mr DeBlassie does an amazing job describing the locations, the situations, and the characters so you can feel and imagine what the characters are going through. The relationship between Gabriel and his mother Juana, who happens to be the mother superior at an Orphanage, is interesting to say the least. It will make you wonder if you really read things that happened. I had to go back and read some things again just to make sure.

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Love’s Refrain (The Stardust Duet, Book 1) by KG Fletcher – Review by Betsy Melano

Love's Refrain (The Stardust Duet, #1)Love’s Refrain by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love’s Refrain (The Stardust Duet – Book 1) by KG Fletcher is a sweet romance that takes you on a time travel trip. From the start the description of the Grand Theater and the way Kat Monroe reacted to all the renovations and old nostalgic momentous and posters had me captivated. What a gorgeous setting. Kat is a Jazz singer who is finishing up a world tour in her hometown. She feels so lucky to be returning to the Grand Theater in Georgia. When Phillip Gordon gives Kat a locket, she is unsettled until she finds a portal to a different time. Will the burden of time travel be something Kat and Philip can manage? Thank you Ms. Fletcher for such a beautifully written story of love.

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Scarlet Princess (Lochlann Feuds Book 1) by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison – Review by Betsy Melano

Scarlet Princess (The Lochlann Feuds, #1)Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison is the first book in The Lochlann Feuds series. From the start, I was sucked into this book by the feisty and outspoken Princess Rowan and had to keep reading to find out what happens. Rowan and her cousin Davin find themselves in trouble but this time it’s not with the king but in Socair where they might be punished for smuggling. While they wait their fate, things get interesting in the romance department. I can’t wait to read more about Princess Rowan and Lord Theo!

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Runaway to the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, Book 2) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Betsy Melano

Runaway to the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, #2)Runaway to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Runaway to the Outback by Nicole Flockton is the second book in the series A Welcome to Bunya Junction Romance. Jonas Carruthers runs the pub in Bunya Junction, a meeting place for the locals. One Saturday afternoon, the pub patrons cease their conversations when a bride walks into the pub. The bride isn’t a local resident and as the bride walks towards the bars and sits down in front of Jonas all he can ask is, “What can I get you?” It is scenes like this that Ms. Flockton does a wonderful job describing to bring you into the world of Bunya Junction that gets me sucked into reading her books. I love the way Jonas and Pandora Sebastian (the woman who isn’t a bride but is a famous model) begin talking to each other and finding they interact and work together well. I really enjoyed this book and had a good laugh at the last scene. I hope you love it as much as I did!

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Murder Among Friends by Linda Burson – Review by Betsy Melano

Murder Among FriendsMurder Among Friends by Linda Burson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Murder Among Friends by Linda Burson is a mystery that kept me reading to learn more about the characters and see where this thrilling mystery full of suspense and intrigue ended up. This is the first book I’ve read by this author who did an amazing job sharing the characters and keeping me wanting to read more! I especially loved the realistic interactions between Camille and her brother. I can’t wait to read more books by this author.

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Home to the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction Book 1) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Betsy Melano

Home to the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, #1)Home to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Home To The Outback by Nicole Flockton is the first book in the Welcome to Bunya Junction Series. As usual, Ms. Flockton writes a beautiful, realistic story about relationships. Some are easy and others aren’t but it is part of life and I appreciate that the Ms. Flockton writes in this way.
Ryan Flanagan studied hard to become a doctor and ultimately became a very good plastic surgeon. After years of success working on rich people, Ryan found that he wanted to help those in need like burn victims. Unfortunately, he found that his business partner didn’t agree. Soon after cutting ties with his business partner, he receives a call that his mentor Colin was in a very bad accident. Sindy Carruthers returned to her home town of Bunya Junction after a bad relationship. Colin helped her regain her confidence and mad it possible to share her experience with her family. Sindy is working as a nurse in Colin’s office when the accident happens. After the funeral, Ryan and Sindy find themselves part owners of the medical practice Colin had owned. Will they be able to work together in their hometown? To The Outback by Nicole Flockton is the first book in the Welcome to Bunya Junction Series. As usual, Ms. Flockton writes a beautiful, realistic story about relationships. Some are easy and others aren’t but it is part of life and I appreciate that the Ms. Flockton writes in this way.
Ryan Flanagan studied hard to become a doctor and ultimately became a very good plastic surgeon. After years of success working on rich people, Ryan found that he wanted to help those in need like burn victims. Unfortunately, he found that his business partner didn’t agree. Soon after cutting ties with his business partner, he receives a call that his mentor Colin was in a very bad accident. Sindy Carruthers returned to her home town of Bunya Junction after a bad relationship. Colin helped her regain her confidence and mad it possible to share her experience with her family. Sindy is working as a nurse in Colin’s office when the accident happens. After the funeral, Ryan and Sindy find themselves as part owners of the medical practice Colin had owned. Will they be able to work together in their hometown?

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A Natural Passion by Tammy Mannersly – Review by Betsy Melano

A Natural PassionA Natural Passion by Tammy Mannersly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Natural Passion by Tammy Mannersly is a short but lovely book. It was easy to feel connected to the main character Kyra, a beautiful, smart young woman working as an intern at the Mon Repos Turtle Center. She has caught the eye of two men she works with – the “bad boy” and the “good guy” and navigates through the situation well. The story takes a turn when the scientists and conservationists find that someone is poaching the turtle eggs. This can devastate the sea turtle population. Can they work together to find the poachers and find love?

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Gone Country (Gone in Love) by Katrina Marie – Review by Betsy Melano

Gone Country (Cousins Gone #1)Gone Country by Katrina Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gone Country by Katrina Marie is the first book in the Gone in Love series. Stella has worked long hours, sometimes even missing out on fun plans with her cousins Audrey and Tiffany. The three of them have been more like sisters ever since they were young and spent summers together and now as adults have moved to Austin, Texas, to live near each other. When Stella is given the opportunity to prove herself to her employer but needs to relocate by moving to a small town. Will this small town reminiscent of sheer Stella grew up change her mind about living in the city or will something else make her stay?
This book was well written and I throughly enjoyed reading it. Looking forward to reading the other books in this series. I hope you love it as much as I did.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Betsy Melano

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

No Way Out is the first installment in the Mafia Elite Series by Amy McKinley. It is full of suspense, action, and has a wonderful romance vibe (who am I kidding, it’s love at first sight kind of romance!) The book starts out with blowing up a warehouse full of drugs and somehow a few pages later we’re reading about finding out how Matt (aka Max) and Liliana meet for the first time. Their chemistry sizzles from the start. The author shares information about many characters and TPN hat happened in the past to make this a book I didn’t want to put down. I can’t wait for the next installment in the series.

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Written in the Stars (Mothers and Daughters Collection) by Angela Christina Archer – Review by Betsy Melano

Written in the StarsWritten in the Stars by Angela Christina Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Written In The Stars by Angela Christina Archer is a story that captures your heart right away. Elizabeth Hamilton is a teenage girl who’s pregnant hiding the fact from her parents. But her mother finds out Elizabeth is pregnant and drives Elizabeth to a home for boarding through the pregnancy. It takes a while for Elizabeth to realize that she will be leaving this house without her baby. Whatever will happen to Elizabeth’s baby?
As a mother, this book was sometimes emotionally hard to read. I have so much empathy for these teenage girls who were forced to give up their babies. Overall this book is great and shows all sides of the story – Elizabeth, her parents, the couple who adopted the baby, and ultimately, and the woman that baby turned out to be.

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Betsy Melano

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Divided Mind by M. Billiter is an interesting fictional story that gives the reader a deeper look into mental illness. I appreciate that the author took this story in a direction that makes us think more about mental illness. As I was reading this story, I could connect with how Branson was feeling and the emotional toll it takes no only on him but also on his family. This book takes us through the family’s emotions and situations in a way that made me feel like I could understand how Branson’s mother was feeling – overwhelmed and not having answers to help your child. I couldn’t put the book down once I started to connect with the characters. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I’m sure I’ll be reading the second installment.

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TAINTED by Marsha R. West – Review by Betsy Melano

TaintedTainted by Marsha R West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tainted by Marsha R. West is a romance suspense story. Liz Hartman is attempting to find her way in the world after a divorce. In Fort Worth where she lives, many of her socialite friends have shunned her because of her husband being caught by the FBI for money laundering. To find some solitude and a quieter life, Liz and her daughter Lauran head up to New Mexico where the family spent many summers at Liz’s mother’s cabin. But it seems Liz cannot escape trouble which isn’t exactly helping Liz find solitude. The good thing is there are many folks in New Mexico who believe in Liz and help her reclaim her life. It doesn’t hurt that the town Marshall is her high school boyfriend Matt Thornton.
Overall I loved this story and can’t wait to read more books by this author.

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Journeys Through TimeSpace (Journeys Through Book 2) by James Talisman – Review by Betsy Melano

Journeys Through TimeSpaceJourneys Through TimeSpace by James Talisman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Journeys Through TimeSpace by James Talisman is the second book in the Journeys Through Series. This book adds so much more about the wonderful characters we met in the first book. I highly recommend you read them in order. There are several different universes woven through the book and the author does a wonderful job of making the reader connect and care about what happens. This book got me even more invested in the story and I sure hope there is more to come!

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HER DARK LOVE (DARK SPELL SERIES Book 4) by ISRA SRAVENHEART – Review by Betsy Melano

Her Dark Love (Dark Spell #4)Her Dark Love by Isra Sravenheart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Her Dark Love by Isra Sravenheart is the newest installment in the Dark Spell Series. I love that this book takes us back to when Isra, a young witch, just starting to study at Wingdom’s Academy of Ancient Magic’s. At seventeen, Isra has always known she was different from her family and is excited to be learning all about witchcraft. As a young woman who believes in the good of the world, we see how things start to change for Isra making her turn towards dark magic. This, the fourth book in the series, is a wonderful addition to this series! So glad to be able to read about young Isra. It really helps to understand Isla and sheds light on the whole story. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

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Avenging Devil Part 2 (Satan’s Devils MC San Diego #4) by Manda Mellett – Review by Betsy Melano

Avenging Devil Part 2: Satan's Devils MC San DiegoAvenging Devil Part 2: Satan’s Devils MC San Diego by Manda Mellett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Avenging Devil Part 2: Satan’s Devil MC San Diego by Manda Mellett is more amazing than part 1! Part 1 left us with a cliffhanger but part 2? Oh my goodness.

Before we get started, I want to caution you that there are moments that can be a trigger for some.

Niran is willing to do anything to keep Saffie safe. Saffie has other “friends” that she connected with when living with the Wolves who end up helping her. And I love and are so excited for Niran & Saffie’s story and how they come together even after what seems to be a betrayal.

Part 2 shows us what the Satan’s Devils MC can do when the chapters come together to help a brother. There’s a connection between them all and the way the members welcome in those from other chapters that need help is amazing. A true family who cares for others even when they lead separate lives. Thank you Ms. Mellett for such an emotional but wonderful look into Saffie & Niran’s story!

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