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Knight In Peril (A Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery) by Alice Bienia – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Knight In Peril (A Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery #6)Knight In Peril by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 6th book in the Jorja Knight mystery series, and it just keeps getting better and better. When I finished the last book in this series, I was so excited to get started on this next book and read all about how Jorja would be going on vacation to travel with her best friend Gabriella. As with any mystery story, you know a private investigator isn’t going to get a vacation that easily. This book lived up to my expectations and then so much more, it has such amazing world-building, along with descriptions of places all around the world taking me to places I’ve never even dreamed of going. I love the descriptions and the situations that our main character is put into, they are so realistic, it’s exactly what I would expect to happen when traveling so far away from home. The fear and anxiety that this story provokes are so amazing, I was worried for Jorja and Gabriella both, never knowing what might happen next. This book kept me on my toes, I was unable to put it down until I got through the entire book in one sitting! I am now going to go back and start back at book number 1 and read through the entire series because if the first 4 books are anything like the last two, I’ve read, I cannot wait to dive in for the ride of my life! Solving mysteries and fighting crime, what an amazing way to spend my day from the comfort of my own home.
@Brandy Rymer
12/2023

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Knight In The Museum (A Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery) by Alice Bienia – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Knight In The Museum (Jorja Knight #5)Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the first book I’d read in the Jorja Knight mystery series, and I absolutely loved it! This story had me following along every twist and turn with all the different clues Jorja kept following along as she tried to piece together the mystery behind the death of former PI Howard’s untimely demise. The characters were developed so dynamically, that you wondered who may have been involved in the obvious crimes committed. I was shocked at all of the different clues that Jorja was able to uncover from such little nuggets of information she was able to find, it showcased the powerful job that she performed as a private investigator. The outcome of what was going on was astounding, I was shocked, but excited at the same time when I got to the end of the book with how everything had turned out. There are a lot of surprises that you could never have guessed, which is something that only the best mystery books contain. I can’t wait to read more of this series by this author, I feel like there is so much I don’t know about the main characters that I’m excited to go back and learn about them.
@Brandy Rymer
12/2023

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Children of the Wild (Children of the Wild Series) by Krysta Tawlks – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Children of the WildChildren of the Wild by Krysta Tawlks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was such an amazing read, I was not expecting Elbert to become a magical creature of such magnitude, it was awesome! I seriously thought he was becoming a chicken, so when Valora nicknamed Pollo, it had me cracking up. This story has it all, from amazing magical beasts, shapeshifters, and two families who showcase such love for one another, to the point of being willing to do anything to protect them. Even the animals in this story had great personalities, and no characters were left out in being dimensionally developed. The time era that this book was written in fits perfectly with the settings that are drawn beautifully in the words of the story, it’s like being right there living alongside our huge family, all working together on the farm, and in the gardens. I love that each character is so approachable, they are all down to earth, and the townsfolk treat one another as a big family. It shows that everyone takes care of their neighbors. We even have our local gossip who runs the local shop where everyone needs to go for supplies. I hope this story will continue because I would love to continue following the story of Elbert and Valora, and their families along their magical journey. The trappers are all still out there hunting these magical beasts, what a great continuation to build upon as well. I’m adding this to my must-read list and will be watching the author for more fantastical books to come.
@Brandy Rymer
12/2023

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Encounters With Old Coyote by Laura Koerber – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Encounters with Old CoyoteEncounters with Old Coyote by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a wonderful story of a woman’s life, and her search for the meaning of the world beyond. Andrea was a successful woman who loved to write and tell stories and was ready to leave this life behind after being told she had a short time left to live. After much planning and preparation, she travels to a place she deeply connects with and slips away while under the stars. Andrea has an out of body experience, realizing that she is now a ghost floating above her body, unsure what comes next. She comes upon a coyote, who she questions about all of the topics that have been weighing on her mind, but instead of giving her direct answers, as spiritual coyotes, tricksters, are well known to do, he tells her a story. Throughout the story we are told multiple stories, mostly by Andrea, who has a talent for recounting tales and stories. In the end the coyote tells a powerful tale to Andrea and a small group of friends while around a campfire, with Andrea snuggled into her sleeping bag, under the stars. This story was so beautifully written, and has such an impactful influence about it, with deeper meaning. I really enjoyed the telling of the tales between the two companions.
@Brandy Rymer
12/2023

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The Magic Man (The Olympic Peninsula Book 3) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Brandy Rymer

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The Magic Man (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 3)The Magic Man by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love this book series, if I could give it more stars on the rating scale I would. The Magic Man is the third book in The Olympic Peninsula series, where we get to read the story of Joe’s older brother, David, and find out about what happened to cause him to return from his time working as a doctor in Africa. Not only do we get to follow along with David, but we also get to know Maddie’s story. The sparks were flying between David, Kilo, and Maddie, at the end of the last book in this series, it’s time to find out which guy she chooses to be with. Also, what is up with Sylvia, David’s fiancé from Africa, he claims he will not be marrying but has to deal with issues that are weighing heavily on him. I love that this series takes place in the Pacific Northwest, a place I know very well. Cat Treadgold has done an amazing job portraying the beauty of Port Townsend, and the feeling of unity that is so well-known in its small community. It’s great that we get to continue with the story of the main characters from the first 2 books in this series. This group has grown together, but sometimes being together all the time, can lead to feelings of being too close. Will each of the couples be able to work through their marital issues, or will we see some relationships that have been building take a turn for the worse? You will not want to put this book down once you start reading it, the best part, is you do not have to read them in the order that they were written, I prefer to do it this way, but each book can stand on its own just as well. You’ll just be missing out on some great stories if you skip any.
@Brandy Rymer
12/2023

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To Catch An Elf by Debra Parmley – Review by Brandy Rymer

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To Catch An Elf: Pennsylvania Fighter PilotTo Catch An Elf: Pennsylvania Fighter Pilot by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was nothing like what I had expected from my first impressions upon seeing the cover. I was expecting a sweet romance between the two characters featured and wasn’t exactly sure how a creepy-looking elf that looked a little like our main character, Marcie, would play into their romance, but this book offered me this and so much more!!! I was so excited when I started reading and realized it was going to take a dark twist that I was not expecting at all! This book had everything I could want and more, a budding Christmas romance, a beautiful wedding (not for our main characters), an overbearing privileged homeowner who had an adorable dog needing love and care, a sweet innocent house and dog sitter for December, and a super creepy elf that feels like it’s watching Marcie’s every move. Add to the mix a cute new neighbor, Ted, with a friendly dog of his own and we’ve got a great mix of characters to make a very interesting story. Oh, but don’t forget the homeowner’s weird boyfriend who brings Marcie into the mix, by recommending her to be the house sitter, who also is the person who gifted the elf to his girlfriend, the homeowner. The elf was to be Marcie’s biggest priority during her house sitting, even more, important than taking care of the sweet dog, with a list of daily tasks she had to take photos of, that were listed out down to the finite detail, including a bubble bath with the creepy elf…you’ll want to pick up this book to see how this all turns out because something was not right about this house sitting job. This book was awesome, it’s got romance, intrigue, drama, violence, and a super creepy elf doll who seems to watch your every move.
@Brandy Rymer
12/2023

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Finding the End Zone (Game Time Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Finding the End ZoneFinding the End Zone by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so excited to find this new series by Tam DeRudder Jackson, and what a great surprise it was when I started reading it to find out it was a twist on a sports romance. Not only is our star football player, Callahan, got the looks and the physique of a star player, but he’s got the brains to go along with it! Much to the surprise and dismay of our other main character, Jamaica, who does not date athletes, well until she meets Callahan, who does not give up so easily. Sparks fly when these two get paired together as partners in a Lit Class group project, which grade weighs heavily on both of these characters because maintaining high grades is detrimental to both Jamaica and Callahan for keeping their scholarships. What a great fit these two are in this project, despite what they were both expecting, too bad Tori has a crush on our star football player and doesn’t like to take no for an answer, when she sees something, she wants, she assumes daddies’ money can buy her everything that she wants. What she wants is a star up-and-coming NFL football player, namely Callahan. Tori makes sure that she is there every step of the way to cause Callahan and Jamaica issues, making progress on their class project, as well as a possible romance between the two, even harder to explore. This was a wonderful romance, where you get to learn a lot about football, but also about the works of Austen as our two main characters complete research for their Lit Class project. I cannot wait for the next book in this series where we get to follow the story of one of Callahan’s teammates.
@Brandy Rymer
12/2023

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Dangerous Rhythm (The Echo Series Book 4) by C.R. Alam – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Dangerous Rhythm (The Echo Series, #4)Dangerous Rhythm by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story was absolutely amazing, I loved the twist with involving the mob in this book. It made it so exciting to read, plus what a great way to get to meet new characters. Meeting Curtis and Lina’s families and seeing their family traditions was a genius move to help bring these two characters together even more. I loved the descriptions of the different countries that this book takes place in, it was so beautiful to feel a part of the New Year celebration, and oh my all the food descriptions made my mouth water! The Echo Series has been one of my favorite series to read in 2023, I cannot wait to read the next series that C. R. Alam. She has an amazing talent for writing books that draw you into the storyline and keep you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next book to continue delving into the characters’ lives. You just get so invested in each of the characters’ stories, but the author continues to build upon the past character’s lives, allowing you to continue to learn about their continuing celebrations in their happily ever after. I look forward to the new series coming out in 2024!
@Brandy Rymer
12/2023

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Wicked Ends: A Dark College Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Series, Book 8 ) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Wicked Ends (Hidden Valley Elite #8)Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was one of my absolute favorites in this whole series, and I have to say I loved all of them! Wicked Ends not only gave me the romance I have grown to adore from Isla Vaughn, but she also added in some deep dark mysteries to be solved as well, and boy was it fun to try to piece together all of the clues. I have loved getting to know all of the characters throughout this series, and the fact that they all continue to appear as featured characters as the next family member becomes the main character is just so amazing. What a great story of enemies to lovers that this book has given us with Shane and Winter, their stories from their childhoods are so heartbreaking to read about, but then to see everything that they go through in reconnecting as adults, adds to the intrigue of their relationship. I especially appreciated the bonus epilogue where we get to see into the future of what is going on in everyone’s lives, such an amazing way to end a series that has become so wonderful to follow along with. If you haven’t read any of the books in the Hidden Valley Elite series, you really should start back at the beginning, because each book builds upon the next book in the series. The only thing I regret is that the tale is over, but I cannot wait to see what the author has next in store for her next book or series, because she is an absolute amazing writer!
@Brandy Rymer
12/2023

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Be True with Me (Be with Me Series) by CA Miconi – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Be True with Me (Be with Me, #3)Be True with Me by C.A. Miconi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a wonderful story about Lauren and Jake, college sweethearts who have not seen each other in years due to a traumatic event that caused them to part ways on bad terms due to no fault of their own. Lauren went on to become a social worker, and Jake a police officer both working in the same community for the past couple of years without ever crossing paths until one sad night. Both were called in on a domestic violence case, where they are shocked to be reunited. The twin’s mother is sent to the hospital to seek medical attention, and their abusive father is taken to jail to await his trial. Lauren understands that there is nowhere to take the twins, so she volunteers to take them into her own home. Jake sees this as a perfect opportunity to reconnect with Lauren and to talk to her about what happened in the past in hopes of rekindling their relationship. This story is all about hope for a better future, and the fact that true love can conquer all obstacles, even time.
@Brandy Rymer
12/2023

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 2) by K. L. Small – Review by Brandy Rymer

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series, Book 2)The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a wonderful continuation to The Brass Ring Series. I loved that this book picks up right around the time that we had left off in the first book of this series, not leaving us waiting any longer to hear more about Rusty and Grandpa. This book is such an amazing read, it has action, adventure, feel-good moments, and lessons to learn about the benefits of doing good deeds. I love the beautiful bond that is built within this series between a boy and his grandfather, and the joy that they get to share in their bonds over a mysterious brass ring. The tales that they both share from their experiences and the love that they develop are so magical all in themselves. I highly recommend this book series to anyone young or old, who enjoys a story that takes them to mythical times and places, where anything is possible, and choices made do not go unrewarded. The descriptions within the book are so detailed, that it’s easy to draw a picture within your mind as if you are the main character experiencing all of the magic around you. I love the illustrations as well; they are such a nice touch to bring the story to life. What a great book to read during this holiday season!
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob – Review by Brandy Rymer

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The Catford Catastrophe ZoneThe Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a very interesting read, based far into the future where the world is very technologically advanced. The world is split into those two areas, the one where everyone works hard and lives richly. Then there is the other area where the people who are deemed lazy, sickly, or just incompetent or bad are sent, where they live impoverished and are exposed to so many illnesses and creatures that are poisonous. Frankie is an undercover police officer who dreams of becoming a superhero and is given advanced technology to become a superhuman. She is sent on a mission in the Catford Zone where the people are impoverished, but there are suspected rebels planning something that needs to be discovered and stopped. Frankie goes on the mission she is asked to take on but has no idea what kind of situation she is being sent to; it is far worse than her worst nightmares. She must learn to adjust to the living situation that she is thrown into while doing her job without being discovered by her roommates or any of the other residents. Will Frankie be able to solve the mystery she was sent to uncover, or will the environment kill her first? This is a great scientific thriller that has surprises around every corner.
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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The Ocean in His Veins (The Ocean Series) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Brandy Rymer

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The Ocean in His Veins (The Ocean)The Ocean in His Veins by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book after reading The Ocean Meets the Sky and I am glad that I did. Not only did it help me to understand why Cal is the way that he is, but if I’d read this book first, I would have been way more biased against his character when he meets Annie. This was an amazing story about Cal’s life from a young teen boy to the 45-year-old man that we learn to love in The Ocean Meets the Sky. This book is definitely a must-read if you loved reading the prior series, because it gives you a peak into the life that Cal had lived, all of the love and loss that he endured throughout his life, and the treatment that he received to develop him into the person that he is. I loved reading this book and am glad that I read it in the order that I did, without this book I would always have been left wondering about what Cal’s past experiences had really had such a huge effect on him. Getting to read about them was such an eye-opener and really added a whole new depth to this book series. I am now a huge fan of this author’s work and am excited to see what else may have been written. This book is highly recommended by me, it is a true look into the life of a boy who becomes a man through all the trials life throws at him.
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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Where the Ocean Meets the Sky (The Ocean Series) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Where the Ocean Meets the Sky (The Ocean Series)Where the Ocean Meets the Sky by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cal and Annie’s romance in this story was truly written in the stars! I loved the fact that this book was rewritten to put all three stories into one book, I had not read the prior versions, but there is so much to these characters’ stories that it just needed to be a long read, which I love. There are so many dynamics to Annie and Cal’s backstories that you pick up as you get farther into the story. The side characters are all so amazing, in the fact that you have the fun-loving best friend of Annie, who is an amazing performer, and then you have Annie’s drunk mother and her highly intelligent father, and of course, her foster parents who were more like her real parents, and the reason for her meeting Cal in the first place. Whereas Cal has her older cousin who is more like a big sister or a mother figure to him, his amazing household helper Rosa, who practically raised him, and his mother, a character that truly explains why Cal is the way he is. The settings are described beautifully, I’ve never been to Miami or South Beach, but from the descriptions I can picture them perfectly, hearing the waves of the ocean crashing on the beach. This love story is just phenomenal to read, don’t let the number of pages scare you away from reading this book, they literally just fly by as you engross yourself in the pages and lives of these characters. This is going on my want to read again list it was so fabulous!!!
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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Joy’s Christmas Escape (The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1) by P. Creeden – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Joy’s Christmas Escape: The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1Joy’s Christmas Escape: The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1 by P. Creeden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Joy’s Christmas Escape was a great book, P. Creeden is an amazing author who brings such a sweet romance with a beautiful gospel touch to it. It made me feel so good to read of how important Joy’s religious beliefs were to her, and the power of her faith in every trial that was thrown her way. She was such a strong woman to have gone through everything that she did and still endured through it all like a warrior. Marshal Bolling was the perfect companion to be matched with Joy, his mail-order bride, and what better timing couldn’t have come for both of them? I adored the attention to detail that the author took in developing the characters, and showing how much, they needed one another, whether they knew it or not. The setting in this story was one of my favorite time periods, when the world was so much more relaxed, and you could feel the friendliness of everyone around the town. The whole atmosphere reminded me of small-town living back in the days when everyone was neighborly, and you didn’t have such a huge issue with crimes. This was a great book to enjoy during this holiday season, it just warmed my heart. I have already started on the next book in this series and am excited to read about the next mail-order bride’s story.
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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Dark Moon Secrets (The Witch Moon Series Book 1) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Dark Moon Secrets (Witch Moon #1)Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This paranormal romance had everything I could ask for in a great first book of a series. Witches, wolf shifters, intrigue, forbidden romance, and so much more! We first meet Tanjie when we learn about the death of her parents and the bond that she has with her two best friends, and her elderly neighbor in her apartment building with whom she spends a day once a month chatting about things of her past that her parents held dear. When Maria, the elderly neighbor, is found to have passed on by Tanjie and her friends, it is such a shock and a sad reminder of the loss of Tanjie’s parents. Leaving her with so many unanswered questions about her life, and the path that she is supposed to take. To Tanjie’s surprise, she starts hearing Maria’s voice in her head, which reminds her to get the envelope that was left for her to open upon Maria’s death. This envelope contains Maria’s last will and testament, which will change Tanjie’s life in so many ways she could never imagine. First of all, Tanjie must move away to take care of the bookstore that Maria has left for her, and this is where Tanjie meets Alaric, the boy she is advised to stay away from because he is a troublemaker. Of course, this makes him all the more appealing to Tanjie, who is in denial of anything that is starting to happen to her, wanting everything to go back to the way it was before Maria’s passing. Tanjie learns quickly that life as she once knew it, will never be the same, and that she needs to learn to embrace change or lose her own life. This book was such a great read, I am impressed with the extensive attention to detail that the author has put into her writing. This book was such an exciting experience, I cannot wait to see what comes next in the 2nd book in this series.
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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Wicked Games (Hidden Valley Elite Book 7) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Wicked Games (Hidden Valley Elite #7)Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book; it started right off where the last book in the series had left us hanging on the cliffhanger! Isla Vaughn is one of my favorite authors, she is an absolute genius when it comes to keeping you engaged in a book, that you never want to come to an end. The fact that every single major character that we met in the very first book in this series continues to get their turn at being the star of their mini-story in the Hidden Valley Elite series is so amazing. Not only do you get to know and understand them as if they are the stars, but their story does not end when their mini-stories, they continue to develop and grow as the story progresses in this series. Wicked Games allows us to get to know Shane, one of the twins, stories, as we learn about his struggles from childhood with the mysterious Winter. As Shane seeks to exact his revenge on his childhood bully, he doesn’t realize that he is starting to fall for her, all while dealing with his trial from a fatal accident he caused. I could not put this book down and am dying to see where the next book in this series will pick up, there are so many new questions that are left unanswered. I love the intrigue and the mystery that this latest installment in this series brings, from the twin’s dad and the role he’s trying to take in the boy’s lives. Aspen’s pregnancy is coming so close to her due date, the mystery behind Winter’s sister’s death, and her mother’s impending parole hearing. I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book to come out!!!
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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Almost and Forever by Angela K. Parker – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Almost and Forever: An Emotional Second Chance at Love RomanceAlmost and Forever: An Emotional Second Chance at Love Romance by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Almost and Forever, by Angela K. Parker, was such a touching book all about loss and love. I was so enthralled with the characters as they met at the water fountain, feeling a deep pull between the two characters who met while making wishes in the wishing well. What a shock to find out that Adam (Ace), our leading male character, was there with his girlfriend, Ivory, and not with Hope (Ava). As I read deeper through the book, I got more and more invested in the lives of Hope and Adam and was rooting for a second chance at love for the poor guy who’d lost his love in the saddest way possible. As we get to see more of who Ivory was, it amazes me how much no one knew about her or what she had been planning before her tragic end. The title of this book is so appropriate, it is such an amazing story that speaks to the true romantic. I am hoping that the author will write more books like this one, it was such a refreshing change to the usual romance books that I usually read.
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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Whisper Creek (Logan McKenna Mystery Book 7) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Whisper Creek (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 7)Whisper Creek by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is another thrilling continuation of the Logan McKenna Series by Valerie Davisson. Whisper Creek is the 7th book in this series, and it continues to blow my mind how intriguing each new book is building upon the excitement of the previous books. Life looks like it is finally settling down for Logan and Ben, their relationship is going so well that Ben has proposed to Logan, which she accepted of course. Logan’s musical career is soaring, and life seems to be going smoothly for the happy couple, maybe a little too smoothly. As Logan takes a break to clear her head and get some much-needed space for herself, she gets involved in yet another investigation, there is already one body, and four suspects, will Logan be able to help clear her friends from being suspects or will she get pulled too deep into another investigation that may put her own life at risk once again. This book series has been absolutely amazing, I am hopeful that there will be more books to come in this series. The author has done such an amazing job inventing new ways to draw our heroine into crazy situations, each one even more thrilling than the prior one.
@Brandy Rymer 11/2023

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Lies That Bind (Logan McKenna Series Book 6) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Lies That Bind: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 6 (Logan McKenna Series)Lies That Bind: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 6 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series just keeps getting me drawn deeper and deeper in, wondering if Logan and Ben will ever be able to find some peace to build their lives together. This 6th book in the Logan McKenna Series by Valerie Davisson is just fabulous. Lies That Bind does not hold anything back, from secrets, old journals, a death, and a new fixer-upper home for Logan and Ben. Logan’s about to meet her half-sister Olivia for the first time, hoping for a little break in the excitement of her life, but of course, things never go as planned for Logan. Logan and Olivia must work together before it’s too late, to try and solve the mysterious death of Charlotte “Charlie” Collins. They are thrown into trying to figure out what the cause of death was, whether it be an accident or something far worse. To Logan’s surprise her and Ben’s new fixer-upper may hold more secrets to this mystery than they ever expected, but will they all be able to solve the mystery before it’s too late?
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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Vanishing Day (Logan McKenna Series Book 4) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Vanishing Day: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Logan Book 4 (Logan McKenna Series)Vanishing Day: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Logan Book 4 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Vanishing Day is the 4th book in Valerie Davisson’s Logan McKenna Mystery series. This book was a continuation of the story of Logan McKenna and the excitement that seems to follow her around like no other. This book promises you excitement, mystery, and a fast-paced thrill ride, and it lives up to everything promised and so much more. You cannot help but grow to love and feel invested in the characters that you’ve met in the past books, as well as gain a deeper understanding of their characters as Valerie continues to masterfully build upon their true natures. This story does touch on some very touchy subjects including spousal abuse, but it’s so ingeniously approached that it doesn’t overshadow the true purpose of the storyline. Once you start this series, you will not want to stop until you get through all of the books, it is so amazing, I’m so excited for the next book.
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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Wolfbane (Wolfbane Series Book 1) by Celia Hart – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Wolfbane (Wolfbane #1)Wolfbane by Celia Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an amazing book! I loved that you never know what to expect, there are so many surprises on every page, and it was exciting. I love that the characters are so dynamic, and each has their own uniqueness about them. I loved getting to know Jasmine, and seeing how completely opposite her best friend, Lucy, is from her. Jasmine is our main character who begins this story as the werewolf who lives her life as close to the rules set by her parents, as she possibly can, following strict religious beliefs that had been taught her whole life until she meets the soon-to-be alpha werewolf, Blake. He is your typical bad boy, conceited, lady’s man, party boy who isn’t used to being told no by anyone, especially the ladies. This makes the chase for Jasmine’s attention a challenge he’s excited to take on. Luke, who is Lucy’s attractive boyfriend at the beginning of the story, also happens to be someone that Jasmine has a major crush on. Once Lucy turns of age for the mate bond to take effect, she is sorely disappointed that Luke is not her mate. Luke also happens to be Blake’s soon-to-be beta. What happens when Luke finds his mate, will he be able to give up on his love for Lucy to follow the mate bond, or will he be willing to reject his mate and stay with the woman he loves, Lucy? Will Blake be able to seduce Jasmine into a relationship based more on friendship, if so, what happens when she finds her own mate? There are a lot of circumstances that are hard to take within this book, but it all helps to build up the character’s personalities, as well as the depth of their feelings. I was so happy to find out that there are 2 more books in this series because you do end on a cliffhanger, which leaves you wanting more. I can’t wait to start the next book and read further about the fates of our four friends.
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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Necromancy the Musical by Debbie Hibbert – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Necromancy the MusicalNecromancy the Musical by Debbie Hibbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was most definitely one of a kind, I absolutely loved it! Never have I read a story so intriguing that it had me questioning my beliefs in ghosts, and what life is like after people pass along to the other side. Debbie Hibbert is an amazing author who truly brought a whole new meaning to necromancy, taking something so dark and eerie and making it so cool and interesting. I love that our main character is a teen whose dad not only works investigating murders but brings his daughter to work with him in the morgue to help solve the crimes that he is working on, brings a whole new meaning to bringing your kid to work day. There are so many hilarious scenes in this book that just bring back fond memories of days long past, thank goodness we never have to relive our teen years in this day and age. The characters are so exceptionally developed, each having their own special characteristics that make them their own kind of person. I loved that CeCe, our main character, has pink hair and looks like such a punk rocker, yet she has a personality that portrays her as more of a shy type. Whereas her best friend is so outgoing and loves to be her own kind of fashionista, always looking her best, and having fun doing it. This book is like a cross between a mystery book, and a summer musical camp, it is such a great read. I cannot wait to see if there are going to be more books to come for our illustrious CeCe and her friends.
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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The Podcast Chronicles Audiobook by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Brandy Rymer

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What an inspirational story of a mom who wants to fight to save the community that she calls her hometown. Sue Cleary retires from being a forensic accountant for the sake of raising her four sons and wants to help save her community from the evils of the politicians. Sue tackles the world of social media with the assistance of friends and family and creates a podcast in order to spread the word about what is going on. What a great, heartwarming book to listen to, it is so inspirational that we can make a difference in the world by doing our part and spreading the word about the woes of the community we see happening. Sue refused to stand by and watch as her hometown tried to become a tourist trap for travelers instead of the community she knew and loved. This was a great book to listen to while I was at home relaxing, or any time I was in the car driving around, or even riding as a passenger. What a great option it is to be able to enjoy the tale of a great book, and what a wonderful job they did with the volume and sound recording, in getting the characters to shine through with their personalities. Kathryn Dodson has written a wonderful book; I am looking forward to hearing more from her in the near future.
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

Sweet Vengeance (Mission Belles Book 3) by Pamela Gibson – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Sweet Vengeance (Mission Belles #3)Sweet Vengeance by Pamela Gibson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I adored this book the second I started reading it, it feels so realistic. I love that it takes place in 1846 during the San Francisco Gold Rush, not only was it a great love story of enemies to lovers, but it was packed with excitement of a woman (Elena Santoro) seeking revenge for the death of her little brother Antoine. Elena has given up everything in her life to find out who was the person who killed her little brother, and then to seek revenge by taking their life. Elena must wait for her brother’s friend to finish up his jail sentence before asking him who caused the death of her brother. Carmelo tells Elena that her brother’s killer is none other than the man who had refused her advances in her younger years, none other than Sean Mitchell. Once she finds out this information, she sets her plans in motion to seek out Sean and take his life, once done she will finally settle down and marry. This story has so many unexpected surprises that just keep happening, that no matter what well-set plans Elena has set, something keeps going awry to make her doubt herself as well as her feelings for this man whom she has never forgiven for refusing her prior advances. Will Elena be able to fulfill her promise to her mother’s dying wish, or will she answer the call of her heart instead? The characters in this book are so full of passion and fire that they just capture your heart upon meeting them, you begin to doubt what is suspected of them, and it is so exciting to watch their story play out with all of the unexpected incidents that continue to befall our two main characters, Elena and Sean. I am so excited to go back and look up the other books in this series because this is the first book I’ve ever read of Pamela Gibson. I am amazed at how well she portrays the time of the events, it’s like I was right there experiencing the gold rush and fearing for the crowds of people all coming to San Francisco, California. What an amazing period to place such a wonderful story in.
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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Tracker (The Talisman Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Tracker (The Talisman Series)Tracker by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this pre-qual to The Talisman Series, Tam DeRudder Jackson is such a thorough writer when it comes to creating a story full of details and leaving nothing out, she is a downright genius. Your imagination gets the biggest treat when you read her books. From the smallest of details to the surroundings of the characters, you can practically taste the smells around the characters, as they experience them. It is such a magical world that I feel like I could climb right into the story as a bystander. It was so easy for my imagination to follow along with the story being viewed in my mind. This is the kind of book that grabs my attention and keeps me reading straight through to the end, they are so amazing! This is the first book I’ve ever read in this series, and it will not be the last. I am so excited to continue on this journey and see where this series leads. I have to say I want to read more of Riley and Lynnette’s romance in order to learn more of Lynnette’s Talisman skills and see how they are able to benefit Riley’s Warrior skills. I am a huge fan of the paranormal especially when romance is a huge aspect of the book. This is a must-read series for me, and I cannot wait to continue on to the other books in this series and see where my imagination takes me.
@Brandy Rymer
10/2024

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Melt My Heart (North Fork Series Book 3) by Alicia Street – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Melt My HeartMelt My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Alicia Street really outdid herself this time with this 3rd book in the North Fork Series! Melt My Heart most certainly lived up to its name, because when I was done reading this book, my heart not only melted, but I wanted to go out and adopt a cute little puppy (not that I could, my Siamese cat would not be pleased). This romance all starts by chance with Caleb Westfall, a rich playboy who is joint CEO of the Westfall Yachtworld with his big brother Tyler, who runs into a gorgeous woman (Wynter) leaning under a car trying to lure out a stray dog. This little guy is such an integral part of bringing these two strangers together to give love a chance, despite both of them having bad past relationship experiences. Wynter not only works at the restaurant that Caleb frequents on a regular basis with either his big brother, Tyler, or dates that never seem to last a day or two, but she also helps her cousin run an animal rescue. Caleb has never noticed Wynter before, usually getting the blonde, bustier waitress, but one night Tyler and Caleb get moved to Wynter’s tables to the surprise of both Caleb and Wynter. There is definitely obvious heat between these two, and Tyler enjoys joining in and antagonizing Wynter, trying to get Caleb to admit he’s attracted to their stunning waitress. The stray puppy is Caleb’s in on working his way into getting to know Wynter better, especially since he’s the only person that the stray puppy seems to connect with. Will this puppy be able to bring Wynter and Caleb together, or will they be a lost cause? You won’t want to read this newest book in this series, I was so excited to find a sneak peek into Tyler’s story at the end of this book, where we get to read about his own trial of seeking love, taking us back a bit in time before he married his wife. Don’t skip over the bonus, you will regret not reading how Tyler came about meeting Caroline.
@Brandy Rymer
10/2023

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Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes (Hot Flash Hookups Book 1) by Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Hot Flashes and Hockey SlashesHot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This romance had me up all night as I read the entire story from cover to cover in the span of one night, it is that good! I was invested in Olivia, our main character, the divorced mom of two suffering from perimenopause, who just got invited to her ex-husband’s wedding to a much younger, gorgeous woman, on an island of all places! Olivia does not want to be caught dead at this wedding, let alone without a date. Unfortunately, her college-aged daughter has other plans for her mother, and works together with her best friend at college, and roommate, to set up her single dad with her friend’s single mom. Roman is a pro hockey player, close to retirement age, who has spent his life missing out on most of his daughter’s life activities due to all of the traveling a pro hockey player must do. Of course, he agreed to the plan of going on vacation with his daughter, even as her friend’s mom’s plus one, if that was what it took to spend quality time with his distanced college-aged daughter. What better combination than putting together a woman who is always experiencing hot flashes, with a pro hockey player who is used to working in the cold ice rink where he is constantly working up a sweat. Olivia needs fans around the clock in order to sleep, and Roman needs extra blankets to keep warm enough so he doesn’t freeze in the night. What happens when you put these two in a hotel room together for the weekend, with one bed?

This book was so well written, and the characters’ personalities were so opposite, it was awesome getting to read the story from each of the two main characters’ points of view as they struggled to survive the weekend together. I could feel the heat as these two kept admiring one another without the other being aware of the attraction between the two. It was quite hilarious knowing that each felt intimidated that the other was way above their game when in reality they were both very much single and interested in the other. I loved the setting in which this story takes place, showing how each character comes from such a different world, yet it goes to show that opposites most definitely attract. I am so excited to see the next book in the Hot Flashes series come out in 2024, if it’s anywhere close to this book, then it’s going to be a winner in my book!
@Brandy Rymer
10/2023

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Beyond Friendship (The Irresistible Series Book 3) by Marlyn Love – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Beyond Friendship (The Irresistible Series #3)Beyond Friendship by Marlyn Love
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Marlyn Love’s book Beyond Friendship had me in tears throughout the entire book. There were times that I wondered if Brian was ever going to catch a break. The poor guy had been dealt a hard hand to deal with not only from losing his father but then to be dealing with a lifelong illness that he was not willing to share the burden of with even his closest friends. Only his mom knew what he was living with, the same disease that had taken his father from them. Brian lived his life as a playboy with no strings attached, which was how he liked it, no chance of getting hurt or of allowing anyone to get hurt by losing him. Until he met Amanda, the goddess of his dreams, and his best friend Nick’s little sister. No matter how much Brian tried to move past his feelings for Amanda, he just couldn’t get over the fact that they had a strong pull of desire and attraction between them. Can Brian keep Amanda in the friend zone, and keep his illness a secret from his closest friends, or will fate have a different plan in store for him?

This book was so informative as well as so realistic, there were times when I would get so frustrated with the characters for the choices they were making, and other times when I wanted to jump for joy that they were finally being true to themselves and their feelings. All in all, I was invested in this book wholeheartedly, to the point that it literally had me in tears as I was reading, wiping my eyes just to see the words in front of me. This is such an inspiring love story, that left me feeling as if I’d just finished running a marathon right alongside the characters. This book has it all, you will not be disappointed if you are looking for a good read with a happily ever after.
@Brandy Rymer
10/2023

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Liar, Liar (The McIntire County Series Book 4) by Winter Austin – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Liar, Liar: The McIntire County Series: #4Liar, Liar: The McIntire County Series: #4 by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The McIntire County Series is an amazing book series that continues from the first book to the fourth book, with each book building upon the characters who each have a new case to solve. I love a good suspenseful story, and this one did not disappoint me in any way at all. I loved that we finally read about the Sheriff, Shane Hamilton, and understand why he acts the way he does throughout this series. You get this feeling that something is weighing on his mind and body, but it never even hints at what could possibly be on his mind. I loved that Liza Bartholomew gets to rejoin the story line, not only as an FBI agent, but also as a love interest for Shane, who has kept his heart locked up ever since the horrible tragedy that struck his life many years prior. What an amazing read this was, it holds you captivated throughout the entire story, with never a dull moment. You see so many unexpected twists and turns and fear for the safety of your favorite characters. Winter Austin is one of my favorite authors for writing thrilling suspense series, I even got my teenage son hooked on her books. I cannot wait to see what else she has available to read, as well as looking forward to more books yet to come. You will not want to miss reading this hit book series.
@Brandy Rymer
10/2023

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