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Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Written in first person point of view with each chapter from a different character. This helps add depth and strength to the story. Nothing is as it was with Jacklyn. This psychological thriller had me guessing what was real and what wasn’t. The plot keeps you on the edge of your seat. I couldn’t put the book down! I love stories that are set in my home of the Pacific Northwest!

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Class Clown (Ghost Girl Series) by Allan Evans – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Class ClownClass Clown by Allan Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The cover art on this book gives you a good idea of what the story is about. Creepy ghost clowns mixed with teenage uncertainty make this story a page turner. The supernatural twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat! The author did well with the high school drama and wrote an incredible story. Happy reading!

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book teaches you how to have your own version of HEA. How to have joy without guilt or shame. Move past outdated narratives, and transcend limiting cultural beliefs. The reader is encouraged to explore different aspects of spiritually. By exposing generational and ancestral trauma, you can reclaim your authentic self. The author does excellent sharing about narratives of hope and healing- particularly for those who are othered bodies- as a form of everyday magic. You don’t need to be mestiza in order to get wisdom and healing from this book. This is about everyday magic for any practitioner of any background which makes the tips and advice not culturally specific. It inspires the reader to explore the areas in life where you need healing. It’s soup for the soul! The author also shares how she organizes the book and what will be covered with concept definitions, tips, real-life examples, and how to develope these practices in your own life. Loved this unique self-help book from a local author!

Review by @bilberrysweet

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Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Hanging Softly in the Night (Detective Nick Larson #1)Hanging Softly in the Night by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A murder mystery with engaging characters and a suspense filled plot. I was hooked on the step-by-step of investigation by Detective Larson and the complexity of his life. Each character is fleshed out with careful thought, as well as how they fit in the story. The gripping thriller of a serial killer transfixes the reader to the page. I love how the author gave the reader all of the acronyms at the beginning to help understand the lingo! This is the first time I’ve read anything by this author, and I look forward to more!

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Freedom Rings (The Circle Book 3) by Brenda Hardwick – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Freedom Rings: Book Three of The CircleFreedom Rings: Book Three of The Circle by Brenda Hardwick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book three in The Circle Series. Leylines, magic, connecting with the ancestors, and a unique refreshing read. There’s plenty of action and adventure in Freedom Rings. It’s a fast paced plot that keeps you turning the page. The story is told from multiple view points and gives the reader deeper insight into the characters. I would recommend reading the first two books so that you’re not confused and get lost. That being said, Hardwick’s attention to detail in world and character building brings the story to life.

Review by @bilberrysweet

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Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? by Kim Ann – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? : Fun pirate story that encourages imaginative and creative thinking. Ages 3 to 8, preschool to 2nd grade.Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? : Fun pirate story that encourages imaginative and creative thinking. Ages 3 to 8, preschool to 2nd grade. by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book to my 3 year-old and he loved it! This is the pirates vacation in the vacation series. It read like poetry but not too sing-song that a child would get bored. The book asks a great question of where do pirates go on vacation and do they need to. Each page had beautiful illustrations and added to the story. Recommended book!

Review by @bilberrysweet

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Return to Gallanvaig (A Quirk of Destiny Book 2) by Catherine Greenall – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of DestinyReturn to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book two in the Quirk of Destiny series and can stand on its own. The novel continues the apocalyptic story of how genetically modified food is killing off the human race. We start out a couple of years after the outbreak. I enjoyed the struggle of good and evil (genies-vs-GM free humans). It’s survival for the human race against the villain Balthazar, who has paranormal powers, and the secret group trying to manipulate the world. I enjoyed how much science is instead into the plot, and had no idea there was that much science on GMO’s. It fits well with what’s going on in the world today. Definitely a page turner. I look forward to book three!

Brandy Vaughn, December 2022

Review by @bilberrysweet

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Super Enemies by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Super EnemiesSuper Enemies by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an entertaining story about sibling rivalry. The illustrations are wonderfully done and show how close siblings argue with each other. I love how the author shows how Mira and Carl act like super enemies into the very end. The ending was definitely and so relatable with any siblings. Children will enjoy this story!

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Knight In The Museum (Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery Series Book 5) by Alice Bienia – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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

The reader is pulled in right away into the action as the main character, PI Jorja Knight has an encounter of a carjacking. This engrossing mystery brings plenty of action to the page with a touch of romance and humor to keep the reader turning the page. There are several nail-biting moments to keep you on the edge of your seat! I enjoyed this book and look forward to more from the author.

This is the fifth book in the Jorja Knight mystery series. It reads well as a stand alone book!

Review by @bilberrysweet

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If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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If I had a Magic WandIf I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a sweet book with the text in poetry form. The illustration of handing off the magic wand from baby to parent was pleasant and soft. There isdiverse representation of parents giving each other the magic to give to their babies. It’s delightful to see love captured in the graphics along with the text makes for a beautiful story your children will love!

Review by @bilberrysweet

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Shadow Patterns of Melt by J. R. P. Fogg – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Shadow Patterns of Melt - Book OneShadow Patterns of Melt – Book One by J.R.P. Fogg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was originally published in serial form on Kindle Vella, Shadow Patterns of Melt – Book One includes Episodes 1–41. Author’s Notes are included in the Back Matter.

It took me a little bit to get into rhythm of the story but then it was smooth sailing. This is a unique space story in the way that it’s not military based, or a space force. The reader follows adventures, drama, and interesting characters. There is grand world building and Fogg put a lot of effort into the characters. This story plot has enough intrigue to keep the pages turning!
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More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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More ThanMore Than by Diane Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is struggle with extended grief and depression mixed with humor. Barnes captures the reality of depression and issues with self-image through the main character Peggy. Penny is such a relatable character and brings humor to the story. I was pleasantly surprised the way Peggy’s struggle with her weight was told in the story. It was entertaining, positive, and kept the pages turning late into the night. This is a wonderful read!
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The Veil by Wanda Luthman – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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The VeilThe Veil by Wanda Luthman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story starts out with a bar mitzvah celebration for Samuel who is turning 13. He then goes to study under a priest at the temple where he witnesses the tearing of the veil. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the story other than I thought it would be a longer read. I was intrigued by the part in the story when the veil is torn and Samuel experiences something supernatural! I would have liked the author to expand more on this part since it was a life changing event for Samuel. This is an enjoyable quick read for a younger audience who enjoys inspirational stories!
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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A story about adoption from a child’s view point. Nice illustrations. I like how in the book there’s a sentence taking about being related by “love and law,” which is an interesting way to describe adoption. The description isn’t one I would have thought to use! It would be nice to have some kind of phrase like the to describe birth parents. The book reads like poetry and the text is the right amount to keep kids engaged with the story. Oliver thinks about his birth parents the way a young child might fantasize in real life. I think this is a strong point of the plot. The explanation of why he was adopted from Oliver’s point of view show a health acceptance and is age appropriate. I would recommend this book for kids who have questions about adoption but not able to fully understand the situation in an adult way.
Review by: @bilberrysweet

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Faultless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 1) by KG Fletcher – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Faultless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #1)Faultless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book one in the series and it’s off to a great start. I’m immediately drawn to Teddy and his wrongful imprisonment. He’s off to a new start on his family’s farm and rekindles a steamy romance with his first love. This book is about second chances, love and redemption. Fletcher did a wonderful job in creating characters you love and some you hate. Besides the romance, the drama and plot had me turning the page to see what would happen! I look forward to book two and beyond!

Review by @bilberrysweet

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And Then She Fell by Dreena Collins – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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And Then She FellAnd Then She Fell by Dreena Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was pulled into this book right from the start. The narrator, Catherine, is English and talking to her dead daughter as though she can hear her mother. Catherine searches for the truth about her daughter Susie’s death a year prior. This book has a unique structure to let the reader view different scenarios to explain Susie’s tragic death. The reader needs to ask whether each scenario likely would have happened and question what really is the truth about that night. Collins skillfully written prose, will have you on the edge of your seat asking the same questions Catherine does and the ending takes you by surprise!

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Painter of the Damned (Painted Souls Book 2) by Rob Samborn – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Painter of the Damned (Painted Souls, #2)Painter of the Damned by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book two in the Painted Souls series. Painter of the Damned follows Nick and Julia in Venice trying to save Nick’s soulmate from the 16th century. There is plenty of fast-paced action, love that transcends time, history that jumps from the page with vivid imagery, and characters you can get behind. Book two won’t leave you disappointed!

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Weep, Woman, Weep: A Gothic Fairytale about Ancestral Hauntings by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Weep, Woman, WeepWeep, Woman, Weep by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the first sentence I was pulled into this fabulous story. This is a story of survival, healing, and rebirth. Mercy, the main character, is our narrator and tells us the story in a down-to-earth way with spunk. Finding happiness in a world designed to do otherwise gives the story some light in the heaviness of the plot. The focus on brujeria via plant medicine was an interesting slant for me; it’s not something I normally read. The story has vivid imagery about New Mexico and life the women have to survive though in Sueno. I enjoyed this story so much, that I wish it was longer!

Review by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn,NNovember 2022

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Spidersight (Tirzah M.M. Hawkins Horror Stories) by Tirzah M.M. Hawkins – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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SpidersightSpidersight by Tirzah M.M. Hawkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I can’t believe I read this book due to my own arachnophobia. The point of view from the spider, Fred, is interesting and makes a unique character. Compassionate almost, and yet part monster that one would expect from a vampire longing to feed off of a chosen victim. Missy’s POV, shows the childlike innocence for a five year old and her favorite animal the spider (even though a spider isn’t an animal). If adults could see the size of Fred they would freak out. I know it made my skin crawl! It’s a highly unique imaginary friend to have. She’s a spunky kindergartener with a special friend. The story gets better from there and great plot for a story!

Review by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn, November 2022

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Rainbow’s Red Book of Poetry by Lily Lawson – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Rainbow's Red Poetry BookRainbow’s Red Poetry Book by Lily Lawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A lot of words about survival and rising out of the ashes like the Phoenix. Reflective poetry that make you contemplate your own stories of strength and how far you’ve come. Metaphorical language that engages the reader to continue to turn the page. Poetry tells a story and this book does just that! I look forward to more work from Lily Lawson.

Brandy Vaughn, October 2022

Review by @bilberrysweet

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Better Gnomes & Gardens (Mysty Haven Mystery Book 1) by Casey Cardel – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Better Gnomes & Gardens (Mysty Haven Mystery)Better Gnomes & Gardens by Casey Cardel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book one in the Mystery Haven series and I loved it! Starting out with mention of the legendary Bigfoot, this story already captured my curiosity. Bob is a character I could get behind and cheer on as he agrees to solve the mystery of the missing gnome. The owner of the gnome, Doug, had me cracking up with his sarcasm right away. This is a wonderful debut cozy mystery. I look forward to book two!

Review by @bilberrysweet

Brandy Vaughn, October 2022

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The Serpent Awakens by Luna Saint Claire – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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The Serpent AwakensThe Serpent Awakens by Luna Saint Claire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book two of the series. It reads well as a stand alone book. I enjoyed this book and will go back and read the first one! The Serpent Awakens is an awesome story about transformation and a personal journey to finding one’s true self. The story of Nico’s Kundalini awakening and self-discovery, is a deep archetypal arc of Nico’s struggle and path which leads to rich character development. Luna Saint Claire beautifully weaves the psychological, spiritual and emotional motivation of her characters! I thoroughly enjoyed this well written book!

Review by @bilberrysweet

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Brandy Vaughn, October 2022

The Intruders by Brett McKay – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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The IntrudersThe Intruders by Brett McKay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beginning in chapter one, the reader is pulled into the life of Dex, is at a crappy car sales job during the day, and writes a novel at night (this reminds me of Tom Clancy and his debut novel- sales by day, writer by night). Dax sees a strange man at the end of his shift and gets a mysterious package in the mail. This piques curiosity for the reader and you want to know more about this stranger he sees. The cover only gives a hint at the strange supernatural events that unfold. The Intruders is full of action, danger, high-stakes, supernatural forces, and gripping details that keep the reader turning page after page. The transition from Kindle Vella felt like a smooth read and enjoyed reading the story!

Review by @bilberrysweet

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Brandy Vaughn, October 2022

Stumble & Fall (A Legacy of Silence Book 2) by Amy Rivers – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Stumble & Fall (A Legacy of Silence, #2)Stumble & Fall by Amy Rivers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Although I haven’t read the first book, Complicit, in the series I was drawn into this story from page one! The New Mexico setting is easily visualized in the story. Each chapter is from the viewpoint of characters Kate or Tilly. This gives more depth to the plot. When I put this book down, I kept wondering about the characters and what would happen next. I would love to have my own adobe hacienda like the one Kate has in the book! If you like psychological thriller novels, this one won’t disappoint! The writing and plot will keep you turning page after page. I definitely will go read book one, and can’t wait for book three!
Review by @bilberrysweet

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Brandy Vaughn, October 2022

 

From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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From Brick & DarknessFrom Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The way this story starts out reminds me of Lord of the Rings and Aladdin. The djin of the ring manipulates Bax and his wishes, leading down a trail of mystery. This story takes coming-of-age to a darker and twists it to a modern approach. I enjoyed this YA magical realism story and you will too!

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Euphoric Wonderland by Ryan M. Becker – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the MindEuphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Some of this wonderful poetry feels like it can be read as beat poetry. The poetry flows and rhymes effortlessly in the text. Words give homage to music and images float in your vision. The pages match exquisitely to the poetry written and gives the reader a visual adventure. Euphoric Wonderland will go on my favorites shelf!

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Brandy Vaughn, October 2022

The Second View (The View from Here Trilogy Book 2) by Leon Stevens – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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The Second View (Book 2 of The View trilogy)The Second View by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book two in The View trilogy. We find ourselves following Thomas and April on more adventures into the world they started to explore in book one. The two seem more prepared this time around to explore the mysterious world/parallel world with beings that seem like aliens. The author does a wonderful job describing the setting I ways that draw the reader into the story! Book three is anticipated!
Review by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn, October 2022

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The View from Here by Leon Stevens – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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The View from HereThe View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book one in The View trilogy. The View From Here is a sci-fi exploration adventure filled with scenes where the main characters need to use their basic knowledge of the world. The author asks the reader at the beginning of the story what they would do if they found themselves on/in another world. This gives the reader pause for thought as the story unfolds. I found humor in the back-and-forth banter between Thomas and April. Being the curious person that I am, I would probably follow in the characters footsteps by exploring the world they found. I enjoyed the world building and adventures Thomas and April go on. If you like sci-fi adventures, this is the trilogy to read!

Review by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn, October 2022

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River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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River WitchRiver Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story starts out letting the reader know that Hester is no ordinary girl, just like the river is no ordinary river. The river nymphs call to her to join them in the water, and she’s pulled away by a mysterious stranger before she can fall in. I love her wonderful description of the setting (I’m not sure of time and place) and character interaction within the text. Magical realism, history, folklore, green witchery, and adventure line the pages of this wonderful story!

Review by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn,September 2022

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Operation Pinpoint (Space Force Rejects Book 1) by Landra Graf – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Operation PinpointOperation Pinpoint by Landra Graf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Sci-fi fated love romantic story with loads of adventure. This story is short and sweet with plenty of chemistry between the two main characters. It’s the first time I’ve read of a space vampire, but who says vampires can’t be aliens. It works well in this story. The journey with loss and hopelessness leads to trustint one another. Love between the two, growing underneath betrayal, grief and pain.
Review by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn, September 2023

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