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Leaving No Traces (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Carla Clemmons

Leaving No Traces (Commissario Scala #5)Leaving No Traces by P. J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am not normally into this genre but I love this author’s writing style! I also am a huge fan of Detective Scala and everything about his character. He has such a passion for his job that sometimes it overtakes him. Luckily, he has a good support system to help keep him in line and not take on too much stress. He is investigating a disappearance and things take an expected turn. Just when I thought I had things figured out, things are on hold. Then to my surprise another twist pops into the story. I was not expecting the way this one ended. I could have sworn that I had it figured out and then was blind-sided by the end. I will definitely be reading the rest of this author’s books. This was the second one I have read from them, and my only regret was not reading them all in order.

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Granting Katelyn (Sweet Valley Series) by S.E. Reichert – Review by Carla Clemmons

Granting KatelynGranting Katelyn by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great heartfelt love story! Both characters are very strong willed and have a lot of growth. I will say some parts were hard to read and could be triggering. This story definitely pulls you in from the beginning. I had not read the first book but plan to go back now and read it. The author has a great writing style that keeps you wanting more. I really liked reading from both characters’ points of view. If you are looking for a good romance with some steamy scenes then this is a great one to pick up.

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Back to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan – Review by Carla Clemmons

Back to the 80'sBack to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a great romance read! This was the first time I read anything by these authors and I am so glad I did. The writing style really flowed and I enjoyed reading from Blaine and Eric’s point of view. Blaine is literally the perfect character in my opinion. She is positive and hopeful without being naive. When she makes a bet to save her store she is not expecting what comes with it, and neither is Eric. As they spend time together secrets are omitted that could turn the tables for the store Blaine loves so much. As the deadline nears things take an unexpected turn. I definitely enjoyed this contemporary romance and will be looking for more from either of these authors!

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When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve – Review by Carla Clemmons

When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy TalesWhen Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I normally don’t read books with short stories but this one made me glad I did. My four favorites were Letters from a Wu; Borrowed Skin, Borrowed Year; A Love to Sleep For and my absolute favorite Bones of the Soul. Each of these stories got me thinking in different ways. The overwhelming sadness and anger in Letters from a Wu to the touching greatness of Bones of the Soul. All of these stories were not like ones I’ve read before. They were a very interesting take on fairy tales. Some I had heard of and some I had not and had to look them up. Like the one about a selkie, I had never heard of them before this book. I definitely enjoyed the writing style too. It made me not want to finish the book and I just wanted more. Even if you don’t normally read short story collections you would still enjoy this one. It definitely held my interest until the very last page.

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The Secrets they Hide (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Carla Clemmons

The Secrets they Hide (Commissario Scala #2)The Secrets they Hide by P.J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great thriller read with lots of plot twists! I was not expecting all the twists and turns in this story. Detective Scala has to use his instincts to solve these murders. I did not realize this was the second book in this series until after I had already started the book and I will say it was not needed to read the first. I am sure you miss some character background so I will be reading the first one. I enjoyed the writing style and this book made for a quick read since I was anxious to know what happened next. Detective Scala has so much compassion for his victims that I feel it makes him a better detective. There were plenty of twists and turns in the plot to keep me wanting more. I am excited to read the rest of the books in the series with Detective Scala. If you are looking for a good mystery/thriller then I definitely recommend picking up this series!

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A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 2) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Carla Clemmons

A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta, #2)A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh the absolute sweetness of this love story!! It had the steamy and the sweet all mixed nicely together. Annie is perfect with just the right amount of shyness but still has bold honesty when it comes to her feelings. And Craig has such a big heart and an even bigger soft spot for Annie. Not to mention the character growth for both Craig and Annie. This was the perfect romance to read and I really love the author’s writing style. I am really looking forward to reading more of their books. Especially when the stories have just the right amount of romance in them! You don’t have to read the first book in the series but I know I will be going back and reading it!

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The Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Carla Clemmons

The Master of DemiseThe Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a really gripping story from the very beginning! The author takes you on a thrill ride into the mind of the main character Mitch. Reading from his point of view is disturbing at times but that makes the book that much more interesting. Throughout the book I thought I had figured out what was going on and then by the end realized I had no idea. This story completely took me by surprise. The author did such a good job writing this story and taking you on a deep dive into the character’s mind. This was such a great page turner that I was not expecting. I read this book in a few hours because I could not put it down. I will definitely be looking into their other books!

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Forbidden Blood (The Shadow Chronicles Book 4) by CR Robertson – Review by Carla Clemmons

Forbidden Blood (The Shadow Chronicles Book 4)Forbidden Blood by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series has been really good so far! This is the fourth book and follows Kimber, Tasha’s sister. This story really grabbed my attention and so far may be my favorite in the series. We meet Fabian in this book and he is a very interesting character. We learn so much more about Kimber and her background.There is a ton of character growth and I loved that so much. I really enjoy the way the author writes the characters and their feelings. I so enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.

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Rise of the Hunter (Blood Prophecy Series) by Barb Jones – Review by Carla Clemmons

Rise of the HunterRise of the Hunter by Barb Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting read that is very action packed! I like that this is the start of a new series as well as a follow up to the other series. I definitely recommend reading the first series to get a full feel for the characters. This one has some of the old characters but introduces new ones as well. You have to pay attention in the story as it does jump timelines a lot. This does help get you deep into the story. It also gives you all things supernatural in one story. So if you like fantasy reads this is definitely a good series to read. Be prepared to be deep into the story as the author has a unique writing style. I am definitely looking forward to the rest of this series.

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Ghosts of Alda (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 2) by Russell Archey – Review by Carla Clemmons

Ghosts of AldaGhosts of Alda by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great second in this series! I would recommend reading the first book so you can really dive into the storyline. This story will keep you engaged throughout the entire book. I really enjoy the characters in this series and am really looking forward to book 3. The cover alone pulled me in just like the first book. The characters have a lot of growth and you get to read from multiple perspectives. This is a darker fantasy read but I was not disappointed at all and am a huge fantasy fan! This is a fast paced book but make sure to have some time set aside because you will not want to put it down! It feels like this book picks up right where the first left off so be ready!

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Falling Again (Buckeye Falls Book 3) by Libby Kay – Review by Carla Clemmons

Falling Again: A Buckeye Falls NovelFalling Again: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have loved every book in this series!!! Buckeye Falls is one of those places you would love to live. I was so excited that this story follows Natalie and Anthony’s story. I felt this one hit really close to home with me. Marriage can be tough and even more so when both people work high demand jobs and you throw kids into the mix. I will admit in the previous books in this series I was not a fan of Anthony but now reading from his perspective that is completely changed. You get to read from his and Natalie’s side and I love that! I like seeing how both people feel about the different times in the story. This author also has such an easy writing style that it makes the book that much more enjoyable! You do not have to read them in order but I highly recommend it so you get the back story of the other characters and they are all pretty awesome. I have to say this one was my favorite out of the series! The only thing would change is to have more of Buckeye Falls!!!

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Secrets of the Sorcery War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 2) by Elise Carlson – Review by Carla Clemmons

Secrets of the Sorcery War (Ruarnon Trilogy #2)Secrets of the Sorcery War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great second in the series! This author definitely has a unique writing style. They are very in depth with their characters and the descriptions of the world. I recommend reading the first book so you have a better understanding of the characters and you can see all their growth. And there is so much character growth in this book. Ruarnon grows more into their role as a leader. There is a lot of action in the book as they are challenged more by the sorcery king. This book is a YA book but can definitely be enjoyed by an adult audience as well. If you are into fantasy stories this is definitely worth the read! Will be looking forward to book 3 when it comes out!

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Hope and Lies (The Abredea Series Book 1) by C.H. Lyn – Review by Carla Clemmons

Hope and LiesHope and Lies by C.H. Lyn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an interesting dystopian read! I really enjoyed the characters and the way the author wrote them. This story takes place in the past and the present following different characters’ points of view. Juliana was definitely my favorite character. I admire her strength and desire to do what’s right. I like the plot of this dystopian world and am looking forward to where the author takes us in book 2. I also enjoyed how in depth the book was without being overwhelming. It is definitely a fine line to accomplish that in a story. Definitely worth the read!!!

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Truly Unfortunate (Welcome to Knollville Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Carla Clemmons

Truly Unfortunate (Welcome To Knollville #1)Truly Unfortunate by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I could read this author all the time! I love her writing style and the fact that she is very versatile in her writing. This supernatural crime story was just what I needed. Truly has nothing but bad luck when it comes to life. As she tries to remember her past and why she cannot remember anything from her childhood life continues to throw curve balls at her. I love the plot twist this book took. I did not expect the ending at all and was really surprised where life took Truly! I cannot wait to read more of the Knollville stories!

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Cecily in the City (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 3) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Carla Clemmons

Cecily in the CityCecily in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always enjoy this author’s books! This one was a great young adult read following Cecily on her journey to stardom. She has a good head on her shoulders and her parents are so supportive. Even her friends are supportive and want the best for her. I like that you get to read the text conversations that she has with her friends. I really felt where Andrew was coming from with Dex and it definitely made me curious where things were going to lead. Cecily is young though and everything is new for her at this stage in her life. I really love how she holds onto her values and stays honest. I did not realize this was book 3 until after I finished it! I will say that I was able to understand the storyline pretty well and will definitely be going back to read book 1 and 2 in the series!

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A Spot of Earl Slay (Tea Time Troubles Book 1) by Aubrey Elle – Review by Carla Clemmons

A Spot of Earl SlayA Spot of Earl Slay by Aubrey Elle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love a good cozy mystery! This one definitely hit the spot and I really enjoyed the author’s writing style. I loved getting to know the characters and have to say Barbara was my favorite. If only we all had neighbors like Naomi does. How wild to have all that happen in the first few days you move to a new place. She definitely had the best support system in her newfound friends. It definitely did not end how I expected which is a good thing. I definitely would love to read more of these characters’ stories and more from this author. If you are looking for a cozy weekend read to keep you turning the pages this is the one!

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A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Carla Clemmons

A River of CrowsA River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was absolutely amazing! I have not read a page turner like this one in a long time. This story had so many unexpected plot twists. The story flows so well and the characters are intricately written. I was taken by surprise at every turn of the page. This author definitely takes you on a wild ride. My heart breaks for so many of the characters for different reasons but especially Sloan. Her and Ridge are the two characters that do not make you mad at some point. So much happens in the book but the author makes it so easy to follow. I will definitely be following this author for future reads!

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The Lone Star Child (The Gods’ Scion Book 3) by Winnifred Tataw – Review by Carla Clemmons

The Lone Star ChildThe Lone Star Child by Winnifred Tataw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story has action and drama all in this fast paced read! I did not read the first 2 books in the series but still felt connected to the characters. The cover of this book caught my attention and the story was definitely intriguing. I really enjoyed reading about Caro and their story. The author created a very unique world for readers. This was a concept I have not read before and I really enjoyed it. I will definitely be going back and reading the first 2 books and looking for more from this author. This was an enjoyable YA fantasy read!

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To be a Fae Legend (Realm Chronicles Book3) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Carla Clemmons

To be a Fae LegendTo be a Fae Legend by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the series and they just keep getting better! I absolutely love Titania’s character and cannot get enough of her. Luckily the author released a third book in the series for us to enjoy! She has so much weighing on her shoulders as always. Not only is she having to protect her people she is having to meet with potential suitors. This as you know is the last thing she wants to do. Maybe she is really the prophesied one that will end all evil with the luck she is having. A new character is introduced and I actually felt second hand embarrassment for the first time ever for a character. As in the first 2 books this one will keep you on your toes and make you want to be able to read uninterrupted. It will also make you feel all of the emotions. I absolutely love this series and crave more of Titania’s story. This is definitely a series you should read in order to fully be engrossed in the Fae world!

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The Traveler: Book 3 by Deborah Dugan – Review by Carla Clemmons

The Traveler: Book 3The Traveler: Book 3 by Deborah Dugan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This third book in the series was even more interesting than the first two! Not all series maintain the momentum throughout the entire series. Not once did I lose interest reading this series. I love the friendship that Tristan and Harry have. Harry is such an in depth character and is very well written. I love that you get to know his back story even more and he discovers more of himself. I really enjoyed the suspense of not knowing where the author would take us especially when a new character is introduced. Things definitely take some unexpected turns but they really made the story! I look forward to reading more from this author!

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Return to Hoodoo (Boudin, Bourbon, and Barbecue, Book 1) by Reggi Dupree – Review by Carla Clemmons

Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel (Boudin, Barbecue, and Hoodoo Book 1)Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book jumps right into the story and does not slow down! I absolutely love the main character! Gwendolyn is my idea of the perfect character. She has the right amount of sugar and spice to make for a great main character. The author did such a great job writing her. She is rightfully guarded and not sure who to trust when she returns to Hoodoo. What is supposed to be a one night stay turns into a whirlwind. Things take an unexpected turn around chapter 24 that got me excited to find out what would happen. I then couldn’t put the book down and stayed up late into the night reading needing to know what would happen next. Of course the ending did me in and now I cannot wait for book 2! Forewarning this book ends on a huge cliffhanger!

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Doctor Frank Einstein (Doctors of Eastport General) by C.A. King – Review by Carla Clemmons

Doctor Frank Enstein (Doctors of Eastport General)Doctor Frank Enstein by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As always this author did not disappoint! Another sweet romance read. This one is about a cosmetic surgeon who has been working towards one goal. When he finally gets to his goal something unexpected comes along, well someone unexpected. She is not what he expected but in the most amazing way. Barbara was not looking for anything but advice and she found so much more. I really like getting to know about Frank’s past and what drove him to work so hard for his end goal. I am always a fan of this author’s writing style and cannot wait to read more from her!

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Insomnia: (A Short Stories Collection) by Kelly Covic – Review by Carla Clemmons

Insomnia (A Short Stories Collection)Insomnia by Kelly Covic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great quick read of scary short stories! I have to say my favorites were the stories called The Music Box and Idle Thursday. The last story, Idle Thursday, really got me because it’s a very real fear for me. I was not expecting a story like that at all, it wasn’t just about ghosts or other paranormal happenings. And The Music Box gave me chills when I read the ending! I love books that have short stories that leave something to the imagination and this one did just that. It was the first book I have read by this author but I will be looking at more of their books. They have an easy writing style that I really enjoyed!

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Destiny of Light (Quirk of Destiny Book 3) by Catherine Greenall – Review by Carla Clemmons

Destiny of Light (Quirk of Destiny, #3)Destiny of Light by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great series! I really enjoyed the science behind the story and was not expecting the plot twist this third book took. You definitely need to read the first books in the series to follow the story and get the full picture. You get to learn the full story behind the Genies and the Elite in the book and it will really make you think. I love that the story actually ended and does not leave you hanging like some stories do. And as always the science that is included by the author really does make you wonder. I really enjoyed reading from Calum’s point of view. He’s a character I really like and could get behind. I definitely recommend this series if you are in the mood for an apocalyptic science type read!

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How To Write A Historical Novel And Love IT by TL Clark – Review b Carla Clemmons

How To Write A Historical Novel And Love ItHow To Write A Historical Novel And Love It by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I do not normally read non-fiction books but this one piqued my interest. I have always wanted to write but never knew where to start. I have always enjoyed historical romance books and wondered what the process was like to write one. This author did a wonderful job at laying everything out for you and what the process looks like from start to finish. There are even examples of making your writing better. They are also very encouraging throughout the book which I really liked. This book is a great resource to utilize regardless of where you are in the writing process!

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Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson – Review by Carla Clemmons

Manipulator's War (Ruarnon Trilogy, #1)Manipulator’s War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting read and good start to the series! Being my first time reading this author I was not sure what to expect but definitely enjoyed their writing style. This story is complex and fast paced, it will hold your attention until the end. Overcoming adversity and being thrown into a role they were not ready for Ruarnon has to prove they are ready. This story is definitely one of a kind and very unique. I look forward to reading the next book in the series to see where the author takes us!

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Falling For You (Buckeye Falls Book 2) by Libby Kay – Review by Carla Clemmons

Falling for You (Buckeye Falls, #2)Falling for You by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This second book in the Buckeye Falls series definitely hit the spot! It was such a sweet romance and I loved all of the characters. This time you get to read CeCe’s story. Learning more about her past you see why she keeps her distance. She came to Buckeye Falls to disappear and escape her past. Then Evan smiles his way into her heart with his sweet optimism. Both of them have things in their past that make them question themselves and the paths they are on. CeCe is strong willed, and Evan may just be the patient heart she needs. This story can definitely be read as a stand-alone but why miss out on a sweet romance in book one! I am already looking forward to book three!

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Exposed (Descendants Series Book 3) by Lea Cherry – Review by Carla Clemmons

Exposed (Descendants Series Book 3)Exposed by Lea Cherry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book jumps right into the story and gives you a recap of her past. It was a nice change of pace from other stories that draw things out. I did not realize this was the third book in the series until I finished the book but I enjoyed it all the same. I love Amy’s character and her passion for her gift. This story keeps you turning pages to learn what happens and if she is able to reunite with her mom after all this time. So much more is at risk than just her mother’s soul. Will she be strong enough to save her mother and herself is the real question. I will definitely be going back and reading books 1 and 2!

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Shadow Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 1) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Carla Clemmons

Shadow Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 1)Shadow Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great start to this paranormal romance series! Tamaska is a no nonsense girl that just wants to succeed and have everything go well at her event. Kodiak was definitely not what she was expecting when she hired security for the event. She is unaware of the world around her that has vampires and shifters. So when she is thrust into that world she is not sure who she can trust. Or why Kodiak feels he has to protect her when the leader of the vampires sets his sites on her. As the secrets build, so does the momentum of the story. This one will leave you on a cliffhanger needing to know what happens next in the series!

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Chatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard – Review by Carla Clemmons

Chatroom With A ViewChatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was not my usual read but it definitely held my interest and took me by surprise! Troy has never fit in and now that he is an adult this has not changed. He still lives at home with his parents and works at a diner. When things take an unexpected turn one day after work he is not sure which path to take. He soon finds himself even deeper when Veronica tells him she is pregnant. Troy decides to take matters into his own hands with his past and future things really get interesting. There is a point in the book where I was blown away by a revelation that I was not expecting! This was definitely a good read and I am glad I picked it up!

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