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Dire’s Club by Kimberly Packard – Review by Carly Vogler

Dire's ClubDire’s Club by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dire’s Club by Kimberly Packard is an amazing book! As someone who loved to read the Me Before You series, this book left me in awe. I was intrigued by the synopsis, and the story did not disappoint. I lost both parents in my teens, and was afraid I would find this book as too much of a depressing point. Ha, fooled me. This tale of death is nothing short of a great story packed with adventure, and some AMAZING quotes.

If you were facing death, wouldn’t you want one last chance to do something to crazy. After you are diagnosed with something terminal, your life is over. You see nothing but medications and doctors visits in your future. Sadly, that’s all that is in your future. Dire’s club is trying to change that. It’s allowing people to step away from their diagnosis and take a ride on the wild side, and really live out their one final request.

When you know everyone is going to die, you would think it would make the story hard to get into,
but that is just not the case. Add this to your must read list, you won’t regret it.

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Dangerous Curves Boxed Set #1 (Dangerous Curves Books 1-3) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Carly Vogler

Dangerous Curves Boxed Set 1: 3 Cozy Christian MysteriesDangerous Curves Boxed Set 1: 3 Cozy Christian Mysteries by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dangerous Curves Boxed Set 1 contains 3 Cozy Christian Mysteries by K.L. Montgomery

I actually read book one, Betrayal at the Beach, before I even knew it was part of a boxed set. I loved the story so much, I got the box set as soon as I found it!

These mysteries are light hearted and utterly perfect. To read these stories, is to be plopped right in the middle of Sunshine’s small town. You get to know the characters, and fall in love with all their little quirks.

The books included in the set are as follows: Betrayal at the Beach, Mystery at the Marina and Shooting at the Shore.

Betrayal at the Beach introduces us to Sunshine while she is trying to figure out who stole a famous town artifact and the money she raised from the Gala to fund the library.

Mystery at the Marina follows Sunshine on a sea adventure when several animals wind up dead on the shore. With more secrets than Sunshine can handle, how does she protect herself?

The final installment in the set is Shooting at the Shore. This is almost what I would consider the “most intense” story of them all. When Sunshine is the last person to have talked to the victim, things get a little hairy. Can Sunshine figure out what has happened before it is too late?

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Carly Vogler

Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail is an adorable children’s tale by Samantha Shannon.

One of the greatest things about the Jake the Growling Dog series, is that it always has some sort of lesson to be learned in the story. This particular tale teaches us that it’s ok for people to be different. When the Jake finds prints that are different than his, he is fearful. When the prints turn out to be another dog with a disability, Jake feels silly.

All of the Jake the Growling Dog books also include questions and activities at the end. This is a great, light hearted read about series issues a kid can face in school, day care, or just in general when out with mom and dad. I think these stories really open up the door for conversations about real life obstacles and feelings.

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Cursed Touch (Broderick Coven Series Book 4) by AJ Renee – Review by Carly Vogler

Cursed Touch (Broderick Coven, #4)Cursed Touch by A.J. Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cursed Touch is the fourth book in the Broderick Coven Series by AJ Renee.

This is a wonderful series that only gets better with each book added. I would highly recommend this book to any lover of romance, magic, or paranormal stories. Honestly anyone else. If you are looking into new genres, start here! I absolutely love this author and what she brings to the table.

Carter has always been a healer, so joining the medical field was nothing for him. He was great at what he did and enjoyed helping people. Sure plenty of crazy things happen when you work in the medical field, but he sure wasn’t ready for the change Vanessa brought into his life.

An action and drama packed tale that is sure to keep you reading well into the night.

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The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Carly Vogler

The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight #2)The Singer and Her Song by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Singer and Her Song by N. L. Holmes is the second book in the Empire at Twilight series.
This is a story that quickly transports you back in time. When your world is turned upside down,
what can you do but survive? Uqnitum is in that very position and has very little to start out with.
Trying to survive after your village has been destroyed is one thing, doing it with children is
a completely different struggle.

There were plenty of times throughout the tale that I struggled with Uqnitum’s controlling behavior
and temper, but there are also some points that I completely aligned with. We are not always
perfect parents. At the end of the day, we still try to do what is best for our families.

This is definitely a story that will tug at your heart strings.

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Houses of Deception (The Madeline Dawkins Mystery Series Book 6) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Carly Vogler

Houses of Deception (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 6)Houses of Deception by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Houses of Deception by Cynthia Hamilton is the 6th book in the Madeline Dawkins Series. This
story can be read as a stand alone, which is what I did. I am very much looking forward to catching
up on the series.

When several missing persons cases come across the desk of Madeline and Mike, they are forced to
to make amends with old enemies to try to figure solve the mystery. With a missing couple, a
kidnapped woman, is there something mysterious tying them together, or is it all a hoax.

After following the two on this crazy adventure, I can not wait to get my hands on the rest of the series.

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Hawke (Men of Syn Duet) by Anise Storm – Review by Carly Vogler

Hawke (Men of Syn, #1)Hawke by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hawke by Anise Storm is the first book in the Men of Syn series. Fair warning, there are some very intense BDSM scenes in this story.

This is my first read by Anise Storm, but I am excited to read the next. Charlotte is a fiercely
independent, strong minded, and determined woman. She runs her own party planning business and running your own business is great, but sometimes it brings you face to face with people you had hoped to never see again.

Nathaniel runs a BDSM club and is strict with the way he operates; in his personal life and his
business. He picks a random party planner with great reviews, and regrets it immediately. There
are very few people he hasn’t been able to forget, but Charlotte is one of them.

The connection is there, but almost forbidden. Can Charlotte calm the demons behind Nathaniel’s
behavior and remain true to herself? With dangers hidden behind every corner, you won’t want to
put it down.

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Caim (Antipodes 4) by T.S. Simons – Review by Carly Vogler

Caim (Antipodes #4)Caim by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Caim, by T.S. Simons, is the fourth book in the Antipodes series. This is a dystopian series that must be read in order, to really get the most out of the series.

Cam and Freyja should be living their best life at this point, but unfortunately that is not the case. Just when things seem to be working in the right direction, acquaintances bring terrible news that sends our favorite couple off on another adventure, but with a bit of help. Will the old faces be of any help, or just a set back and a trap? When will the full truth come out about the communities? Will things ever calm down?
A thrilling read and great series!

Review by Carly Vogler

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Competing with the Star (Star Series Book 2) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Carly Vogler

Competing with the StarCompeting with the Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Competing with the Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager is the second story in the Star Series. Since this book follows right after the first story line, you should read them in order.

Krysten was once again able to capture the teenage feelings and emotions in this tale. As someone who has been out of school for a while, it can be hard to remember the issues we all faced in our younger years. It’s a crucial time in our lives and unfortunately, a time that normally gets blocked out because of how hard it is. I have a young teen daughter I wish would read this series so she knows she isn’t alone.

You can get lost in the story and feel as though you are back in school dealing with these same issues. I never once had to remind myself where I was or who I was reading about. I was caught up in the story the whole time.

Review by Carly Vogler

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WILD VAMP (JADED VAMP BOOK 2) AUDIO BOOK by L.D. WOSAR – Review by Carly Vogler

Wild Vamp is the second book in the Jaded Vamp Series. I would not recommend reading this on it’s on due to the fast pace of the book, but it can be done. There is a large time gap that makes it a little easier, I think. It makes more sense as a series, and you are absolutely missing out if you do not listen to the other stories.

Kaysee is on a wild goose chase looking for her husband and child. Most people would have been distraught and just let go, but not Kaysee. She is strong willed and determined and will stop at nothing to find those she loves.

Miss Understanding (The Miss Series Book 1) AUDIO BOOK by Aubrey Bondurant – Review by Carly Vogler

Miss Understanding by Aubrey Bondurant is the first book in the Miss Series. This is an 18+story because of the sexual nature.

Kendall and Liam have a less than stellar working situation. He’s hot, arrogant, and her boss. Kendall isn’t happy with her job or her boss, but that doesn’t mean he’s not undeniably sexy. Can she survive a week with him, or will she end up without a job?

I really just hated Liam at first, but there is always something so alluring about the arrogant ones. Liam’s character is just written so well that you can’t help but like him as you get farther into the story.

Great listen! Definitely excited to check out the rest of the series!

Red Coat by Isobella Dunn – Review by Carly Vogler

Red CoatRed Coat by Isobella Dunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Red Coat by Isobella Dunn is one of those stories that will tug at your heartstrings.

Sara was in the foster system when she was younger, and that fueled her during her studies to become a social worker. Because of Sara’s background, she is the best for dealing with “problem children”, or the ones who are difficult to place for whatever reason. When Rachael’s name comes across her desk, Sara is quick to try to get to the bottom of it. When Sara finds out she has more in common with Rachael than once imagined, it brings emotions to the surface that Sara thought she had gotten over some time before. With Sara’s past unraveling, will she be able to help Rachael?

As someone who would love to foster and adopt, this hurt my heart. Though I’m not sure it’s an accurate representation of the current foster system, it’s just sad to think this could ever happen to a child.

Review by Carly Vogler

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Next Door to a Star (The Star Series) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Carly Vogler

Next Door to a StarNext Door to a Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Next Door to a Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager is an amazing young adult story that encapsulates everything it means to be a teenage girl! As we grow older, I feel as though it is harder to connect with the feelings we had when we were younger. This is obviously not the case for Krysten Hager. She has written the story so marvelously that you would think it came straight from a teenager.

Hadley is the definition of a girl trying to fit in. I would love to have my teenage daughter read this
story to help her learn about true friends and that the ones you want to be friends with, aren’t always the best options. Hadley faces many decisions throughout this story, and by the end, I think she finally understands true friendship.

Review by Carly Vogler

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I’ll See You Again (Reigning Hearts, Book Four) AUDIO BOOK by KG Fletcher – Review by Carly Vogler

I’ll See You Again by K.G. Fletcher is book number 4 in the Reigning Hearts Series. It can be read as a standalone (I did), but if the others in the series are as great, I will be buying them!!

First of all, I think it is amazing that the author narrated her own story. I’ve listened to quite a few audiobooks and never come across one where the author did it themselves.

When big city stardom meets small town girl, the attraction is undeniable. The best loves are the unplanned ones, right? Unfortunately, you can’t always have the girl and the dream job. Nicky has her own plans and goals, and they don’t line up with Reid Macphersons. When he has
to leave Nicky behind, all is up in the air. Will they find each other again, or will their chance encounter turn into the one that got away?

BRINK OF DENIAL (SONS OF SINDICATO BOOK 2) by SONYA JESUS AND CAM JOHNS – Review by Carly Vogler

Brink of Denial (Sons of Sindicato #1)Brink of Denial by Cam Johns
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Brink of Denial by Sonya Jesus and Cam Johns is the second book in the Sons of Sindicato Series. I have not read anything from either of these authors individually, so I can’t speak for their writing style separately, but together, amazing!

What happens when you leave the world you know for something else? What happens to the ones
you leave behind? When Mila leaves, she is on the search for her place in the world. She leaves behind everyone, including her best friend Dane. When Mila leaves, Dane basically forgets she exists, but holds a gigantic grudge against her.

Fast forward, Mila wants to come back and expects things to be fine. Dane, could care less and is absolutely furious with her. Can Mila win Dane back, or has she lost him for good?

Review by Carly Vogler

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Dirty Tactics (Special Weapons & Tactics Book 1) AUDIO BOOK by Peyton Banks – Review by Carly Vogler

Dirty Tactics by Peyton Banks is an action packed and steamy romance. The story literally drops you in the middle of the action from the start. We first meet Marcas in a SWAT raid.

The girl next door uses every opportunity to take a peak at her hot neighbor and wants to get closer to him. Sarena gets her chance when he walks into the Emergency Room where she works.

She stands her ground and puts him in his place, which he isn’t used to. Unfortunately, her connection to him puts a target on her back. How far is Marcas willing to go to save Sarena? Will it be enough, or will he lose everything he has worked for?

Ouroboros (Antipodes III) by T.S. Simons – Review by Carly Vogler

OuroborosOuroboros by T S Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ouroboros by T.S Simons is the third book in the Antipodes Series. This is part of a series, and is meant to be read as such. When I started it, I wasn’t sure it would be something that would keep my attention. Sometimes a great story is spread out so much that it is just almost unbearable. This is NOT the case with this series! I believe Simons did a wonderful job keeping the story alive and action packed.

In life we are always begging for the answers. We HAVE to know everything, but sometimes we get more than we bargain for. Can we let those answers drive a wedge between our relationships?

Review by Carly Vogler

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Lighting the Path: Leaning into a Hopeful Future as a Special Needs Parent by Marcia Nathai-Balkissoon – Review by Carly Vogler

Lighting the Path: Leaning into a Hopeful Future as a Special Needs ParentLighting the Path: Leaning into a Hopeful Future as a Special Needs Parent by Marcia Nathai-Balkissoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lighting the Path, by Marcia Nathai-Balkissoon is a book I would recommend for everyone.
That’s right, not just someone who takes care of a special needs child, but EVERYONE.
I do not have a special needs child, am not a caretaker of one, and do not want to be a
teacher. However, having a special needs child is my biggest fear. I’m afraid I won’t
know what to do and will basically be a terrible parent.

After reading this book, I feel so much better. I think this opens the eyes of strangers to
really see what a parent goes through when they have a child with a disability. Dr. Marcia
is really making a difference with this book, and I am so thankful for her.

Review by Carly Vogler

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Blue Summer Part Two by Everly Taylor – Review by Carly Vogler

Blue Summer Part TwoBlue Summer Part Two by Everly Taylor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blue Summer Part Two by Everly Taylor is the second story in the series and is not meant to be a stand alone story.

First of all, I think the synopsis is adorable and I loved the go big or go home statement! Everly has written Lillie as a wonderful character and someone I would either love to be, or at least hang out with! I was worried the second story wouldn’t be as good as the first, but it truly exceeded expectations.

When Lillie finds herself in a similar position, can she and the Zayed find a way out, or are they all spiraling towards disaster?

Review by Carly Vogler

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Turning Wheels (Satan’s Devils MC #1) by Manda Mellett – Review by Carly Vogler

Turning Wheels (Satan's Devils MC, #1)Turning Wheels by Manda Mellett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Turning Wheels by Manda Mellett is the first book in the Satan’s Devils collection. Sophie had an accident that leaves her in a wheel chair. She tries to do the right thing by helping her friend get out of an abusive relationship, but in turn makes herself the new target. With a hit out on her head, she seeks safety anywhere she can. A motorcycle club takes her in with hopes of protecting her. Sophie feels vulnerable, depressed, and scared. After the accident, she lost all self-esteem.

Wraith is in the biker gang helping to protect Sophie, and wants to help her gain her self-esteem so she can see herself the way he sees her.

Can Sophie get past her disability? Can the biker gang keep her safe when troubles arise on the inside?

Definitely a story that keeps you turning pages well into the night. Excited for the next
one!

Review by Carly Vogler

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Sleeping Angel (Soul Connection Book 2) by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Carly Vogler

Sleeping Angel (Soul Connection, #2)Sleeping Angel by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sleeping Angel by Nikki Lynn Barrett is the second story in the Soul Connection Series. Though I would recommend reading the first book, it is not necessary. (It’s just really good).

Wow. Just wow. This book is an emotional rollercoaster. Logan loses his sister and blames himself and Angel. Angel gave up information that lead to the arrest of the people responsible, but it’s not good enough for Logan. Angel blames herself as much as Logan does, but that doesn’t matter.

Now she has had an accident and wakes up in someone else’s body. Can Angel figure out what happened and get back to her body before it is too late?

Review by Carly Vogler

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Peaceful Slumber (Soul Connection Book 1) by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Carly Vogler

Peaceful Slumber (Soul Connection, #1)Peaceful Slumber by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Peaceful Slumber by Nikki Lynn Barrett is the first book in the Soul Connection Series. It is an amazing paranormal romance and mystery in one.

Scott was clinically dead for a few minutes, and that has given him the ability to see ghosts. At a graveyard service, a lady in a blood-stained wedding dress appears, but he is the only one who can see her. As Scott tries to find out who the ghost is, and what happened, he can’t help but fall for her, or what he knows of her.

A must read for sure! Can’t wait for the next story!

Review by Carly Vogler

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The House that Adelia Built AUDIO BOOK by Mya O’Malley – Review by Carly Vogler

The House that Adelia Built by Mya O’Malley is an amazing Paranormal Romance. Mya O’Malley is a wonderful author and never ceases to amaze me!

The way O’Malley is able to connect the different stories and really help you feel like you are in the story is unbelievable. At around 5 hours long, this is a story you won’t want to put off.

Adelia was the lighthouse keeper’s wife in the 1800’s. Hope is a present day tour guide for the property, but feels an unusual calling to the old building. She’s falling in love with a new man, but still feels caught in old feelings, and the unexplainable mystery of the
lighthouse. As the truth comes out piece by piece, Hope is forced to face reality and overcome her fears.

Cursed Whispers (Broderick Coven Series Book 3) by AJ Renee – Review by Carly Vogler

Cursed Whispers (Broderick Coven, #3)Cursed Whispers by A.J. Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cursed Whispers by AJ Renee is the third book in the Broderick Coven Series. Because each of the stories follows different people, you can definitely read them each as standalones. However, you will want to read them all anyhow, so just plan on it!

After being held captive for 8 years, Claudia is on the run. Badly wounded in her wolf form, she’s rescued by a veterinarian who just so happens to be able to speak to animals. (Only fitting, right?) Claudia isn’t looking for love, she’s looking for her daughter and for safety. Max feels the connection, but can’t seem to get Claudia to open up.

A great love story that leaves you rooting for true love, and on the edge of your seat for justice!

Review by Carly Vogler

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Cursed Sight (Broderick Coven Series Book 2) by AJ Renee – Review by Carly Vogler

Cursed Sight (Broderick Coven, #2)Cursed Sight by A.J. Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cursed Sight by AJ Renee is the second book in the Broderick Coven Series. I did not read the first story, and did just fine, so I would consider this a standalone for the most part. (You’ll fall in love with the writing style and want to read them all anyhow.)

Ethan didn’t realize he had powers, and is looking for someone to help him use and control them. Serena needs an oracle in her coven when Ethan comes looking for help. An obvious match, they start working together. As the two grow closer, Ethan starts having bizarre dreams about Serena and becomes protective. Serena said she’d never love again, but is she falling for him?

Can they figure out the danger together and put a stop to it, or will Serena push Ethan away until it’s too late?

Review by Carly Vogler

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Life’s a Witch (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 3) AUDIO BOOK by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Carly Vogler

Life’s a Witch by Carrie Pulkinen is story number three in the New Orleans Nocturnes series. This is a fun paranormal love story that follows Crimson Oliver and Mike Cortez on their action packed journey to save Crimson’s soul.

Crimson isn’t a bad person, but she’s a terrible witch. She’s always in some sort of trouble and can’t seem to get her spells to work out correctly. When her powers are at stake and she needs help, she gets in too deep. With her soul promised to the devil, can she and Mike out
smart Satan, or will she be stuck forever?

Twisted Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops Series, book 1) AUDIO BOOK by Amy McKinley – Review by Carly Vogler

Twisted Secrets by Amy McKinley is the first book in the Deadly Isles Special Ops Series. If this is any indication as to how the rest of the story will go, I can’t wait!

Xander is having a terrible time, and everything seems to be going wrong. His girlfriend dumped him and he is on a break because his mission failed. Was it just bad luck, or was there another explanation for the mission?

Riley is also recovering from a breakup when she meets Xander at the coffee shop where she works. Soon, their lives are entangled more than they ever thought possible.

Can Navy Seal Xander keep Riley safe while trying to piece together what happened?

The Web of Humanity by Maria Turchin – Review by Carly Vogler

The Web of Humanity: A NovelThe Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Web of Humanity by Maria Turchin is a well researched historical fiction novel. History can be lost in the generations, and I love how this story ties everything together. If you didn’t already know about your family’s history, this will make you want to know it ALL!

Anna discovers a family secret that changes everything. Now she is in danger. Can she get the truth out before it’s too late? Sometimes we have a hard time picturing that our relatives could have been a part of something bad. Can enemies last through time and be passed down the blood line? How can we hold a grudge against people who didn’t commit the crime?

Amazing novel to make you think!

Review by Carly Vogler

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Broken Circle: A Gray Ghost Novel, Book 1 AUDIO BOOK by Amy McKinley – Review by Carly Vogler

Broken Circle by Amy McKinley is the first story in the Gray Ghost Series.

Anyone looking in at Liv and Alex’s marriage would say they have the perfect marriage. However, Liv overhears one of Alex’s phone conversations and starts to grow suspicious. What is he hiding? Will Liv get caught up in the drama? With a big secret of her own, will they be able to overcome the current issues?

This audiobook is full of drama and an absolute must listen! Amy McKinley is the best in Romantic Suspense!

Antipodes by T.S. Simons – Review by Carly Vogler

AntipodesAntipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Antipodes by T.S. Simons is a young adult dystopian novel. This is definitely not your average dystopian story, but the synopsis left me intrigued!

Cam has found himself as one of the chosen ones to be a part of a population living away from the current virus that is essentially going to kill absolutely everything. People, creatures, wildlife, plants, it’s all going to parish when the virus reaches it. They are thriving in their area when his lover, Freyja, goes missing. On Cam’s search to find her, he comes across another village similar to his, but still no Freyja. Helpless, Cam leaves the safety of the civilization in hopes Freyja did the same.

What will they find in the outside world? Will he find Freya?

Review by Carly Vogler

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