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Lucky Stars by Fantasia Yu – Review by Carrie Reed

Lucky StarsLucky Stars by Fantasia Yu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

At first I wasn’t sure how I felt about this book, it took me a bit to get into the story. Buy once I did I was hooked. I was so invested in the relationship between Mora and Darin. It sucks that Mora is the princess everyone is looking at since she is the first princess, and her sister Pola pretty much gets away with anything, but it seems like Mora is done being the dutiful princess. Her escapades with Darin I can tell make her feel more free than anything and her soon to be fiancé seems kind of childish. I hope somehow they don’t end up together. The ending left me hanging and I can only hope there will be more to this ride!

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Carrie Reed

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The artwork in this book is absolutely beautiful. This book is so fun to read to kids, because as an adult the names the author has given these pigs had me giggling. I love that Half-Pint Porky is all geared up to go to pirate school and whines about how she hates waiting, yet when it is her time to go she would rather stay home because she scared. She soon realizes that school isn’t so bad with friends around. Great children’s book!

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Saving the Bellydancer (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 3) by Debra Parmley – Review by Carrie Reed

Saving the Bellydancer (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 3)Saving the Bellydancer by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great story. I really like how the author centers this book around abuse, Zarifah banding together with her group of friends who have her back, and her fighting back and not putting up with the abuse. I feel like there was too much in the beginning about Tony and the strippers he sleeps with and not enough about the relationship between Zarifah and Hassan. Of course I loved how the Navy Seal who had given up on love and relationships falls head over heels for the main character and is willing to do anything to keep her safe.

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My Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats – Review by Carrie Reed

My Pearl HeartMy Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So perfect! The beginning was kind confusing, it was also weird how the story backtracked to how Jasmine and James first met, that part just didn’t flow, but didn’t take away from the overall story. I love Jasmine, she is such a caring and giving woman. She takes care of her employees and is worried bout their welfare over her own, so seeing her, so called, best friend Cadence ruin what little relationship they had was just excellent. I hated to see Jasmine so distraught but Cadence really is a trash person and didn’t deserve anything she had, and it was nice to see her put in her place. James is wonderful. I love how in love he is with Jasmine, and that he has such a sweet dream. I really didn’t see Bryan, Jasmine’s boyfriend’s betrayal coming, but it was a doozy, and made for a wonderful story! I look forward to more from this author.

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Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

Bees in Loretta's BonnetBees in Loretta’s Bonnet by Lois J. Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cute story. The art in this book is sweet. I like that the author is telling an interesting story to draw kids in and then shows Loretta learning about bees, learning to respect the bees and nature and not being afraid. The make your own bee nest in the back is a fun craft and project to do with your kids.

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Sharing His Nanny (Forever Our Girl Book 2) by Tori Chase – Review by Carrie Reed

Sharing His Nanny (Forever Our Girl, #2)Sharing His Nanny by Tori Chase
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

YES! I absolutely loved this reverse harem. I was hoping the angsty portion would be a little more prolonged, to really squeeze my heart, but it was still enough. The story flowed nicely, the characters were easy to fall in love with, everything was perfect. I really loved watching all the characters interact with Gia, and that they were all so accepting of her. Katherine is a real piece of work, as was, James. Some people with money are just so slimy and greedy, while others are loving and generous. I look forward to reading more curvy girl reverse harem books from this author!

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Things are Shaking (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

Things are ShakingThings are Shaking by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cute story. I really like the art in this book, and I could see this as a kids show, seeing what Caspian and his Grandpa get up to with their magic wands. It is very creative and fun to read. The vibrant colors and the storyline will draw any kids attention.

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A Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker – Review by Carrie Reed

A Dowry of Snails and MudA Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this story! The way Rhia thinks of herself, I felt like she was horrendous looking, but Emerys thinks he is the most beautiful girl and I fell in love with their relationship. I can’t really fault Rhia for being so mean and stand offish towards Emerys in the beginning, she is only sixteen and is newly married, what girl is thinking of getting married at that age! Watching them learn more about each other, and their hopes and dreams for the future of their kingdom is sweet, and both are extremely brave. The wildmen are a fun addition, the whole book I kept thinking why don’t they just form an alliance!? I liked how the author wrote in the interactions between them and the wildmen. Drystan, is Rhia’s older brother and he has a romance going on with Rhia’s lady’s maid of sorts, Wynny, and I would be very interested to see their continuing love bloom as well as Rhia and Emerys, and to see what becomes of their peasant kingdom. I hope there is more to come!

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Night Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Prequel) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Carrie Reed

Night Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation #0.5)Night Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Spicy!! This is a great introduction to Issac and Jack. I love that you could tell the feelings Issac was developing for Jack and over just a short amount of time. They seem to have this sort of connection. It seemed like by the end Issac may have been willing to delay his duties to his family to be with Jack a little longer, but Jack, I was wondering so much what her family was all about and why she was under such heavy security. I can’t wait to get into this series!

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Son of Asmodeus by Barb Jones – Review by Carrie Reed

Son of AsmodeusSon of Asmodeus by Barb Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Interesting. At first I was kind of lost in the story, I want sure who was who and what was going on, but I finally clued in became engrossed. Sully handled his position as a demon hunter well, especially considering he gets all this life changing information dumped on him all at once. He finds out who is father and mother are and rekindles a relationship with his brother. The love interest, Mick, was a fun addition. Her parents “abandoned” her as well for the greater good of heaven and hell and when we find out who her father is, it make sense, her future with Sully. Throughout the story Sully is told who he can and can’t trust, and I was really just as confused as him about who was on his side. I was apprehensive about how I would like this book and now I can’t wait to see what happens next!

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The Husbands by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Carrie Reed

The HusbandsThe Husbands by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great MM/polyamory read. A hired gun? That’s was a fun aspect, I was looking forward to seeing where that was going to lead. The way in which Augustine and Dorian meet is insane but I love the fact that Dorian was set on doing what he could for Augustine after the huge mistake he makes. I love, love. And watching Dorian and Augstine figure out their relationship with each other let alone their wives, was messy and beautiful. The ending had me smiling, and the romance isn’t raunchy just sweet. Both of their wives, Magnolia and Aubrielle get along so well that it just all works for them as a family. Loved it!

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Ladybugs for Loretta (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

Ladybugs for Loretta (Loretta's Insects)Ladybugs for Loretta by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book. I think it would be a fun book for kids to learn about ladybugs and then afterwards go outside and find some. The facts about ladybugs in this book is very education even to me, as an adult. I didn’t know that ladybugs were alive in the winter and lived in an almost state of rest until the weather warmed. It is also nice to see the little girl, Loretta, so interested in her garden and being outside playing.

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Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? by Kim Ann – Review by Carrie Reed

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

Wonderful kids book. The pages are beautifully done, I think they really inspire creativity and imagination. The story is fun for kids, imagining what pirates really do on a day to day basis. I feel like the rhyming also helps hold kids’ attention. Very well done.

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What Actually Happened to Isaac Moore by Samantha J. Rose – Review by Carrie Reed

What Actually Happened to Isaac MooreWhat Actually Happened to Isaac Moore by Samantha J. Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow, what a crazy ride. I am left speechless at the imagination and creativity it took to write this book. There were a couple of times where I got lost but found my way back into the story. Elise, at first I couldn’t stand her, she seemed like a terrible person and very manipulative and sneaky but, she really was just trying to find her way home. It was fun for me to find out how Elise knew Isaac for as long as she did, the many different instances in his life she was there for. There are many different characters along this ride, and at one point I thought Isaac was going to ditch them and go back to his normal life but, he doesn’t and I think I would honestly rather be on a crazy adventure too. Isaac and Sister Maria’s relationship just seems volatile and I wouldn’t mind hearing more about their time together. Again very imaginative book and definite recommendation.

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Snow in Love by Libby Kay – Review by Carrie Reed

Snow in LoveSnow in Love by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A perfect short story for Christmas time. I love Conner and Sienna together! And I love that this book is centered around the Paralympics. This book has the perfect amount of drama, romance and sweet and funny moments. Sienna’s mom is super annoying and really got to me, I was glad to see Sienna stand up for what she wanted. Both Sienna and Conner didn’t let their missing limbs stop them from going after what they wanted and living their lives to the fullest. Conner had to work at accepting his new life as an amputee, Sienna was born that way, and I think the way she embraced it helped Conner to not be as self conscious about his.

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The Sneaky Kitten (Invisible Magic Wand Book 4) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

The Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book FourThe Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book Four by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The art in this book is beautiful, and I really enjoy seeing Caspian interacting with his grandfather. He always has some sort of magical object and I think its really creative the way they are to be used and how they help Caspian. This story was nice, it did seem unfinished, I wish I knew where the cat was going, where he was from. The name Caspian chooses for the cat throws me of as well, it doesn’t really flow. Overall I think the story would be fun for kids and the art would draw them in and spark creativity.

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Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Carrie Reed

Kamana Wanalaya for the HolidaysKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Perfect! I hate this book, as in why am I not falling in love at a Hawaiian resort right now? Based on the synopsis I could figure that Teagan and Tinley are going to end up together, but watching them figure out their love and having fun on the island is sweet. It was nice to see Tinley come into her own, and make realizations she didn’t think she would ever see. I knew there was going to be some sort of drama, and even when I expected it, and it did come, my heart was still broken for this sweet couple. I love that they both made friends with the other couples staying at the resort and that carried over into their everyday lives after the week long vacation was over. I would be really interested to read about their love connections, especially Jacoby and Jenna, that one seems like a fun ride.

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If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by Carrie Reed

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

The art work is beautiful, the words are beautiful, I loved everything about this book. I think it is every parents wish to be able to sprinkle some sort of fairy dust on their kids to protect them, teach them and give them all they would need. My favorite part of this book is how after each page, the wand is then passed to a different mother or father, and they are from all different races, countries and backgrounds. The love for your own child extends across the world.

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Super Enemies by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

Super EnemiesSuper Enemies by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The art in this children’s book is beautiful, I really like the style and the way the characters are acting out the dialogue in each scene. This book is really great at teaching perseverance, Carl didn’t let his sister’s antics and attempts to ruin his castle stop him from trying again and again to thwart her attempts in the future. It really shows how some siblings fight and act towards each other, seems like standard kids annoying each other. In the end they both had so much fun trying to outsmart each other that they wanted to do it all over again. Nice book, I do wish we could have seen them maybe work together in the end.

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Degrees of Innocence: Dark Mafia Romance (Cruel Deceptions Book 1) By Via Mari – Review by Carrie Reed

Degrees of Innocence (Prestian Series, #1)Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great read! I really liked the concept of Katerina being so inexperienced when it came to romance but wasn’t naive. Chase is your standard rich man, in that he is very controlling when it comes to the woman he loves, so that gets him in trouble. Katerina on the other hand had that annoying trait of not trusting the one she loves. The person out to destroy Katerina, either I wasn’t paying attention or I didn’t see it coming. The word baby is way overused, but didn’t completely throw me off.

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Malayeka (Heartstrings Book 3) by Brooke May – Review by Carrie Reed

Malayeka (Heartstrings Book 3)Malayeka by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Short, sweet, great read. Such a sweet concept of there being helpers for Cupid, to bring people together. I love a good feud, this one was to the point and resolved nicely. I really did have a little hate for Billy’s mom, the way she guilt tripped her over her grandfather and the way she was living her life hurt my heart for her and her future with Leo. It was nice to see Billy and Leo put their feet down and say enough is enough. Nice clean romance.

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Misfortune of Song (Druid’s Brooch Series Book 5) by Christy Nicholas – Review by Carrie Reed

Misfortune of Song: An Irish Historical Fantasy Family Saga (The Druid's Brooch)Misfortune of Song: An Irish Historical Fantasy Family Saga by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is an excellent addition to the Druid’s Brooch Series. The story was easy to get into and the characters were written nicely. This could be read as a stand alone but the other books in the series are just as great and I would highly recommend them.

Almost all of the characters in this book got on my nerves or did things that made me hate them. In saying that, it really made the book all that much more interesting for me. I wanted to read on to see how each person would react to the different situations they were thrown into.

Orlagh is a fool, chasing after a love that wasn’t even there in the beginning just because of one kiss. Temuirr is a promiscuous man that can’t hold a solid relationship which, leads to his sister Yana always exasperated by the situations he gets himself into. Orlagh finds out that her grandfa is arranging a marriage for her with a man from their village, she denounces her grandfa’s care to live on her own and follow her love for Temuirr. Temuirr is surprised and taken aback, he realizes he is in too deep with this woman and may have to court her for real.

Eolande is Orlagh’s best friend, and my favorite character. She always has Orlagh’s back and is a fae that was cast out of her world because she fell in love with a mortal. She follows Oralgh in her quest to track down Temuirr to watch over her and keep her safe. Maelan, Orlagh’s grandfa and Eogan, Maelan’s best friend, go out on a search to find Orlagh and bring her home as well as to her senses regarding the traveling bard, Temuirr. Maelan makes many very terrible decisions regarding his granddaughter in the form of kidnapping her and ruining her relationship with not only Temuirr but him as well.

I don’t want to give away too much more information, but there is some stuff that goes down towards the end and really makes for a nice ending to the book. I did enjoy this book and can’t wait to look into more books from this series.

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Glass Houses by Sinister Styx – Review by Carrie Reed

Glass HousesGlass Houses by Sinister Styx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW! This was a short story but packed full and powerful. I have read many books by this author and this is the first I have read that is more on the erotic side. At first I felt so sorry for Ivy, was really pissed at Falcon and couldn’t stand Lantia. Then Serin crept up and grabbed my ire. At the end I was just blown away! The amount of feelings I had in such a short amount of time an from such a short story is truly amazing. This author really blows my mind. I did not see that ending coming, and now I’m on team Lantia.

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A Christmas to Remember by 5 Prince Publishing – Review by Carrie Reed

A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince PublishingA Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince Publishing by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mistletoe Memories by Bernadette Marie
So cute! I love how in love Gretchen and Levi are, even if she does hate him, reading, you can still tell she will always love him. It is sweet to see both of them being very supportive of each other and willing to help even though they are competitors in the bakery/wedding cake world. It seems to be a whole lot of misunderstandings, but I love love Levi for always thinking of Gretchen in every decision he makes.

A Rocky Mountain romance by Jessica Mehring
Very sweet. Hank is great, and he deserves the best, he seems absolutely, perfectly wonderful. I was glad to see Amity, although coming from a big city, wasn’t as stuck up as I thought she would be, but I had my fingers crossed she would stay in this new town and try things out with Hank instead of going off to another big city to pursue her dream job.

Copper Penny Christmas by Ann Swann
Very sweet and clean Christmas romance. My heart and rage goes out to Randi at dealing with her boyfriend Rally. He is a real piece of work, after having Randi put a hold on her life and uproot to follow him to Arizona so he could finish school, he is out living his best life while Randi is working and trying to make a nice life for them. I really loved reading about the dogs and it seems like there could be good things happening with Randi and Wil.

Merry Mix-Ups by Emily Bybee
This may have been my favorite out of the anthology. Max and Cassi are amazing together and the whole ordeal with her “best friend’s” wedding and all the came along with it was a wonderful mess. The drama involving Cassi’s friend Becca, and Max is perfect, I wanted so much to punch Becca in the face and all that angst she caused. The ending was perfect and I was so pleased to see what came of Cassi and Max and also Becca’s husband Brad!

Falling For Christmas by Amy L. Gale
Very sweet story! As any Hallmark channel Christmas movie will depict, someone from the big city coming to a small town to try to make something always turns out terrible at first. This felt like one of those movies. Of course Gabe is annoying coming in and asking for more money, money the small townspeople don’t have but soon grows to love the town and the people. One person in particular. Natalie and Gabe are so sweet together and it was fun to watch their bond grow.

Christmas Pizzo by Emersyn Kane
Absolutely loved Valentina and Sal. Valentina is a strong woman, strong enough to stand her ground through the drama that was packed into this story. Sal’s ex girlfriend is a real piece of work, so his dad but I guess his dad only does what he does and acts the way he does to benefit the family and Sal. Valentina and Sal are perfect together, I love an Italian love story!

The Mrs. Clause by S.J. Reisner
This story was cute. I love that Abby was willing to lose her inheritance, whatever that sum may have been, to pursue a relationship with Gary. Her ex boyfriend Luke is seriously the worst! I really enjoy watching a character try their hardest to come between a couple only to find out they hold no weight in that couple’s minds or hearts. I really wish we could have found out how much the inheritance was!

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The Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Carrie Reed

The Final BiteThe Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Short and sweet. The story was fun for me, Garrett’s mom getting ready to marry the alpha from a wolf pack and his dad being dead, but was his dad really dead? The concept of Quinnlan getting a second chance by the Gods is interesting, I really wanted a longer story, especially with the romance with Garrett finally coming to fruition. I also liked the fact that Garrett wasn’t deterred really by Quinnlan’s confession about who he is because he already believes. So many great aspects to this story, it was so interesting I wanted more!

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Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

Dream-ShifterDream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very interesting story. I liked the concept and creativity behind this story. I kept thinking to myself, wouldn’t it be cool if dream shifters really were real. Poor Gwendolyn is having a time of it trying to turn back into a girl but sometimes with her attitude I think she should stay that way. Her parents and friend Wally are very supportive and helpful to her and that is the one things she definitely needs during this time. With Gwendolyn’s dream of becoming a journalist, she will stop at nothing to either become an elk journalist or a human journalist. You most definitely should always follow your dreams. Great read for young teens

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Lucas the Spy Cat (Jake the Growling Dog) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Carrie Reed

Lucas the Spy CatLucas the Spy Cat by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The artwork in this book is really beautiful, it will definitely draw any child’s eye and interest. The story is so cute with Lucas’ owners wondering where he is sneaking off to at night and what he is getting up to. I like that we never truly find out what he is up to, its a secret between him and his woodland friends. The last page is very inspiring, and a great lesson to teach any child.

“Just because you can’t see it yet, doesn’t mean you won’t get there. So, never let go of your hopes and dreams because they can take you anywhere!”

It is very nice that at the end there are actives that parents can do with their children after reading, not only is the book fun to read its engaging.

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Finding Bryce (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 1) by Debra Parmley – Review by Carrie Reed

Finding Bryce (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 1)Finding Bryce by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great short read! I so wish this book was longer, I could have used more of Diesel, Pippa and little Bryce. I loved the way in which Diesel finds out about Bryce, from this father. And the way Bryce’s father discovers it, it’s all such a big coincidence. Pippa’s ex husband is something, and I would have loved to see him ruined further! Again, great read, I look forward to more.

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Ice Dance by Vik Azeem – Review by Carrie Reed

Ice DanceIce Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent read! At first I thought the book was going to be about a young Pakistani/American man looking for work and love, but I was very mistaken. It is true, Hassan is looking for a job and love, but when he meets Yasmine his world is turned upside dow and he is thrust into a crazy adventure in a different realm. Everything was laid out so nicely, and just had the perfect flow. I liked the way the other realm was worked in and how Hassan first comes into contact with the people from Hollow-Maid. The many different movie and music references were fun to watch out for. The ending was good, in that Hassan is finally getting his life where he wants it BUT, I really really hope there is another book continuing in Hollow- Maid and I am hopeful Hassan and Yasmine will meet again.

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Bycatch by Alexander Blevens – Review by Carrie Reed

BycatchBycatch by Alexander Blevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow! This was such a ride. It took a minute for me to get into the story, but once I did I was lost. I hate how much hate there was and still is for different races, I know the times were different back during the Vietnam war, but we still see it today. I could feel through the story that Rex had regrets from him time in the war, and the things he did, especially when it concerns Dung. Meeting each other again years later in Biloxi but never speaking to each other, I just know they left many things unsaid between them. If Rex maybe had been a more attentive father, Jake and Pigeon may not have ended up the way they did. My mind was blown at finding out what they do, and then also in the end when Jake is being chased. I can’t say I feel bad for how him and Pigeon end up, karma sucks, and that’s what you get and all that. Dung did not deserve anything that happened to him, and his family didn’t deserve the months of grieving trying to figure out how he passed. Excellent read!

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