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Murder Among Friends by Linda Burson – Review by Char Wahtomy-Alba

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Camille is looking to take a break from her highly stressful PI job and decides to stay with her brother and his family. He had been trying to get her to live with his family for years and she is finally ready to take him up on his offer. When a neighbor goes missing her brother and his partner take on the case. She can’t just sit by and not help can she? This was a great book that kept me on the edge of my seat. The equal parts suspense and romance balanced out this book very well and the writing style of the author was great. The characters came to life and they felt so real. I will definitely be finding more books by this author.

Swindler’s Revenge (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 5) by Ellen Butler – Review by Char Wahtomy-Alba

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This is the first book I have read by this author and it was a great first book. I realized after I was a few pages in that it went to a series, but I didn’t feel like I had missed out on a lot. It does make me want to go back and read the other adventures from the first book.

In Swindler’s Revenge Karina Cardinal has her Saturday morning interrupted by the FBI. They are looking for her ex boyfriend Mike Finnegan as he supposedly took a $1.2 million bribe. She doesn’t believe he would do something like that, but the FBI believes they have the right man. Mike believes he was framed and thinks he knows who is behind it, but how can he prove he didn’t do what he is accused of? Karina believes that Mike is genuinely a good guy and jumps in feet first to help him out of this jam. How much danger is she putting herself in to help out a friend?

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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No Way Out is the first book in The Mafia Elite Series by Amy McKinley. I have read other books by this same author and have loved them all. Not only is her style of writing great, but she has a way of capturing your attention and making you want to read the book from cover to cover no matter how many chores or errands you have.

Liliana is a Mafia Princess who is being used as a pawn in her father’s quest to remain powerful among the five families in Chicago. He has never had much warmth or affection for her and it got worse after her mother passed away. She has grown up believing that her Mother’s father wanted nothing to do with her, but he has been keeping tabs on her the entire time. Liliana knows something big is about to happen, but she can’t quite figure out who all is involved and what their roles are in the game.

Max, aka Matt, is sent by Liliana’s grandfather to protect her from her father’s evil ways. His main objective aside from protecting his mentors family is to get revenge for the wrongs done to his family and to take back what should rightfully be his. He infiltrates the Brambilla family by posing as a highly sought after assassin and is brought on to protect Liliana by her father. Max sees this as a job and nothing more until he meets the object of said job face to face. From that moment he knew that there was no walking away even once the job was over. With so many players in the game and not being sure who to trust, will he be able to make Liliana realize he is on her side?

Drew by Amanda Shelley – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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I’ve read so many sports romances over time and this is probably one of my favorites. It was kind of cool to see the name of a town that is near me that hardly ever gets mentioned in books. Drew and Abby had great chemistry from the very beginning whether they wanted to admit it or not. For two people who could do without distractions they sure distracted each other quite a bit, lol. If the other book(s) in this series are anything like this one count me in to read them all!

Notebook Mysteries – Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Char Wahtomy-Alba

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I had fun reading this book about a strong willed young woman. The character didn’t let herself be bullied or get discouraged when being told no. Emma was a very likeable character and a nice refreshing heroine of sorts doing things that may have certainly been punishable during the time period this book is set in. When Emma kept getting rejection after rejection when applying to business school I felt her frustration through the pages. Having been born in the 20th century with all the rights we as women have I couldn’t imagine growing up in the time this book is set. I do highly recommend this book for anyone that likes to get lost in another world for a while.

Ride For Me -Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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Gage Westbrook is a broken man who has moved to a new town looking for a fresh start. When he is thrown into his cousin Mace’s group known as The Crew, the last thing he expected was to meet someone who could potentially make him whole again. Lily McMillan is a woman who had her heart ripped out and stomped on by the man who she thought would be her forever. When she lays eyes on her good friend Mace’s cousin she wasn’t expecting to feel an intense connection. Will these two be able to put together their broken pieces or is their relationship doomed before it even starts?

I liked the flow of this book and the relationship between the best friends. It captured what I have always thought best friend should be. The author did a great job and I look forward to the next book in the series.

Stripped by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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Detective Dee Quarter doesn’t seem to have many things going for her at the moment. She has recently lost her father, am ex-boyfriend that wants her back, and she has recently been partnered with the one person on the department she can’t stand. When a case comes across her desk she and her new partner have the pleasure of interviewing a local author, Grayson Paul, who also happens to be Detective Quarters pesky ex. She may still have some feelings for him, but she is seeing Winston Lewis and doesn’t want to throw away what they have. Grayson gives up the name of a man that runs a group known as The Circle. A meeting is set up for them to meet the man behind the so called cult, Jonathan Wild, but he is busy when they arrive. Who is this mysterious man? Detective Quarter is intrigued by the man from what she has seen on the internet, but what doesn’t realize is that he has taken a special interest in her. He wants her to become part of his private community no matter what it takes. Out of the many people that are potential suspects will she be able to find the culprit? Will she be able to keep herself from being sucked in by Jonathan Wild?

This was an interesting and quick read. I have seen somewhere that this us a spin-off of another series and I am now curious to check it out so I can find out more about some of these characters. The author did a good job drawing me in and keeping my attention.

Hanging Softly in the Night by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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Who doesn’t like a great mystery thriller? Detectives Nick Larson and Victor Sacco are severely over worked since about half of their precinct is out with the flu. When they are handed a case that looks like a suicide, it looks that way until they take a closer look. Who had it out for the victim? There are other cases that start to pop up similar in nature. Maybe the perpetrator(s) got sloppy and left them a clue?

Laura Howard, a cake baking whiz, is still having problems with her crazy twin sister. Even though the woman is behind bars she is still doing a great job of wrecking Laura’s life. On top of that, she and Nick are in the midst of trying to figure out whether or not they should start a romantic relationship. Who should make the first move? They have both had tragedies in their lives recently, but their feelings are just too much to ignore. Will they get the chance to explore?

This being my first book by this author I wasn’t too sure what I was getting myself into, but the blurb drew me in. It was the perfect blend of mystery and romance. If you like books that you can get lost in and picture what is being described I highly recommend this book.

Dark Bastard (Dark Sparrow Novel Book 5) by India Kells – Review by Char Wahtomy-Alba

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Sam Sarkhan is in a dark place wanting to end it all. He mistakenly puts in the wrong number while trying to reach his brother on New Year’s Eve and hears someone on the other end who is going through the motions just like him. Even though he doesn’t know her background or her name he feels like he has found a kindred spirit and wants to find out more about her. Ellie McLaren is a 9-1-1 operator and loves to help people, but one too many losses has her ready to end everything. If it hadn’t been for that stranger calling in the nick of time she may have gone through with her plan. Maybe Sam can help her out of her darkness? Or they can save each other? Things go sideways when his father comes after him and threatens Ellie’s life if he doesn’t submit to his demands. Sam and his brothers have been trying to stop their father for years with no luck. Will Sam lose the woman he has fallen in love with or will he and his brothers finally be able to best the monster they call father?

The Dark Sparrow series by India Kells is amazing. Every time I see a book with her name on it I don’t hesitate to pick it up without reading the blurb. Any one of these books could be read as a stand alone, but I feel that they are best read together and in order.

Sign Steal Deliver (Gods of Thunder MC) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Char Wahtomy-Alba

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This was another great read by this author. I have come to enjoy her books quite a bit. It was a different twist on how one views the God’s of Olympus. Kathryn Gataki has stolen the heart of Hermes as well as his caduceus staff. It’s harmless though right? It’s all in good fun so he thinks, until he finds out who is truly behind the theft. All those years ago what he thought was a harmless trick on the God of the Wild has seriously come back to bite him in the butt. Will he be able to get his caduceus back from Pan in order for Kat’s life to be spared?

Finders Reapers Audiobook by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Char Wahtomy-Alba

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What do you get when a Necromancer and a Reaper try to have a relationship? Confusion and trouble. When they share a kiss Jasmine thinks that her relationship with Asher is heading in a more romantic direction, but he takes off on her before anything can be clarified. When he decides that he needs a break from reaping he leaves his door to the underworld unattended and the consequences aren’t very pretty. A ghost has escaped the underworld and is wreaking havoc in the French Quarter. The longer this spirit remains free the weaker Asher will become until he ceases to exist. He enlists the help of one of the most powerful Necromancers he knows, but she is reluctant to help as she is still hurt by their last encounter. Will Asher and Jasmine be able to wrangle this wryly ghost before the situation gets too dire?

Flirting With My Enemy by Laura Burton – Review by Char Wahtomy-Alba

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This was fun and quick read. Elle Brook has some big plans to bring more exposure to her little cupcake shop and has an interview lined up to unveal her latest creation. Unfortunately for her things start to go.off the rails almost from the moment she walked into her shop and smelled something fishy. In trying to coax her interviewer to go somewhere less smelly she accidentally pushes her toward the competition. Could her new neighbor and competition, Zane Masters, be the culprit behind the fishy smell? Is he out to sabotage her business? Elle is on the hunt to find out what his motives are and getting close to him is the best way to do it. Is she in over her head? Will she be able to resist her attraction to Zane or will she give in and fall head over heels in love?

Cadence Defined Audiobook by Dakota Willink – Review by Char Wahtomy-Alba

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After 17 long years Cadence and Fitz get their second chance, but it is not without obstacles. Cadence has a big secret to tell Fitz and it is so huge that it could make or break their relationship. Losing Fitz was devastating enough the first time…if she loses him again who knows if she will be able to survive that heartache. Fitz just wants to finally have the woman he loves by his side while quietly and happily living his life. His father though has different plans for him and they do not include Cadence.

This book was just as enjoyable as the first. After listening to this book I felt it would have been OK on its own, but I’m glad the author made it a series. The narrators once again did a good job of bringing this story and these characters to life.

Houses of Deception by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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Ah, what isn’t to like about the Madeline Dawkins series? I think I have read the majority of these books and all have been page turners. Like the others before, Madeline and Mike are on the case, this time trying to find three missing people. One case involves the nephew of their former mentor. Oh how it must’ve pained Russell to ask them for help, but MDPI team had more resources than he did. What happened to his nephew and his girlfriend? Did they just go on a trip and not let anyone know or did they meet foul play? The other case involves a couple that Madeline’s other company, Current Affairs, which does catering. The wife turns up missing the morning after the catered party and Madeline finds it a bit suspicious that the following morning the wife goes missing. Is it a coincidence that she caters an event only to be called back as a PI to find the wife? There are plenty of twists and turns that I have come to expect when reading the adventures of Madeline and crew. It is easy to get lost in these pages and feel like you are part of the team.

Untouched (The Cadence Duet Book One) AUDIO BOOK by Dakota Willink – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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Things were never supposed to happen between Fitz and Cadence, but they couldn’t deny their chemistry. Cadence is helping her family run their summer camp for children gifted in the arts. She was focused on getting her degree early and didn’t have time for guys. That was until Fitz waltzed into the summer camp. There was something about him that drew her like a moth to a flame and she couldn’t keep herself from falling for this bad boy. Will the end of summer bring happiness or heartache?

Fitz had gotten himself into a bit of trouble and was sent to the summer camp run by the Riley’s to make up for his bad behavior. When he first saw Cadence he didn’t think he would fall for her. He figured that the next three months at Camp Riley would be boring and didn’t think he would end up getting attached to someone as good and innocent as Cadence. Falling for Cadence is easy, but how will he say good-bye when it is time?

Lost Bastard (Dark Sparrow Novel Book 1) AUDIO BOOK by India Kells – Review by Char Wahtomy-Alba

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Deva Landry is hiding from her past. She was rescued from her life as an MC Princess, but now her promise to pay back a favor is due. What it entails though will potentially put her into the clutches of those she ran from. Her job? To get close to one Aleksi Voronov. When things start to heat up between the rival gangs they get thrown together in order to stop an all out war. It’s not just their loves on the line, but their hearts as well.

Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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Grave Digger Academy is the last place you want to end up when applying to schools. When the schools Makayla applied to all reject her this is where she ends up. Why did she get rejected by all three schools? Her grades weren’t the greatest, but surely they weren’t that horrible either? Follow Makayla as she navigates her way through some bizarre circumstances and finds out her true family history.

This was a fun paranormal YA book. I honestly was unsure what I was picking up to read as I purely chose the book based off of the title alone. This is definitely geared toward an early teen or preteen audience, but is still enjoyable for anyone above that age category. I look forward to seeing what Makayla and her classmates get up to in the next installment.

Mr. Nice Guy by Belinda Williams – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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Chelsea is a childcare worker who seems to have bad taste in men. Her brothers friend, who also happens to be her roommate, Tom, is tired if hearing about how bad these guys are. When Chelsea’s friend Nadia says that she should give a nice guy a chance, Tom in particular, he runs with it. What could go wrong showing the girl of his dreams how good she should be treated? Of course Chelsea has never seen Tom as anything more than her brothers friend, but could her feelings be changing? What happens when line get blurred and you go from being friends to something more?

These characters were enjoyable  and very relatable in some instances. I have read other books by this author and have enjoyed them on different levels. I had fun reading this book and I look forward to the next one in the series.

Miss Understanding (The Miss Series Book 1) Audio Book by Aubrey Bondurant – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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Liam Davenport is a workaholic who has his dream of making partner in his sights. He doesn’t want or need any distractions which is exactly what his assistant will be.

Kendall Tate is the lucky lady that gets to be the assistant to Liam. He may be easy on the eyes, but he is a jerk. It seems that no matter what she does it is never good enough.

This was a a good story. There were a few times where I felt kind of fed up with Liam being a jerk, but once we got a glimpse into his background it completely changed my way of thinking. By the end of the book I felt that these two had balanced each other out very well.

Brink of Denial (Sons of Sindicato Book 2) by Sonya Jesus and Cam Johns – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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11 years. That’s how long Mila has been away from home. She has dreams of owning her own clothing line, but being the daughter of a Mafia boss, she doesn’t really want that association. She signs a modeling contract that has her moving to California and leaving behind the man that she loves. After so many years in the industry she is starting to be considered old and is more than ready to close the lens on the cameras. She is ready to take her rightful place back in the Sindicato, but will she be welcomed with open arms?

Dane Giodano has been using the last decade to try and get over his first and only love. The night she left him she took his heart as well. Even after all this time he can’t let her go. When she turns back up in Jersey he wants to hate her, he wants to turn her away, but she won’t go without a fight. Being by his side is where he wants her, it’s where she belongs, but what is she willing to do to get there?

I do believe this series is my first taste of a Mafia romance. These ladies have done a great job pulling me in as a reader and making me want to keep turning the pages.

Secure Decision (Chase Security Series Book 5) by R.L. Dunn – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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Wes “Alamo” Crockett has just taken over the training center in Leesburg, Virginia. After a body is found in a cabin on the edge of Chase Securitys newly acquired property, Wes is assigned to a case of kidnapped and missing women. His first meeting with Eleanor, his new Director of Equine-Assisted Therapy, was not under very good circumstances. He finds himself drawn to this kind hearted woman as he spends time helping to care for her after her accident. He can tell she has a history as she seems to be afraid of him, which is the last thing he wants. Can he gain her trust? And in the meantime will he be able to figure out who is responsible for the missing women?

Eleanor West has a not so great history. The self image she has of herself isn’t a good one due to things that have happened in her past. When she is hurt in an accident on her way to the first day at her new job she meets Wes. She doesn’t realize he is her boss and finds herself attracted to him. Since Wes is helping to care for her rumors have started amongst her colleagues that she is getting preferential treatment. She has many secrets that she doesn’t want out in the open, but Wes makes her feel comfortable enough to want to share. Will she be able to trust him with her deepest darkest secrets?

I love this series! Every story has its own unique twist and they all have been able to find their happiness in the end. These books are always hard to put down once you have started them. Kudos to the author on another great book.

Heart of Stone (The Stone Series Volume 1) AUDIO BOOK by Dakota Willink – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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Krystina Cole is working to make ends meet at her local grocery store. She has been trying to find a job to put her marketing degree to use, but isn’t having any luck. When she meets Alexander Stone after a mishap it seems she may have found the man of her dreams. He is the first man that has caused any kind of desire to rise up inside of her after two years of being not only single, but celibate. After having her heart crushed by her college boyfriend she has sworn off men thinking that they are all the same, jerks. Will she be willing to open her heart again and give Alexander a chance?

Alexander Stone is a millionaire real estate tycoon who has his mind set on having Krystina for his own. After their chance meeting he sets out to make her his submissive, but that may be harder than he imagined. Not only is she a strong willed and confident woman, she is also feisty and not afraid to tell him exactly what she thinks. Will he be able to get her to submit to him the way he wants her to or will he be the one to submit to her?

Red Coat by Isobella Dunn – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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Sara Flemming went from being a troubled youth to helping them as a social worker. She had someone that was willing to fight for her and she wanted to do the same for those that were following in her footsteps.

Rachael is running away from a foster home due to her foster father who was abusive. She is reluctant to trust Sara, but when she finally realized that Sara wasn’t just going to brush her off like everyone else has she opens up and tells her everything. Now that she knows there is someone that is standing in her corner she feels safe until she gets a phone call that sends her running for the hills once again.

Colin Fulton has never left the small town of Victory and is now a Sheriff. When he catches a young girl that had an APB out on her he never thought she would be the reason that the love of his youth would return. Would Sara remember him? Would she want to try and rekindle a relationship that had been dormant for all these years?

 

Dirty Tactics (Special Weapons & Tactics Book 1) AUDIO BOOK by Peyton Banks – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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Marcus MacArthur is a SWAT member, former Navy SEAL, and all around tough guy. He is constantly putting his life in danger so he doesn’t do relationships. What woman in their right mind would want to constantly worry about whether or not he would be coming home that night? It isn’t until his feisty neighbor, Serena Rucker, moves in and catches his attention that he is contemplating having a serious relationship. One night with her should have been enough, but now that he’s had her he can’t seem to think of anything else. With his profession there are bound to be people that want to see him either badly hurt or dead. When he learns that she has a target on her back due to their connection he would do everything in his power to keep her safe.

Serena Rucker is an emergency room nurse that has had her eye on Marcus for a while. She knows what she’s getting into by starting any kind of relationship with him, but she worries anyway. Will she be able to make Marcus see things her way? Being associated with a man like Marcus isn’t going to be easy especially when they are willing to hurt those he cares for. When trouble comes knocking Serena is caught in the middle and used as leverage against Marcus. Will Marcus be able to save her from a horrible situation or will he be too late?

This is the first book I have read or even listened to by this author. It’s definitely not something to listen to in a room full of people, haha. The two leads are both headstrong and aren’t afraid to go for what they want.

In His Kiss (Unrequited Series Book 1) by Ava Alise – Review by Char Wahtomy-Alba

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Xia and Jordan are the best of friends and have been since their diaper days. Xia has been in love with Jordan for years, but he only sees her as his best friend…or so she thinks. After a night of drinking they cross the line from friendship to something more. Will they be able to remain friends or will their night together make things too awkward to remain friends? Will either of them be willing to admit that what they said while drunk was real? Read the story of Xia and Jordan to find out.

It was enjoyable as well as a quick and easy read. It helped me to pass the time on a quiet night during my NOC shift.

Mountains Wanted by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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Mountains Wanted is definitely steamy and intended for those who are 18 and older.

Sociology professor Dr. Sarah Lynde is looking for a no strings attached hook up. She is a single mother raising a teenaged daughter and preteen son that are her first priority. She first sees Army First Sergent James McAllister in line at a sandwich shop then again at a Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell meeting. Normally Sarah doesn’t go for younger men, but there is something about this man that keeps her hanging on. Will she keep the feelings at bay and be able to only be friends with benefits or will she want something more?

James McAllister is on active duty ready to be deployed at anytime. Right now he is just looking to have some fun since he is young and not ready to settle down. Is Sarah the one that will make him want to settle down or is she a diversion on his road to the one?

I have read other titles by this author and love her writing style. I am looking forward to continuing Sarah and James’ story in book two.

Sleeping Angel (Soul Connection Book 2) by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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Logan McVey has lost his little sister, his best friend and he blames himself even though he had nothing to do with it. Angel McCready came forward with information that put away the guys that were responsible for taking Andi away. Logan blames Angel for not speaking up and saving his sister from the monster he thought were his friends. Angel herself even carries around guilt for what happened and often wonders if Andi had given her any signs that she needed help. Angel knows that Logan hates her with a passion for not speaking up sooner and is just waiting for something to happen. On the night of her birthday she has a party and is enjoying herself and having a good time with her friends until she is in an accident that leaves her in a coma. When she wakes up she is in someone else’s body and has no idea who this person is or how she ended up there. Why couldn’t she get back into her own body? Will she find out who this person is and how they figure into everything that is going on? Will Logan ever be able to forgive her?

I found this book as enjoyable as the first one. I am looking forward to seeing what new characters the author brings into the third book and how it connects to the first two. This is yet another book by this author that once I started I didn’t want to put down. It was a bit of a different take on how one sees ghosts and souls jumping into different bodies, but when it comes down to it I don’t think there is really a right or wrong way to view that.

Eye of the Storm (A Gray Ghost Novel, book 2) AUDIO BOOK by Amy McKinley – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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When Chris wakes up in the jungle he has no recollection of anything. All he knows is that there is a beautiful woman taking care of him named Mari. She is fleeing from Colombia to get away from a man who is obsessed with making her his wife. Mari knows that this man and his family are no good and she must get away if she wants to live a free, normal life. Mari lies to Chris in order to gain his trust and get his help to flee the jungle, but what will happen once his memory comes back? Their days and weeks spent together in the jungle bring them closer and feelings begin to develop between the two. Soon Chris’ memory comes back and even though he knows Mari has lied, he still wants to make sure she is safe. He has been lied to before and burned by a woman he thought he loved so he isn’t going to get caught up so easily. How can he be sure that Mari is being truthful when she expresses her feelings for him? Will they be able to have a relationship that will be lasting and strong?

Even though this is a continuation of sorts from Broken Circle, it can be listened to as a standalone.

Broken Circle (Gray Ghost Novel Book 1) AUDIO BOOK by Amy McKinley – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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Everything about Liv’s current life is a lie. Maybe all of it was. She was living a great life with her husband, Alexander, and selling her sculptors. When she over hears a phone call that her husband brushes off as just work she becomes suspicious. When Olivia finds out that she is expecting and tells Alex, he plans an impromptu trip to see his mother in Venezuela. While there things take a turn and Olivia discovers things about her husband that she was in the dark about. Who was her husband really? She didn’t know this man at all. She is able to make her escape and ends up with an ex SEAL named Liam. Can she trust him to keep her safe? What will happen when the bad men that are following her finally catch up with her?

I enjoy books by Amy McKinley. There is a little bit of everything in them and this one was no exception.