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One in A Billion (Pierce Brothers Book 3) by Belinda Williams – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

One In A Billion (Pierce Brothers, #3)One In A Billion by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh Victoria, fake it until you make it. She made herself a deadline to get a promotion at her current job as a reporter by her 30th birthday. Where will her big break come from? Billionaire tech giant Seth Pierce. The notoriously private man is on the hunt for a new executive assistant, but none of the candidates he has interviewed seem qualified enough. He expects to go through the routine questions, but somehow the tables get reversed and he doesn’t really know what hit him. When she reveals that she is not the candidate named Kim he is intrigued. Who is this woman? He feels as though he has found the right person for the job, but when he finds out she is a journalist that all may change. When he tracks her down and makes her an offer she can’t refuse will she take it? I have enjoyed each Pierce brothers story so far. These can be read on their own, but like with any series it’s always a good idea to start with the first book as you may want to know the stories behind other characters.

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Body Checked (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 2) by CJ Cartwright – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

Body Checked (Astoria Bay Thunder #2)Body Checked by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read the first book I was curious to see how a relationship between Bridger and Tia would turn out. The author left us little nibbles here and there in the first book and definitely made us want to read more. Bridger is a playboy who is trying to clean up his image. Tia seems to have a bit of a wild side, but she is done with the bad boy type. How can she say no to a weekend long fling with one of the hottest men on the ice? Neither of them are looking for more, but will they catch feelings? The synopsis left states near the end that these can be read as by themselves, but I highly recommend reading them in order. Many of the characters are reoccurring and there may be little easter eggs about what is to come in other books.

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Romance under Aquarius (Stargazing Series Book 1) by Danielle Jacks – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

Romance Under AquariusRomance Under Aquarius by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting book and it didn’t take long to read. This book follows four people, three of which reside in or near Atlantis and a human. Maris is the princess and is betrothed to another royal named Ryn. Ryn is looking forward to being the next king, but he is in love with Pasha who is the best friend to Maris. A sticky situation that gets even stickier when Maris saves a human named Kasper. Kasper in on a quest go find the jug of Aquarius which he hopes will rid his brother of cancer. How far will Kasper go to find this mythical item? Will Maris return to fulfill her duties and marry the cheating Ryn? Will Pasha get the courage to walk away from Ryn? The author gave us a different perspective from each character which I normally find messy in a book. The different perspectives worked well and were seamless in transition. The story kept a good flow without feeling like there were pieces missing. I saw that this is a series of 12 books and I am interested to see what the next book will be about.

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The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

The Happily Ever After BookstoreThe Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a cute, feel good type book. Leona owns a bookstore which is her first love. She can find a book for any type of mood or situation whether it be new or old. She seems to be so focused on helping other people find their special someone that she doesn’t leave time for herself. That is until she meets Jon. Will Leona finally get the happily ever after that have been evading her?

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Victoriously Yours (Titans of Manhattan Book 4) by Anise Storm – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

Victoriously Yours (Titans Of Manhattan #4)Victoriously Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yet another book in the series that will keep you turning the pages. Even though this is part of a series it can be read as a stand alone. I have come to enjoy all the books so far and I have to say this one I was whole heartedly able to relate to on a certain level. While Jonas has gone on and made millions more for the company his family started, his counter part of the book is trying to get her big break in the culinary world. MacKenzie is no longer that young and naive girl Jonas hurt with his actions back in high school. When their paths cross again it is unexpected for both of them, but the desire and longing is still there. Will they reignite the flame they once had? Getting over the past isn’t so easy, but will they be able to move past all the hurt and build a future? There is one major secret that MacKenzie hid from Jonas and she intends to keep it that way. If Jonas finds out the secret will he ever be able to forgive her?

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The Mastermind (WaterFyre Rising Book 1) by Nadia Han – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

The Mastermind (WaterFyre Rising, #1)The Mastermind by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable book. The relationship between the characters is complex, but so relatable in a lot of ways. Remington, Remi as he is known to his friends, has had a bit of a rough childhood. He spent a lot of time with the Wu’s and practically saw Audri grow up. He never wanted to admit he had started developing feelings for her when he saw her working on her jewelry one day. Audri has always had a crush on Remi, but never acted on it as she thought he only saw her as a sister. When she started getting weird and semi threatening text messages Remi had his PI look into who was behind the screen. I have to say that in a way he was looking out for her like an older brother would, but when you got a look into his mind with the author’s writing you could tell there was more to his feelings than he let on. Even though Remi didn’t think he was worthy of someone like Audri, she begged to differ. I felt that these characters complimented each other perfectly. Although the you belong to me behavior doesn’t appeal to me, I was glad to see that the female character wasn’t going to let a man push her around and make her feel like she was a possession of any sort. I look forward to reading more books by this author and can’t wait to start the next chapter in this series.

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Dark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book Series (A Dark Sparrow Novel) by India Kells – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

Dark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book SeriesDark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book Series by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great series to binge read. Once you get started you won’t want to put them down. In my personal opinion each book was a bit better than its predecessor. The author does a great job of telling the stories of each individual brother and the women they come to love while trying to take down the man they call their father. I’m very glad I took a chance on an author that I had never heard of before because I have come to find some great stories that I want to keep going forever.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What do you do when you’ve hit a dating slump? Bree has been burned by one guy too many men, jocks in particular. She has set herself a list of rules to follow, but rules are meant to be broken right? Nate is an athlete which she swears she will no longer date. Steven on the other hand is goal orientated and career focused. Who will she choose?

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Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

IllegalIllegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What lengths would you go to protect someone you just met? In this story we get to find that out when embassy worker Wyatt get dragged into a cab with one Selena Hernandez. She self deported herself to Mexico and is trying to make things right and get back to America legally. Wyatt over heard his co-worker talking with someone on the phone about Ms. Hernandez and decided he needed to warn her that someone was after her. Although their couple encounters weren’t what he had hoped they would be, their attraction is undeniable. Will he be able to help her figure out who these bad guys are that are after her? Will they remain together once the nightmare is over?

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Deadly Sommer (Nora Sommer Caribbean Suspense Book 1) by Nicholas Harvey – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

Deadly Sommer (Nora Sommer #1)Deadly Sommer by Nicholas Harvey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Seeing as how my kindle is FULL of romance novels I decided to try something different for a change. I have never read anything by this author so this book was a first for me. Nora has been chosen to go through a series of challenges in order to save a young girl. There is no room for error since the girl’s life is on the line. Is Nora going to be able to complete all the challenges or has she been set up to fail? I am glad that I picked up this book as it kept me turning the pages to see how things would play out.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a good book that I couldn’t put down.

Grace is working hard to be able to keep her family together and happy. She’s holding down three jobs to keep her home, put food on the table, and pay for her mother’s medicine. She does fighting underground to make extra money, but keeps it from her mother. Grace is trying hard to keep the promise her father made before he passed away, but her circumstances change. An endorsement deal falls into her lap and she has an opportunity to join the UFC. Will she be able to join some of the best fighters in the world?

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Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 6)Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hailey is on the hunt to figure out where her evil stepfather has spent money intended for a children’s wing at the hospital. She and her childhood friend have cooked up a plan to get the money, but it goes south when her stepfather asked Trey La Rosa to get her back. Trey has never liked her stepfather and decides that he will help Hailey get the money back. He wasn’t ready for Hailey Carmichael when they first met at a charity event, but now he’s ready to take his chance.

I love, love, love this series! Another great book by the author. If you haven’t read any of these books I highly encourage you to start. While any of these books can be read as stand alone I would start with book one and read them in order as there are many characters that make appearances and have their own stories.

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A Long Kiss Goodbye (Onyx & Mercury Book 2) by H.D. Thomson – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

A Long Kiss GoodbyeA Long Kiss Goodbye by H.D. Thomson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After going out for drinks with friends Avery is viciously attacked. Who could have done this? Someone she knows or a complete stranger? Who can she trust? Enter her hot, brooding neighbor Luys. He keeps to himselg mostly due to his personal preference, but also to keep people safe. Trouble seems to follow him wherever he goes. When he sees his attractive neighbor struggling to stay upright trying to make it to her vehicle he steps in to help. He only meant to drop her off at the hospital, but ends up staying to make sure everything was okay and take her back home. Why does Luys feel the need to try and protect Avery? Will their attraction turn into more? Will Avery get the closure she needs by seeing her attacker be put behind bars?

This story was a little different than the paranormal stories I’m used to, but I did enjoy it. Even though this is the second book in a series I didn’t feel lost starting with this one. I will most likely check out book one because I don’t want to feel like I missed out on something that may have been important or explained in this book.

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Everything to Me (Playing for Keeps Book 2) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

Everything to Me (Playing for Keeps Book 2)Everything to Me by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What would you do if you were staying with your crush for a week? Try and seduce them or act like you’re over them? Kendall Graves plans to seduce her childhood crush pro baseballer Pete Saunders. Pete still thinks of Kendall as a cute, but awkward teen until she shows up at his door. What has he gotten himself into? How will he keep his hands to himself for a week? A good book that can be read in one sitting.

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Everwood Plantation by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

Everwood County PlantationEverwood County Plantation by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Zenni Paker has 2 goals when going back to Everwood County and falling for Cole Sage is not one of them. She is back to assess the damage the recent hurricane did to her grandparents home. They have been gone for several years, but she wants to see what can be salvaged. When Zenni hears that Cole plans on tearing down Everwood Estate, a place that has a lot of history for her family, she is a bit upset. Cole wants to move on from the past and build townhouses on the property which would bring more revenue to the city. Can they possibly come to a compromise?

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The Cruiser (The Hustlers Trilogy Book 1) by Rowan Rossler – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

The Cruiser (The Hustlers Trilogy, #1)The Cruiser by Rowan Rossler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Even though her life is falling apart privately Vandana takes on the job of cleaning up Morgan’s image. Morgan is trying to land a big job with the Saudi Prince and it’s her job to make him look like more than a playboy. Will she be able to clean up his image in a short amount of time? Even though she looked Morgan up online his pictures didn’t do him justice. Now Vandana must walk the fine line between business and pleasure when sparks fly. The chemistry between the characters leapt off the pages and the story flowed seamlessly. I love finding new authors and being drawn in from the first sentence. This is my first time reading anything by this author and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

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Until There Was You by G. Colgrove – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

Until there was youUntil there was you by G. Colgrove
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Who doesn’t dream of moving from a small town and making their dreams come true? Regan, who has just recently graduated high school, dreams of bigger and better things. While working her shift at the diner she waits on a table of executives. The youngest of the bunch, who we come to find out is Jeremy Stone, catches her eye. After seeing how little she was left as a tip she’s caught saying a few choice words when Jeremy walks back in to make sure she got the tip she deserved. From there things seems to move rather quickly and before we know it they are exclusively seeing each other. What will happen when Jeremy’s lease is the city is up? He isn’t a permanent resident in Boston after all. Will she wind up getting too attached and have her heart broken?

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Claiming My Mate (Wolf Hollow Pack Book 1) by Nicole Howl – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

Claiming My Mate (Wolf Hollow Pack, #1)Claiming My Mate by Nicole Howl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lily is a human who has spent the last year as a captive/servant to the Wolf Hollow Royals. They had been away for a while, but they are now back and things are about to get hairy. Jason, the prince and future Alpha, is biding his time until his father decides to hand over the reigns. Lily had rejected the unwanted advances of a guard whom later attacked her. Jason was attacked by rebel wolves while out on a run with his younger sister. Both end up in the royal hospital where Jason learns from his wolf that Lily is their mate. Due to their class difference it would be frowned upon by his father to accept Lily. Will they get a happily ever after?

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Forbidden Love: Book 1 of the Forbidden Duet by KM Lowe – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

Forbidden Love - Book 1 of The Forbidden DuetForbidden Love – Book 1 of The Forbidden Duet by K.M. Lowe

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First, if you get triggered by talk of miscarriage, rape, or any kind if abuse you will want to fund another book.

This is the first book I have read by this author and I was hooked! Poor Kally was forced to marry the brother of the man that she loved. Should Clark have made his feelings known sooner? Yes! Would it have made a difference? Probably not, but we may never know. His father knew exactly how much it would hurt Clark to have his brother marry the woman who held his heart. It was cold and heartless, but neither Kally or Clark had any power to stop the wedding since she signed a legally binding contract. Will they be able to get their happily ever after? Or will Kally be trapped in a loveless marriage?

 

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The Last Cabin Girl (Detective Josie Thompson Series) by Tom Swyers – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

The Last Cabin GirlThe Last Cabin Girl by Tom Swyers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting read. I don’t read too many thrillers, but the synopsis of this one caught my attention. Josie is a single mother of two children trying to get a divorce from her husband. He was into illegal activities among other things and she was more than ready to move on. When a body shows up a few miles down river from her property she becomes a prime suspect. In a place where everyone seems to know more about her than she does herself, who can she trust? Will she be able to clear her name by investigating and finding her own evidence? Will she be able to find the real killer?

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Unchecked: A Steamy Love Triangle Love Romance by Carina Alyce – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

Unchecked (MetroGen Downtown Kiss and Tell, #1)Unchecked by Carina Alyce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There’s nothing wrong with a woman going after what she wants. Dr. Magi is thriving with her successful career as a surgeon and things are heating up with all three of the guys she is seeing. The kicker: they all work with her at MetroGen. When things take a turn and get a little crazy she realizes she needs to decide who she wants to be with. How will she choose between the three? One is a playboy, one is a friend with benefits and the other is a sweet and sensitive guy. Will she find her happy ending with one of them or end up alone?

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I Dream of Cassie: A Student-Teacher Age-Gap Romance by Diana Vale – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

I Dream of Cassie: A Student-Teacher Age-Gap RomanceI Dream of Cassie: A Student-Teacher Age-Gap Romance by Diana Vale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ah, Cassie and Diego are back, but this time we get to see things through the eyes of Diego. We get too see a bit more into what he was going though with his marriage, divorce, and ultimately giving into his feelings for his student. This book can be read as a standalone, but I feel like you will have more insight from reading the first book. Being able to see things from his perspective gave me more of an understanding as a reader about some of the things said and done in Professor Valentine. A big thing for me is that the author did a POV all in one book instead of jumping around from person to person. Overall I enjoyed this quick read and will most likely read the next book in the series.

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Ruthless Heir (Mafia Elite Book 5) by Amy McKinley – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite, #5)Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Luc has just taken over a company that Summer works for as an intern. They had a steamy night the evening before, but I’m sure neither expected to see the other at their place of work. Summer is on the run from Ben Amato, a soldier for the Amato Mafia family in New York. Her roommate Lauralee overheard something she shouldn’t have and made plans to blackmail Ben. She also had Summer promise to keep the evidence with her no matter what happened. Luc believes her to be a spy for the former CEO or one of the other competitors, but he will soon see that is far from the truth. They have an insane attraction and great chemistry, but will it be enough? Both of their worlds are about to be turned upside down.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries Book 3) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and ChallengesNotebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Emma finds herself being called to a reading of a will from a former client and she is surprised to say the least. Of course what is left to her comes with strings, but it also will provide her the opportunity to expand as well as bring some old friends back into the fold. As the relationship between Emma and Jeremy grows they find themselves not wanting to be apart, but because of the times they cannot just start living together. Aside from more personal matters they do have a lot on their plates what with a friend and his family being kidnapped, a friend needing help in another country, and all the paperwork that came along with the reading of the will. How will they solve their dilemmas?

I do like the fact that Emma is a strong, independent and forward thinking character. It is also great that for the time period the story is set that Jeremy does not try to deter her from her hopes and dreams, but instead encourages her. So far this series has kept me entertained and I look forward to more from this author.

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Seductively Yours (Titans of Manhattan Book 3) by Anise Storm – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

Seductively Yours (Titans Of Manhattan, #3)Seductively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rhyann Ward has just been awarded a scholarship to a dance school in Manhattan, New York. Now that she is starting on the path to making her dreams come true she needs to find a job. Her roommate takes her to a club called Vault where she unknowingly has a steamy night with one of the Titans, Mason Steele. It was only supposed to be one night and they’d never see each other again. When Rhyann applies for a dancing position at Vault she and Mason are in for a surprise. Knowing that she is off-limits due to his own set of rules, will Mason be able to stick to them?

Another great book in the series. It’s a quick read with plenty of steamy moments. I am enjoying this series and can’t wait to read the next book.

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The Killer Jack Mystery (The J.D. Pierson Case Files) by C.H. Sessums – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

The Killer Jack Mystery (The J.D. Pierson Case Files)The Killer Jack Mystery by C.H. Sessums
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Everyone is having a hard time keeping their businesses going during the depression and P.I. business is no exception. While her father has turned to the bottle J.D. is doing her best to keep his business going. When a call comes from her uncle who has been in prison Jenny can’t lie to him. He’s family and you always help family. When a necklace comes up missing and her cousin is murdered Jenny is on the hunt to find the suspect before he disappears and ends up committing another murder. Will she be able to find the necklace and the culprit?

This was a good mystery and a quick read. It draws you in from the beginning and keeps you turning the pages. I’m finding that I don’t have a lot of time to read a whole lot these days due to my crazy work schedule, but books like this are worth saying one more page no matter how early my alarm is set.

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Class Clown (Ghost Girl Series) by Allan Evans – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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

Abbey has the ability not only to see, but to interact with ghosts. After visiting the circus with her parents she starts to see clowns everywhere. When her fellow students start turning up missing she has a feeling that the clowns are connected. Will her ability help her to find her missing classmates or will it only make things worse?

I enjoy reading book that have to do with anything paranormal/supernatural. This is only the second book I have read that has dealt with clowns, but it was a good one. I can’t say for sure I’m scared if clowns, but I DEFINITELY wouldn’t want to be seeing dead clowns everywhere I look. I really should have been asleep a whole ago since I have a long day or work ahead of me tomorrow, BUT I couldn’t resist! This book was a page turner and I needed to find out how it ended. I am a first time reader of this author and look forward to reading more of his work.

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Checking Boxes by Magdoline Ward – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

Checking BoxesChecking Boxes by Magdoline Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What do you do when you need a new place to live? Take up the offer your neighbor has going of course. Grace finds herself unable to put up with her roommates lifestyle any longer. She remembered seeing a neighbors note about wanting a roommate and decides to look into things. All Ian wants is someone to cook a meal for him every evening in return for living in his second bedroom rent free. Too good to be true right? What will happen when things turn into more than either of them bargained for?

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So Right (Love Grows Series Book 5) by Renee Regent – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

So Right (Love Grows, Book 5)So Right by Renee Regent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Can they convince people that they are engaged to be wed? Amara doesn’t think it is possible, but with the possibility of a promotion in sight she couldn’t pass up this opportunity. It didn’t hurt that the man slated to play her fake fiancée, Petro, was movie star handsome. Petro is looking to prove that he is good enough to make it on his own. When he finds out that he has an opportunity to make a good impression and possibly get a promotion he jumps at the opportunity. The upside to this impromtu trip is that he will get to spend more time with Amara. The downside is that it will be in California where his family resides. Will they be able to pull this off without a hitch? Or will their fake romance turn into something more?

I just want to start this off by saying that I have a hard time trying books by authors I have never heard of before. This is the first time I have read anything this author has written and I enjoyed it immensely.

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Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

Depending On YouDepending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cate Silver is taking care of her sick father and childish adult sister. It has been 20 years since she committed the crime of killing a man and the case was closed due to lack of evidence, but the case has been reopened. Even though her friend Patti Thomas is living several hundred miles away she needs her. Patti is living in what seems to be a loveless marriage and feels as though her children hate her. When Cate shows up she doesn’t hesitate to drop everything and go back to the town she grew up in. Cate is feeling the pressure to come clean about what happened all those years ago, but Patti doesn’t think anything will come of the new investigation. Will Cate wind up turning herself in to the police and telling the truth? Will the new evidence being unearthed send Cate to prison or will she and Patti be taking their secrets to their graves?

I have read several books by this author and enjoyed them all. If you like paranormal mysteries, thrillers, or crime I highly suggest giving this author a try.

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