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Yesterday’s Over (Philly Heat Series Book 3) by Becky Flade – Review by Christine Baranek

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Yesterday's Over (Philly Heat series, #3)Yesterday’s Over by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yesterday’s Over
By: Becky Flade
5*

Becky Flade is one of my favorite authors and the Philly Heat series is one that I absolutely love. This third installment in the series is just as wonderful as the first two.
Once again, Becky delivers with wonderfully written characters and chemistry that jumps off of the pages. This time she includes several twists that I did not see coming.
Trudy is a Medical Examiner who gives all into her work. However the other side of her is incredibly caring and feeling. After a major explosion, the clean up crews found way more than they bargained for. They find decades old bones which means that there is the potential that this can solve a cold case. Trudy is determined to find out who the bones belong to. She reaches out to an anthropologist named Ben. Ben and Trudy are such opposites, that it only makes sense that there would be chemistry between them. Becky makes this chemistry absolutely palpable to the reader.
I loved this story! I definitely recommend reading this. Its a great easy to read book with amazing characters.

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Revenge Honeymoon by K.J. Gillenwater – Review by Christine Baranek

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Revenge HoneymoonRevenge Honeymoon by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Revenge Honeymoon
By: K.J. Gillenwater

This is the story of Emily and Ruby. Two best friends who definitely have ideas that aren’t always the best. Emily tries her best in everything but somehow always falls short when compared to her friend Ruby. Ruby is madly in love and about to get married… until she is left at the altar. Emily, as all best friends would, comes up with a brilliant plan to help Ruby. They’re going to go on Ruby’s honeymoon together. I mean, really, isn’t that what every best friend would do?
However, their plan hits a small problem when they discover that the cruise is for couples only! They decide to get creative and pretend to be a couple. There’s absolutely no way that this plan can go wrong, right? I mean best friends are close to being a couple.
When one of them falls madly in love with the ship’s photographer their plan begins to go awry. Will their trip be ruined if someone has a tryst? Will they be sent with their bags packing because they aren’t a couple.
Can they continue to have the trip they meant to when this happens? Will thier friendship falter?
I LOVE this book! The adventures that the girls have are wonderful and I definitely was left wanting more. I only hope that someday I have a friend like Emily. She definitely means well and I could relate to her so much! This was such a fun and easy red. I definitely want to read more of their adventures. This was the perfect weekend read that made me wanting a trip to the Carribean ASAP!

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The Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson – Review by Christine Baranek

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The Perfect Mrs. ClausThe Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Perfect Mrs Claus
By: Barbara Matteson
5*

This was such a cozy, sweet holiday novel. This was the perfect book to get me in the holiday spirit. This is a sweet romance story that featured more mature characters – which I loved so much! Savannah is such a sweet main character, I really felt for her as her story unfolded. From it being her first Christmas alone to her time at Howardson’s where she met another lonely soul. Meeting Matthew literally changed her life.
I truly enjoyed this story, I found both Matthew and Savannah so sweet and endearing. This is the perfect story to read on a snowy night under the lights of the Christmas Tree.

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Hot for Teacher by Felicia Carparelli – Review by Christine Baranek

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Hot for Teacher - Shakespeare Made Us Fall in LoveHot for Teacher – Shakespeare Made Us Fall in Love by Felicia Carparelli
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hot for Teacher: Shakespeare made us fall in love
By: Felicia Carparelli

I want to start out that this book was not at all what I thought it was going to be. This is so much more than two adults engaged in a consensual relationship story. And it doesn’t need a trigger warning, which definitely is something I am so glad for.
This book was absolutely amazing. I could not put it down! It is a take on a modern day version of Romeo and Juliet. Juliet is a divorced, grandmother who has a self-imposed vow of celibacy. Jim is a widow and is headed back to college to start to soften some rough edges. Juliet is his teacher.
I loved this story. Juliet is very reserved and quiet, afraid of this romance. While Jim is so involved and passionate right from the start. I loved that this is was a second chance romance book. Both of them deserved love and they found it. I also love that the story was told from both characters. Finally, there was an added twist of Juliet being in danger from another former student. I truly loved this story.

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Bycatch by Alexander Blevens – Review by Christine Baranek

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BycatchBycatch by Alexander Blevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bycatch
By: Alexander Blevens

This book is a fantastic story about soldiers in the Vietnam war. Rex and Nguyen both fought in the Vietnam war and they both survived. However when they returned they were not the same. It is now 25 years after the war and this story focuses on the cultural conflict they face back in the south. There are crimes committed and they both are involved in a different battle back home. These men crossed paths back in Vietnam, and the secrets that they hold follow them back home. When they cross paths later in life the secret they hold begins to bubble over. And it ends in one man’s death.
I cannot explain adequately how good this book was. It was a great look at a story of soldiers in the Vietnam war and the cultural conflict that continued back home. It also is a good look at the culture in the gulf and the lives of fisherman.
The author vividly describes life in the Mississippi region and made me feel as if I was there. This was a wonderfully crafted tale that kept me wanting more. This is such a beautiful story that depicted multiple sides of humanity, but the good and the bad.

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A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann – Review by Christine Baranek

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A Crossbow ChristmasA Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Crossbow Christmas
By: Ann Swann

This book takes place in a pandemic world. I love books that tackle the “new normal” that we are all facing right now. So that is major points already for me.
Carina was definitely affected by the pandemic. Haven’t we all. She was in the hospital for several months, working to recover. Now that she’s home all she wants to do is celebrate Christmas with her family. However, everyone’s lives got busier while she was in the hospital. Her husband is too busy working to show that he wants a family Christmas of times past. Her kids are grown, with families of their own. They have all moved away and are too busy to stop and have the Christmas their mother desires.
A friend offers her his cabin for Christmas. If she goes she will definitely have a white Christmas. In her journal, she writes about her desire to go to the cabin. However, she also writes about her worries about going to the cabin alone. Through her journaling, we see that she doesn’t think it is possible to go by herself. How can she? She’s been so busy taking care of everyone else she doesn’t know how to take care of herself. Really, she doesn’t know how she can have a vacation all by herself.
Carina is possibly one of the most relatable characters I have read in a long time. Every mother, wife, woman can relate to her struggles. We may not be able to relate to her struggle of wanting a big Christmas, but we can relate to her struggle to do something nice for ourselves. I don’t know any woman who would willingly take a trip by themselves without second guessing themselves. I think that Ann Swann did a great job encapsulating womens feelings in this story. She captured a women’s grief in the changing seasons of her family. I think everyone about to go through the empty nest process can also relate to those feelings.
I can say I felt the otherside of this as well. I am not a mother or a grandmother. But I am a daughter and I see the change that parents feel when I am torn about who to spend time with on the holidays.
This is such a great book! I definitely recommend it to anyone wanting relatable characters as well as a holiday theme!

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Christine Baranek

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Defiant Princess
By: Amy McKinley

This book is the prequel to the Mafia Elite series, but it does stand alone by itself. It is the story of college aged girls that are the daughters of the five families. This is where their story begins. They are all princesses to high up mafia families. Their fathers will do anything to protect them. In some of these cases, their lives are completely out of their control.
LIlianna loves college. She is surrounded by other girls who understand and can relate to the life she lives. Her father is super controlling and all she wants to do is taste freedom. However, her father is so concerned for her that she even has a marriage coming up. One that she has not planned, but has been planned for her. She wants to run away, begin a new life away from her father’s control. But will that be possible?
Sofia is absolutely in love with Enzo. She was the one that he wanted and the same goes for him. However, now even though she loves him, she cannot be with him. She would do anything for him, including walk away from him. She needs to keep him safe, and to do that she has to walk away.
Emiliana is also in love. Stefano is her one true love. She would do anything to be back with him. However, they both live under the control of their fathers. Both fathers are incredibly controlling. They have forbidden them from being together. However, they need to be together. They are meant for each other. If only they could convince the rest of the world that what they need is to be together.
Marissa can relate to the arranged marriage that Lilianna is being forced into. She is in the same position. She is determine to make the best of the time she has before she is traded away in the form of this marriage.
These girls are tasting freedom for the first time. And they don’t want to give it up. The question is how far will they go to get their freedom. Are they willing to risk everything to keep their freedom. Or will they submit to to the will of their families.
I loved this story. These girls were written as incredibly complex characters. Their complex situations just dripped off every page. I’m glad to know that there is more to be written about these girls as I want to see how each of their stories develop. I was left wanting more and that’s a good thing, given that there is more to read. I will be starting the Mafia Elite Series right now!

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Stumble & Fall (A Legacy of Silence Book 2) by Amy Rivers – Review by Christine Baranek

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Stumble & Fall (A Legacy of Silence, #2)Stumble & Fall by Amy Rivers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stumble & Fall
By: Amy Rivers

SUCH A GOOD STORY! Let me just start with that.
This is the second book in the Legacy of Silence. But I have not read the first book (yet, going to order it right now!) and it read perfectly fine. You may be missing just a little bit of background information regarding Tilly and Kate, but nothing that can’t be figured out through context clues.
This story is heavy, dealing with rape and sex trafficking. It may be triggering to some so a warning might be appreciated.
Tilly and Kate are sisters. They have lived very traumatic and tumultuous lives. However they have not taken this as a hardship they cannot overcome. Rather, it is something that they apply to help others. Kate is a psychologist whose whole practice is helping young people in need. She discovers a potential human trafficking ring that involves the people in power in her town. Tilly is a nurse who has helped one too many women after an attack. Together they work to solve this case.
As hard as the topic is. I love the way that this story handled it. Tilly and Kate are great examples of overcoming adversity. I love the bond they have as sisters and how they are willing to help others in need.
I think Tilly and Kate are greatly developed characters who I was rooting for. I definitely cannot wait to read more about the two of them as the series continues!

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The Rom Com Movie Club (The Rom Com Movie Club Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Christine Baranek

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The Rom Com Movie Club - Book OneThe Rom Com Movie Club – Book One by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Rom Com Movie Club
By: Bernadette Marie

I have been a fan of Bernadette Marie for a while now. So I was very excited to start another book by her. Once again, I was not disappointed. It is what I have come to know and love from her. A book with wonderful characters and fantastic plot line and me not wanting the story to end. I always feel like I am one of the characters in the story when I read her stories.
I absolutely loved this story. Lisa, Mindy, Ruby and Tina are the types of friends I have wanted for myself but have never found. They are the friends that get together once a month to celebrate friendship and watch a romantic comedy. Their night is full of traditions – starting with wearing a baggy college sweatshirt and pretending it is the sleepovers they loved as teenagers. The biggest tradition of all is the searching for the happily ever after through film.
This time however, things begin to go a little sideways and their friendships are tested. Lisa has not exactly believed in happy endings, but she loves the idea of them. Tina is getting married and stressed out beyond belief. She is venting to Lisa about how she is sharing her future in-laws house and how that house is growing by one more. Her fiancee’s brother is moving home. Lisa asked to see a picture of Ryan and sparks instantly flew.
When they met the chemistry was unimaginable. However, it also tested the waters of the girls’ friendship. The last think Lisa wants to do is ruin Tina’s wedding, but should she have to walk away from her happily ever after? Or will Tina come around and see how much happiness and love Ryan and Lisa have for one another.
I definitely love this story and the characters. I cannot recommend this story enough to those that love a good comfort of a story about friendship and love.

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A Christmas to Remember by 5 Prince Publishing – Review by Christine Baranek

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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

A Christmas to Remember
By: 5 Prince Publishing

I love this anthology. It helped to get me in the Christmas Spirit early. I love that each one has such wonderful characters. I was drawn to this story because of one of the featured authors – Bernadette Marie. Her story definitely was everything I expected and more. I loved reading about Levi and Gretchen. Their story is wonderful. Their care for each other just jumps off the page. They may not be in love with one another but they definitely still love for each other.
The other stories are just as wonderful! Copper Penny might have been my favorite story otherwise. I loved Randi! Randi is possibly the most wonderful character I’ve read and I hope for only good things for her. This is one story I didn’t think was long enough.
. All the stories were equally enchanting. I cannot recommend this anthology to anyone. But especially those who love Hallmark Movies! These are by far and away all the plot to a Hallmark Christmas Movie!

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Lucas the Spy Cat (Jake the Growling Dog) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Christine Baranek

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

Lucas the Spy Cat
by Samantha Shannon
5*
This is the cutest story about Lucas. Lucas is a normal family cat except for at night. When he meows goodbye and just leaves. He disappears all night and returns in the morning. His family wants to see exactly where he goes, so they attach a camera to his collar. What they discover is the most surprising. Their normal cat is busy keeping their neighborhood safe from harm and being a friend to those in need.
I love that the story is not all that is included. There are extra pages to extend the fun. I also love that there is a website with even more activities.
I definitely will be getting a few copies of this book for my classroom library. I also will get more of the series. I absolutely love this story about Lucas and his friends!

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Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Christine Baranek

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Boss's Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1)Boss’s Vendetta by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Boss’s Vendetta
by Via Mari
5*
This is an amazing mafia romance. It contains moments of my favorite features in books. It has action, steamy scenes, and enemies to lovers.
The main character is Salvatore and he has just become the head of the family business (aka mafia). With this he becomes the head of an incredibly hostile war between feuding family. When Salvatore meets Natasha the tension is thick. But the downside is that Natasha who is working for his family has been placed there to help fulfill a vendetta. This makes a romance with him even more complex. Sal’s focus should be his territory and his family but Natasha definitely threatens to disrupt that focus.
I loved this story so much. I love that this definitely delivers in the steam department. I also truly love knowing that this series will focus on all of Salvatore’s family. I cannot wait to see how the family continues to develop and how much steam will be brought.

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The Warrior (The Freemasons Book 3) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Christine Baranek

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The Warrior (The Freemasons #3)The Warrior by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Warrior (The Freemasons Book 3)
by Nicole Flockton
5*
This was such a wonderful book. Jude’s sister has been missing. Jude has stopped his life and made it his mission to find her. In order to save her he is going to have to use the girl that he wants to be with. This means risking her for the life of his sister.
Sienna is former military. She is adept at being a chameleon in any situation. She has a strong desire to help Jude and save his sister.
During the mission, things go awry. Sienna’s life is in more danger than they first thought. Jude will use everything he knows to keep her alive.
This is the third book in the Freemasons series. I did not read the first two but I definitely will now. This book was able to stand alone and I was not confused as to what is going on. I loved the development of the characters and their relationships. As usual Nicole Flockton has written an amazing book that I definitely hope everyone enjoys!

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Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1 Books 1-3 by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Christine Baranek

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Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1 by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1 Books 1-3 by K.L. Montgomery – Review by
By: K.L. Montgomery
5*

This is such a fun box set. I love Ruby Ecco, she is such an amazing character. However, craziness and murder seem to follow her and her whole cast of musical actors and actresses.
In book 1, Ruby is reeling from the recent events. She recently was involved in a murder. However, she was not the murderer or the murdered. She was the understudy of the girl who was murdered. This made her take over the new role. She has been given a back up role for the new musical. Everyone seems to be extra worried about her right now. It doesn’t take long for her to be embroiled in another murder. Another cast member turns up dead and Ruby is called to help solve the mystery.
In book 2, Ruby and her Musical Company are now in Florida. This is awesome because Ruby is near her only family, her grandparents. However, once again where Ruby goes murder follows. Someone in the retirement community has died and no one is willing to look more indepth into the murder. Ruby wants to help solve the case, but her grandparents aren’t so sure.
In book 3, Ruby is back in her hometown. Its nice to be back home, however, she is handed a long weekend off. She is invited to attend a wedding for her boss’s nephew. However, this isn’t as innocent as it sounds. Her boss is not sure about the woman her nephew is marrying. So she is sending Ruby and her detective skills to look more into the situation.
As a musical lover, I loved these stories. I truly enjoyed reading about Ruby. She was the most relatable and lovable character I have read recently. I found myself relating to her on so many levels. Her inner dialogue reminded me of myself. I cannot recommend this boxed set, and series, to anyone! They are so fun!

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Devlin by Angela K. Parker – Review by Christine Baranek

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DevlinDevlin by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Devlin
By: Angela K Parker
5*
This romance is so good! It is a forbidden office romance but it definitely does not have the normal feel of an office romance book.
Devlin is a businessman and a darn good one at that. He is known for his womanizing. He is also known for his banter with his coworker Evelyn. He has his eyes on a big promotion but that promotion has strings attached. He is not allowed to fraternize with other employees. This new rule comes at the worst possible time.
Evelyn works with Devlin and loves to hate him. The banter between them is so fun to read. In a moment of weakness she gave in to her needs and spent the night with Devlin. This is a night that she can’t get out of her head. She can’t explain the jealousy that is creeping into her when he is with other women. Luckily she just received the chance to plan the winter party for the company. This is do or die for her career and she can’t let Devlin get in her way.
Their resolve to stay coworkers and leave things to just one night is challenged when they are sent out of town together and they have adjoining rooms. Are they both willing to admit that they have more feelings than they first thought? Or will they stick to the rules that have been given to them.
I LOVED this story. I had a very hard time putting it down. I really truly loved their relationship and I hope that there is more to come from these characters!

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Fighting Chance by Toni Denise – Review by Christine Baranek

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Fighting ChanceFighting Chance by Toni Denise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fighting Chance
By: Toni Denise
5*
I love this story! I truly wanted to keep reading long after the book was over!
Kendall is a reporter and her whole career is going down the tubes. Her father offers her the opportunity of a different type of story than she is used to. This story is definitely going to have her stretch her reporting skills. Her father has a lead on an underground MMA ring that isn’t illegal but also isn’t well known. What Kendall finds there is a man that is going to challenge her beliefs. Chad can tell that the sparks are flying with Kendall but its going to take a lot of effort to convince her that they are both feeling things that are real and worth more than one night.
I truly feel that this is a great romance read. It was hard to put down and I definitely recommend it!

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Just One More Egg (Science Folktales Book 6) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Christine Baranek

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Just One More Egg: A Science Folktale (Science Folktales)Just One More Egg: A Science Folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just One More Egg
By: Lois Wickstrom
5*
This was a very cute children’s book. I love that it is a spin on the tale of the ugly duckling, but also weaves in pieces of information that are science facts. This story is so sweet as it shows how far a mother’s love will go. I can see how this book would not only be good to read for fun or even for science information, but I see a much larger way that this book can be read. I am a teacher so my mind is always looking for different ways I can use picture books. When I first read this my mind went to how this book would be good when dealing with children who are adopted or in foster situations. I feel like they can see how mama warbler welcomes the cuckoo bird as if it was one of her own. This then can relate to their own lives. Such a wonderful story!

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Fallen Star (The Divine Devils Book 2) by R Weir – Review by Christine Baranek

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Fallen Star: The Divine Devils Book 2Fallen Star: The Divine Devils Book 2 by R. Weir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fallen Star
By: R. Weir
5*
This is an amazing crime book. The pace was set in the first book of the series and I had high expectations for this book that I was unsure could be met. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this book was just as good, if not better, than the first.
Once again, Hunter Divine is being called on to protect someone in danger. This time it is a Hollywood starlet, who is being blackmailed for things she has done that she would much rather forget. Hunter has a million different things thrown at him this time, but with the added problem of this case reminding him of the case that made him leave the U.S. Marshalls.
Readers are provided with a story that I definitely could not put down. I love this series and truly hope that there are more books being planned.

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The Divine Devils (The Divine Devils Book 1) by R Weir – Review by Christine Baranek

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The Divine DevilsThe Divine Devils by R. Weir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Divine Devils
By: R. Weir
5*
I loved this book! The idea is fantastic and the twists and turns kept coming. More importantly, I found an author whose books I will reread and recommend time and time again.
Paige’s two children are in extreme danger. Three attacks on their lives in less than that many weeks. She does the only thing a mother can do call the best person she can to protect them. The problem is, that person is also someone who broke her heart many times over. Hunter Divine answers the call and does all he can to help his past lover. He is living a very sketchy life right now but would do anything for this one that may have gotten away.
The twists and turns kept coming as the book unfurls. What I loved the most was that is was so hard to put down. I am so glad that this is the beginning of a new series and I cannot wait to read the next book.

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Christine Baranek

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Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Divided Lives
By: K.R. Mullins
5*
This story is based on actual events that took place in Greenwich Village in 1912. Lottie, our main character, is definitely not one who follows or believes in societal norms. She frequents areas she shouldn’t frequent and keeps with company with people some would be desirable. Despite being considered bohemian, she also holds a very official office. She is a legal clerk for Justice Goff. She has begun working on a very important criminal trial. This trial is very polarizing as it involves a local police officer named Charles Becker. Once, Lottie begins working on this trial she begins being blackmailed. The problem is, these blackmailers are trying to expose areas of her life that she wants to keep hidden.
I loved this story of Lottie and her involvement in this trial. Her struggles seemed so real and I really wanted to learn more about the actual events. I cannot say enough how good this book is! It really makes me want to research the actual case and also Greenwich during this time period! I definitely recommend it, especially to fans of mystery and true crime.

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A Love Restrained by Becky Flade – Review by Christine Baranek

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A Love RestrainedA Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Love Restrained
By: Becky Flade
5*

This book is such a good, quick read that I found myself relating to in so many aspects. The characters were so believable and relatable. It’s a story about how people’s experiences and perspectives influence our path’s in life. It also is about when the past comes crashing into the present. Finally, it shows how the things we always thought, might not always be true.
Ky works for the police. She has a loving family and has all the support in the world. However, her past comes crashing in around her when she makes an arrest. The man that she is arresting is Jayson. Jayson is a local drug dealer who is part of a large drug ring. However, he is also her childhood crush. The boy who broke her heart.
Jayson has always fantasized about being with Ky, from the time he was really young. He had an awful home experience and Ky’s family truly influenced him in a major way. He didn’t mean to break Ky’s heart. In his eyes, she broke his heart.
When they reconnect the sparks are instant. They both remember what they used to have. Jayson really wants to try having a relationship with Ky. But will their jobs hurt their chance of being able to have the relationship they desire. Are they willing to risk everything to be together?
This is truly the epitome of a good girl / bad boy romance. And man did I love it. I truly recommend that anyone considering reading this book do it!

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We Blend (Falling for the Rockstar’s Daughter Book 1) by Willa Drew – Review by Christine Baranek

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WE Blend (Falling for the Rockstar's Daughter Book 1)WE Blend by Willa Drew
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We Blend
By: Willa Drew
5*

I really loved this story. The characters were very heartfelt and I felt a bond with them immediately. I saw that this is the first book in a series and I truthfully cannot wait for the second book.
El is the stepdaughter of a rock star. She has lived her life in his shadow. She has always struggled with doing anything but music. However, she doesn’t want to be the child of a rockstar who thinks they can make it based on their last name. She is determined to make it in the industry at all costs, which will prove to be hard given being under her parents thumb.
Wil is the product of a single mother and his grandfather. He has traveled to Las Angeles for a film competition. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for more reasons than just the chance to become known for what he loves.
Wil and El end up bumping into one another by chance. However, there doesn’t seem like there is going to be anything ordinary about the two of them. Their chemistry is undeniable. They are both keeping secrets from each other, and when those come to light things become tested between them.
If you are on the fence about reading this, please read it! It is such a fun, well written read.

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Moby Plays the Flute by Eeha Bhatt – Review by Christine Baranek

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Moby Plays the FluteMoby Plays the Flute by Eeha Bhatt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Moby Plays the Flute
By: Eeha Bhatt
5*

As a teacher, I am always looking for engaging books to read to my students. It is great if it is a book that I can tie in with a lesson. This is especially true if it is a book that models a social emotional skill, such as empathy, kindness or perseverance. The more books I can show my students about these skills the happier I am. This book is the perfect book to teach about a growth mindset, perseverance, or resilience. It also would be a good book to introduce Passion Projects if your class does them.
Moby’s father is in the military and he is about to be deployed. He gives her a gift before he leaves. This gift is a flute. Moby discovers that learning to play the flute will not be an easy task, rather it is something she will need to work hard at. This story is absolutely heartwarming and it has the most beautiful illustrations.
I read this book to my students in Kindergarten, First Grade and Second grade. I recommend this book for all those age ranges. However, I would not limit it to those ages. I believe that all children would enjoy this book.

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace: Mermaid Science by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Christine Baranek

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The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science)The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace
By: Lois Wickstrom
5*

As a teacher, I am always looking for engaging books to read to my students. It is extra helpful if they can be cross curricular. This book definitely fits the bill. I read this book as a read aloud to my students in Kindergarten, First and Second grades. They all thoroughly enjoyed this book and it gave us many discussions. I had chosen to read this just as a fun read aloud, however, this would be a great book to read when students are talking about forms of matter, specifically water. My students had many questions about how accurate the information was and it lead to an impromptu series of experiments with ice. This could definitely be used more strategically to coincide with a unit on water / states of matter. It also is a great book just to read aloud. I would say that second / third grade readers could most likely begin to read this book independently, but that every reader is different. Any child who likes mermaids would also enjoy it! I definitely recommend it and will be using it for years to come!

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Battling Beckett by T. Christensen – Review by Christine Baranek

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Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother RomanceBattling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Battling Beckett
By: T. Christensen
5*

Greer’s life has been turned completely upside down. Her mom has fallen in love and has moved her into a mansion across town. This sounds like it would be the dream situation almost a rags to riches situation. Not if you are beginning your senior year of high school, like Greer is. She has to change her school and her friends. Instead of going to public school, she is going to go to the most expensive private school in the area. Truthfully she can’t believe all this is happening to her. On top of having a sort of dad she also has a sort of step brother. Who she can’t stand and is fascinated with all at the same time.
Beckett is also in his senior year of high school. And he has gained a home with two women. He doesn’t trust Greer’s mom and truthfully doesn’t trust Greer. But as the school year starts, he begins to question if Greer is actually as sweet and innocent as she appears. Maybe Greer’s motives are completely innocent.
There is no denying there is something between Greer and Beckett. But what is it? Beckett is determined to destroy Greer’s high school year. Greer is determined to make the best of it in an attempt to show support for her mom.
This book was truthfully very good. I loved the character of Greer. I thought she was very realistic. Definitely pick up this quick read!

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The Colors of Love (The Colors Trilogy Book 2) by K.R. Raye – Review by Christine Baranek

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The Colors of Love (Colors Trilogy, #2)The Colors of Love by K.R. Raye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Colors of Love
By: K.R. Raye
5*

This is the second book in a trilogy. It is able to standalone if you have not read the first one. This book is just as good as the previous one. The characters of Melody, Imani and Lance have been even more developed. They are continuing to grow in their friendship and in their own lives. This is a great balance between a contemporary book that focuses on friendship and a romance. I truly enjoyed this book and I was rooting for the characters. I truly recommend this book as it is an easy quick read!

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True Colors (The Colors Trilogy Book 3) by K.R. Raye – Review by Christine Baranek

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True ColorsTrue Colors by K.R. Raye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

True Colors
By: K.R. Raye
5*

This is the third and final book in a trilogy. I absolutely loved this book and feel that some themes that were introduced in the earlier books were continued and ultimately resolved. My favorite part of this book is that it focuses on friendship. I feel that the friendships portrayed in this are by far and away very realistic. I found myself truly rooting for the friendships in the story. I could definitely relate to Imani who was facing her life being turned upside down. The struggle when she is realizing she is needing help from her friends was really something I could relate to. I also have to say that having read all three books, I enjoyed reading and seeing how they matured. I feel like they developed like my friends and I did. Although, perhaps with more dramatic moments than I’ve been through. I cannot recommend this book enough! I truly enjoyed it and am sad to see the trilogy end.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Christine Baranek

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Notebook Mysteries ~ EmmaNotebook Mysteries ~ Emma by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Notebook Mysteries: Emma
By: Kimberly Mullins
5*

This story takes place in 1881. Emma’s mother has died in the Great Chicago Fire and her family is picking up the pieces the best she can. They are also carrying on the legacy of her mother’s bakery. Her cousin is running the bakery, but she has a desire for more. Truthfully, she has always had a desire for more. She is fashion conscious and very observant. She goes nowhere without the red hat on her head and her skirts, while still following the dress code, have a long slit in them. Emma also is incredibly observant. She goes nowhere without her trusty notebook, which is where she records all her observations. With her desires for a larger, more adventurous life, she asks her father for permission to ride along with the delivery boys. He agrees with the caveat that she stay safe and careful. To agree with her father’s wishes, she decides the best way to do this is to dress like a delivery boy, with her hair braided on top of her head, underneath her hat. While on her delivery routes, she finds that her keep observance will come in handy. She is able to solve many crimes and mysteries throughout the city. Including a possible robbery. She is definitely trying to stay safe, however, she hopes that the lessons her father has given her will help her if needed.
This book is full of twists and turns. I truly enjoyed it and it kept me guessing. I cannot recommend this book enough!

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Fatal Memory (Agent Red:Teagan Stone Series Book 1) by Ava S. King – Review by Christine Baranek

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Agent Red: Fatal Memory (Teagan Stone #1)Agent Red: Fatal Memory by Ava S. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fatal Memory
By: Ava S. King
5*

This is the first book in the Agent Red: Teegan Stone Series. This book is incredibly fast paced and easy to read. It was also filled with many twists and turns that kept me guessing iwth each page I turned. It ended too quickly for me, I found myself wanting more. I’m glad that this is in a series because I want to continue to learn about Teegan and her teammates.
Teegan wakes up chained to a bed with no recollection of how she got there. She is concerned about her family and very confused. However, as those who abducted her soon reveal, her family is very safe. Rather, it is her they are after. Not in the typical way that a person who is generally abducted is after some one. Rather, they want to show her who she used to be. She used to be a member of an elite organization in the Navy who was in charge of protecting America. Teegan walked away from this life to devote herself to her family. She was tired of the danger, the death, the killing, the espionage. She is being asked to continue a mission that she has botched and this means awakening a piece of her that has been dormant for a long time. Throughout this book, we watch Teegan struggle with her desire to be a family mom, to reclaim her old life, and who to trust. I definitely recommend it!

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The Aloha Series Box Set (Books 1 – 3) by Jill Brashear – Review by Christine Baranek

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Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3 by Jill Brashear
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Aloha Series
By: Jill Brashears
5*

This box set is meant to ‘binge’. It contains the first three books in The Aloha Series. I have to say that this is a bingeable box set. It took me two days to read, which is faster than how I usually read. All three books are based on finding love and happily ever afters. I love all three so much but for very different reasons.
The first book was Try Easy. This book takes place in the past. It focuses on the romance of Keoni and Lou. Keoni is a surfer and Lou is a tourist. This book has a will they or won’t they feel. It tells of natural chemistry between two people who are fighting it. I truly enjoyed these characters and this story.
The second book is ‘Try Me’ it focuses on the relationship of Declan and Pearl. Both characters are introduced in Try Easy. These two are in a questionable / fake relationship but they have chemistry to burn.
The third book is Try Right. Once again, it focuses on characters that were introduced in book one. It focuses on Henry and Claudia. Their relationship is one of those tales of friends who become more than friends.
These books are such easy reads. I loved the relationships and how relatable they are. I also love how these books were heavily reliant on natural chemistry. They were written in such a way that you could envision yourself with them or in these positions and root on the characters. Sometimes I wanted to yell because they characters were not seeing the chemistry they had for one another.
I know summer is coming to an end, but these books would make the perfect beach reads. They are set in Hawaii and reading them would be the perfect end of summer read, in my opinion.

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