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My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss Book 1) by Carmen Richter – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss #1)My Lips Are Sealed by Carmen Richter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It was really hard to put it down. Was very curious to see what would happen next. This book made me envious of the group of friends she has. I loved the support she receives from her group of friends.

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My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss Book 1) by Carmen Richter – Review by Lyndsey Fairley

My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss #1)My Lips Are Sealed by Carmen Richter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first book by this author and I have to say im not disappointed. While on the longer side dont let that steer you away.
I enjoyed reading of these characters and eas able to connect with them on some points which helps reading about them so mich because it makes you feel more. My only downside to this is i wish Zoe was a little older as 16 was hard for me to picture with all she is going through and feeling.
Will be reading more!

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In His Kiss (Unrequited Series Book 1) by Ava Alise

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In His Kiss (Unrequited Series Book 1) by Ava Alise
Genre – Contemporary Romance. New Adult. Trope Romance
Page Count – 260 pages
This was a mistake. The four words every girl wants to hear after sleeping with the guy you’ve crushed on your entire life.
Jordan was my best friend, my everything, and the guy I dreamed of one-day marrying.
Then it happened.
One drink led to two, and the way he looked at me told me everything I ever needed.
I wasn’t imagining things. He felt the same way.
He didn’t stop me when I gathered my courage and told him how I felt. He didn’t stop me when I kissed him and he kissed me back.
But he made sure to stop me the next morning with those four little words.
“This was a mistake.”
But was it?

~ AMAZON ~ IBOOKS ~ BARNES AND NOBLE ~ KOBO ~

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Ava Alise writes contemporary romances filled with DIRTY words, SWEET happily-ever-afters and a bunch of FUN. Her girls are sweet and snarky and her guys are sexy alphas who fall hard and fight harder. She is married to the love of her life and has two children. She enjoys a good laugh and will talk to just about anybody.

Author Interview With Ava Alise

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Mountains Wanted (Mountains Series #1) by Phoebe Alexander

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Mountains Wanted (Mountains Series #1) by Phoebe Alexander

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Genre – Contemporary Romance

Page Count – 368 pages

Cover Designer – Wolfsparrow Covers

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50194343-mountains-wanted

He’s a mountain she can’t resist trying to climb.

Dr. Sarah Lynde loves sex and is not ashamed to admit it. The sociology professor and single mother of two is in the market for a new friend with benefits…not a relationship.

Army First Sergeant James McAllister never knows when the next deployment will come, but someday he wants to settle down with his true soulmate and have children. Sarah is just a diversion until that happens…right?

They think they’re simply meeting each other’s needs, but their undeniable connection has built a mountain with two faces: one of fiery passion and one of soul-crushing heartbreak.

They just have to decide which face to climb.

Authors’ Note: Intended for readers 18+. Another version of this book was previously published under the same title. This edition has been rewritten and edited. The first three Mountains Series books must be read in order, as it is James and Sarah’s continuing saga. The subsequent books in the Mountains Series function as standalones.

Book 1: Mountains Wanted – James & Sarah’s Story #1

Book 2: Mountains Climbed – James & Sarah’s Story #2

Book 3: Mountains Loved – James & Sarah’s Story #3

Book 4: Christmas in the Mountains – James & Sarah’s holiday novella

Book 5: The Navigator – Garrett’s Story

Book 6: The Explorer – Abby’s Story #1 (coming soon)

Book 7: The Adventurer – Rachel’s Story (coming soon)

Book 8: Mountains Transcended – Abby’s Story #2 (coming soon)

~ AMAZON ~

 

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USA Today Bestselling Author Phoebe Alexander writes #sexpositive #bodypositive erotic romance featuring compelling plots intertwined with passionate, fiery encounters. She believes that real, relatable characters can have even steamier sex than billionaires, rock stars, and the young and lithe-bodied. She also advocates for ethical non-monogamy through her writing.

Phoebe lives on the East Coast of the US with her husband, sons, and multiple felines. When she’s not writing, she works as an editor and consultant for indie authors. She also volunteers her time running a 4600-member indie author support group. Her sexual fantasies have all been fulfilled, and now her single greatest fantasy is just having some damn free time.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH PHOEBE ALEXANDER

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Kissing Scars by Jim Shomos

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Kissing Scars by Jim Shomos
Genre – Romantic comedy, contemporary romance
Page Count – 158 pages
Cover Designer – Jo Clement
Computer games designer, Sanaya, leaves India behind to expand her career in Australia, and some day have a child. It’s a clear plan until she falls in love with a divorced man who has three kids and one big romance rule: no more children.
Mobile games pioneer, Leo, is a born romantic who loves Melbourne and his boys. Yet, as soon as his youngest hits 18, it’s time to follow his dream of writing magazine stories around the world. But when his heart trips over Sanaya, they discover love writes its own rules.

~ AMAZON ~

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Jim’s stories have skipped across film, TV, songs and novels. An international pioneer in web series, he has collected nominations and awards in Cannes, from Film Victoria, and the Australian Writers’ Guild.

“I’m a ro-man-tic, hooked on exploring contemporary relationships through fiction. Sprinkling love, laughter and sneaky tears.”

Rumors of an insatiable passion for Haigh’s Chocolates, Arsenal, Melbourne Victory, cycling, and blueberry muffins. Sometimes cycling for blueberry muffins.

Author Interview With Jim Shomos

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Dirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes (Kiss Me Series Book 1) by Danielle Jacks – Review by Rosanna Ingram

Dirty Kisses and Conflicting WishesDirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Zoe is a receptionist who is in a relationship with her boss. On the day they he is to meet her family, Zoe’s world starts crumbling around her. A spur of the moment decision from an old crush begins a web of lies that quickly starts spinning out of control.
Damien is at the right place at the right time when he comes to Zoe’s aid. Nothing like claiming to be shacking up with his ex-best-friend’s sister to add some excitement to the day. But what starts out as a story of deception quickly evolves to something more. Zoe and Damien can each play a part for each other…but when happen when their fake relationship begins to feel real?
I found myself rooting for Zoe and Damien despite their reasons for starting out in their “relationship”. They both evened each other out while driving each other crazy (in good and bad ways). I enjoyed watching their story grow and blossom into something real. An overall good read.

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Dirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes (Kiss Me Series Book 1) by Danielle Jacks – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Dirty Kisses and Conflicting WishesDirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites yet. This is a well written romance story where the author’s use of attention to details gave the story a realistic feel. It is a fast paced story that I found to be engaging and fun to read. The characters are connectable and bring the story to life on each page. This is a shorter story but it brings romance to a high level. This is a story about Zoe and Damien. Zoe’’s life is about to blow up in her face. What will happen when a situation occurs that has made her family believe that her boyfriend is her brother’s ex-bestie? Damien is a man who wants revenge on his ex-bestie and finds a way to do that through Zoe. What will happen to them when he introduces her to his family as his fiance? Will there be a wedding or will it be heartbreak? This is truly a great story that had me turning pages fast just wanting to know what these two would do next. They bring emotion and romance on every page. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss Book 1) by Carmen Richter – Review by Jenique Bornman

My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss #1)My Lips Are Sealed by Carmen Richter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not what I was expecting when I read the synopsis. BUT not in a bad way.
Did not expect all the emotional ups and downs. WOW so many feelings. I would say that this book is a mashup of a taboo romance and coming of age book and added to that there’s also some mystery sprinkled in there with it all. So basically an ice cream sundae kind of book.
I really loved the storyline of the book, the only negative aspect is that I found it a bit “wordy”, some of the parts were a bit repetitive. But it doesn’t take away from the story.
I’m definitely getting book 2 and I’m excited to see there’s already 10 books in the series.

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Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Melissa Agena

Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2)Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is your Enemies to Lovers story. Love by Design is the second book in The Meraki Series by Effie Kammenou. In this story, we follow Mia Andarakis as she takes on her dream job of Creative Director of the luxury magazine Opul. This position will take her to ultimate goal that is until her boss is none other than Nicholas Aristedis. Mia has watched him from afar and had the biggest crush on him. However, Nick has put a wall up around his heart and refuses to fall for another woman. That is until he meets Mia, but he refuses to fall. It turns out that Nick is almost nearly impossible to work with. What do you think is going to happen when these two start working with each other? Will these two last being enemies? These characters are pretty awesome. I couldn’t put the book down with it being such an easy read. I love this series. You can read this book without reading the first book. However, like I always say…you should read the series in order. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

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Review by @vegasdaisie

Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

Mia Andarakis has just been promoted to Associate Art Director of a new luxury magazine called Opul. She will be working directly with the man she has been admiring from afar, Nicholas Aristedis, the owner of Aris Magazines and her boss. The version of him she has painted in her head is nothing like the man she has come to know through work. As she quoted, “how can someone be so beautiful on the outside and yet so equally ugly on the inside?” At first their relationship is hostile and they bicker over a lot of things, but once their relationship grows they become a great team. Nick has been hurt over the years, but maybe his luck has changed with Mia? Several misunderstandings and a lot of hours put in to make this magazine a success could lead to more than just a work relationship. Is Mia ready for more? Is Nick ready to let go of his past?

Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Michelle Austin

Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2)Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 2nd book in the Meraki series and I really enjoyed it. The author does a great job of pulling you in with her writing.

Mia is finally getting a chance at her dream job. Only problem is Nicholas, they have chemistry but yet things can also be a little cold at times and they come at each other. When they have to go to Greece for an assignment things take an interesting twist.

Will these two finally get it right and connect?

Overall this was a great read. You can read as a stand alone but I suggest reading book one first, it will help you connect better with the characters. The characters added a great element to the story and I really liked them. My emotions were all over the place. If you’re looking for a great series 1-click and get started today.

Reviewed by @mab54615
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Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Rachel Moss

Love by Design (The Meraki series, #2)Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love By Design (Book Two in the Meraki Series) by Effie Kammenou was a great read! I feel like this series can be read as a standalone, as I enjoyed it that way. This book was very interesting, and kept me interested and enthralled from the first page. I really enjoyed the first book in this series when I read it, and I’m very happy to say this book was just as good if not better than the first. I also loved all the destination stuff that was involved throughout this novel. It added another element to this story that made it even better. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

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Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Stephanie Nicole

Love by Design (The Meraki series, #2)Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As with her first book in the Meraki series Love by Design is amazing. While it can be read as a standalone I highly recommend reading Love is What you Bake of it first for context, reacuring characters, and some family details. Just like the first book Love by Design is a fun, light, and slightly funny book, but don’t let that fool you. While Miss Kammenou gives us a lighter romance story it is still full of adventure, mystery, and drama that will keep you furiously flipping the pages to find out what happens next. Once again Miss Kammenou gives us wonderful character descriptions, great scenery, and overall a wonderful story. I know I for one can’t wait to see what Miss Kammenou gives us next.

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Love is What You Bake of it (The Meraki Series Book 1) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Stephanie Nicole

Love is What You Bake of itLove is What You Bake of it by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you love light, funny, romance novels then you will love Miss Kammenou’s first installment to the Meraki seires. Love is What You Bake of it has great characters, beautiful descriptions and a great flow to make up a wonderful story. Honestly the first thing that drew me to this book was the front cover, but once I started reading I didn’t want to put it down. At only 280 pages Miss Kammenou gives us a story with a lot going on but its not your typical hot and steamy romance novel, instead Miss Kammenou gives us love with a humorous side. So if you are looking for a light, easy read then I highly recommend Love is What You Bake of it.

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My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss Book 1) by Carmen Richter – Review by Candida Hopper

My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss #1)My Lips Are Sealed by Carmen Richter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss Book 1)
By Carmen Richter

This book is full of emotion. There are alot of things going on in this story. Zoe’s boyfriend goes missing and she is having a hard time dealing with this so her family leaves for the summer. When she comes back she still feels the same until she meets Elijah. What these two have is forbidden but can they make it work anyway? This book is full of loss, tragedy, friendship, romance, family, hope and more. I laughed, cried, got angry, and all the emotions in between while reading this book. This book may not be everybody’s cup of tea but I thoroughly enjoyed the emotional roller-coaster this book put me through and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I recommend this book.

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READY FOR FLYNN, PART 1 (READY FOR FLYNN SERIES) AUDIO BOOK by K.L. SHANDWICK – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

This is a great audio. An emotional rollercoaster as I am listening to the story…. I stop and my heart is just breaking at points of what happens. Definitely emotional listen when tragedy strikes Valerie and her family. Hearing the back story as well of Flynn…. just tore at my heartstrings. The narrator is fantastic as well. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

READY FOR FLYNN, PART 1 (READY FOR FLYNN SERIES) AUDIO BOOK by K.L. SHANDWICK – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

Ready For Flynn, Part 1 (Ready For Flynn #1)Ready For Flynn, Part 1 by K.L. Shandwick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wheww this novel is emotion!!l. There was alot of character and world building in this story, at times I did feel some of this could have been left out as it wasn’t essential to the story, however I felt that by the end of the book I knew the characters well and so I felt their highs and theirs lows with them. I did have to remind myself that Valerie, the main female character, is actually quite young in this novel as I felt there were alot of adult themes for a young woman of 15 to 18 years of age. I liked that the book ends on a cliff hanger as I am now eager to read the next one. I really enjoyed the narration of this book as I felt the narrator really brought the personalities of the characters to life which I feel is important for such an emotionally hard hitting story.

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READY FOR FLYNN, PART 1 (READY FOR FLYNN SERIES) AUDIO BOOK by K.L. SHANDWICK – Review by Dani Dando

Imagine meeting the one that you know you are meant to be with, but the timing being all wrong? That’s what it’s like for Valerie and Flynn. Fate for them like to intervene and then sucker punch them for good measure. I’m not kidding, I listened to this in one day, and what an emotional rollercoaster that was.

So Valerie happens to be the little sister to Flynn’s best friend, and though there is that unspoken, or sometimes spoken rule about not touching the younger sister of a mate, neither of them can help the attraction. But as previously stated, Flynn and Valerie don’t do rainbows and ponies, and it takes time before their paths would cross and they could finally meet each other on a level of love and understanding that was always there, it was just too soon.

Honestly, I love how Shandwick tells this story, she really builds the characters and their relationship instead of rushing it. I felt like I got to know the characters as they grew and grew into their feelings, finally knowing them for what they were and being able to express them. There is such love and heart in this book and am excited for the rest of the series. Bring it on.

My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss Book 1) by Carmen Richter – Review by Kerry Baker

My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss #1)My Lips Are Sealed by Carmen Richter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My Lips Are Sealed by Carmen Richter is the first book in the Sealed With A Kiss series. This is a book that is full of emotion and heartbreak right from the word go. It felt like you went on the journey with the character and experienced those emotions right alongside her.
I did think the story could have done with a little more depth to it. The basis was brilliant – boyfriend mysteriously vanished and announced dead, dealing with the aftermath of that. However it felt like at times the story became a little repetitive instead of detailed. I think if a bit of that had been stripped out and a little more flesh added to the story then this would have been fantastic. However it is the first book in a trilogy so it could be that it is just setting everything up for the next two. I will certainly be willing to give them a go!

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My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss Book 1) by Carmen Richter – Review by Carly Vogler

My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss #1)My Lips Are Sealed by Carmen Richter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My Lips Are Sealed, by Carmen Richter is the first book in the Sealed with a Kiss series. Forbidden love is dangerous, but Zoe can’t stay away.

After her boyfriend disappears, Zoe can’t seem to catch up. Finding solace in music, she performs at an open mic night where she meets Elijah. She and Elijah have so much in common, it’s hard to pretend the chemistry isn’t there. Imagine the collective surprise when they find out Elijah is Zoe’s teacher.

This story is full of twists and turns, and leaves you to wonder how poor Zoe can handle any of it. Betrayal, loss, forbidden love.. It’s a real tear jerker!!

Review by Carly Vogler

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READY FOR FLYNN, PART 1 (READY FOR FLYNN SERIES) AUDIO BOOK by K.L. SHANDWICK – Review by Jamie Horner-Zabolotney

4 Star Review

The first book in the Ready For Flynn series. An absolute roller coaster for your emotions! You follow teenager Valerie as she learns about life and love. You will question if anyone is really ready for Flynn.

Valerie is a girl protected by her 3 older brothers and parents, no one seems good enough when she meets Flynn. There were times I just wanted to scream at her for the moves she makes and others I would have applauded. There were times I couldn’t believe Flynn the rock star would put up with Valerie’s crap. In short, this book will keep you guessing and wanting more!

Love Unexpected by Marina Hanna – Review by Lisa Helmick

Love UnexpectedLove Unexpected by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First off I LOvE office romances so this one is a no brainer for me. I was not disappointed AT ALL. This fulfills all the elements you think of when you are reading an office romance. I did have more than a few surprises and I really enjoyed the ad campaign aspect. Adam is a bit set in his ways and doesn’t expect Jules which add some fun to the story. I enjoyed watching his character grow and change. Jules is a strong minded woman to an extent. I liked her a d felt she was a good fit for Adam. I completely agree with her thoughts throughout the book.

The secondary characters were good and I enjoyed them as they all added to the story and didn’t overtake it. We do meet Adams’ two besties in here, Oliver and Mark. Oliver has his happy ever after and I’m going to look that book up. Mark’s story is up next.

Overall the story flows very well and the characters have growth. I enjoyed reading it and was easily able to get into the characters and the storyline. I look forward to the next and will be looking up the last one.

Ps I love the cover! Fits the story well!

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Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Robin Rankin

Love by Design (The Meraki series, #2)Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou

Oh my goodness, I throughly enjoyed this Book.  Nicholas and Mia have one of the more rocky love/hate relationships but there is so much more than you can even come close to imaging and some interesting twists along the way.

I found myself getting frustrated with both of them from time to time, like I would my own children.  Especially with the assumptions they both would make.

Yiayiá is just precious and I am so interested to find out what happens with her story.  I hate waiting to find out but I have a feeling we won’t know the full story until the final book.

I loved the traveling and it has made me more curious about Greece and the Greek culture.   There is so much history there and the pictures I have seem are breathtakingly beautiful.   I may have also copied one of the recipes to try one night for a nicer dinner.

Krystina’s story appears to be next and I cannot wait.

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My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss Book 1) by Carmen Richter – Review by Rosemary Martinez

My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss #1)My Lips Are Sealed by Carmen Richter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elijah and Zoe’s story was really compelling. This is the first book I have read by Carmen Richter and I was definitely intrigued. The story was definitely an emotional rollercoaster. It was absolutely an unexpected story you think is just about forbidden love but it turns into so much more. It had lots of twists and turns to keep you turning the pages and staying up late to make it to the end. I highly recommend it! Off to search for book two!

Reviewed by @rosemarym3483

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Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Karyn Taylor

Love by Design (The Meraki series, #2)Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love By Design is the 2nd book in the Meraki Series by Effie Kammenou. I loved the first book Love Is What You Bake Of It so was looking forward to reading this one. I think I loved this one even more than the first.
In this book we get the story of Kally from the first book’s sister Mia. Mia has just been given a promotion and her new boss is Nicholas, the man she has crushed on for ages but she really doesn’t like the Nicholas who she starts working with.
I thoroughly enjoyed Mia and Nicholas’ story. As with the first book, I loved the family dynamic that is portrayed. Family is very important to both Mia and Nicholas and they paly a large role within the story.
I really enjoyed watching the relationship of Mia and Nicholas evolve from the 2 of them fighting over absolutely every little thing to them working together as a fantastic team, both in and out of work.
This really is a great read, I was hooked from the very beginning and was entertained from beginning to end and I now look forward to see what Effie Kammenou has in store for the Kally and Mia’s little sister and Loukas. Judging by what we have seen of the 2 of them together so far, it’s going to be another great read.

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My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss Book 1) by Carmen Richter – Review by Karyn Taylor

My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss #1)My Lips Are Sealed by Carmen Richter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My Lips Are Sealed is the first book in the Sealed With A Kiss series by Carmen Richter. This is the first time I have read anything by this author and it certainly wont be the last. I absolutely LOVED this book and really want to read more of this series right now. The first three books in the series are Zoe’s story and should be read in order.
How would you feel if, after your boyfriend going missing, the first time you go out and enjoy yourself, you meet someone you connect with on a major level, only to go to school the next day and find out he’s your new drama teacher? Well that’s what happened to Zoe.
Will Zoe and Elijah do the ‘right’ thing and not see each other or will they continue to see one another as the connection between them is so strong?
This is a fantastic story that I just devoured and did not want to put down. This book has it all. There is fun and laughter and on the other hand there’s despair and devastation. If you are human and don’t have a swinging brick for a heart then you are likely to need tissues to get through this book.
Zoe and Elijah are both amazing characters and this book has a great group of secondary characters, including Zoe’s twin River, who add a great deal to the story line.
I cannot wait to see what Carmen Richter has in store next for Zoe.

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My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss Book 1) by Carmen Richter – Review by Amelia Stansell

My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss #1)My Lips Are Sealed by Carmen Richter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My Lips Are Sealed is an outstanding book! I could not put it down since I read the first page. Zoe goes through more things than most people do in a lifetime and she’s only 17. She meets her true love only to find out that he is her new drama teacher. Are they smart and do not do anything about it or will they risk it all for their love? Carmen Richter had me feeling all emotions throughout this book. It is something that you can easily relate to.

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My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss Book 1) by Carmen Richter – Review by Amanda Lundin

My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss #1)My Lips Are Sealed by Carmen Richter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I wish I had the words to properly express my thoughts on this book, but Richter happens to have stolen all the words. She stole all. the.words. Not only in descriptions and dialogue but in the songs and music knowledge base! I now have about 8 different musicals added to my To Watch List.

I think late teens/young adults would really connect well and enjoy this series (there are two other books as well as a novella). There are several themes and plots running throughout the story but love connects them all. The love connection is a bit controversial due to age and job situation, however, Richter does a great job of not glazing over that to have the characters struggle with their own morals along with the standards and judging of society.

Righter also did a very nice job of presenting the struggles teens face everyday: changes in friendship, physical abuse, alcohol abuse, sexual pressure, LGBTQ, suicide, death, secrets, and making the hard choices of what to do with your life; especially if that means choosing between staying with someone you love and chasing your dreams.

I have many remaining questions after finishing this book, hopefully they will be answered in the next one!

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Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Love by Design (The Meraki series, #2)Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mia Andarakis is one of four children in a typical greek household, however, she doesn’t live the typical single woman’s greek life, she lives in an apartment in the city with her best friend, she has a job with a magazine as a graphic designer amongst other things and a family who loves her, even if they can be stifling and overly opinionated at times, but she is convinced that she was born in the wrong era as her tastes in fashion and music are not current by any means, but she is happy. Today however, she is going to the first meeting of the Community of Creatives in Publishing (CCP), but when she sees the man on the podium, Nicholas Aristedis, the CEO of Aris Publishing, all rational thought and movement are scrubbed from her mind, he is stunning and his voice is like nothing she has ever heard before and she has definitely never reacted in such a way before, so she doesn’t quite know how to handle it. The CCP also have an awards ceremony yearly and this year Mia is proud to have been on the committee organising it, but when she comes face to face with Nicholas, he glares at her and she is dumbstruck as to why, so when she is congratulated on her role in the event and is asked for her resume to be sent to the head of the CCP, she is more than elated, however, when she hears that the company is being restructured and she is called to HR the next week, she starts to overthink and convinces herself that she is being let go of, so when she is told that she is in fact being moved to a different magazine thanks to a recommendation and is to work directly under Nicholas as his Associate Art Director.

Mia throws herself into research about the demographic of this new magazine, so she is prepared for her first day and the staff meeting she will be in, when she finds out more about the magazine and what it will be all about, Mia has an idea already coming together in her head and goes straight to work on a pitch and three hours later emails it to Nicholas and is immediately called into his office to discuss how the meeting should have been three hours ago! She is unnerved and intimidated by the man, but when they discuss everything, he is nothing like what he seemed at the meetings and they end up having a difference of opinion and bringing out the worst in each other, to the point that Mia debates whether she can work with a man who hates her and cannot stand being around her. When she gets back from lunch, she is called into the other CEO’s office and to her astonishment and delight, she is presented with an apology for Nicholas’s behavior and the knowledge that her pitch has not only been discussed and has been accepted, but will be used as the layout for the inaugural issue! She celebrates over dinner with friends and when she gets home is exhausted but brimming with ideas, so she sets up her laptop and works until she falls asleep, however, the next morning doesn’t go to plan and she ends up being a little late to the office and is immediately called into Nicholas’s office, who proceeds to apologise to her, but things are said and they have another disagreement where he says things are not going to work between them on a professional level, hearing this, Mia forwards him what she was working on the night before and packs up her desk to go stay with her sister.

After a long talk with her sister and a good night’s sleep, Mia head to her sisters cafe to help out and work out all the feelings by baking, but when Nicholas turns up after she didn’t turn up for work and searching for her, she agrees to hear him out and after the air is cleared, they return to the office to work on the magazine and she is told that they will be going to Athens in a couple of weeks to work on the next issue. Will Mia and Nicholas be able to work through their differences and together create something beautiful, or will their temperaments get between them and send things off the rails? This is another sweet romance with a carousel of mystery, heartbreak and love rotating throughout where past mysteries collide with current events in a way that would never be expected.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Love is What You Bake of it (The Meraki Series Book 1) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Love is What You Bake of itLove is What You Bake of it by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kally Andarakis is a greek woman with a plan, she has her dog, her best friend, her cafe and her family and doesn’t need anything else, but it hasn’t always been that way, eight years before, she took a risk on a man who was the complete opposite of what her family wanted for her, mysterious, long haired and tattooed who drove a motorcycle, but when tragedy struck and he died, she discovered something which would shatter her trust in men and it broke her heart completely.

Today is her sister’s name day and Kally has a family meal and celebrates it at her childhood home in Port Jefferson, so she quickly stops in at home to change and take her dog for a quick walk before she heads over there. As usual there is plenty of food, drinks and love, her family is a close one, albeit a bit stifling at times and with some old fashioned greek ideals to boot, but she wouldn’t change them for the world. In her day to day life, when not attending family events, Kally has a routine she has perfected, in the morning she gives her dog a quick walk, then heads to work to begin baking pastries, scones and cakes for her customers, so headphones in and music on, she dances round her kitchen until the rest of her team show up to start their day, then she greets her regulars and chats with the other customers as she prepares their orders, however, today is not like any other when she finds a license plate outside her shop and so she picks it up and resolves to call the police about it when she gets a chance. When an officer shows up to collect the license plate, the cafe is busy and so she grabs it and turns to see which of the local officers had arrived, however, this one she has never seen before and he doesn’t quite fit the description of one, he is gorgeous and she is tongue tied, however, her ever present and man-crazy best friend thankfully takes the lead and makes the small talk. While he is talking Kally notices that although he complements the establishment, she is taken aback a little at the fact that he didn’t introduce himself, but her friend says his name is Max, according to his name badge, but she doesn’t need a man and he is definitely not the one for her, despite what her coworkers think.

The next day, life carries on as normal, however, Kally cannot get Max out of her head, so she bakes to take her mind off him and when her team come in it helps even more, however, when he comes back in to give her an update on the license plate, his interest in her baked goods, followed by an insult to her scones, she doesn’t know how to take his mercurial mood swings. After the cafe closes, her favourite book club arrives and talk diverts to a more steady topic as they discuss the months book and eat the sweet treats accompanying it, however, when a friend of the family tries to set her up with her nephew, Kally is less than impressed, but agrees to meet him if they run into each other at church. Meanwhile Max cannot get Kally out of his mind either and decides to come up with a way to see her again, even if it isn’t in his\best interest, he can’t afford to be distracted from the new life he is creating since moving back home and away from the disaster of his past. After church, he meets up with his daughter, his sister in law and her son and takes them to Kally’s cafe, Kally is happy to see Max and when he introduces the two kids with him, she is happy as well, they are lovely and the little girl worms her way into her heart, but when a beautiful woman joins them at the table nothing else quite goes to plan and she backs away thinking that it was too good to be true after all. When the group is ready to leave, Max stays behind to talk to Kally, he loves how she was with his daughter and feels like things are going well. However, when he bumps into her the next day, he cannot understand why Kally has suddenly lost the warmth she had when she looks at him and talks to him, although when he discusses it with a coworker later on, he realises the reason and is determined to clear up the misunderstanding.

Will Kally listen to Max, let him clear the air and take a chance on him, or will she hold back her heart behind the walls she has erected over time? This is a romance where the past affects the present in more ways than one as experiences are discussed, truths are revealed and hearts are thrown around on a rollercoaster ride, but can a family mystery from the past help two hearts to find each other? Only reading to the end can tell you.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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