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Love Is What It Is by Marina Hanna – Review by Kiana Corley

Love Is What It Is: A holiday RomanceLove Is What It Is: A holiday Romance by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an amazing read and a great storyline.

This book follows the story of Toni and Mickey. Toni is a woman who knows what she wants and is not afraid to go after it. After a break up the last thing Toni was looking for was a man to fall for. Enter a drop-dead gorgeous man on a dream vacation.

Mickey is a man that is not looking for anything serious. He wants to have fun and enjoy his life after his breakup. Even though he is not looking for anything serious Mickey is quite the gentleman.

What happens when two determined people meet? Will there only be sparks or will a fire start to burn?

Read this book to see if this holiday romance will go beyond that or be just that. Also, it gets steamy and spicy so keep some water close by to keep you cool.

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Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap Book 2) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Kiana Corley

Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap, #2)Smooth Hoperator by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a must-read. Sylvie does an amazing job at developing the characters and this story has a great plot. This book is great and has a happy ending as well.

This book follows Sunny and Carter. Sunny is a librarian with a very optimistic and bubbly personality. She enjoys helping people and has a larger-than-life personality that can rub some people the wrong way. She is a little clumsy but she knows what she wants. While Carter is guarded and standoffish. He is in town to help out with his family’s company after a life-changing event occurred for him.

What happens when sunshine meets stormy? Can she help bring sunshine to Carter’s life or will their relationship remain professional?

Read this book to find out what happens with these two.

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Broken. (Green St. Girls Series) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Santana Hicks

Broken. (Green St. Girls #2)Broken. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading Athena’s story in the first book of the Green St. Girls series, I was instantly hooked. The author did an amazing job portraying someone struggling with their past demons. This book is no different.

This time around we follow Indigo, a gamer genius who also dabbles in other software. She ran away at the age of 15 and met the other girls on Green St. Since she was the youngest, she was the most sheltered and protected of the group. Indigo was sexually abused by her step father causing her to have giant trust issues with men in particular.

In the first book we are introduced to Athena’s brother Gideon who quickly becomes friends and then roommates with Indigo. Things are different between Indigo and Gideon first thing. He is the first guy she has felt comfortable with in a long time and doesn’t want anything to risk that.

Meanwhile, Indigo created a recognition software that she is in the process of potentially leasing out to the government if things go accordingly. Someone does not want this to happen. Indigo starts receiving threats to shut it down. She lets Gideon in on the threats and he vows to protect her. It’s hard to avoid romantic feelings if you are always with each other.

The author did an amazing job once again with traumatic healing and the different feelings associated with it. I am also a victim of sexual abuse and the author described my feelings to a tee when I started becoming interested in men again. It is like they are speaking from experience (which in a way I hope they aren’t). The book feels very authentic. Indigo goes through self doubt and paranoia. Years later and her abuser is still not forgotten and still has control over her. Luckily Indigo is a strong woman who is dedicated to not letting him win. With the help of a loyal and sweet guy to show her how strong and brave she truly is.

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A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1)A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Toast for Laurent is a second chance romance novel that centers around the characters of Laurent and Phoebe and told by each of their POV throughout. Nearly twenty years ago Phoebe took off from Laurent’s life and broke his heart. Now she has suddenly reappeared and is expecting him to make good on a promise that he made one night nearly twenty years ago. Laurent certainly never took the promise seriously nor did he expect Phoebe to reappear and expect for the two of them to get married. Of course, he is reluctant because he no longer knows who she is or anything about her after the two went in different directions with their lives. Laurent wants to hate Phoebe for breaking his heart, but he is still intensely attracted to her. Can the two rekindle what they once had, or has too much time gone by? This was a beautifully written book with an interesting storyline and characters whose lives you become invested in. It was apparent that Phoebe and Laurent once had more than a fling and were deeply in love. I had to read through to the end to see why Phoebe took off and if the relationship between them could be rekindled. A great read that I highly recommend!

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Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Ashley Westerman

Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite #4)Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazing Series! Damon and Sky are my favorite characters so far. There is so much emotion just jumping off the pages, leaving you instantly hooked and wanting more. I don’t know how this series can get better and better with each book but it does. You won’t be disappointed in this book it has everything you could want in a romance book. I can’t wait to read the next books have in store for us.

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A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Devon Pulliam

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1)A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Laurent and Phoebe made a pact in college and 20 years later she comes back into his life. Laurent has been in love with Phoebe since he’s known her. Phoebe couldn’t commit and ran. She’s great at running.

Laurent hadn’t seen her in so many years and turns out they are working in the same town! She shows up unexpectedly and throws an idea around and he jumps on it. Anything to be with her, near her again.

Laurent makes her promise that she won’t fall in love with him…. but can she keep that promise? Can they find their happily ever after? I loved their story and the realness it brought. It was relatable in so many ways and her reasoning for running is not what I thought at all. You must read to find out more!

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Planting Hope by Jennifer Raines – Review by Julie Johnson

Planting HopePlanting Hope by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gardens are places for healing and Mona has dedicated a portion of her land to young people who’ve been through some extremely traumatic experiences to come for healing. It’s a project she’s wanted to do for years and with the help of local professionals, she’s hoping that the program will become completely funded and acceptable.

When Mona gets sick and finds herself in the hospital, her business partner calls her grand daughter Holly to come be at her side. Kit isn’t impressed with Holly and wishes Mona hadn’t wanted her called. Afterall, she’s a party going, money hungry leech and Mona doesn’t need that right now.

What Kit doesn’t know is that he’s completely wrong about Holly. Will the program pass all the inspections with Mona unable to attend to the daily tasks? Can he figure out what Holly’s about and look past his previous preconceived notions?

This was a fun afternoon read! There were a few times I had to stop and look up a word, as the author is an Aussie and uses some terminology I’m not familiar with. However, it was minor and I learned some new words and spent an afternoon in a great book!

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A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Ashley Mertz

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1)A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo is available now in eBook and Physical Book
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐ Book Review

A Toast for Laurent is a small town, fake relationship, second chance at romance novel. This novel is the first installment of the Vine Valley series, introducing us to the story of Laurent and Phoebe. After 20 years Phoebe is back to commit to the pact of marrying Laurent if they were both single at the age of 40. However, Laurent has moved on, Phoebe broke his heart all those years ago when she walked out and never looked back.

This is a new to me author. Theresa Paolo is known for writing novels about sassy heroines, sexy heroes, and feisty townspeople. The characters within this novel, to include the secondary characters, are relatable and well developed. Laurent was strong willed, successful, and full of life. Phoebe was insecure and selfish. I quickly found myself falling in love with Laurent and disliking Phoebe. This quickly changed as I learned the reasoning behind the shield that Phoebe held close. Paolo knows how to immediately draw her readers in and secure them for the remainder of the novel. I couldn’t put this one down, needing to know exactly what was going to happen next. I highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in the small town, second chance at love genre. I can’t wait to see what else this series has in store.

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A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1)A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Vine Valley series and it’s a great introduction to the Grasso family. This book has 2 romance tropes a second chance as well as one of my favourites, a fake relationship.

The story was well constructed and the author’s descriptive language painted vivid images of the characters and the surrounding scenery.
The characters were also written well, their emotions were evident, especially those of Laurent towards Phoebe. I admit, to begin with I wasn’t Phoebe’s biggest fan and thought Laurent deserved better, but as the story unfolded, I came to understand the reasons behind he actions a little better and she grew on me.

I enjoyed this and I look forward to the next in the series.

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A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Tori Werkheiser

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1)A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Laurent and Phoebe havent seen each other in nearly 20 years when Phoebe broke Laurent’s heart. They were college best friends and now havent spoken in two decades until Phoebe comes back into Laurent’s life asking him to make good on a deal they made back in the day. Seeing Phoebe again is a whirlwind for Laurent and this quickly turned into such a captivating romance for me. I usually do not like second chance romances but this was done well. Their chemistry was clear and i adored the way Laurent quickly fell back into protecting and caring for her. Phoebe clearly changed a lot since they were kids and it was nice to see her as such a successful business woman and i also enjoyed the side story of the relationship with her sister. I did not like how back and forth she was with her feelings at times but that gave this story the edge it needed to keep me guessing how these two would end up. I really enjoyed this and all the characters were great. If this is a series i definitely will read more from it. If you want a quick, easy yet steamy second chance romance that wont leave you hating one of the MC than this is the read for you.

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Planting Hope by Jennifer Raines – Review by Jules Herbert

Planting HopePlanting Hope by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This very talented creative author brings her storylines to life so wonderfully and vividly that you become totally immersed in every detail just as if you are there in person. I have to say I was completely hooked from start to finish. Kit and Holly, with her pink and green hair (I love that little element so much I just had to mention it LOL) are absolutely fantastic characters that will weave their way into your heart and stay with you long after you finished the last page.

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Love Is What It Is by Marina Hanna – Review by Stephanie Robb

Love Is What It Is: A holiday RomanceLove Is What It Is: A holiday Romance by Marina Hanna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved Toni as a character she was so strong and knew what she wanted and deserved. The holiday romance between Toni and Mickey was a fun and quick enjoyable read and a perfect escape.

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Love Is What It Is by Marina Hanna – Review by Michelle Mulvey

Love Is What It Is: A holiday RomanceLove Is What It Is: A holiday Romance by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love is what it is and some people can’t describe it. Sometimes it happens quickly,
Sometimes it doesn’t happen at all.
Toni and Clive are seeing eachother / sleeping together and Clive mentions, they should go away for a bit. So they end up getting on a plane and taking a trip. What could better than a relaxing flight, a vacation with lots of sex, sun, sand and the ocean? Except all they did was fight from the time they got to the airport and it just got worse when they checked in to the hotel. Toni ends up leaving while he’s still asleep And booking a room at a much nicer hotel. As she’s about to check in, she locks eyes with a beautiful man and they are both attracted to eachother immediately. Mickey ends up stepping in when Clive shows up harassing Toni then introduces himself and they get to talking. They have a steamy, fun, romantic 2 week holiday while she’s there. All good things must come to an end though. Especially when there’s an ex wife who just won’t leave Mickey alone.
This book had me interested from the very beginning. It was fairly short but there was no boring pages filled with useless info added in. The book flowed and was captivating. Loved it.

Review by @xchellex

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A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Ashley Sugar

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1)A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVE LAURENT SO MUCH! Such a good book! I ADORE second chance romances. Shows that people can forgive and move on and love even harder than before regardless of what they went through. Very cute and easy/quick read! Great start to this series and I can’t wait for more! 🙂

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Broken. (Green St. Girls Series) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Broken.: A Green St. Girls RomanceBroken.: A Green St. Girls Romance by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Broken is Book Two in the Green St. Girls Series. After reading the first book I immediately dove into reading this one. I became heavily invested in the Green Street Girls and was anxious to read more about them. This story centers around a character by the name of Indigo who is part of the Green Street Girls. She has worked hard to give herself a good life but all of that is threatened when she starts receiving threats for a software she is developing. Her friend, and roommate, Gideon, steps up to help Indigo and protect her from whoever has been threatening her. In doing so, he realizes that his feelings for her are stronger than just friendship. Although Indigo has allowed her wall to come down enough to form a friendship with Gideon can she truly trust him? This book was beautifully written with a storyline and characters that I became heavily invested in. Indigo is strong, smart, and ambitious but because of her past has developed trust issues. Gideon is sweet, kind, and a good friend to Indigo. He wants to love her, protect her, and be there for her. Gideon does his best to prove to Indigo that she can trust him, but will he be able to penetrate the wall she has formed to protect herself? A great read full of drama, intrigue, danger, friendships, angst, love, romance, and hope. I highly recommend!

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Bared. (Green St. Girls Series) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Bared. (Green St. Girls #1)Bared. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bared is Book One in the Green St. Girls Series. The story centers around a character named Athena who has had a hard time trusting anyone because of her past. She becomes a bit of a loner in a sense until she meets Tru who also has a hard time trusting anyone. The attraction between them is intense but having a relationship may be out of the question due to their trust issues. Athena makes friends with a group of girls who all have had hardships in their past. The girls call themselves the Green Street Girls and act as a support network for one another. Through tough times the girls lean on each other and help one another survive. I loved how the Green Street Girls helped one another through the hardest of struggles. Their friendship gave one another hope and a will to go on which I found endearing. I loved each one of the girls’ individual characters and felt their stories resonate with me. This book was beautifully written, and I could not help but feel an emotional connection with each of the Green Street Girls. I found myself cheering them on to find happiness, love, and a good life. I highly recommend this book!

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Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Christine Baranek

Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance (Playing for Keeps Book 3)Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sliding Into Home
By: Lauren Fraser

This book is the third book in the playing for keeps series. It can definitely be read as a standalone, but I have enjoyed each book so very much that I recommend reading each and every single one. This is a secret baby and second chance romance. It is also a wonderfully written baseball romance. I have to say that Lauren Fraser writes wonderful characters who are so well written and have depth and flaws and just seem like real people. This story is told through multiple points of view which is done seamlessly and enhances the story. I definitely loved this story. I recommend this story for a well written romance.

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A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 2) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Manda Kelly

A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta, #2)A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an amazing book! This was such a great world to get lost in for a while. I instantly fell in love with Annie. She reminded me so much of myself it was almost scary. And then you add in the handsome and very Irish Craig and I was SWOONING. The way he is around Annie is absolutely precious and made me giggle like a little girl. They had some MAJOR chemistry, and I was ALL ABOUT IT. This book DID NOT disappoint. I highly recommend it.

Review by @ Manda Kelly 2023

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A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1)A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this romantic book. It shows no matter how you try to fight love if it’s meant to be it will be because fate will intervene. Not too much of a fan of Phoebe but can’t be too hard on her for what she’s been through. Laurent I absolutely adore. I highly recommend this book.

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A Way Out (Rock Star Book 2) by Tami Lund – Review by Jade Brunton

A Way Out (Rock Star Book 2)A Way Out by Tami Lund
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have not read the first book in this series but after this I will be going back and doing so. This book had my attention from the moment that I opened it. This book is so close to home for me as someone who works in the music industry. While its not always that easy to find love in this industry, this book has made me hopeful. The characters are wonderful and easy to relate to since they come from all walks of life. People are not without flaws, of course, but it was great to follow along with Oz and Maria as they both explore a journey that is new for the both of them! I will certainly continue on with this series in the future.

By @jaderockslife

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Broken. (Green St. Girls Series) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Trista Martin

Broken.: A Green St. Girls RomanceBroken.: A Green St. Girls Romance by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very much enjoyed this second book in the Green St. Girls. I enjoyed reading more about Indigo’s life. The author did a great job giving us many elements and the pacing was great in this one.

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A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Kerry Carr

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1)A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this small town second chance romance. This is the first book in the vine Valley series and I can’t wait to see what else the author has in store for us.

This is second chance romance about 2 people who lost themselves but found their way back to each other in a unique way. The characters were well written. You couldn’t help but feel the hurt and pain that Laurent went through when Phoebe just left him. But as the story progresses you understand her reason why.

Laurent had his heart broken by Phoebe all those years ago. He imagined his would he with her forever and thought she felt the same but that all changed when she disappeared and left him.

Fast forward and she is now back in his life asking for his help.

Phoebe needs help. So sick of being the entertainment for her stepmother she needs to find a partner for her stepsister wedding. So she heads to the first person she thinks of Laurent. When they meet again the chemistry is instant, when he offers to help by pretending to be her boyfriend what could possible go wrong?
Can he ever forgive her for what happened all those years ago? What happens the attraction between them gets to much? When Laurent places the rule of her not falling in love with him is that something that she can stop from happening or will this fake relationship bring to life a true loving connection that they lost all those years before?

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Planting Hope by Jennifer Raines – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Planting HopePlanting Hope by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this cute romance story. This is still a newer author for me which I enjoyed their attention to details to give the story a realistic feel. I enjoyed the author’s writing style that pulls you into the story. This book is all that and more. I found it to be well written and hard to put down. It is a story about Holly and Kit and how like a garden grows so does this romance. They are great characters that are strong, connectable and supportive of each other. They add so much to the story. I enjoyed watching their growth and chemistry throughout the story. I found this to be a fast paced, hard to put down story that you don’t want to miss. This is a great romance story. I highly recommend it.

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Broken. (Green St. Girls Series) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Broken.: A Green St. Girls RomanceBroken.: A Green St. Girls Romance by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up by this author. This is the second book in this series which I highly suggest reading as it is just as great as this one if not better. This is a well written story about second chance romance and finding something that was lost within you. Will this character find it in herself to be brave enough to get what she wants? I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into their world with ease and kept me there until the end. They have great chemistry and attachment which makes the story easy and entertaining. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down. This is one you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this book and this author.

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Review by @bjwagner

A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 2) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Darian Vester

A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta, #2)A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lifetime movie with a little steam to it. All of the characters are lovable in this story and I love moving to a small town trope. I felt the chemistry between Craig and Annie instantly, things start off with a steamy book and I’m glad there’s more to the story other than “beading nipples.” I liked seeing them work together but I would have liked to see Annie actually working her B&B that she worked so hard for. What I didn’t like was how fast their relationship took off in the end. Yes I did say they had a connection but I don’t feel it was enough for an instant love. The book was a nice, light hearted read and I recommend it to those looking for a sweet, happy ending romance.

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Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Michelle Marlow

Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite #4)Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As always, and I will say this every time, please check trigger warnings. Your mental health is more important. This is a short (to me) novella but it wraps up Skylar and Damon’s story. You should really read from the beginning of the series to really get a feel for everyone and the atmosphere. Once again this author really hits with emotions and feelings. They have not let me down yet and I truly love this series. I can not wait to see what the remainder will bring.
Review by @michellerenee6590

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A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Terri Jo McAllister

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1)A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Laurent and Phoebe made a pact when they were in college. Now, 18 years later, Phoebe shows up from out of nowhere, demanding that he keep his end of the bargain. I enjoyed the characters in this book, as well as the story itself. I couldn’t put it down!

Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister

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A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 2) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Kayla Octaviano

A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta, #2)A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One of my favorites! People always think the can rein in their love. Like they can control who they love, for how long, and how much. But turns out, you can’t. Read Annie and Craig’s story because it is adorable, engaging, steamy, and one of a kind.

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Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by M Policicchio

Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite #4)Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMFG!!! This series. So we pick up where we left off. Sky and Damon have been found out and now must deal with the fallout. Damon doesn’t put up with much from Gia when it comes to hurting Sky. Damon tries to figure out his own feelings. When secrets from the past threaten Sky, her mom’s best answer is to leave. Damon will do just about anything to prevent this from happening including asking his father for help.

There is not a dull moment in this book. From the moment we pick the story up to the moment it ends, the author puts you through all the emotions. Damon finds out why Sky is so reluctant to give up on her friendship with Gia, despite all the drama Gia causes. Sky finally remembers the night she got her scar. So many memories. So many emotions!

This addition to the series does not let you down. As more is revealed about Damon, his father, their relationship, Sky, her mom, Sky and Damon, you realize you are no longer just missing your friends when the book ends. It is more like missing your family. The characters make you feel like you are part of their clan, one of them. This is the best series. Maybe ever. Love it.

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A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 2) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Rayne East

A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta, #2)A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A good small town romance
This contemporary romance has a bit of everything- drama, emotions, a meddling aunt, a wedding and lots of chemistry. I enjoy the Miller siblings and their banter. This is the second book in The Millers of Marietta series and is Annie and Craig’s story. I am looking forward to the next book. Recommend.

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