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Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia Series) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia #1)Sugar & Spice by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book had me rolling. It had a few good laughs and a lot of spice! In the beginning Cy was a little annoying. He was your typical spoiled rich kid, that used money to solve all of his problems. But seeing his character grow and mature was worth the sometimes cringe worthy moments he had. Jolie is your single mom with 2 boys. She’s hardworking, and does everything she can for her boys, especially her little boy that has cystic fibrosis. Her side of the story watching her try to make ends meet broke my heart. But when she put’s Cy in his place several times, it was noteworthy. It was a good contemporary romance read, and a good short book. The story was sweet and heartfelt, and the writing like always was phenomenal. I can’t wait to read about the rest of the family and see where their stories go!

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The Closer (The Hustlers Trilogy) by Rowan Rossler – Review by Crystal Jimmo

The Closer: An enemies to lovers dark romance (The Hustlers Series Book 3)The Closer: An enemies to lovers dark romance by Rowan Rossler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

June and Dallas’s story was an interesting one to read. It’s a good stand-alone, but I would definitely start at book 1 to get the background stories of the characters that you see. The start of the book was a little slow going, but after a few chapters, it does pick up! And oh boy does it pick up. June is at risk at losing her company that she has put blood sweat and tears into, and because of an inside scandal, she loses her one investor and she is needing money. The last person she doesn’t want to turn to, is Dallas. Unfortunately, she has no choice. Dallas can get her the money, but she has to follow and do whatever he says. The storyline and story building were really good! It went at a good pace and man just when you think you’ve figured it all out, Rowan throws you a curveball out of nowhere, and now you are back to square one. I really loved reading this book, and now I’m definitely going back to read the previous books, and her other books!

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Outcast (Her Royal Harem: Ember) by Catherine Banks – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Outcast (Her Royal Harem: Ember Book 1)Outcast by Catherine Banks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First things first, this reverse harem was wonderfully done! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and having all of the different genres was great. Love, mystery, fantasy, reverse harem just to name a few. Ember has a big heart for animals and shifters, and when 3 show up on her doorstep, wounded and battered she lets them in and she helps heal them. However, a certain Prince frustrates her to no end. All he wants to do is help, but sometimes his willingness gets to be a little bit too much. Secrets about her past start coming to light, and Ember is unsure about herself and starts to question everything around her. The storyline and world was built beautifully. I felt like I was actually there living the story. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

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Managing Mischief (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Managing Mischief (Shattered Embrace #2)Managing Mischief by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this second book we see Zach and Ashton in their sub/Dom relationship. A lot has happened and they are much stronger for it. But, just as things were getting settled in, a new contender has shown up. A once in a lifetime opportunity comes up for Ashton to lead a research team. But will this affect their relationship, just as Zachary is getting used to having a long-term relationship. I loved reading their story and I was not expecting that plot twist at the end. I hope to read more by this author!

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Hidden Mischief (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Hidden Mischief (Shattered Embrace #1)Hidden Mischief by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story between Ashton and Zachary was really good. I enjoyed the back-and-forth between the two characters. Ashton is a widow who is still grieving. When she finally decides to attend a munch she finds that she has jumped into the lap of her boss the CEO. Zachary takes an interest when he sees that Ashton has applied to his club Shattered Embrace unbeknownst to Ashton. Ashton has dual personalities. She’s a strong independent woman, but when she falls at Zachary’s feet she becomes submissive. This was a great BDSM read that I enjoyed a lot. I can’t wait to read more!

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Savage Truth (Hidden Valley Elite Book 2) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Savage Truth (Hidden Valley Elite #2)Savage Truth by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved reading the conclusion of Cole and Riley’s story. Riley has done everything to get under Cole’s skin. Even when they are now living under the same roof since their parents are getting married. Cole wants to absolutely destroy her, but he can’t help the feeling that has wormed its way into his heart. The conclusion was amazing and was like fireworks exploding. Their ending was well-deserved and fitting in my eyes. I was a little sad to see their story end because I had gotten attached to them. But I can’t wait to see what else Isla has in store for her readers next!

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Dirty Heartbreaker (Hamilton Steelhawks Series) by A. C. Sheppard – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Dirty Heartbreaker: Hamilton Steelhawks Book 3Dirty Heartbreaker: Hamilton Steelhawks Book 3 by A C Sheppard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story between Colby and Gabriella was great to read. Gabriella and Colby want their best friends wedding to go without a hitch, but they absolutely loathe each other. They somehow manage to get along for the wedding and they find that they have an attraction to each other. Gabriella is former figure skater who makes costumes for figure skaters. Colby is a sniper for the Steelhawks. Their worlds clash quite a few times in the most spectacular way. I loved reading this story was quite impressed with the story building. I’m going to find the rest of the books in this series!

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Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story (A Better Man, Book 1) by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story (A Better Man Book 1)Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading about Bailey’s and Fox’s story. You can clearly tell that Amy has spent some time working in the corporate end of businesses. She wrote this story with working women in mind and their daily struggles to make ends meet. Bailey has a lot of things going on for her. She is struggling with being a widow and a mom of 2 teenagers. She meets Fox and is not phased by him and his charm. He catches Bailey’s eye and tries everything to get her attention. The balance between story and romance and spice was amazingly well done. I thoroughly enjoyed reading their story and I can’t wait to read more by Amy!

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Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Curse of Forbidden IslandCurse of Forbidden Island by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

C.A. King has done it again with this short story. A lot of stuff happens in 52 short pages. Selene does a but to warm up to, but once she finds her stride, she becomes more likable. She is the only staff member to stay overnight besides the owners and visitors. If she leaves during the night she must dawn on a mask. She gets intrigued by the 6 mysterious owners. She plays detective and things gets interesting. I loved reading the short story and I can’t wait to read more short stories by her!

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Deceptively Yours (Titans of Chicago Series) by Anise Storm – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Deceptively Yours (Titans of Chicago, #1)Deceptively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoy reading books by this author. I would for sure pay attention to the trigger warnings at the start of the book, because things… get a little heavy and dark. Anise builds a fantastic world for the Titian’s. Harper and Gabriel’s story starts out sweet and then then it takes a turn for the worse. Harper has to leave due to a family tragedy and breaks Gabriel’s heart in the process. Later when Harper has to come back seeking help She seeks out Gabriel help. Gabriel makes her pay for breaking his heart. These two clash like fire and ice, but the joining is oh so sweet. Lots of spicy scenes to keep one’s heart pitter pattering and blood pressure rising. I enjoyed this book a lot and I hope that Anise writes more into this world!

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite #1)Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The back and forth between Riley and Cole is amusing. Cole dishes it out and Riley just gives it right back to him. The secrets between them are just getting bigger and bigger. I read through the prequel and loved it. I devoured this book in record time. It’s not necessary to read the prequel, but it would be a great benefit. It made a lot more sense knowing the backstory. The cliff is high and the drop off the cliff is steep, But worth every second of. Isla has done it again with this fantastic book in the Hidden Valley world.

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The Rocklyns Collection: Books 1-7 (The Rocklyns Series) by Alicia Street – Review by Crystal Jimmo

The Rocklyns Collection: Contemporary Romance Boxed Set (Books 1-7)The Rocklyns Collection: Contemporary Romance Boxed Set by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Rocklyn’s collection was an amazing find. 7 books in one collection, I was all in. Reading about the next generation of the Rocklyn siblings was a ball. The dynamics of each story was amazing, and I kept wanting to read more and thankfully, I didn’t have to return a book to get the next book. I could just keep trucking along. The story building that Alicia does in this world is absolutely breathtaking. I could see the scenery, and the book playing out like a movie in my mind. I could just sit back and enjoy it. My favorite book though was reading about Raina in Rainy Day Lovers. I saw myself in her because I’m the oldest in my family and I’m also the problem solver. She was easily relatable, and i just connected with her. The story had a good pace, and the ending was absolutely perfect. I can’t wait to read more by Alicia!

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Shifter Shorts by TK Lawyer – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Shifter ShortsShifter Shorts by T.K. Lawyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In these series of stories, you have 6 different couples. I loved reading these stories, but definitely do not let the lighthearted cover fool you. I thought it was going to be a lighthearted series of stories that would get my feel goods going. Boy was I wrong. The hellhound story threw me off because I was not expecting something that I would normally read with such a lighthearted cover. Once I got over the hurdle that my brain was processing over the cover vs what I was reading, I got to fully enjoy the stories. They were as the cover says short. Each was a quick read with it’s own good story. A lot of steam in each story as well. My only complaint would be a little better detailed content warning simply because the hellhound story is a little darker than the rest of the stories.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had read the duet first before finding out that Riley and Cole had a prequel story. Once I found out I snatched it up! I loved seeing what made them, them. Reading this book made everything make so much more sense. The big reason why Riley is the way she is, and why Cole the way he is. Just like the other two, the back and forth in this book was really well done and balanced. The set up for the first book was fantastic! It really made me think and wanting more. Isla does such a good job setting up her worlds that I fell like I’m in the middle of them.

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Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets #1)Whispered Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I accidentally read books 2 and 3 first before realizing I hadn’t read book 1. But I felt like I wasn’t missing out while reading the other books. First things first, what really caught my eye was how aesthetically appealing the covers were, I absolutely love them. Sasha and Jay’s story was oh my goodness. I never really liked Sasha when I saw her in the authors other books, but now reading her story everything makes a lot more sense. There were still times where I wanted to slap the snot out of her, but she started to grow on me. However, in the second book Matt and Marenah I almost didn’t finish because first I felt like Marenah laid the mafia princess schtick on THICK, and it was starting to get on my nerves. But I’m glad I kept reading because the realization that she was just using it as a layer of defense made a whole lot of sense. Matt was such a great guy. Both males were absolutely fantastic and I giggled a little at the way they made me feel just reading about them!

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Elusive Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Elusive Surrender (Sinful Duets #3)Elusive Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The stories about these two couples in this book was wonderfully engaging. It had the perfect blend of spicy and story. The back and forth between the couples and their partners was great and I got a few chuckles in. Best friends Alexis and Allie have attracted a trafficker and things go down hill. In comes Sheldon and Nick. Sheldon got her a hairstyling gig at his boss’s job after seeing her nearly slap someone at a coffee shop. He is hooked line and sinker for Alexis. When an accident brings Alexis to Allie’s job as a nurse, Nick meets Allie when he came in with Alexis, and he too fell for her. These women are pretty stubborn and they don’t make life easy for Sheldon and Nick. The suspense was intense and had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! I can’t wait to read more!

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Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns – Wolf (Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns Series) by R. C. Reigh – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns: WolfKingdom of 7 Sovereigns: Wolf by R.C. Reigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Starting off this book got me in the first paragraph. That never happens to me. Usually it takes me 1-2 pages to get into the book. They saying “The devil’s in the details” is absolutely true in this book. There is so many things going on at all once, but it isn’t overwhelming and gets lost easy. It stays on track and gains momentum. I love the different POV’s. It gives you a look into the character’s thinking and how they are processing things. The story between Amelia and Dane was insane. Amelia is trying to get out of her arranged marriage, while Dane is doing something completely different AND trying not to die by aggravating Kassandra. This book has everything for everyone. Magic, different races, Academia romance, chaos, mayhem and so much more. I absolutely loved it and simply can’t wait for Dragons!

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A Heart So Savage (The Savage Duet Book 2) by April Moran – Review by Crystal Jimmo

A Heart So Savage (The Savage Duet #2)A Heart So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The wait is finally over! I was so excited for this book to come out! This book takes place after the first book. In the first book I was not a fan of either Kingston or Carson. Towards the end I was slowly warming up Kingston but I wasn’t just quite there yet. I was so glad to see more of Ava’s character development in this book too. Kingston in this book we got to see more of his thought process and get more of a backstory with everything going on. I felt like it wrapped up a lot of loose ends and question’s I had. I still don’t like Carson and still think he’s the scum of the Earth. The word building in this was wonderfully done as the first one. The story progressed fairly well, and I didn’t have that “omg there’s only 50 pages left and so much left to be wrapped up” anxiety that some books give me. I loved reading this book and will definitely be adding it to my physical copy shelf along with the first one!

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Series Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

70 years after the first book Julia had taken Samuel’s deal. Now she has powers and strength that she is learning to wield. We follow along with characters from the first book along with Julia and Samuel. The ka-tet is still learning to work together. Valentino has now learned about the threat to his throne, and the inevitable clash is looming closer and closer. The cliffhanger at the end should be absolutely illegal, and I can’t wait to read more into the third book!

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Lost Soul (War of Destiny Series Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Lost Soul (War of Destiny # 1)Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved reading this first book. It was a little hard reading about Julia and the abuse she endured from her parents. Being forced into an arranged marriage and not being able to be with her true love was heartbreaking. When she is presented with an interesting choice have her freedom to do whatever she wants, BUT she has to join the vampire resistance, OR stay where she is at now. Watching her process her thoughts and emotions over this choice was interesting. I can’t wait to see what goes onto the next book and see how Julia’s choice pans out for her!

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Auctioned Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 2) by Via Mari – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Auctioned Surrender (Sinful Duets #2)Auctioned Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was such a great book. It has 2 books about 2 different couples and their story. You meet Damien and Bryanna in book one and Dereck and Layla in book 2. Each book has their ups and downs and heart wrenching moments. Both females and their counterparts have this spark that is off the charts. Both females are strong and fearless and don’t take no for an answer. They will go to the ends of the Earth for the people they love. The boys make great protectors and when they realize they have fallen for the girls it’s like a giant lightbulb moment for them. The writing is simply amazing, and the world is beautifully set up. There is action, romance and spice for everyone. Via is a wonderful storyteller and I absolutely loved reading this book!

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A King So Savage (The Savage Duet) by April Moran – Review by Crystal Jimmo

A King So Savage (The Savage Duet #1)A King So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holy cow Batman did this book did a number on me. I would definitely check the trigger warning before reading this book cuz it does get pretty dark. I love and hate King, but oh man does he dance and wave the red flags all over this book. I love my morally grey characters, but I wanted to shake King so bad in this book. Ava is such a sweetheart and I feel for her in this book. She has lost her parents in a tragic car accident, her brother does not treat her like a sister, but someone to profit off of, and then she is kidnapped because her brother uses her to wipe his debts clean with King. The cliffhanger at the end, made me wanting more but it was more like a small jump into a lake rather being pushed off a cliffside. I really enjoyed the story, the characters were great, the storytelling was absolutely amazing, and I can’t wait to see this wrapped up in book 2 of the duet!

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Finding the End Zone (Game Time Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Finding the End ZoneFinding the End Zone by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don’t think I have ever laughed so hard as I did reading this book. The chemistry between Jamacia and Callahan was amazing. Jamacia really doesn’t take Callahan’s crap for nothing, and she dishes it right back. The sass force is strong with this one. Although Callahan is like that slippery snake, he gets under Jamacia’s skin without her even noticing. She tries so hard to keep him at arms length, but he just keeps popping up wherever she doesn’t want him to. Callahan is sure a player, but there is just something about Jamacia that keeps him wanting more. They are the perfect duo and balance each other out. Although, does the past stay in the past like it’s supposed to? Or does it come back with a vengeance?

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Dreamscape (J.J. Morris Mysteries) by J.N. Sheats – Review by Crystal Jimmo

DreamscapeDreamscape by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was absolutely fantastic! When I found out that it was a follow up to the first book I snatched it up quickly and devoured it in a few days. This story continues to follow Joey, now a college student, just trying to get through the “normal boring” life of a college student. After being exposed to the supernatural world, I don’t blame her for wanting more. All of a sudden fire are breaking out on campus, but nobody seems to know what’s going on. Joey thinks nothing of it, but when she sees Gwen looking into them, Joey starts to question everything she believes is going on. This book got me hooked from page one, and J.N. Sheats does a wonderful job of storytelling and word building. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

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Knight In Peril (A Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery) by Alice Bienia – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Knight In Peril (A Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery #6)Knight In Peril by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jorja is back again in this mystery. This time, we are thrown into the world of Istanbul. Jorja has arrived excited to see her friend again. However, Gabriella doesn’t show up at the airport to pick her up. She heads to the guest house. Her friends things are there still, but no Gabriella. She gets this sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach, knowing that something has happened to her friend. She then sets off across all of Istanbul in the search for her friend. Roadblock after roadblock, Jorja starts to lose hope. Nobody is talking, and greed is the name of the game. This book was an absolute gem to read. I loved reading Jorja’s mystery adventures. This book does not disappoint. Alice sure knows her stuff in keeping readers enthralled until the very last page. I can’t wait to read more!

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Wicked Games (Hidden Valley Elite Book 7) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Wicked Games (Hidden Valley Elite #7)Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this book we get Shane and Winter’s story, well at least the first half of their story as this ends in a cliffhanger that I didn’t see coming! Defiantly read the other books first as everything is intertwined. Winter has been raised by her foster parents and is now attending Thane University. She has memories that bleed through as nightmares that she can’t quite figure out. Her dad’s death, her sister’s murder. She meets Shane and she feels familiarity, but she can’t quite place it. She has been warned to stay away from Shane because he’s dangerous. She tries her best to stay away, but she can’t help the feelings that draw her to him. When Shane see’s Winter, all of the painful memories come back to haunt him as he sees the girl, now woman who nearly ended his life. He vows to get his revenge, but when Winter doesn’t recognize him, he starts to question if it’s really worth it. He has his own demons to deal with. I do not like his dad one bit. I think he’s got an ulterior motive and is up to something. I can’t wait to read the second book in their story. I have so many questions that I need answers to!

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Where the Ocean Meets the Sky (The Ocean Series) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Where the Ocean Meets the Sky (The Ocean)Where the Ocean Meets the Sky by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m really picky about my age gap books. If it’s more than a 10 year difference I usually don’t read the book. But, after reading The Ocean In His Veins, I really wanted to see what happened after Cal met Annie. At first knowing that Annie was 25 and Cal was 45 I was really leery, because of the maturity differences is astronomical. But reading this book about Annie and seeing that she has endured so much with the loss of her brother, she is basically an old soul in a young woman’s body. There are times where Annie acted her age, but other times she acted beyond her years. The communication failing between Cal and Annie was so frustrating. I want to yell at them, and put them in a room and tell them to talk it out instead of shoving things aside. But seeing their relation start from rock bottom and then build their relationship into a rock solid foundation was really satisfying. I felt I understood Cal a lot more in this book knowing his background and the demons he faces. This was a long book like others have stated, but if you stick it out till the end, it’s completely worth it.

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The Ocean in His Veins (The Ocean Series) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Crystal Jimmo

The Ocean in His Veins (The Ocean Series)The Ocean in His Veins by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this duology, I decided to read this book first instead of reading Where The Ocean Meets the Sky. Wow, it was not kidding when at the end of the blurb it says “this may change your view good or bad of Cal depending on the reader.” I felt reading this book first I got more of his background, what made Cal, Cal. There were a lot of times I was so frustrated with Cal i almost didn’t finish the book. But, I gave it a chance and I’m glad I did. Cal definitely goes through a lot of highs and lows in this book before he meets Annie, and your heart just goes out to him. Being a teenager when you have lost your whole world is difficult. Seeing how he copes was hard, and the trigger warnings are not kidding. It is a hard read, but at the end absolutely worth it!

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Dark Moon Secrets (The Witch Moon Series Book 1) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Dark Moon Secrets (Witch Moon #1)Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reading this book about Tanjie and Alaric was very amusing, but at the same time I wanted to throttle them both. Both were stubborn in their own ways. Both very ignorant at first, but watching them work through those ignorance’s, and having their lightbulb moment had my shouting “Finally!” I loved that this book was based in Australia, and had a modern twist to it. The supernatural aspect was a little different and it was a breath of fresh air. Trying to do something new when you already have a very set supernatural world that everyone knows, is a feat in it’s own right. The storytelling was very well done and I can’t wait to see what this author bring to the table in her next book!

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The Inquisitor (WaterFyre Rising Book 4) by Nadia Han – Review by Crystal Jimmo

The Inquisitor (WaterFyre Rising, #4)The Inquisitor by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story of Kiera and Forrest made me cry at times. Between Kiera getting kidnapped and being sold, and Forrest rescuing her and trying to get his revenge, it was an emotional rollercoaster. I wanted to hug Kiera and tell her that it was going to be all okay. Forrest was extremely supportive , and understanding. They both understood each other so well. I loved this book the most because they didn’t fall instantly in love. It almost was slow burn but just a teensy bit faster. I loved that Keira was a photographer and she showed the world what she saw with models, and fashion. This entire series had me on the edge of my seat and wanting more.

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