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Strings Attached (A Braebeach Rockstar Romance) by Loriana Cappello – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Strings AttachedStrings Attached by Loriana Cappello
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved reading about Calla’s and Ash’s story. I read a Love and Fate first, and then came back to read Strings Attached. I loved reading the backstory of the sweet couple that you see periodically in that second book. Timing is not Ash’s and Calla’s thing. Every time they meet back up something is in the way. But they still work through them. I love how the connection between the two never fades but keeps getting stronger with each meet. But alas, pressures start to come in at all sides and they can only promise “right now” instead of “forever”. This was a mostly easygoing story and had great word and story building!

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Love and Fate (A Braebeach Rockstar Romance) by Loriana Cappello – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Love and Fate (Braebeach Rockstar #2)Love and Fate by Loriana Cappello
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Man. this book was hard to read because of the constant rollercoaster. Just when you think it doesn’t get worse Loriana says hold my drink and takes you out at the knees. I had to keep a box of tissues because my heart hurt for Angie while she tried to process Sam’s death. I absolutely wanted the knock the crap out of Chelsea. She is the most vile character in this book. I feared for Ozzie’s safety multiple times. Angie’s son was pretty adorable. Watching these four try and navigate being a family together. I just wanted to take Tommy and just hug him and hide him from the writer because he goes through so much. I loved this story so much and it had just enough of reality mixed in with fiction that it was still relatable.

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Night Sweats and Hockey Nets (Hot Flash Hookups Series) by Sylvie Stewart and Marika Ray – Review by

Night Sweats and Hockey Nets (Hot Flash Hookups #3)Night Sweats and Hockey Nets by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One’s famous last words. “Never again.” Niko said those last famous words when he realizes that he has kissed his coach’s daughter and vows to never do it again. Well…. Never say never hun. I love how this story has an older female lead. Most romance stories have the younger youthful woman and the male lead is the older one. But to have one with an older female has been a breath of fresh air. The father/daughter relationship that Niko and Alana was amazingly sweet. T see that he is trying everything to get custody of her is something you don’t see everyday. The chemistry between Chloe and Niko was whew! I could feel my face heating up every time they encountered each other. I was not disappointed when I started reading this book. I greatly enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down once I started reading.

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To be a Fae Rogue (Realm Chronicles Series) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Crystal Jimmo

To be a Fae Rogue (Realm Chronicles Book 4)To be a Fae Rogue by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am so excited that the next book has come out. I have been waiting impatiently for the next book to come out. Seeing Tatiana’s growth throughout the entire series has made my heart leap for joy. Just when I thought we were finally going to be done with Sonia, she still manages to come back and terrorize the land. Freedom with her “death” is bittersweet. She can now do anything she wants, but she can’t do so in the light. She has to do it within the shadows. The restraint she shows just further proves how far Tatiana has come from the very first book. But one can give up so much before push comes to shove and they snap. Now to do another long wait for the next book!

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Fate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Fate, Frankincense & FuneralsFate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an amazing read. For it being a short story and only being 57 pages long, I wasn’t expecting much. I was proven wrong! Naomi put so much in these short pages, it felt like I was reading a fairly large novel! It was well paced and I quickly found myself immersed in the story. The one thing that I loved about this story was that the main animal focus was a vulture, not your typical wolf shifter story. This story also didn’t have your typical “aplha hear me roar” type trope. Vultures aren’t supposed to have mates in this world. It’s actually forbidden because of them guiding those who have been touched by death. I’m not too into m/m stories, but this was beautifully well done m/m romance! I will for sure be passing this along to my LGBTQ friends!

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She’s My Rhinestone Cowgirl (My Cowboy Series) by Brooke May – Review by Crystal Jimmo

She's My Rhinestone Cowgirl (My Cowboy #7)She’s My Rhinestone Cowgirl by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was a really sweet story. It’s one of those good pallet cleanser’s that you read in-between books. The romance between Scooter and Trinity was really sweet, watching them go from young love to heartbreak to second chances again in their adult life. I absolutely loved Scooter and my heart went out to him when he was struggling. The ladies in his family are definitely a force to be reckoned with! They weren’t too thrilled when Trinity had come back into Scooter’s life. But watching them grow together was heartwarming. I finished this book pretty quickly, and I loved the story telling and word building. I’m for sure going back and reading the previous books in this series!

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Midnight Falls by John Evans – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Midnight FallsMidnight Falls by John (ronin) Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story was an excellent read! It was a great horror book! I’m usually super picky about my horror and thriller books since I grew up reading Stephen King. Josh comes back to his hometown after a few things happened at college, but things aren’t exactly as it seems. The suspense was the undertone throughout the entire book. I was on pins and needles the entire time. The story was very detailed and the story building was excellent!

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Back in the Ring (The Predator Series) by Brooke May – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Back in the Ring (The Predator #4)Back in the Ring by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bijou’s backstory made my heart hurt for her. It’s hard to keep living when the one you love passes away. Even though it was 8 years ago grief has a funny way of showing up. Especially while trying to keep a youth center running and raising a 12 year old on top of everything. Noah also has lost a loved one and raising his two year old son. Both trying to find their way back to normal. As Bijou struggles to keep the place running one phone call she makes changes her life. Noah comes into the picture to lend a helping hand. This gruff man is pretty amazing but guarded. The kids definitely were great supporting characters, they made me giggle when all I wanted to do was cry. Although, secrets never stay secret for long. Will Noah’s blow up in his face????

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Offsides (Game Time Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Offsides: Game Time SeriesOffsides: Game Time Series by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my goodness. Finn and Chessly’s story made me giggle during all of the angsty parts. Watching Finn make his play annnnddddd then absolutely make a mess of it was a little cringe worthy, but I was really glad to see him get a second chance. Chessly is definitely a powerhouse. She knows her worth and doesn’t settle for less than. Reading and watching their story develop from a slow-burn to steamy was whooo!!! Spicy! I loved reading this book by Tam and now I think I’m going to go read her other books in this series!

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The Crown of Stones Trilogy Box Set (The Crown of Stones Series) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Crystal Jimmo

The Crown of Stones Complete TrilogyThe Crown of Stones Complete Trilogy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 1 5 stars
This book was absolutely fantastic! The story arc, the background story in the beginning, character development, so many good things I can’t decide where to start first. I usually read female protagonists because they are more relatable for me, but wow reading about Ian and his struggles made me think of my own. This author absolutely hit it out of the park. Ian struggles with who he is and what his power does to him if he uses it. He makes a decision in which he thought was right at the time, but now is paying for it dearly. Will he come to accept his magic and what it does? Or will he fall into the addiction it brings and never look back again?

Book 2 5 Stars
I highly highly suggest reading the first book first, as this does pick up where book one left off. Just when I thought this series couldn’t get any better, the second book blows it out of the water. Ian is literally left with nothing. No memories, no money, no weapons, nothing. He has to go through his light trying to figure out how to with his magic all over again, how he is linked to the crown of stones, and how to be a leader all over again. High expectations are set on Ian when the rebellion needs him and his magic and his connection to the crown of stones. In this thrilling second installment of Crown of Stones, be prepared to have an adventure because this second book sure takes you for a wild ride!

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Her Sapphire Blade (Guardians of Camelot Series) by Sarah Biglow – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Her Sapphire Blade: An Arthurian-Inspired Portal Fantasy Novel (Guardians of Camelot Book 1)Her Sapphire Blade: An Arthurian-Inspired Portal Fantasy Novel by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my gosh! I’m usually a sucker for Arthurian inspired tales, and this book did not disappoint! Sarah did a fantastic job with creating the character Morgan and brining her into the modern days. I loved this book so so much! Morgan struggles to use her magic it barely listens to her and it’s not a lot of it. Enter our mysterious stranger, who captures Morgan’s attention by telling her that she has a destiny, just like her aunt has told her time and time again. The story building and word building are absolutely phenomenal. Sarah had me sucked into her world she created from page one. I devoured this book like I was starving for something and this book was the only way I was going to be satisfied. I can’t wait to see what goes on in book 2!

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Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Dark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy RomanceDark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy Romance by Kristin Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Good Golly Miss Dolly, this book was really good. I couldn’t put it down! The back and forth between the characters was spot on. I felt like I was there and eating popcorn waiting to see what would happen next, and who would say what. The story building and word building was phenomenal. Not omg in your face, but not mehhh whatever either. It was a good balance between both. I flat out consumed this book, and I seriously need more of Kristin’s books now. I felt so many emotions throughout the book, and there were times where I wanted to throttle the main characters, but then I would remember they’re still starting out on their adult journey since they are 18, and then I would give them a bit of grace. Bravo Kristin Bravo!

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Alchemy of Glass (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Alchemy of GlassAlchemy of Glass by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book! I didn’t know that it was the sequel to “The Apothecary’s Curse” but I feel like I didn’t miss much. But, I think I will go back and read it and then reread this book. Other than that, this book was wonderfully done. I really enjoyed the science aspects, the history of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and the fantasy parts. Another reader said that this would fit in the dark fantasy genre, and I agree. It does get a little dark, but not super dark. I loved the back and forth between timelines, it was really well done, and I wasn’t left feeling like I was being jerked back and forth, the transitioning between timelines was well done. I’m super picky with my male main characters, but reading Gaelan’s story I felt connected to him, and I could understand his way of thinking. It was a mix of intelligence and emotional responses. This book might not everyone’s cup of tea, but it sure was mine and I’m glad I took a chance on it!

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Rock Crush and Roll by Hunter Snow – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Rock Crush and RollRock Crush and Roll by Hunter Snow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really did enjoy this book. It was a nice slow burn rom com that was a good palette cleanser from all of my other romantasy and dark romance book I typically read. In this book you have Tyler who has been in the music industry her entire life unfortunately she didn’t inherit the music gene from her dad that the rest of her family has. But she is making a career out of being a music manager. She meets Cary again years later, completely sworn off dating musicians, but everything that Cary does makes her question swearing them off. I had several good laughs during this entire book. I absolutely did not like Tyler’s boss. He made my skin crawl every time he came into the picture. The story was wonderfully done and was a great balance to music and normal plot which a lot of music related fiction swings one way or another. I liked reading about the music industry and the Canadian aspect of music management. I’m excited to read more from this author!

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Love Rinkside (The Playmakers Series) by G. K. Brady – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Love Rinkside (Playmakers)Love Rinkside by G.K. Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. The Halloween party and it’s shenanigans following had me laughing so hard I had tears coming out. Drew and Katie make an adorable couple and I was rooting for them the entire time. I was hoping that they would work everything out and that Kate’s Chow-mix pupper would come to love Drew. It was a really good read and a good pallet cleanser between books. G.K. did a wonderful job creating her characters, and this awesome world of hockey. I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the series!

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Discovering Desire (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Discovering Desire (Shattered Embrace #3)Discovering Desire by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While I avoid love triangle’s like the plague, this book had caught my interest despite the love triangle. But to my surprise it did not end like I thought it would, so I was pleasantly surprised! I have previously read the first two books, so it was cool to see Derek get his on book! I love the dynamic between all characters, even though the one couple ship wasn’t the one I wanted, but I was still okay with the ending couple. I couldn’t deny the chemistry between Justine and Derek. The BDSM was a nice twist to it all, just like the previous books! I can’t wait to read the next book!

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Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 2) by MK Harkins – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #2)Red by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn’t read the first book, so I didn’t quite follow, but as the book went on I felt like I wasn’t missing out on much. The story between Lily and George was an interesting take on the Red Hiding Hood story. The story was very well paced and the dynamic between the female and male lead’s was well done. You have two very dynamic characters who have a lot going on in their lives. One who is ready to move on and one who is somewhere stuck in the past and afraid. Then you have background characters Merilee and Zuriel, a fairy godmother and a guardian angel. Those two clash like fire and water, but the chemistry between the two is interesting. The back and forth between each set of characters was quite the ride of emotions. I enjoyed reading the book, and I think I’m going to go back and read Ashes!

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Irresistible Bond (Central Florida Stories Book 5) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Irresistible Bond: Central Florida StoriesIrresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow… Just wow!!!! I thought the previous books in the Club Nexus/Central Florida series were good. This book ranked it up to a 10! Storm is everything her name implies. She is a whirlwind of emotion, spunk, and sass. She has grown up with the Laurier cousins, when at a black-tie event things get a little ramped up between the three of them, a family member interrupts them, and what the Laurier family really thinks of Storm is revealed. When the cousins don’t stand up for her, in her storm-like fashion she leaves the party to never look back again and throws herself head-first into her new DEA job. When things go sideways and Storm has come back to heal, the cousins have discovered her being back and do anything to get her to fall and trust in them again. But what happens when the shadows don’t stay where they belong?? I loved reading this short sweet book. I give it a 4.5 on the spicy level. So grab that fan and be ready to clutch those pearls ladies! Victoria does not disappoint!

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The Handshake Agreement (Book 1) by A. Akinosho – Review by Crystal Jimmo

The Handshake AgreementThe Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m not a huge age gap fan, but this book was really really good. I absolutely wanted to throttle Declan at the start of the book when he promised Anna the world and then left her at the alter. The heartbreak that Anna went through, I just wanted to hug her and keep her from the world. When Declan came back into her life I wanted him to just leave and not come back. The ups and down put me through the wringer. When problems would arise and the communication broke down I got really frustrated. I really enjoyed reading this book, and the storyline was written really well and put together.

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Salt Love by Marika Ray – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Salt Love: A Summer Romantic ComedySalt Love: A Summer Romantic Comedy by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book made me do a lot of belly laughs. I absolutely loved Kenna, she was delt a bad hand in the beginning and I had felt really bad. But seeing as she grew throughout the book and meeting up with Dec and getting to know him was something to see. Dec kind of reminded me of a little bit of grumpy cat, until Kenna thawed him out. The ups and downs that they both went through was hard. But this book had a few good laughs that got me going. I enjoyed reading this book by Markia. I can’t wait to read more by her!

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Finding Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 2) by Julie Navickas – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Finding Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 2)Finding Love by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I gotta say this story was pretty dang adorable. Rachel gets stood up for a dinner date, and Miguel swoops in to save her night. You could literally see the chemistry burning right off the pages. Rachel is frustrated because she has high hopes in a date that ends with not so great results. So she tries everything, but realizes with Miguel, that just because you might not be someone’s cup of tea, but there is always one out there that you are their cup of tea. I honestly am a sucker when the guy makes food for the girl. In most stories it’s the other way around, so seeing this different switch was a breath of fresh air. It was pretty cool seeing Ryan and Tess as side characters in this book. The acceptance by both sides was phenomenal. I can’t wait to read more from Julie!

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Trusting Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 1) by Julie Navickas – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Trusting Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 1)Trusting Love by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story of Tess and Ryan was super sweet. My heart broke when the evens with Ryan and his longtime girlfriend/fiancé broke it off. But I’m glad he did because I did not like her one bit. Tess wasn’t my favorite in the beginning, but as she began to grow and learn from her past mistakes she got better. The self-loathing did seem a little much, but both were stuck in the spiral of self-depreciation, and that’s sometimes hard to get out of. Julie really did an excellent job with this story and I really enjoyed it a lot. The spice was there and the romance progression was really well done! The storytelling was done beautifully and It was a good pallet cleanser between my dark romance stories.

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In the Midst of Omens (The Legacy of Gilgamesh Series) by Nicole Bailey – Review by Crystal Jimmo

In the Midst of Omens (The Legacy of Gilgamesh Book 1)In the Midst of Omens by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I first read this book I was a little leery sine I don’t read MM very often, but I’m really glad I picked up this book. The chemistry between Gilgamesh and Enkidu was absolutely beautiful. It is by far my most favorite LGBTQ+ book to date. The healthy polyamory that is depicted between Gilgamesh and his wife Shamat and her relationships made me absolutely weep for joy. Those two are a forced to be reckoned with. I have never heard the story of Gilgamesh, so reading this book was very interesting! Although that cliffhanger at the end???? Definitely took me out. I loved, and laughed and absolutely wanted to throttle the characters a few times in the book, but what good book doesn’t make you want to do that? The word and character building was phenomenal and I can’t wait to see how it ends!

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Bad Enough (The Deadman’s Tribe Series Book 2) by Nicole Craig – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Bad Enough (The Deadman's Tribe, #2)Bad Enough by Nicole Craig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was a great follow up to book one! I loved the back and forth between TB and Sylvan. Sylvan has been through a lot. I’m surprised that she was able to stay passionate and good. TB has also been through a lot. But Sylvan brings out the soft side of him. The writing has again been phenomenal in this book, and doesn’t leave the reader wanting. The spicy scenes were fantastic and left me breathless. I loved that we got to see more of the team in this and see a little bit more of their personalities come out. TB and Sylvan have been so far my favorite couple and I can’t wait for book 3 later this year!

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One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper – Review by Crystal Jimmo

One Quarter VillainOne Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was definitely a different change of pace from what I usually read. I really enjoyed reading it. I loved the idea of a villain getting a happy ever after. Finding out that you are one quarter villain, after doing everything you are told to do, was quite the shock for Maddy. She starts to question who she is, and what really makes a villain. The back and forth between Maddy and Leo was absolutely adorable. Once I realized it was a YA book, I roped my daughter into reading it with me, and she absolutely loved it. It’s definitely a book for everyone to enjoy. Cori does an excellent job tackling the topics of good vs evil and the topics surrounding it.

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Just Ducky (Weird Shifters Series) by C.A. King – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Just Ducky (Weird Shifters)Just Ducky by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I will admit, the title is what grabbed me at first. A duck shifter?! I’ve read plenty of shifter stories, and some mentioned that all animals could be shifters. I was very intrigued by the cover and the title. I’m glad I gave it a chance! I had a few good laughs, and a few meddling mother moments that made me laugh. While I absolutely loved the MC’s, Trisha was far by my favorite. She reminded me of my best friend’s mom who liked to meddle. I found it absolutely adorable that Kobreon called Ducky his emotional support duck. This story is for sure a change of pace from your typical shifter/vampire stories. I’m really glad that I read this book! C.A never fails to disappoint me. She does such a good job with building her worlds, and the story-telling is out of this world. I can’t wait to read more in the weird shifter series!

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The Strategist (WaterFyre Rising Book 5) by Nadia Han – Review by Crystal Jimmo

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

First things first. The WaterFyre Rising series is absolutely amazing! I’ve read the first four and have been hooked since! I’ve always wanted to know more about Arrow and what happened to him since we get glimpses of him in the previous books. Needless to say I squealed for joy when I saw that he finally got his own book. Reading more about way he is the way he is just absolutely broke me. Getting to see him healing was a balm to my soul. Now, seeing him meet Vivian was an experience to read about. She is an absolute firecracker and has no problem throwing verbal punches when she needs to. I loved the back and forth between the two, and watching Vivian interact with the rest of the group was heartwarming. Now the most important question! The gamer in me needs to know, when do I get to play this amazing game they’ve been building?! It sounds so much fun!

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The School of Nine by Amanda Marin reviewed by Crystal Jimmo

The School of Nine (The Mythic Academy Collection, #1)The School of Nine by Amanda Marin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this first book we have the story of the Muses. Mainly Bianca and Sebastian. Bianca is close to flunking out of Brightling Academy. She offers to help Sebastian settle in at her school. Bianca is your sweet kind of girl. She has a lot of power but doesn’t quite know it. She has a lot of self-doubt but by the end of the novella, she has beautifully transformed into a butterfly who knows her worth. I really enjoyed this book! I will be adding it to my daughter’s library when she gets a little bit older. I think she will absolutely love this book!

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A Song of Salt and Secrets (Mythic Academy Collection) by Amanda Marin – Review by Crystal Jimmo

A Song of Salt and Secrets (Mythic Academy Collection)A Song of Salt and Secrets by Amanda Marin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a really cute novella. It was quick to get through. I was quite sad that it didn’t take me very long to finish it. I wanted to read more and hear more about Corisande and Noah’s story. The way it ended was very sweet, but I was wanting more. I will say though my favorite character was Sera. She was everything a best friend could ask for. I am for sure going to read more about Mythic Academy! It tied in the different myths of the sirens beautifully, and the storytelling was amazing. When the accident causing Noah to fall off his boat leads into some interesting turns and twists. Are the feeling between Corisande and Noah real, or are they just because of her curse?

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Master Oradea (Masters of the Consulate Book 10) by Sylvia Black – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Master Oradea (Masters of the Consulate #10)Master Oradea by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sylvia has done another fantastic job on this series. In this book we meet Master Oradea and Natalia. While it is a stand-alone, it does follow the storyline of the rest of the Masters of the Consulate series, so I do suggest reading the previous stories to get a general idea of the storyline and what’s going on. The chemistry between Oradea and Natalia was burning off the page. Natalia’s fiery personality clashes with Oradea’s dominant. Secrets are being stolen and revealed, and lines are being drawn. Who comes out on top and who doesn’t come out unscathed? I loved reading this book, and the characters were wonderfully well done!

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