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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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The Innovator (WaterFyre Rising Book 3) by Nadia Han – Review by Crystal Jimmo

The Innovator (WaterFyre Rising, #3)The Innovator by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so excited when I found out that Grayson got his own book. I loved him in the previous books and wanted to see his POV. Grayson is innovative, ridiculously smart, and a brilliant architect. Natalie is a strong, independent woman who makes men quake at her feet. When her and Grayson clash, it’s like chaotic beautiful music. These two start out as enemies who can’t stand each other, but when things take a sudden turn, they suddenly realize the chemistry between them. I loved reading this book and seeing the others pop in and out. I can’t wait to read more!

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The Mastermind (WaterFyre Rising Book 1) by Nadia Han – Review by Crystal Jimmo

The Mastermind (WaterFyre Rising, #1)The Mastermind by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book about Remi and Audri was fantastic. I loved reading their story. Both of their backgrounds was heartbreaking. Each had something that was haunting them and that they deeply regretted. Remi I felt defiantly fell first for Audri. Their chemistry was explosive. Remi would do anything Audri asked him to do. The story was wonderfully written, and I loved the story plot. Meeting the supporting characters made me want to have their own books. Reading them talk about WaterFyre Rising, made me wish that the game a real. I definitely would’ve bought it and played it! Can’t wait to read book 2!

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The Daredevil (WaterFyre Rising Book 2) by Nadia Han – Review by Crystal Jimmo

The Daredevil (WaterFyre Rising, #2)The Daredevil by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Meeting Royce in the first book with Remi and Audri was awesome. I was hoping that he would get his own book. Michelle is Audri’s best friend in book one. In book two she is on a trip when she meets Royce. They become fast friends, and they discover what they both have been missing when one takes the plunge. Royce meets Michelle’s monster head on and makes her felt loved. Michelle fills the void that he has in heart. But will their past’s come back and ruin everything they’ve worked so hard to forge? Nadia is an amazing story-teller and I have loved both books of hers so far! I can’t wait to read about the next friend!

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Rise of the Y (The Y Chronicles Book 1) by Angela D. Shelton – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Rise of the YRise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my first YA dystopian book. I have read NA dystopia’s and thy weren’t nearly as good as this book. It handled topics like rebellion, love, grief ect.. fairly well and I was impressed. Lexi is a strong willed, stubborn character. It starts off with Riley getting a spouse that she’s not too fond of, and a dedicated job, but her consequences come swiftly in leu of her gaming the system. Tragedy strikes, and Riley is unsure of what to do. My daughter and I read this together, and she absolutely loved it. We can’t wait for the next book to come out next, because we want to know what happens!

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Shadow Bringer (Raven Academy Book 1) by Brandi Elledge – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Shadow Bringer: Raven AcademyShadow Bringer: Raven Academy by Brandi Elledge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was a fantastic read! I felt like it had the perfect supernatural balance between the community. Not one get more “screen” time, each one gets about an equal amount. Riley lives in a very “cult-like” village. Nobody is allowed beyond the fence. It’s a dangerous world outside the fence. So when some new students from outside of the fence are welcomed into their little village, Riley is instantly enamored. Especially one particular character. But his knowledge and help come with a price. A steep price. Does she risk everything to go beyond the fence? Or does she stay in her town where it is “safe?” I seriously can’t wait to read the 2nd book to see what happens!

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Ross (Central Florida Stories Book 4) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Ross: Central Florida StoriesRoss: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hayden and Ross’s story is a great story. The DDLG dynamic isn’t my cup of tea, but I do know enough of the dynamic, to say that this was written wonderfully. Brought back into Ross’s life, he finds a letter from Hayden, begging for help. The last time he had seen Hyden was when she was driving away on the back of his littler brother’s bike. Finding out that his little brother was the reason why Hayden and her daughter in trouble boils Ross’s blood. He goes to rescue her and her daughter. But sometimes, the past doesn’t stay in the past. Recognizing that Hayley is a middle, his Daddy Dom kicks in and helps Hayley try to heal the trauma that was done to her. There are some TW’s so I suggest checking the author’s website to see if this is the book for you!

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House of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis – Review by Crystal Jimmo

House of Blood and WhispersHouse of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The trigger warnings at the start of the book were extremely helpful and let me know what to expect. Wow! Just wow! This book was a fantastic read! Cahki is someone I don’t want to meet in a dark alleyway if I was on her bad side, but she and I would be fast friends. She does not hold herself back and holds herself to that standard. It was a little frustrating at some parts, where better communication would’ve resolved some misunderstandings, but overall I really did like her character. Sung-Juin was not was I was expecting. With his background I was expecting a woe is me, or a jaded closed off person. He did have his moments, but I thought he was a well balanced character. This book had a little bit of everything for me. Action, romance, suspense, and everything in-between. Also I gotta say this, the cover is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I seriously can’t wait to read more books by this author. I’m definitely going to buying a physical copy of this book to keep on my shelves!

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Almost and Forever by Angela K. Parker – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Almost and ForeverAlmost and Forever by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Good gravy Miss Daisy! I was on an emotional rollercoaster with this book. Things would go absolutely fantastic and then out of no where sucker punch to the gut, wash, rinse and repeat. Ms. Parker does an absolute fantastic job with showing the stages of grief in a healthy way. Adam and Hope are great together. They have a few bumps along the way and sometimes huge pot holes to navigate, but Hope makes sure that Adam doesn’t shut her out or shut down. She makes sure he communicates what he’s feeling. Sweet sweet Adam. I just want to wrap this man in a blanket and keep him from all hurt. Reading this book made me feel all of the feels, but it was definitely worthwhile in the end.

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Tears Into Gold by Cori Cooper – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Tears into GoldTears into Gold by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was quite interesting. Branka is a scullery maid and all she wants is freedom for her and Mama Cook. She is able to get this wish, but at what cost? Ontop of all of this, she is in love with a boy who is above her station and it is forbidden. This book had me in from the get go and had a whole variety’s worth of classical stories rolled into one story. I absolutely loved it. I’m going to have my daughter who is 11 and I know she will love something like this! I can’t wait to read other books by this author!

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Cruel Truths (Tessa and Jordan Book 3) by T. Christensen – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Cruel Truths (Tessa and Jordan #3)Cruel Truths by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The tension between Lindy and Cade you could cut with a butter knife! It gave me chills when they interacted with each other. Cade is Lindy’s new boss at her fashion job, and man does he not make it easy for her. Lindy does not take it lying down though and she dishes it right back. She has learned to keep her emotions in check and on a very tight leash, but man does Cade make her lose her control. Once Cade figures out that her family is a way to get her to agree to being his fake girlfriend, she has no choice but agree to his demands. I loved the story-telling and writing, it drew me in from the first word. I’m definitely going to be reading the other books in this series!

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Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand, #1)Wild Lavender by Nicole E. Kelleher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster! Lady Ann Aubrianne went through great lengths to protect the ones she loves. She questions her husband when he starts disappearing for unknown reasons, and hopes that it won’t have dangerous implications. Larkin who is a royal guard has been having these dreams about this mystery woman, whom he met many years ago. When he meets her again, the sparks seem to fly. This historical romance had me on the edge of my seat the entire time I as reading. I can’t wait to read the other books in this series!

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Cruel Love: A College Sports Romance (Hidden Valley Elite #6)Cruel Love: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With the way Cruel Hate ended I was absolutely devastated. I waited on baited breath before Cruel Love was released. Reading through this third book in Phoenix’s and Aspen’s story put me on an emotional rollercoaster. Seeing Phoenix not remember his child and Aspen was heart wrenching. Aspen struggling to help him remember but at the same time caring for their child was hard to read. She was dealing with basically being a single mom and mourning the loss of her alive partner, while trying to juggle everything else on her plate. I loved the ending and felt like it did the couple justice and brought everything together beautifully!

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Heart’s Rescue (Fallen Hearts) by Meredith Hart – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Heart's Rescue (Hearts Below, #1)Heart’s Rescue by Meredith Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a fan of Sarah J Maas, I really enjoyed this book. Arryn and Rowen’s chemistry was palpable and such high intensity. They clash a few times because they come from such different backgrounds, but overall I really liked it! My only problem was there was some errors in the text that made things a little difficult, but once that I got passed them, it got easier to read. Arryn having to go to the Frozen Lands Below to rescue her prince, and Rowen being asked to escort her, neither one is too thrilled. But as the story progress, they both realize that the other person is nothing like they would seem to believe!

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Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2) by Alicia Street – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2)Ignite My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blake’s and Morgan’s story is fireworks all around. Morgan coming from a bodyguard background and Blake coming from an educated teaching background, is a interesting clash of personalities. Ciara absolutely adores Blake and the interactions between the two are adorable. Morgan doesn’t want to let Blake into his heart, but he can’t help it, the more he sees Blake with his daughter. The frustration when Blake and Morgan don’t communicate well you kind of just want to knock them upside the head and tell them to listen. I disliked Fawn the entire book. I just wanted to shove her out of the way so she would just let them be.

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Russian and Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Russian and Royally ComplicatedRussian and Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lev and Daphne are like fire and ice. They clash at the wedding, and again later. Lev in the beginning is a character you love to hate at first. Then you slowly warm up to him the more you learn about his background. Daphne, I loved from the get go. If I had met her in real life she definitely would’ve been my best friend. I adored her from the beginning. Watching those two was entertaining. I loved every single moment of it!

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Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance (Hidden Valley Elite #5)Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you have not read Cruel Start, I HEAVILY suggest you read it before even reading one word of Cruel Hate. Everything will make much more sense. Cruel Hate picks up where Cruel Start leaves off. The angst, fear, frustration, and darkness are back at it again. School isn’t going great for either Phoenix or Aspen. The punt bunnies won’t leave Phoenix alone, and Aspen is catching hell from her parents. The only way that Phoenix can think of to fix both problems is to have a fake relationship. But does it really fix things or does it make things worse? This book ends on a cliffhanger and I’m just chomping at the bit to find out what happens next!

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The introduction to Phoenix and Aspen’s story was a great lead into their story. Aspen loves taking risks. She then meets Phoenix and her world is turned upside down. When the two clash two little pink lines turn everything in her world on it’s head she’s unsure what to do. Phoenix is your typical bully jock. He thinks that he rules the world. He’s not my favorite right now and I want to see where this goes. This dark and not everyone’s cup of tea. It has some triggers. It has spicy scenes in it and my oh my they had my heart skipping a beat!

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As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist – Review by Crystal Jimmo

As Though You Were MineAs Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. Talk about gut punches galore Batman. I started reading and I immediately had to grab some tissues. Julie does a selfless thing and donates her eggs for her brother and sister-in-law, who suffer from infertility issues. Tragedy strikes and now she has custody of these two wonderful twins. But it’s not easy going as she’s trying to get through her own grief, but also has to navigate four year olds going through their own grief. She is questioning her skills as a guardian, when another wrench is thrown into the mix. When their uncle shows up offering to help, she’s leery of him. I loved reading this story. I wanted to take Julie and just hug her the entire time, and protect her from the author, and everyone in the book. But, her growth throughout the story is impeccable.

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Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Love & StilettosLove & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book about Mitch and Mia was a great read. Reading their story and how things ended was very satisfying. I have never hated a villain character more then I hated Lacey. At first I was unsure about everything that was going on, but then that pivotal point happened and I hated her with a fiery passion from then on. Mia tried so hard to get over her husband’s death, and when she lost Mitch, she decided not to let it slow her down. She had a lot of strength that was admirable. There were times I wanted to smack Mitch upside the head for not seeing the blatant lies that was right in front of his eyes, but they do say that love is blind…

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Sing For Me (The Balefire Series Book 2) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Sing For Me (Balefire, #2)Sing For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I gotta say I had fun reading this book. The chemistry between Ashleigh and Blu had me holding my sides when I was laughing. They were fun with each other and Ashleigh challenged Blu to be better and the shenanigans that Blu did to try and wear Ashleigh own had me in stitches. Both are really sweet characters and there were some moments where I wanted to beat them over their heads, but overall I really did like the characters. I love when author’s do the dual POV’s because its great getting an inside look of how the character’s thinking works. Out of all the characters in Sing For me, Blu’s mom was my absolute favorite. She was caring, wholesome and definitely made sure that Blu stayed grounded and didnt let him get away with things just because he was a big rockstar now. She seriously need her own book! I can’t wait to read about the other band members books, and for sure will be adding this author to my bookshelf so I can read her books over and over again!

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Deadly Vengeance (The Vaccaro Empire Collection Book 2) by Anise Storm – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Deadly Vengeance (The Vaccaro Empire #2)Deadly Vengeance by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This second book to the Vaccaro family was just as good as the first one! Focusing on Luca and Valenzia this time around the two are like fire and ice! Valenzia is a little sheltered in this story not really knowing what her parents are involved in, but still a little spitfire. She no doubt doesn’t let Luca walk all over and she pushes back when he’s done something that she doesn’t like. Valenzia is someone Luca was not ready for. He wants to destroy the Vaccaro family for what they did to his dad, but he was not expecting Valenzia. The story was well written and progressed at a pretty decent pace and didn’t feel like it was dragging on. I love the world that this author has created and I hope she makes more in this series!

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Mesmerised (Hybrid Lovers Book 2) by Toya Richardson – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Mesmerised (Hybrid Lovers #2)Mesmerised by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading about Donna and Antoine. The book has a good pace to it and didn’t drag anything out. At first I was a little leery of the book since Donna was contemplating just ending everything and then Antoine had come and saved her. Once I read further into the book, I was glad that I kept reading. The character development was fantastic. Seeing go from the lowest point to being confident in herself again made me cheer out for joy for her. Gustav as the villain was really good. I was surprised I found myself liking him just a little. Very well done and well written! I lost many hours reading this book!

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Granting Katelyn (Sweet Valley Series) by S.E. Reichert – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Granting KatelynGranting Katelyn by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Katelyn and Grant are two well developed characters, if not a little frustrating. Both are strong willed, and a little spirited. Katelyn is asked to treat a beautiful Throughbred who injured. Unknowing to her Grant is going to constantly get her way. The way these two butt heads made me laugh, but when Grant’s past comes back to haunt him, it seems to turn for the worse. I was sucked in from page one and absolutely loved reading this book!

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Cruel King by K.M. Scott – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Cruel KingCruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was wonderfully written. I loved the back and forth between Matthias and Ava. At times I wanted to strangle him because of his words that he would say to her, and I would feel for Ava and the pain that she felt. They both enjoyed 2 days of bliss while trapped in a snowstorm at his house. But good things must come to an end for these two. After 5 years from being away from each other and trying to forget, Ava has found happiness but then Matthias come crashing back into her world, after coming back to see his father’s last moments. Do they end up together finally, or do they keep going this path and eventually forget each other?!

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Forbidden Blood (The Shadow Chronicles Book 4) by CR Robertson – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Forbidden Blood (The Shadow Chronicles Book 4)Forbidden Blood by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so excited for Kimber to get her own book when she was introduced in book one. Kimber is another interesting character. Her family has kept her secret for most of her life. Seeing her as weak and useless, until she comes into her power. She is then conscripted into the vampire army, and her coven leader finds out about her powers. Enter Fabian. He is a shaman that is supposed to help maintain balance, but evil has woven it’s way into this organization so it’s hard to know who is friend and who is foe. The character’s chemistry when they are introduced to each other is off the charts! I loved the continuation of the story from their perspective and the series just keeps getting better and better! I loved this book just as much as the others and I hope she keeps going!

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