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No Rest for the Wicked (Life is Hell Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Daree Blake

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No Rest for the Wicked (Life is Hell #1)No Rest for the Wicked by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Delilah is a weary demon seeking solace in the quaint town of Juniper Lake. Hoping for a break from her monotonous existence, Delilah instead finds herself entangled in a centuries-old history involving witches, demon hunters, and her own kind. As she navigates the town’s secrets, she discovers that even the Sheriff isn’t as he appears. The characters, each with their own quirks and complexities, leaves readers anticipating what lies ahead in this series.

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Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Daree Blake

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Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries Book 2)Murder She Meowed by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Christy writes stories for children about her cats Milton and Pearl, but in real life, they help her find clues when a dead body is found at her friend’s pastry shop. This is a cute story about Christy finding her place in this small town, making friends, and compiling a list of suspects to get to the bottom of this latest small-town murder mystery. There are a lot of mysteries solved through this book and it kept me guessing until the end.

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Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns – Wolf (Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns Series) by R. C. Reigh – Review by Daree Blake

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

This story introduces readers to a world where the convergence of royal heirs at Bastion Academy promises more than just academic challenges. As the characters navigate through their education, the intricate game of power and manipulation unfolds, creating a backdrop for the darker end goals.
R.C. Reigh has crafted a captivating story that balances suspense, fantasy, and the challenges of adolescence. As the characters evolve and the plot thickens, readers will find themselves eagerly turning the pages, drawn into a world where the stakes are high, and nothing is as it seems.

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A Journey for Dorothy (The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride Series) by P. Creeden – Review by Daree Blake

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A Journey for Dorothy (The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride #8)A Journey for Dorothy by P. Creeden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dorothy is a widow who believes that she will never need anyone again. This story is one of hardship, faith, and healing. It is an interesting time in history when those going West walk for months to get there. There were many sweet moments along their journey. I enjoyed the characters, their service to others, and their reliance on the power of prayer.

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Joy’s Christmas Escape (The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1) by P. Creeden – Review by Daree Blake

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Joy’s Christmas Escape: The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1Joy’s Christmas Escape: The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1 by P. Creeden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a sweet Mail Order Bride book. Joy is in an impossible situation. Pomeroy is a wealthy snake, determined to have her, and will stop at nothing to get her after her grandmother passes away, leaving a supposed debt owed to him. This was a lovely story about protecting those you care about and finding love along the way. Jack is a fierce protector but he can’t do it all alone.

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Threads of Time (Toronto Time Agents Series) by C. N. Jackson – Review by Daree Blake

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Threads of Time: A Historical Time Travel Adventure (Toronto Time Agents)Threads of Time: A Historical Time Travel Adventure by C. N. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wilda is a no-nonsense, take-charge time-traveling agent. She is forced to rely on her new trainee because of the times they travel to. This was a story of the wrong place, wrong time, and being left completely on their own to figure out how to get home. Reading how Wilda continues despite her past traumas is a journey on its own. Looking forward to what comes next.

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Chasing Cheer (Emerald Hollow Book 1) by Heather Schneider – Review by Daree222

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Chasing CheerChasing Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Adorable Christmas story, full of magic, love, and all the feels.
When Holly Claus decides to check in on a small-town fall festival, she doesn’t know she is changing her life forever. This slow build love story is a good reminder to be present so we don’t miss the joy to be found around us. I am hoping for more stories around the characters in this book because each brought their own little spark.

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The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel) by Brittany Tucker – Review by Daree Blake

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The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel)The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brittany Tucker’s “The Calamities of Camden Callahan” is an emotional read that takes you on a journey through a world full of pirates, mad scientists, and individuals with extraordinary powers. It’s a story that effortlessly blends the elements of fantasy and reality, with death and rebirth as recurring themes that keep you on the edge of your seat. Camden Callahan (Cam) and Annie quickly become real and relatable individuals.
You can’t help but get emotionally invested in their fates, rooting for them through every twist and turn of their adventure. Some scenes in the book are undeniably difficult to read because they paint a vivid picture of the cruelty that people are capable of. I thoroughly enjoyed Brittany Tucker’s latest work. Her storytelling prowess shines brightly in this tale of adventure, adversity, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Reviewed by: @daree222
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Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Daree Blake

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Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to RememberNotebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Emma’s intuition is tingling again as an invitation to a party feels like a trap. As she navigates a new responsibility will it work as a distraction as the trap is sprung?
Emma is a no-nonsense super smart lady who is really good at connecting the dots. This is another great installment of the Notebook Mysteries.

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Fortune’s Favorite (Soulbound Journeys Book 2) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Daree Blake

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Fortune's Favorite (Soulbound Journeys #2)Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The adventures, or I should say Misadventures of Jarryd and Ian continue in this captivating story about fortune and misfortune. There are some seriously self-righteous Shinree that are wreaking havoc on so many lives. They think they are invincible, but they have bitten off more than they can chew when they lured Jarryd in to play their game. They don’t really understand the bond those two have. This one is quite a bit different from the other stories and kept me on the edge of my seat as I worried about Jarryd and Ian’s bond and how it could survive this threat. This was my favorite of the series and I can’t wait to read the next one.

reviewed by @daree222
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Notebook Mysteries ~ Parisian Intrigue (Notebook Mysteries Book 6) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Daree Blake

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Parisian IntrigueParisian Intrigue by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kimberly Mullins takes readers on a thrilling journey through the enchanting streets of Paris during the time of the 1889 Paris Exposition. With a strong protagonist like Emma, the story showcases her intelligence and resourcefulness, leaving readers eager to witness her next move.
“Notebook Mysteries: Perisian Intrigue” is a fun read that transports readers to the streets of Paris during a time of excitement and wonder. With resourceful and intelligent Emma, mouthwatering cuisine, innovative technology, and a series of intriguing mysteries to solve, this book is a delight.

reviewed by: @daree222
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House of Arsceneaux (Servants of Morrigan: Immortal Creatures) by Caterina Novelliere – Review by Daree Blake

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House of ArsceneauxHouse of Arsceneaux by Caterina Novelliere
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“The House of Arsceneaux” by Caterina Novelliere is a captivating blend of past lives, curses, vampires, and gods and goddesses. Gage and Caitlin share a mysterious connection, with Gage eagerly awaiting Caitlin’s lost memories. The book is filled with twists and turns on their path to a redeeming love story. While the introduction of time travel towards the end was a bit challenging to follow, I thoroughly enjoyed their tragic journey. Overall, “The House of Arsceneaux” is a mesmerizing read that seamlessly combines supernatural elements with a compelling romance.

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A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi – Review by Daree Blake

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A Teacher's HeartA Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a cute picture book about all the different kinds of teachers. From the way they teach to the way they look with the reminder that they all have a teacher’s heart. This would be a good story for a child going into kindergarten or a child who is changing schools in elementary school.

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Daree Blake

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood: Novella One)Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reading about the horrible treatment of the Native Americans is a painful reminder of the history of our country. Experiencing it through Talks Like Thunder’s eyes is heartbreaking. The Strength she finds within herself is a testament to the resilience of her people even today. I look forward to reading the next book and hearing where the story goes from here.

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Obedience (Ties That Bind Book 1) by Liza Snow – Review by Daree Blake

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ObedienceObedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book pushed me far beyond my comfort zone. Despite that, I decided to give it a chance and delve into its pages. The story it presented was undeniably captivating, but it often got tangled up in excessive details of Shibari and sexual encounters. It was difficult to reconcile the characters’ deep intimacy with their underlying secrets, which constantly undermined the trust they claimed to have. However, amidst these complexities, the author’s vivid descriptions of the aerial routines were simply breathtaking, transporting me to a world where I could almost witness them firsthand.

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The Wandering Isles: A Crown of Stones Novella (Soulbound Journeys Book 1) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Daree Blake

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The Wandering Isles (The Crown of Stones)The Wandering Isles by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What happens when Jarryd and Ian find the Wandering Isles? I am so glad the Crown of Stones Series isn’t over and we can read about what comes next. As a trade is coerced there are many fears exposed, they can’t trust what is happening and Ian and his magic complicate things. This story really showed Ian how his ability to recognize his flaws and use that information to make them strengths.
Content warning: Sex and some language

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Daree Blake

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am still reeling from this heart-wrenching and steamy second-chance romance. Elle has been through so much heartache and so much pain. Blake has been drowning all his pain for a long time. Domestic violence is a tough thing to read about and knowing that women find themselves in scary horrible situations where they are convinced no one loves them and nothing can save them, is horrible. Coming home to her family, who welcome her with open arms and finding a purpose sets Elle on a path of healing. I cannot wait for S.E. Reichert to publish the next story in the series!

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones Book 2) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Daree Blake

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Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones, #2)Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story of The Crown of Stones continues as Ian comes to accept who he is and what he is. There are times he loses his way, but he is still one with a conscience and is still trying to do what he feels is right. This was a tough one to get through, Ian is flawed and there are a lot of things not going how he planned.
Content Warnings: rape, abuse, sex, language, violent battles

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price by C. L. Schneider – Review by Daree Blake

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Magic-Price (The Crown of Stones, #1)Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ian Troy is haunted by the past, tempted constantly to repeat it and is bombarded by those who want to use him for their own confusing reasons. I liked Ian from the start, he has a good heart, a conscience and a need to do the right thing. Sometimes the right thing is not very clear. Ian doesn’t trust easily and finds himself alongside a couple of unlikely allies. He has a hard time believing in himself, but these two see there is something more to him.
Content Warnings: abuse, violent sex, language

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Borne (The Crown of Stones Book 3) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Daree Blake

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Magic-Borne (The Crown of Stones, #3)Magic-Borne by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The past, present and future are keys to this Crown of Stones story. Ian has endured really difficult things in this series and he is tested again in this one. There are many odds stacked against them and fate hasn’t been kind. I really didn’t want this series to end. I loved the characters and wanted them to have all that they had worked so hard to gain. I love these characters and will miss going on this difficult journey with them.
Content Warning: Sex, violent battles, language

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Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Daree Blake

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NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a glimpse into what it is like for Emerson to live with Autism. It is a very unique perspective to see things through her eyes and ears. I have a sister who is non-verbal and we have always wondered about what she understands and what she doesn’t. This book will challenge how we speak to and think about those who don’t have words to express what they are feeling inside.

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A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small – Review by Daree222

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A Dress To Remember: A Fairy TaleA Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a cute fairy tale, we get to see how Zarina learned to become more than just a pretty face. The journey and the magical dress helped her to know whom to trust so that she could protect what was left of her family. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys new twists on familiar fairy tales. It is full of hope and sadness.

 

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions (Notebook Mysteries Book 5) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Daree

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions (Notebook Mysteries book #5)Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Starting this book, I was a little worried because I haven’t read the previous 4 books in the series. But the author did a great job of sharing a little of the backstory as the new story unfolded. Emma is a strong, independent, and highly skilled agent, who has a strong moral compass leading her to the work she does. She will stop at nothing to bring bad guys to justice. With Jeremy and Cole vouching for her skills, nothing can stand in her way. There was a lot going on in this book, and I will probably go back and read the first ones to fill in any holes in my following of the story. Overall it is an interesting mystery book.

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Straight for the Kill (Benoit and Dayne Mystery Book 3) by Winter Austin – Review by Daree222

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Straight for the Kill (Benoit and Dayne Mystery, #3)Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another thrilling murder mystery in the Benoit and Dayne series. I listened to the first two and flew through reading the third as the case that looms in the background gets revealed more and more. It is not easy to stomach the horrible things people do to others but knowing these two are fighting the good fight, no matter what it costs them, gives me a little hope for humanity.
There are so many good things to say about Winter Austin’s character development and storytelling. She brings you into the investigations, you care about each of the characters and wonder about others whose stories are only touched on.
Something terribly wrong is happening in their county and it will take all hands on deck to figure it out.
Everyone has secrets. Unfortunately, some will kill to keep their secrets safe.

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Lucky Stars by Fantasia Yu – Review by Daree Blake

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Lucky StarsLucky Stars by Fantasia Yu
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book is the first New Adult book I have read and it was a miss for me. Princess Mora is a contradiction, smart and responsible but doesn’t actually fulfill her responsibilities. There were many inconsistencies in the story that made me feel a little lost through it. It was a quick read and maybe my age/reading genre preference made this one hard for me to get through, I did not enjoy it.
I wanted to know more about the indigenous folk of Xot and why getting a copy of the original treaty was so important, but that wasn’t really explained.
There was potential for a great story but the lack of character development and the dialogue fell flat for me.

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