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A Gentleman’s Stipulation (The Scarlet Salon Book 4) by Jean Wilde – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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A Gentleman's Stipulation (The Scarlet Salon, #4)A Gentleman’s Stipulation by Jean Wilde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love Regency London books!! This book did not disappoint! I just found this series and will be looking for more! You could read this as a standalone book, but if you are like me, you will probably want to find the other books, too! The author writes witty dialogue and intriguing word play between the characters. I couldn’t help but read this in one sitting!

Fun, witty, definitely an adult book.

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The Earl and the Peahen (The Scarlet Salon Book 5) by Jean Wilde – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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The Earl and the PeahenThe Earl and the Peahen by Jean Wilde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love a good historical/Regency England love story?!
Jane is a character that you couldn’t help but love and feel sorry for, too. She knows she is not the prettiest girl in the room but her character more than makes up for it. When she meets the Earl… you can’t help but root for them to end up together! Their banter is wonderfully written!

This was a fun, witty and definitely an adult book.

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Betrayal at the Beach (Dangerous Curves Book 1) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Betrayal at the Beach: A Cozy Christian Mystery (Dangerous Curves Book 1)Betrayal at the Beach: A Cozy Christian Mystery by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a breath of fresh air to read! Sunshine and her friends are wonderfully written Christian characters. The characters all had pluck, were realistic and relatable. It was fun to try and guess who the real culprit of the theft was and in the end to be surprised! I look forward to book two and finding out who Sunshine’s admirer is. I have my suspicions…

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Murder at Honeybee Lake (Shadow of a Doubt Book 2) by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Murder at Honeybee Lake (Shadow of a Doubt, #2)Murder at Honeybee Lake by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a read that made me think. It will have you think about how you look at people, how you treat them, and how you don’t always see/know what is going on inside of someone. The simple kindness of a candy bar can literally save someone’s life, and you might not ever know until later. Evil is very real and the author did a great job of conveying that in this book. Not my normal read, but I am glad that I picked it up!

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The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight, #1)The Lightning Horse by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book drew me in from the very beginning. I love historical fiction, and read it often but this was a very different historical fiction for me! It was fascinating to be reading and learning about chariots and history in the middle east at the same time! Oh, to live in that time and to be in the middle of all the intrigue of bringing a king into power and keeping him there.

The author did an exceptional job developing the characters in such a way that you could feel their pain, confusion, and heartbreak. The mystery of who the culprit was that attempted regicide kept me guessing until the end! If this is only book 1, I am definitely looking forward to book 2!

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The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight, #1)The Lightning Horse by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book drew me in from the very beginning. I love historical fiction, and read it often but this was a very different historical fiction for me! It was fascinating to be reading and learning about chariots and history in the middle east at the same time! Oh, to live in that time and to be in the middle of all the intrigue of bringing a king into power and keeping him there.

The author did an exceptional job developing the characters in such a way that you could feel their pain, confusion, and heartbreak. The mystery of who the culprit was that attempted regicide kept me guessing until the end! If this is only book 1, I am definitely looking forward to book 2!

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Tapestry of Worlds, Part Two: Running and Gunning by Hadley Thorne – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Tapestry of Worlds, Part Two: Running and GunningTapestry of Worlds, Part Two: Running and Gunning by Hadley Thorne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an excellent read by Ms. Thorne! I enjoyed reading what was happening to Ransom and his team at the same time as Erika’s timeline was playing out. (Admittedly, I had to go back and read book 1 because I read this one first!) Their story is so intertwined that you knew what was happening to the other as you read. Her characters are people that you would definitely want to be friends with and have on your side should the end of the world happen!

I can’t wait to see how everything ties up in the end and how their past lives influence what happens!

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Try Right (Aloha Series book 3) by Jill Brashear – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Try RightTry Right by Jill Brashear
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a fun, whimsical read! Take it to the beach and get caught up in the world of Claudia and Henry!

Let the miscommunications, and the over thinking begin! The characters were enjoyable and the setting spectacular! You couldn’t help but love Henry and want to be Claudia. While the scenes were explicit at times, you could feel the energy between the two. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.

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On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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On Viking Seas (Forerunner, Book #3)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First of all, I LOVE “The Last Kingdom” (Netflix show) and anything to do with the history of England and Scotland. So, for me, this book kept me reading, looking for characters that I would know from previous readings/shows/history (for example, Aethelred, Alfred, etc…).

Jay did a TREMENDOUS job describing each person’s perspective on where they were and what was happening around them, as well as how they felt. The way in which he described it all, I couldn’t help but feel for the Agneson clan. To have your family spread all over, never knowing if you would see them again, was heart wrenching. This was a fascinating read. I truly enjoyed reading about the characters’ adventures! Can’t wait to continue the story of the Agneson clan!

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To be a Fae Queen by Tricia Copeland – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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To be a Fae Queen (Realm Chronicles #1)To be a Fae Queen by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fascinating read for a first book into a fae series that is very different than any I have read before. This is my first time reading this author and I really liked her take on how the fae were made and their purpose in the different realms. Her imagery painted such a beautiful picture in my mind that I could SEE the landscape/world. I truly appreciated that her book was a true YA book in the fact that her language was clean and the young love wasn’t sexualized. Thank you, Ms. Copeland.

Additionally, I was happy to see that there are other books based off this world! I will be looking for those books next!

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Bound by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops Series Book 2) by Amy McKinley – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Bound by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops, #2)Bound by Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was not disappointed with Book #2!! She did it again… reeled me in, hook, line, and sinker!

Truly, enjoyed reading about the next Hale brother, the woman that he loves, and how he conquers her heart. I was lost in both stories from the beginning and could not stop reading! Amy does a phenomenal job of setting up the intro to the next book!

Can’t wait to read about the last brother to lose his heart!!

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Forged by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops, book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Forged by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops, #3)Forged by Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Whew!! What a book!! I could not put it down! I read it in one day!

Amy did not disappoint with the last Hale brother!! It was a page turner ending that I was not expecting at all! I am adding her books to my TBR stack!!

These books were a fun weekend read that I would recommend to anyone wanting to escape to Honolulu but can’t afford the plane tickets to get there!

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Granted: Curse Of The Emerald Jinn by Rachel Huffmire – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Granted: Curse of the Emerald JinnGranted: Curse of the Emerald Jinn by Rachel Huffmire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fun, clean YA read that I would recommend to any 8th grader and up.

The author pulls you in right away with her very likable, relatable characters, and the imaginative world of the Jinn realm. You are drawn into the life of Liam and his uncanny ability to constantly get hurt. She keeps you reading to find out why everything is happening. The unexpected twists surprise you too! Who can he trust? Who is telling him the truth?

I truly hope that she writes more about this world and continues the story of Liam and Kenna!

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Wolf’s Beautiful Beast (The Untold Stories Book 3) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Wolf's Beautiful Beast (The Untold Stories, #3)Wolf’s Beautiful Beast by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh my goodness!! Suzanna does not disappoint with the continuation of this series!! I am loving the twists that she continues to add to this storyline!!

This has been such a fun read from the beginning! I am already dreading the end because I do not want this series to END! I love each of these characters and want to see them all get their happily ever after!

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Ocean’s Light (Blood of the Pirate BOOK 1) by Mina Chara – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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The Ocean's LightThe Ocean’s Light by Mina Chara
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great first book in a pirate series! Definitely a series that I will be adding to my TBR list once they are released!

The characters were truly, delightful to learn about as they were introduced. I am looking forward to learning more about their backstory in the next book. It will be interesting to me to see how the author proceeds with the story line!

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THE ISTANBUL HEIST (CODE RAVEN SERIES Book 8) by LYNDA FILLER – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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THE ISTANBUL HEIST: Code Raven 8THE ISTANBUL HEIST: Code Raven 8 by Lynda Filler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was not my normal pick of a book, but I have to say that I really enjoyed it!

As I was reading, I realized that I must have picked up a book in the middle of a series because a lot of the characters had history that kept being referenced. However, the author did a great job of filling in the gaps so that I didn’t necessarily feel like I NEEDED to go back and start at the beginning of the series! All the characters felt very real and I wanted to be their friend!

I feel like I also learned a lot about Turkey, too! Now I want to visit Istanbul!

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City of Whispers (Imperial Assassin Series Book 1) by Katt Powers – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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City of Whispers (Imperial Assassin, #1)City of Whispers by Katt Powers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Unexpected twists. Intrigue.. Powers vs powerless… This book has all that and more!!

With this book only being the first in a series, I look forward to the next book! Can’t wait to delve in and learn more about this world and its characters that Powers has created in my mind. Honestly, I had a hard time with how some of the names are probably supposed to be pronounced, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to know what happened next!

I am sure book 2 will bring just as much intrigue and action!

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Red’s Tangled Tale (The Untold Stories Book 2) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Red's Tangled Tale (The Untold Stories, #2)Red’s Tangled Tale by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Truly, this is such an exciting series! I loved book 1 so much that I binge read book 2 in a matter of a day! Her ability to interweave fairy tales, stories, and nursery rhymes is so enjoyable! You just never know who you are going to meet next!

The pace of the book kept me reading to find out what happened next, and I was surprised by who was introduced as new characters to continue with Hook’s mission to save the little mermaid. Just when I thought I knew what would happen next, there was an unexpected twist!

Cannot wait for book 3!!

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Best Of My Love (Love in Emerald Creek) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Best of my LoveBest of my Love by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Reading this book pulled at your heartstrings for the characters. The author helped you see both sides of the characters’ stories and really made you feel for them. I was drawn in to the drama and just wanted to know how it all worked out in the end.

I especially enjoyed the snarky wit of Andrea. She is a real, take no crap kind of girl! Everyone needs to have a friend that knows them inside and out and that is there for them no matter what.

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Love Between the Lines by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Love Between the LinesLove Between the Lines by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh my goodness!! Such a fun read!!

If you enjoy reading about women having truly uplifting friendships, real life struggles, and falling in love, this is the book for you. The author pulled me in from the beginning of the book and had me cheering for a happy ending.

Seriously, reading this book made me miss my best friend! Every woman needs an Iris and Marlowe kind of friendship in their life!!

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Hook’s Little Mermaid (The Untold Stories BOOK 1) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Hook's Little MermaidHook’s Little Mermaid by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fun read!! She definitely keeps you guessing as to what will happen next as you read! Truly, didn’t want to put it down, and only did because I had to sleep!

I was surprised by the author’s reason for Captain Hook’s intense dislike for Peter Pan. It humanized him to the point that you couldn’t help but see Hook in a different light because of his misadventures in the book. I appreciated that she didn’t paint him as the villain that most people associate him with when they hear the name Captain Hook.

Because she also intermingled some other tale’s characters throughout this book, it’s hard to not feel that they are a foreshadowing of what is to come in this series! Can’t wait to read what comes next!

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The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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The Tears of BoabdilThe Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such and interesting read for me! Admittedly, I have not read much on Muslims and their history. I felt like I got a glimpse into their history and mythology while reading a story about real people and their struggles.

The author wrote this story by intertwining three stories and timelines in such a fascinating way that I had to keep reading to find out what happened next! I was left wondering if that was all. I want to know more! This would be a FANTASTIC book club read!! It’s definitely the kind of book you want to discuss with other people.

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THE MYSTERY OF THE LOST AVENGER (ANNIE TILLERY MYSTERIES) by LINDA MARIA FRANK – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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The Mystery of the Lost AvengerThe Mystery of the Lost Avenger by Linda Maria Frank
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was my first time reading this author and I was not disappointed! Linda introduced me to some new, fascinating characters that were reminiscent of Nancy Drew and Ned. I truly enjoyed how she pulled in the WASPs and integrated it into a mystery steeped in our history of WWII.

Even though there was a previous book in this series, I did not feel like I missed out on anything that was pertinent to this story line. (Although, I will go back and find the first book!) Definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a strong, female character, family centric mystery and history!

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Rebecca Remains by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Rebecca RemainsRebecca Remains by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book drew me in immediately. It was like watching a Lifetime movie in my mind! I enjoyed the pace of the book and read it in about a day. I just had to know how things played out in the end! Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, I was surprised by twists that I was NOT expecting.

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Guardians of the Garden by Theresa Pocock – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Guardians of the Garden (Guardians of the Garden, #1)Guardians of the Garden by Theresa Pocock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very enjoyable read! Her take on the Garden of Eden was something novel that really got me thinking. I would definitely classify this as a true YA book. My middle school/high school students will enjoy the intrigue of the plot and have them eagerly awaiting the next book in her series. I can’t wait to share this with them!

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