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Master Trentino (Masters of the Consulate Book 3) by Sylvia Black – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Master TrentinoMaster Trentino by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love this new take on vampires!! This is the 3rd book in the author’s series, however, it is the first one I am reading. I love that it is a series, but I felt you did not need to have read the first 2 to understand this book. It is one of those that while in a series, they are also stand alone because each story is about a different set of characters. The new take on the fact that vampires are actually the good guys who have been smeared through history. Everyone knows about all the different species, but humans hate the vampires due to horrible rumors being spread through the ages.

In this book, the vampire world is looking for a trader among their ranks. There are people stealing women and killing innocents to become the most powerful of beings. Trentino is one of the head vampires, Masters, trying to figure out what is going on, who is behind it all, and a way to prove they are not the enemy to the rest of the world. Through the process of searching for the trader, Trentino sires a special human named Angel. Angel is a medium and speaks to the dead, just like her deceased grandmother. Her family is part of a powerful mafia who has hated the vampire community their entire lives. However, one night after meeting Trentino, all that will change. She never feared him and always felt a strong pull or connection before she even knew what he was. The story is a progression of their relationship and how she fairs in his world. She becomes a part of a world she once hated to save her new race. One of the things I love about the book are the characters. The men are dominating, protecting, but respectful and open. The women are badass. While their mates try to protect them, they are also the answer to defeating the bad in the world. The women can fight, take care of themselves, but also respect the order of their world. It also didn’t hurt that the author knows how to write a sex scene – just enough to get you going!

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Forbidden Moon (The Shadow Chronicles Book 3) by CR Robertson – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Forbidden MoonForbidden Moon by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again, the author created an exciting edition to the series. In Forbidden Moon, as the third book, Levi and Tasha are continuing to find a way to rid the world of the hellspawn. However, they have a new addition, their daughter, Persephone. This little girl may be the key to all of the chaos due to her amazing, developing powers. She is also the first mixed breed, so no one knows what will become of her and how far she will be able to span her powers. However, all of them believe between Tasha, Persephone, and the other witches, they are the key to serenity, but we will have to wait to see. In addition, this book provides information that is deemed important for how it all began and how they suspected the problem to be solved, but everything is always changing.
One of the things that makes these books so good is not only the story telling, but the dynamics of the characters. The love story between Levi and Tasha is only something we can all hope to have. In one scene, Tasha’s sister states, “I can’t help but want someone in my life who looks at me as if I’m the last morsel in the base and he’s starving.” She explains the love between Levi and Tasha perfectly – they have passion, commitment, desire, basically what one would call an all consummate love – the best kind. I can’t wait to see where the story is taken and hope for a happy ending for all of them!

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Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite Book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite, #3)Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As usual, the author produced another romantic dark drama within the mafia families. This book is about Emiliana (Em), one of the mafia’s princesses. In the previous book, we learn a lot of Em and how she was kidnapped, trafficked, but also eventually saved by Stefano – the secret love of her life. In this book, we dive deeper into Em’s story and the secret love she has had for Stefano, her entire life. Stefano feels the same as Em, but his father, an evil mob boss who holds her over his head in order to get what he wants. Throughout this book, the two of them build their romance, go public, and try to find a way to live happily ever after. I love the way the author puts a story down, makes it easy to read, and while getting details is also straight to the point. My most favorite aspect of this book however, is the bad ass women! While each of the mafia books are geared around a main female character, I thought this particular one showed a different side. You know, growing up in a mafia family, you have to have a hard shell, training, and vigilance. The women, especially Em, showed that while the husbands, boyfriends, and bosses are not to be messed with, well neither are their women!!

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Blindsided by T. Christensen – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Blindsided: A Contemporary Sports RomanceBlindsided: A Contemporary Sports Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Friends, loves, enemies – the path friendship can take when we are teens is twisted. In this book, a girl by the name of Kirsa is friends with the boy next door, Brock. They are inseparable, until one day the “third wheel” of a friend, Victoria, is caught in a compromising position with Brock. Teenage hormones got the best of those two and was the first factor towards ruining the friendship between Kirsa and Brock. A lack of communication snowballs into the two becoming enemies throughout all of high school. However, it wasn’t just being enemies, Brock vowed to make Kirsa’s life a living hell for all of high school and he didn’t disappoint. In the end, the truth always comes out, it just sucks that so many lives had to be cut down and ruined to get there.

Well, this book produced many different feelings for me in relation to my past and present. As a mother of a teen, there were parts of this book that were scary. No one person should have to go through what Kirsa had to deal with. My heart felt angry, hurt, and just wanted to reach out and hug her. However, thinking of Brock’s position, I remember being a teen and not knowing who was trustworthy, my real friend, wanted something from me, etc. All in all, I thought I enjoyed this book.
While the content hit close to home, it also was realistic and provided a lot of teaching moments: communication is key to any relationship – that means listening too; everyone needs a friend and is entitled to one; and there will always be someone who rises above the bullies and takes a stand. My most favorite lesson in this book, however, is you are stronger than you think. When things seem like they can’t get worse, if you keep going, believe that you are worth it, those thoughts can lead you to get through anything, and in return you might just come out on top.

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The Web of Humanity by Maria Turchin – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

The Web of Humanity: A NovelThe Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a person who loves solving puzzles and learning about the stories of ancestors, The Web of Humanity was a great choice. The story is one of many themes involving love, friendship, hardship through war, coincidences, and family. It’s a journey about a woman named Anna who becomes interested in her grandmother’s hidden past. Right before her grandmother dies, she gives Anna just a tiny glimpse of the past events that she endured. This glimpse sends Anna’s curiosity sky high, and she begins a journey to find out the whole truth behind her grandmother’s hidden past. While this was a long journey, when reading, it provided inspiration of wonder and full circle moments, and really making you think about what all the connections and events in one’s life really could mean.

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Rock Me to the Top (Gracefall: Vicious Love Tour) by Victoria Zak – Reviewed by Dr. Anya Schultz

Rock Me To The Top (Gracefall: Vicious Love Tour Book One)Rock Me To The Top by Victoria Zak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

  • I just loved this book. It is a story about two friends who have secretly loved each other over the last decade or so. One of these friends is a rock and roll princess and the other a newly famous member of a rock and roll band. They never let their friendship become more due to the past both of them hold. However, times are changing and both of them feel it is also time for a change, but what does that mean for their friendship? The reason I loved this story so much is for the realistic aspect it held in the sequence of events. There are ups, downs, tragedies, etc. Some time in our life we have all had to make a decision on whether friendship is worth it, worth it to be more, and what it would look like if all went wrong. I enjoyed the characters, their banter, their friendship, and the love they possess while supporting each other’s dreams. The way they carried themselves through the love story is a good lesson for all – support each other’s dreams, lift each other up, and be patient.View all my reviews

Drummer’s Beat (Satan’s Devils MC #2) AUDIO BOOK by Manda Mellett – Reviewed by Dr. Anya Schultz

Drummer’s Beat is a story about a girl named Sam, who is out looking for her relative. This relative is apparently part of a biker organization, but she knows how hard it is to get into these “clubs”. Luckily, for her, not only is she a mechanic and rides a motorcycle, but breaks down near the compound and is “rescued” by the leader of the biker club. As the story continues, she has to prove that she is only there to learn about this relative and not to cause any trouble. What everyone is unaware of is that trouble is going to find her. She eventually gains some trust and “something else” from the club president (who is unfamiliar with the feelings he is possessing). But in the end, he will do what he needs to to protect her. This was my first biker related story I have read – and while I thought the story itself was fine, it will probably be my last biker story. I am one who likes a kink style book and some raunchiness at times, but I was a little put off by the culture portrayed, especially towards women.

Conveniently Yours (Titans of Manhattan BOOK 1) by Anise Storm – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Conveniently Yours (Titans Of Manhattan #1)Conveniently Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story is the first in the series, Titans of Manhattan. The first titan we learn about is Caspian Archer, millionaire, running Archer Enterprises, a company started and owned by his uncle. Caspian is a workaholic, so his dying uncle has a plan to change that around. Caspian must get married and partake in that agreement for at least 1 year and a day in order to keep his position at Archer Enterprises. To say the least, he is not happy about this and feels his life is good the way it is. Little did he know, all that was about to change when he ran into an old friend from his childhood, a childhood he has tried to desperately forget. You watch this arrangement between two people bloom into a great friendship and love story, with some bumps along the way! I always love a book where you are getting each character’s thought process on the pages and not guessing what they are feeling. I really enjoyed the relationship between Caspian and Paisley. The relationship was honest, brutal at times, full of devotion, and had many sexy encounters. I look forward to the other titan’s story!

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Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J. Berger Illustrator: K.C. Snider – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Mom, Is There a Santa Claus?Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J. Berger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a pretty good children’s holiday book. The book provides a great way of answering the question that all kids ask “Is there really a Santa?”. This is probably a question that all parents dread one day, feeling once they ask the magic of Christmas may be lost. However, the book answers the question in a magical way by explaining the spirit of Christmas and the idea of Santa, rather than just saying nope no Santa. In the book, the young child took that message and kept the dream alive for all the believers out there. While I did think there could have been more said or pondered about by the kid who acquired this new found information, I believed that it provided a great message of how to give kids the truth they are seeking, without causing “loss”.

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Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, book 2) by Amy McKinley – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, #2)Blood Oath by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second book of this series, just like the first, did not disappoint. This is a story about mafia princess Sofia who is being “hunted” by the Russian mafia. Sofia is a designer who is about to take off in the fashion world in Milan. However, prior to this adventure, a person from her past shows up and everyone knows that trouble is coming. Sofia has brothers who will not let anything happen to her, however, another would also come to her aid and much more. Enzo is the son of a high ranking mob boss, but has always pledged to keep Sophia safe. When they were younger they performed a blood oath and he always promised to keep her out of harm’s way. They have been “estranged” ever since his promised bride went missing along with his sister. He thought by staying away from Sophia, it would help keep her safe but he was wrong. So, Enzo and Sophia end up taking this journey together while he plays bodyguard and they both try to ignore their feelings for one another.
I always love a great, steamy, romance between friends that becomes more.
Some of the best relationships start out as friends and the bond can become something so different. That seems to happen for Enzo and Sophia. I really enjoy this series. The characters, the steaminess, and the combination of bad boy at the whims of the woman he loves just truly does it for me.

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The Groomsman (Unexpected Series – Book 2) by Marina Hanna – Reviewed by Dr. Anya Schultz

The GroomsmanThe Groomsman by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great romance is portrayed in “The Groomsman”. This is a story about an unavailable, lifelong bachelor, Mark, and a hopeless romantic, Lauren. They meet at a wedding, like so many singles, but instantly have a strong connection. Only problem is Mark is emotionally unavailable and only like to have sex with women, but never a relationship. Lauren has him questioning all of those original insights he thinks he has. What he doesn’t tell her is that there is another person in his life that takes precedent. Lauren is a great character and while always wanting to find love, she is patient, genuine, and willing to work for what she wants. I loved watching her grow as a character and feeling pleased in the end with how she handled herself. Mark, however, over complicates everything and you kind of want to shake him into reality. However, in the end, the two characters find their way, flaws and all, in order to find everlasting happiness. I really enjoyed their love story and watching the ups and downs so many of us have dealt with in our lives. I think they could also teach us a few things about love: it is worth waiting, don’t over complicate an existing feeling, and if you stay true to yourself, but learn from your mistakes, anything can happen!

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Surprise Baby for Mr. Fischer (Curvy Ever After Book 2) by Stephanie Harrell – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Surprise Baby for Mr. Fischer (Curvy Ever After, #2)Surprise Baby for Mr. Fischer by Stephanie Harrell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Surprise Baby for Mr. Fischer is a great contemporary romance about a famous actor, Lincoln, who falls in love with Harper, a local girl from Rhode Island, who he had an amazing weekend with. Four months after their amazing weekend, Lincoln returns to Rhode Island to a house he bought, hoping to rekindle what had happened between them. To his surprise, Harper is pregnant with his baby. Both characters are fighting their own demons, Lincoln – his childhood, and Harper – a fear of being in the public’s eye and self-confidence being a curvy girl. They are each also trying to live the dreams they have for themselves (Lincoln – famous actor; Harper – traveling picker vlog). These demons and hopes for dreams try to “distract” them from a future that they know they both want and deserve – love and raising the baby as a family! However, most of the time, Harper can’t get out of her own way, so how do they make this work?
I just fell in love with Lincoln from the beginning of the book. I think the story between the two characters is love in the making. I knew I loved this book because it gave me a lot of feelings. One, I think it portrayed famous people and men in a better light than we are used to. Also making it a point to have a main character that can’t be seen as society’s version of perfect, for Harper, was great to read about since I am a curvy girl myself. However, Harper also made me very mad at times. As a female, I know we are exhausting, but seeing it on paper just infuriated me. Why do females sometimes just have to ruin something so perfect out of fear, bias, or stereotypes. Many of us women go through it and make mistakes when it comes to love until someone on the other end of the love decides they won’t let that happen – thank goodness for Lincoln.

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Nite Fire: Smoke & Mirrors (Book 3) AUDIO BOOK by C.L. Schneider – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Nite Fire: Smoke and Mirrors is a fantasy book about Dahlia Nite, a half-dragon shapeshifter. Dahlia is now living among the humans, not really fitting in, however, she didn’t fit into her original world either. However, what she doesn’t realize is that these two worlds are about to collide. She works with the police department trying to engage in “normal” life, but to live this normal life also means she lives in lies and deception. One night, by the river, dismembered body parts were discovered and now Dahlia had to try and figure out this oddity. Luckily, the secrets that she holds helps her on this endeavor, however, she will have to explain and deceive her partner to get to the bottom (a partner who only knows enough about the world she came from, but not to the extent needed to keep everyone safe). This is my first book by this author and I thought CL Schneider provided a new outlook on the fantasy world. The story line was intriguing, however, there were a lot of characters I had to keep up with and what relation or world did they originate from. With that said, the characters she portrayed were different then in other fantasy books I have read, plus they were developed, complex, but also relatable.

Fool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fool Me Twice is a psychological thriller about a woman named “Shelby Cooper”. Shelby Cooper is a mom, wife, and scientist that left a shady past and kept the secrets of then locked away. However, what Shelby doesn’t know is that the past and present are about to collide and bite her in the ass, but for reasons she cannot comprehend. This was a well written, nail biting, page-turner. The author, while changing stories among the characters throughout, still made it very easy to follow without getting lost. What I think I loved most was the fact that each character she wrote about had a strong, brave, assertive present, but with each being able to show a loving side, too. One of my favorite characters was actually, Abbie, Shelby’s daughter. She is a feisty, smart, brave young woman. I was glad to hear that the author has created a series around this character and I can’t wait to read it.

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Born to Fight (Can’t Resist You Book 1) by Brittany Anne – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Born to Fight (Can't Resist You, #1)Born to Fight by Brittany Anne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This romantic, dystopia novel reminded me a lot of a t.v. show I used to watch called “Revolution”. The world finds itself divided with evil people (the UNR) running the country, “soldiers” that become the revolution, and living to survive only. Hunter, one of the leaders of the revolution, is marching in his father’s foot, steps and trying to bring freedom back to the people. While trying to save a woman, from the UNR, he becomes badly injured. While unconscious, he is found by a lone woman, named Rain, who takes him to her bunker to care for him. Not knowing why she is taking care of this stranger, she remembers how it feels to be around another person, since it has been 2 years. Throughout their journey, they each allow the other to enhance their weakness – Hunter’s is stone emotions and Rain’s is trust. I really enjoyed the first of two books in this series. I love watching the characters grow, the struggles they overcome, and the ambition to make it all worth it. Can’t wait till I can read the second one!

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Noémie’s Journey AUDIO BOOK by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

In “Noémie’s Journey”, Richard Winters rode his beloved motorcycle from New York to North Carolina trying to escape his past. As he was trying to start a new life, an unexpected interest, Noémie Bellerose, caught his attention. However, in 1968, in the south, this was going to cause some problems since he was a white man intrigued with a woman who came from a problem family and was not 100% white. Through their journey, they faced many trials and tribulations due to individuals in town not agreeing with this possible arrangement. In addition, Noémie and her younger brother also have to deal with an alcoholic and abusive father. They were realistic about what a relationship would mean; did this hinder or enhance their future? I thought this was a pretty good book. I enjoyed the message the book was portraying: diversity isn’t something to fear; adversity can make one stronger; having a partner helps soften the blow; and love can conquer so much, to name a few.   

Why We Don’t Die in Dreams: Book 1 by Debbie Zello – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Why we don't die in DreamsWhy we don’t die in Dreams by Debbie Zello
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Debbie Zello messes with your mind in the story of “Why We Don’t Die in Dreams”. This is a paranormal/erotica genre read that is thrilling, sexy, and crazy. The story starts with a man by the name of Gavin McLean who is a detective in Boston. His partner Lou (female) becomes his go to, number one, all while he is struggling with very weird, descriptive, life-like dreams about women being killed. The kicker is that he is not the only one, but what does that mean? As I read it, I loved his character traits of being pompous, but sweet, self-centered, but caring of others, all at the same time. However, through the journey there were times where I was completely confused; there are a couple changes of events that happen without warning and you are saying “WTF I need to go back and read that again because I missed something”. Once you got over the shock of the changing events, the story got more and more interesting, but you have to be into erotic, craziness to enjoy – which I am!! I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series.

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No Strings Attached by Lara Ward Cosio- Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

No Strings AttachedNo Strings Attached by Lara Ward Cosio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lara Ward Cosio created a really well-written romance that is sweet, loving, realistic, but also very steamy, at times. This story is about a woman raising her daughter alone after her ex boyfriend, a rock star, abandons them. It has been many years since Kayla has been with a man or even interested. However, in her daily routine of getting coffee meets a man she nicknames “Buns-of-Steel-guy”. Her obsession with his ass gets her caught, and that same man becomes intrigued with this stranger. Both are extremely busy with life, want more, but for the time being, settled into a “friends with benefits” routine. However, as many know, when you start to catch feelings, that same casualness is hard to maintain. Their journey takes you on a very realistic, romantic love story. I really enjoyed the interaction between the 2 characters and how easily they were able to just pick up on each other’s ways/needs/interactions. It was also really great to read a 1 and done book since it seems all stories today are in multiples.

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Dating the It Guy by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Dating the It GuyDating the It Guy by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am not even sure where to start!!! I can tell you that I am crushing hard on the male lead in this book, but more importantly it reminded me of many life lessons that I continue to still work on. This is a young adult romance story that is about a girl named Emme. Emme is a sophomore in high school having to deal with a lot of life changing events. She is dealing with a sick grandmother, a sick grandfather, school, finding her soulmate, etc. while trying to figure out her way in the world. She starts to fall for a boy named Brendon who is the senator’s son. Well she comes to find out looks can be deceiving – in good and bad ways. The two of them have ups and downs in their relationship due to, one of the most common issues in all relationships, communication malfunctions.

As an older woman, I got really mad at Emme in a lot of the story because I just wanted to reach out and tell her it gets better, as women we get better, don’t be so stupid or quick to judge, listen as much as you want to be listened to, and that our thought process does get better as we age and learn. I remember being young, crazy, paranoid, and all the unknowing ideas that come with being young and in love. Women, as many of us know, are complicated creatures. How we end up that way I am not sure, but for many we learn the hard way about getting to where we are going. The one thing I really loved about Brendon was how he also recognized the crazy but kept pushing forward as much as he could because he knew she was worth it. That to me is the true sign of unconditional love – knowing the person is crazy, but knowing you want to be a part of that crazy.

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A Natural Passion by Tammy Mannersly – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

A Natural PassionA Natural Passion by Tammy Mannersly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Natural Passion is set at a turtle conservation center, the center is trying to protect egg nests along the coast that continue to be poached. Dylan, is a 32 year-old male, who runs the center. Dylan is in love with Kyra, an intern, who is 10 years younger. However, Kyra has a crush on Jake, who is a complete ass. It’s a love story that evolves due to having the same passions for natural life. I thought that the story itself was sweetly predictable. The development of the love story was sweet and I am glad that the good guy won in the end. I would have liked a little more of the story of seeing them together, but at the end you knew they would go on to have an amazing relationship. In the end, it was an easy and easy read that made you feel satisfied at the end.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amy McKinley is my favorite author right now!! Everything she writes is just amazing. She has a way to write a story that is just relatable, steamy, and just gives you all the feels. No Way Out is a mafia romance between Max and Liliana, two opposing mafia families. Liliana, at the beginning, is a pawn in her father’s mafia ways, but Max eventually comes to her rescue. Max is a son of a mob boss, who was thought to have died. Both characters have been betrayed by their families, but find it among themselves to unite together, safeguard each other, and find true love through the craziness of their mafia lives. I cannot wait till this October when the next book comes out!!!

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Code Name: Vulture (The Order of the Condor Series Book 1) by Maya Daniels and Sylvia Black- Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Code Name: Vulture: Dark Vampire Romance (The Order of the Condor Series Book 1)Code Name: Vulture: Dark Vampire Romance by Maya Daniels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Code Name: Vulture is the first book in a new series about a woman, Danielle, who is a curator of a museum. The story starts at an auction where she is “guaranteed” to obtain an ancient artifact that holds many secrets. What she doesn’t realize is she is not the only one after this particular artifact. After being outbid, she obsesses about losing the artifact to some stranger. What she doesn’t know is that he will not be a stranger for long, but her mate. I really enjoyed this first book. As someone who loves dark vampire romances, it did not disappoint. While I did think that it started a little slow and confusing, I was able to catch up pretty quickly. Once I was a couple chapters in, I was hooked. Now, there are a lot of these types of novels, so I am always looking for a different point of view. I think the author did really well with bringing a new aspect to the stories we have heard in so many different ways. I look forward to the rest of the series.

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Caught by Him by Tammy Mannersly – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Caught by HimCaught by Him by Tammy Mannersly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved this short and sweet whirlwind romance between Brody and Willa. A story of 2 strangers that meet in the night, through a strange mishap, that instantly have a connection. The best part about this book was the banter and playfulness that the characters had. As a girl who loves a good romance novel, for as much banter as the two had, I was wishing for a little more detail in the sex department. The most endearing part, for me however, was the fact that Brody handled himself, as to what I believe, a true man should. He was kind, supportive, patient, caring, sexy, playful, down to earth, but also driven. Lets just say Willa wasn’t the only girl falling in love with him!!

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Forbidden Mate (The Shadow Chronicles Book 2) by CR Robertson- Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Forbidden MateForbidden Mate by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In book 1, Forbidden Wolf, you fell in love with the two main characters, Levi and Tasha. In this second book, you fell in love with their story and the strength that love can provide. Levi and Tasha once again are trying to win this war against the hellspawn (and those that oppose their connection). At every turn, the couple is dealing with diversity, and when things start to look up, something else gets in their path. But the bond and strength and uniqueness of being mated helps conquer even the most turmoil of situations. One thing I just love about paranormal romances is the way authors talk about bonds, love, soul mates, etc. It is done in such a way that you yearn for those feelings. CR Robertson writes in a fashion where I can physically feel what these characters are feeling just by reading the words – that’s talent.

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The Sound of Silence AUDIO BOOK by Dakota Willink – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Dakota Willink never ceases to amaze me with her storytelling. The Sound of Silence is a suspenseful, dark romance about a woman named Gia. Gia finally finds love to find out it is never the kind you want. She finds herself in a controlling, abusive relationship but in the end finds happiness. Reading of her struggles, courage, and perseverance really pulled at my heartstrings. While nothing to this severity, this reminded me of my own story. As a teenager, I found myself for 4 years, in an abusive, controlling relationship. I allowed this behavior because I thought I loved him and that he loved me. He would be a different person behind closed doors, but then find ways to weasel himself back into my heart every time. It wasn’t until I was 18 that I had had enough of feeling like I wasn’t worth anything. About a year later, I met an amazing man who I now call my husband. Like Derek (Gia’s saving grace), my husband was very patient with a girl who was broken. However, he saw something in me that I thought I had lost – a woman who deserved to be loved and cared for with respect. So, thank you Dakota Willink for writing this amazing story of survival – I truly believe that it gives hope to those individuals out there that are struggling with similar experiences, and hopeful it will also give them enough courage to find a different path because they are all worth it.  

Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Hanging Softly in The Night: A Detective Nick Larson NovelHanging Softly in The Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This novel is a detective thriller where Detective Larson is trying to solve a string of suicides. However, Larson’s intuition is normally never wrong, and he feels that there is something strange and chaotic about the suicides. This book, while a thriller with some sensitive scenarios, is written in such a way that not only are you saying “OMG” but also falling in love with characters, feeling for the friends and family, as well as, feeling the confidence that these crimes will be solved. As someone who loves to solve puzzles, this was a great read. I was constantly trying to figure out where the evidence was going and who could be behind all of the craziness. The craziness was wrapped around a budding love story that presents itself from a turbulent past. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series that will probably focus on these new beginnings that may be soiled from ghosts past.

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Bared. (A Green St. Girls Romance) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Bared. (Green St. Girls #1)Bared. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

N.D. Jackson writes a woman empowered, steamy romance with Bared. Athena, the main character, is a badass, wealthy, business owner that doesn’t believe she can be happy, until Tru. Athena’s past keeps her from moving forward until pushed to question that thinking when an unexpected man comes into her life. I just fell in love with all of the characters. The two main characters, Athena and Tru, had a sexy banter style relationship that made me have all the feels. As a woman, I truly appreciated the character of Athena. She was just sassy, brilliant, successful, funny, etc. It was refreshing to read, what seems so realistic, but empowering – showing the past shouldn’t define our present.

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Sinful Daughter (Dark Mafia Sins Book 1) by Emily Bowie – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Sinful DaughterSinful Daughter by Emily Bowie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This mafia romance had me feeling so many things!! This is my first Emily Bowie book and I learned that she is a great writer. This is a story about how a mafia princess secretly falls in love with an enemy. The book takes you through the ups and downs and difficulty love can bring when it is forbidden. Throughout the book, my emotions went on a roller coaster from anger to curiosity to steamy to heartache and to love. I literally was oohing, aahhing, smiling, and crying throughout. The way she uses description had me in the mix of this mafia family. She made it suspenseful, surprising, a happy ending that didn’t come easily, and left me wanting to read the rest of her series!! It was one of those books that when I went to bed last night I dreamt about the book because I was sad it was over!

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The Third Nanny (Secrets of Redemption) by Michele PW (Pariza Wacek) – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

The Third NannyThe Third Nanny by Michele Pariza Wacek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well, this review might be a hard one to write because I don’t want to give anything away! This was a psychological, twisted story about a toxic sister relationship. Secretive details about a sister’s life start to unfold, while the other sister follows, literally, in her footsteps. I enjoyed the fact that the story kept me bouncing ideas back and forth about what could be going on. I did start to get an idea half-way through the book about this surprising ending. However, as a psychological professional, my mind tends to wander in ways that many people don’t – it’s dark and a little pathological. I would say if you want to be surprised, try to enjoy the book and not over analyze it like I tend to do. Worth the read!

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Defined (The Cadence Duet Book 2) AUDIO BOOK by Dakota Willink – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

This book gave me so many different feelings. It will make you feel love, sadness, worry, hope, and so much more. Cadence Defined is a book about a love that never faded, but was unattainable. Circumstances of politics created chaos and sadness until they found each other again. The story felt relatable and realistic, which made you yearn for a happy ending, in hopes that all of us can obtain our own happy endings. As an audiobook, I thought that the narrators were well picked. There were two narrators (one male and one female), each playing their part. One thing I wish would have occurred is that the male and female would have each played their part within each chapter, instead of the male or female playing both parts of the chapter they were narrating. But, otherwise, this was a great read!!