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Written in the Stars (Fallen Eagles MC Series Book 2) by T. Birmingham – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Written in the Stars (Fallen Eagles MC Book 2)Written in the Stars by T. Birmingham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Written in the Stars is the 2nd book in the Fallen Eagles MC Series by T. Birmingham. It continues after A Terrible Beauty, and should not be read as a stand alone. This story focuses on Winter and Eagle (or Davis) and their growing relationship. I like that it has overlapping characters and history from the first book, but enough of its own content to make it equally enjoyable. The characters are wonderful and their relationships are strong. At first I thought it was weird that Winter and her sisters are named after seasons, but after this book, it makes sense. Their personalities align with their names too which I thought was cool.
This book is a perfect balance of romance and suspense and kept me engaged start to finish. There is the mystery of the murders, but also the developing relationship. The more I got to know the characters, the more I loved them. I would like to read more about the Markham sisters, if the series continues. I love the real life situations, as well as the emotions involved. The hurt, love, self doubt, courage, fear, strength that the characters experience and often struggle with. Very real life down to earth story. Highly recommend it.

 

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A Terrible Beauty (Fallen Eagles MC Series) by T. Birmingham – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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A Terrible Beauty (Fallen Eagles MC Book 1)A Terrible Beauty by T. Birmingham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Terrible Beauty is the first book in T. Birmingham’s Fallen Eagles MC Series. It is listed as a novella but it didn’t feel that way to me when I was reading it. It has a lot of content, feeling, and background. The characters were well described, so you got a sense of who they were and their relationships with each other. It was well written, and I cannot wait to read the 2nd book in the series. I highly recommend it, but I do give caution to readers, there is some intense scenes involving sexual abuse and torture, along with some PTSD situations.
The book is largely about Kit Markham and her high school sweetheart Lee Devereaux, though there are a lot of important supporting characters. Both Lee and Kit served time in the military, and while they kept in contact, Kit went through some trauma she has hidden for years from nearly everyone. It has caused a lot of strain on their relationship. While they both love each other, is that enough? Can Kit get through her struggles and allow herself to be happy?

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Santa’s Little Helper by Shaan Ranae – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Santa's Little HelperSanta’s Little Helper by Shaan Ranae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Santa’s Little Helper is the first book I’ve read by Shaan Ranae. The cover image drew me in and I wanted to read it before I even know what it was about. It was a quick but cute romantic comedy that was entertaining and I read it in one sitting. Jake is the big wig, owner/boss of a department store his dad started. He is taking over and trying to make his dad proud and be a success, but he needs a Santa, and fast. He decides to fill in for the first shift, and cant take his eyes off the sexy elf. She almost makes it worth it for him to deal with bratty kids for a day. This is the start of a funny but cute relationship between Jake and the fiery redhead elf. Highly recommend the book. 5 star review.

 

reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

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The Crazy Yates by Kimberly Packard – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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The Crazy YatesThe Crazy Yates by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Note to self: Pay attention to book length. I was not prepared for this book to end so quickly! Like other Kimberly Packard books I have read, I didn’t want to put down The Crazy Yates, and read it in one setting. I highly recommend it and all her books. She writes in a way that you feel like you know the character. She is very descriptive and the characters are genuine and realistic. This is a short story about the Yates family, specifically Callie, the oldest daughter. She is left to look after her family when her father develops such bad anxiety and agoraphobia he cannot leave the house, and her mother cannot handle it and bails. Leaving Callie to raise and take care of her father, and younger brother and sisters. It seems like bad luck piled on bad. Will Callie get a Christmas miracle this year?

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Leaving Jackson Wolf by P.A. Kane – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Leaving Jackson WolfLeaving Jackson Wolf by P.A. Kane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Leaving Jackson Wolf is the first book I have read by P.A. Kane. I would definitely read more, because I really enjoyed this story. It is short, but has so much deep content. It is a coming of age story, but with more intense content. It is the story of Jackson Wolf and James McDougal, two teenage boys who started a friendship over being bullied. During the story, other teens are introduced, and they each seem to bond over their drunk fathers and rough lives. Jackson is biracial and his mom split when he was young, and he is left with an alcoholic, abusive father. James is scrawny and smart, so bullied for being a nerd. They soon become each others shoulder to lean on while they both go through some rough times, including breakups and losses of friendships and family members. Jackson learns to find strength in the strangest of places and what started as a chance, and reluctant encounter, was the change in his life he needed.

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Beachcomber Gone: Beachcomber Investigations Book 9: a Romantic Detective Series by Stephanie Queen – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Beachcomber GoneBeachcomber Gone by Stephanie Queen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Beachcomber Gone is book 9 in the Beachcomber Investigations series by Stephanie Queen, but it could be read as a stand alone book. I haven’t read the whole series, and I enjoyed this book. The chemistry between Dane and Shana is fun to read, and the book is full of suspense. The pace is quick, so it makes you not want to put it down.
Dane and Shana are finally engaged, and have decided to travel before tying the knot. They went on vacation to Australia, so Dane can meet Shana’s mom. But before they could even land, they found themselves in the middle of a case, and shortly after arriving, Shana is taken. She has become the lead suspect in one of her old cases, and must avoid being framed, while she and Dane work together to solve the case. Such a fun, fast moving book. I highly recommend it.

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A Frothy Christmas Kiss by Allyson R. Abbott – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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A Frothy Christmas KissA Frothy Christmas Kiss by Allyson R. Abbott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Frothy Christmas Kiss is the 4th book in the Christmas Kiss series by Allyson Abbott. It is a holiday romance about two people being brought together by coffee and falling in love. It is a great quick little read, and is perfect to knock out on a cold day, bundled on the couch. Or was that just me… Regardless, I recommend it, as its a cute story about Kat and Dan. Kat has moved to a new city, and loves trying new places. One day she finds an adorable little coffee shop, with the best scents, and menu board. Even better is the cute barista, who turns out to be the owner and creator of the most wonderful coffee blends. Both have instant attraction and are drawn to each other. A huge misunderstanding leads to a lot of wasted time and awkward moments. The best part of this story though, is the cat! Full of so much personality, and a expert matchmaker.

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A Pink Christmas Kiss by Allyson R. Abbott – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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A Pink Christmas KissA Pink Christmas Kiss by Allyson R. Abbott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Pink Christmas Kiss is a cute romance novel by Allyson R. Abbott. It is book 3 in her Sweet Holiday/Christmas Romance series, and one of my favorites. It drew me right in and kept me hooked until the end. I was rooting for a happily ever after, and was not disappointed. The characters were very real and relate able and I loved seeing both sides of their disagreements. Billie and Leroy were high school sweethearts, that ended abruptly when Billie moved away to New York City, expecting Leroy to follow. Leroy stayed home, expecting Billie to come back home to him. The lack of communication built walls and feelings of disappointment and hurt. When Billie returns home 5 years later to take over her dad’s business, she is hoping to rekindle the relationship. But, is it too late?

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A Tangy Christmas Kiss by Allyson R. Abbott – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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A Tangy Christmas KissA Tangy Christmas Kiss by Allyson R. Abbott
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Tangy Christmas Kiss is the 2nd in the four book series by Allyson R. Abbott. While I have read the first book, they are unrelated stories and can be read as a standalone. The book is about Melanie (Mel) and her crazy Christmas adventure. She gets a sudden, urgent request from her mother to go to Spain to take care of her aunt, after a surgery. Upon arriving at the airport, she gets some bad news, and has a big decisions to make. She takes the plunge and boards the plane anyway, and thus begins a series of awkward situations. She soon finds herself in a country she cant speak the language, and is in way over her head. She must rely on two strangers to get her through the next couple of weeks.
I had a hard time figuring out where the book was going, as there is so much unknown until the very end. Typically I like a good mystery romance, but I wasn’t as hooked on this book as I was book 1. It is a cute story and there are some funny parts. I liked seeing what became of Mel and her two Spanish men. Overall it was still a good book, and I will continue the series to see if book 3 wins me back.

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The Changeup (A Resort Romance Novel Book 6) by Mary Billiter – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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The Changeup (Resort Romance #6)The Changeup by Mary Billiter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Changeup is by Mary Billiter is advertised as A Resort Romance Novel Book 6. Its the first book I have read, and since I enjoyed it, I have looked for other books in the series. I cannot find them, so I cant speak to them, but I give this book a 4 star. I really enjoyed it, it had a good mix of drama, suspense and romance. I would read more books by the author, and hope to find the rest of this series. Rebel and Ryan at first glance should never work out, but they develop an instant relationship and must quickly learn how to trust each other, when there is so much at risk.
Rebel is in Witness Protection and has just been relocated to ensure her safety, while awaiting trial. Her entire life has been turned upside down after discovering, and reporting a crime. She was forced to change her name, job and location. At least the newest location is at a swanky resort, in Long Beach. Never mind the fact she is still working in the basement.
Ryan is a former baseball player that didn’t make it to the big leagues He is now in training to become a sheriff deputy. He has memorized the handbook, and knows all the rules. But that may not be enough, when he stumbles across a dead body. Despite being an official cop, he finds himself in the middle of solving a murder mystery.

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