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Life’s a Witch (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 3) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Life's a Witch (New Orleans Nocturnes, #3)Life’s a Witch by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Life’s a Witch is book 3 in the New Orleans Nocturnes series by Carrie Pulkinen. This series is hilarious and I highly recommend it. As you can see from the titles- the author has a great sense of humor. Super natural is not my normal genre of book, but I love these. They are about witches, vampires, demons, etc but they are not dark and super paranormal. They take place in New Orleans in modern day and are so light hearted and funny. This book focuses on Crimson and Mike, a witch and a devil’s advocate. It does contain Crimson’s friends, characters from the first two books, but their involvement is so minimal is it is not necessary to read in order. You could start with any book and go back and read the others if you wanted, or read as a stand alone. I love the author’s writing style, she is great at describing the situations and people. She also had me in near tears several times due to laughing so hard. There is a scene that takes place in the bathroom after too many bean burritos- I was dying! Highly recommend this series, its a quick read and it will keep you engaged from start to finish.

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No Rest for the Wicked (Life Is Hell Book 1) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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

No Rest for the Wicked is book 1 in Naomi Valkyrie’s Life is Hell series. It is my first demon book, so i didn’t know what to expect. It was really good, written with enough details that I was not confused. There was a lot of good description so I could envision the different characters. There were demons, angels, witches, and more. I love Delilah’s character. She is very sarcastic and has a I don’t give a F attitude. The book had me laughing out loud a couple times. Despite being a killer, she is a pretty cool chick, lol. The book had a lot of characters, and their relationships and history were well written. The book ended good, it wasn’t a cliff hanger, but ended open enough to leave readers anticipating the next story. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Quickly became a fan of the author and her writing style.

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Shift Happens: A Paranormal Romantic Comedy (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 2) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Shift Happens (New Orleans Nocturnes, #2)Shift Happens by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shift Happens: A Paranormal Romantic Comedy is the 2nd book in the New Orleans Nocturnes series by Carrie Pulkinen. This is not your average paranormal series. These books are hilarious and light hearted. While you don’t HAVE to read the books in order, the story line does continue and characters and timeline overlap. And they are great, so do yourself a favor and read them all. I am already working on book 3. This book is the story of Sophie and Trace. Sophie is the best friend of Jane (from book 1). Sophie moved to New Orleans to follow her bff, and to follow a fortune teller prophesy. She believes she is a witch, since her grandmother was a witch. She wants to hook up with a werewolf, but that wish came with a little too much baggage attached. A were bites her by mistake, and it is the start of a whole series of problems. But its not all bad, it does bring her teamed up with Trace- smokin hot cop by day, werewolf by night. The banter between these two is hilarious and had me hooked from the start. There is so much sarcasm in these pages, you will be in tears from laughter.

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Moonlight and Belladonna: A Small Town Halloween Romance (Hartwood Holiday Romance) by Jae Dawson – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Moonlight and BelladonnaMoonlight and Belladonna by Jae Dawson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Moonlight and Belladonna is part of Jae Dawson’s Hartwood Falls Romance series. I haven’t read these before, but it was really good so I look forward to reading the others. There are little things she does in her writing that just makes the characters more realistic. For example, Bella’s preferred wardrobe being pinup Rockabilly style, tells us a lot about her personality. Always having Cade in band t-shirts. Calling his grandparents Gram and Gramps, instead of just Grandma and Grandpa. Its just the little things that make the characters more loveable. I love the relationship Cade has with his band mates and grandparents. I also loved that the building feelings between Bella and Cade were slow building through the whole story. The sarcastic comments they make to each other, building a friendship before a relationship. All these things, and more, is what drew me into the story. I didn’t want to put it down. Great writing style, love it!

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The Opposite of Addie: A Novel (Friendship & Secrets) by Julie C. Gardner – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

The Opposite of AddieThe Opposite of Addie by Julie C. Gardner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Opposite of Addie is part of the Secrets in the Springs series by Julie C Gardner. It is a full story, and I am not sure if the other books overlap or are the same story. This is the first I have read in this series, but I would read more, and I don’t feel like I was missing any backstory. I was really worried at first about all the perspectives getting confusing, but it was well written and smooth transitions. We see the story from the point of view of Addie, Jake, Josie and Alex. While weird at first, I actually really liked it. We get to see the feelings and thoughts of everyone in the story and it gives a rounded view, and relate more. It makes the story more relatable. She captures the thoughts and language of a child as well as adults. The feelings were very realistic and gave us a better understanding to the why people did what they did. I look forward to reading the other stories in the series.

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Shattered Snow (The Mirror Chronicles Book 1) by Rachel Huffmire – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Shattered SnowShattered Snow by Rachel Huffmire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shattered Snow is a wonderful new take on the Snow White story. It combines the well known story with time travel in a new, unique way. I love how all the characters are intertwined later in the story. In the beginning I didn’t think it was a Snow White twisted tale, but as the story moves along, it all came together. There is the evil stepmother, a huntsman, the dwarves, the loving townspeople, and a version of prince charming. It was a little confusing at first, understanding the time travel, but it was clear by the end. I love the book and highly recommend to people who enjoy the re-telling of classics. It has another cute tie in to the Grimm brothers at the end, that I loved. Can’t wait to read the second story, which looks to be a twist on Sleeping Beauty.

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License to Bite: A Paranormal Romantic Comedy (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 1) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

License to Bite (New Orleans Nocturnes, #1)License to Bite by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

License to Bite: A Paranormal Romantic Comedy is the first book in the New Orleans Nocturnes series by Carrie Pulkinen. It is the first book I have read, but I will continue the series because it was hilarious. The book is about Jane Anderson, daughter of Texas governor, going to New Orleans for Mardi Gras with her best friend. She is trying to be independent and prove to her dad and brothers she can make it as a blogger, but gets herself into quite a pickle. She finds herself being turned into a vampire on her second night there, which is bad enough… but she can’t stand the sight, or idea, of blood. Jane is sassy and sarcastic, and her “sire” Ethan is torn between being annoyed with her, and the magnetic draw he has to her. He first thought she was his past fiancé, but he was so very wrong. The banter between Ethan and Jane, and Ethan and his sire Gaston, is perfect. (Jane even ties in Beauty and the Beast song when she learns his name, had me dying laughing) I like that this isn’t the normal dark vampire story, but instead is a funny ironic take on it. I can’t wait to read the other stories in the series.

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Kismet Heart: A Protector Romance (A Surviving Love Novel Book 1) by Brinda Berry – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Kismet Heart: A Protector Romance (A Surviving Love Novel Book 1)Kismet Heart: A Protector Romance by Brinda Berry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kismet Heart: A Protector Romance is the first book in the Surviving Love series by Brinda Berry. I hadn’t read her work before, but the book summary drew me in and I wanted to read it. Right from the start, I couldn’t put the book down. The story is so capturing, from the characters, to their history, to the mystery treasure hunt feel. Ace and Malerie are good leads and work together well. Malerie has quite the spunk and flirt for someone who never ventures outside. And Ace is quite mysterious but also very sweet and protective. The book was very well written, but the ending totally disappointed me. I felt like there was such a work up and intensity, and then it just cut off. I guess I was hoping for some big reveal, some twist, etc and it wasn’t how I expected it to end. Despite that, I still highly recommend the book because it was a great story. The character’s chemistry is perfectly built and it has a good level of mystery and suspense. I will definitely read more of Berry’s work.

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Tidal Love by KM Lowe – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Tidal LoveTidal Love by K.M. Lowe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tidal Love was such a good book. Its my first time reading KM Lowe, but I can’t wait to read more. I didn’t want to put it down- literally… read the entire book within 24 hours. I liked that it was more than just a romance story. The story has its fair share of drama, and each character has a background heartbreaking story. While the story tells about Harleigh and Giovanni, we also learn about their brothers and parents. The story is quite graphic and emotional, and might be a sensitive topic, as it has physical, verbal and sexual abuse. But Harleigh breaks free, and her family sends her on a trip to Bulgaria, so she has time to find herself and relax. The little town is pretty magical and the author does an amazing job of describing it. We experience it along with the characters. Both Giovanni and Harleigh have heartbreak in their past, and make them hesitant to trust and love again. But they have an instant attraction and I loved watching their vacation romance blossom. The end of the book turned out somewhat what I expected, although I wasn’t sure of the details. For some it may catch off guard. Highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read more by Lowe. Wonderful author!

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CAFE CONFIDENTIAL: An unfiltered and intimate memoir by Lynda Filler – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

CAFE CONFIDENTIAL: An unfiltered and intimate memoirCAFE CONFIDENTIAL: An unfiltered and intimate memoir by Lynda Filler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cafe Confidential: an unfiltered and intimate memoir is not something I would normally read. It is the first I have read by Lynda Filler, but it sounded interesting. It is written in an auto biographical format, in recent years (she talks about Covid toward the end). The author tells her story of how she sold everything and travelled the world. She tells us of the events leading up to it, as well as people she meets along the way. That alone is what pulled me in. The intrigue to read what would make someone sell everything and live out of a suitcase while travelling the middle east. Where did she go, what did she see, who did she meet. While I don’t know most of the places, it was fascinating to read this non-fiction story. She talks about her other books within this memoir, and I want to try one to see how it is. Her writing style is good. It draws you in and make you want to learn about this complete stranger. She is brutally honest and holds nothing back. She isn’t a famous icon, so who cares? Right? Wrong. Its such an interesting story and she shares pictures and facts about people she meets and relationships. There is a lot of insight and makes you reconsider your own life. It is a great story and I recommend it, even if you don’t normally read this sort of book. I don’t, but I’m glad I did.

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Grosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Grosse PointeGrosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes was such a good story. I was drawn in just from the cover and then read the description. It takes place in the 1920s and it is very well written. The author does a great job of describing things, that I wouldn’t even have thought of. Such as the boys first seeing the statue of liberty, their first experience in a car, concern whether they will have electricity or indoor plumbing, and courting a girl in the 20s. Brek leaves his mom and home of Kilkenny, to board a boat to America when he is just 15 years old. He is lucky enough to make a friend on the ship, and they bond together and watch each other’s back. It is sort of a coming of age story, mixed with mild gangster life in early America. The book has a lot of slang, that I am not sure if its Irish slang or just of the times… That took me a bit to get used to and understand what they were saying. The words repeat so you get used to it and don’t even notice after a while. I recommend this book and can’t wait to read more by Barnes.

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Hero High: Heartbreak Rebellion (Hero High Collections Book 2) by Mina Chara – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Heartbreak Rebellion (Hero High, #4)Heartbreak Rebellion by Mina Chara
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hero High: Heartbreak Rebellion is the 2nd collection in the Hero High series. It is books 4-6, but reading it, I didn’t realize it was 3 separate books. There doesn’t seem to be an ending or a beginning of the next. This collection should be read after the first 3 books, as it picks up where those left off. I really enjoy this series. At first it seems cheesy, but it is wonderfully written. There is a great story line, so many characters, and a perfect balance. There is a little bit of romance, some sadness, a lot of action, its a perfect blend. It is really creative, a whole world and back story has been created. Each hero has their own unique powers and their own back story. I liked this part of the story because we get to see Friday mature. She isn’t just a scared high school kid, she is becoming her own person. She is learning to control her power and understand and own her feelings. She is standing up for what she believes and becomes a leader. I highly recommend this series, and look forward to more from this author.

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That Incredible Kiss (Kissed By Fate 3) By Tamara Ferguson – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

THAT INCREDIBLE KISS (Kissed By Fate Book 3)THAT INCREDIBLE KISS by Tamara Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

That Incredible Kiss is book 3 in the Kissed by Fate series by Tamara Ferguson. This book, like all of hers, was great. I love her books, and recommend to anyone who likes a good quick romance. They are romantic but clean, and have good storylines that come together perfectly. This, like most, takes place in Crystal Rock, a small town in Wisconsin. This book was a good balance of romance, drama and mystery, and I was quickly hooked. This book is the story of Ashley and Brian, who shared a kiss 10 years ago in high school. Each had plans to go their own way, Ashley moving away for college and Brian joining the army. They are brought together again 10 years later in present story. I love the story and the characters were well written, along with some great supporting characters. Highly recommend this book, and all of Ferguson’s books. You wont want to put it down

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Accountability (Scope of Practice Book 3) by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

AcceptedAccepted by Lisa Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Accepted is the 2nd book in the Rhodes Family series by Lisa Wood. The timeline does overlap that of book 1, but you could probably start with this book and still enjoy it. This book was WAY too graphic for me, but the story behind it was very good. I really enjoyed book 1 and it ended in a cliff hanger of sorts, so I had to continue. The theme itself is for mature audiences, but it is well written. The characters are great, they all have a back story, and their chemistry is wonderful. The book’s main characters, Ava, Hunter and Thomas, are in a polygamy relationship, which I haven’t read about before, so it was new to me. But basically it is a committed closed relationship threesome. I love seeing the characters mature and work out their problems and feelings. I hope there will be a 3rd book because now I’m invested in the characters.

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DEADLY WEAPON (Jake Wolfe Book 5) by Mark Nolan – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Deadly Weapon (Jake Wolfe #5)Deadly Weapon by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Deadly Weapon is the 5th book in the Jake Wolfe series by Mark Nolan. I have read them all, but you don’t have to read them in order. The story definitely continues as far as Jake and Cody’s friendships but there is enough background information provided to enjoy, starting anywhere in the series. I like these books because they are a good suspense with a touch of mystery and humor. When I first started, I thought it was weird how Nolan writes about Cody’s feelings and thoughts, but now I’m used it it and it doesn’t phase me. This story hits a little too close to home, with COVID 19 happening right now. At the end of the book the author does say how he started this book long before the epidemic started. However, a lot of the details are close to the conspiracy theories out there. Over all, well written book and great addition to the series. Highly recommend it.

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I’ll See You Again: A Scottish rock star, standalone opposites-attract romance (Reigning Hearts Book 4) by K.G. Fletcher – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

I'll See You Again (Reigning Hearts, #4)I’ll See You Again by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ll See You Again is the 4th book in the Reigning Hearts series by KG Fletcher, but it can be enjoyed as a stand alone book. Each book is it’s own story and from what I remember of the other books, I don’t think the characters overlap. This book is an opposite’s attract romance book about a Scottish rockstar and a small town wedding planner. They are complete opposites and I was happy to see them both able to pursue their dreams despite being on totally different paths when they meet. I love the theme of the book, and the characters. It is a sweet romantic, love at first sight book. There is some happy parts and some really sad parts, so be prepared with kleenex for this roller coaster ride. The book has a happily ever after, but it takes a bit to get there. I highly recommend this book, and all by KG Fletcher. Her books pull you right in and you wont want to put it down.

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It Comes From Within (House Valdis Book 2) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

It Comes From Within (House Valdis #2)It Comes From Within by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It Comes from Within is book 2 in the House Valdis series by Naomi Valkyrie. I did not read the first book, House Valdis, but I did read Xenobia. While I felt like there was a lot of background knowledge I was missing, it wasn’t detrimental to the story. I still really enjoyed it. I don’t normally read this genre, but am really glad I decided to read it. I honestly love it, and want to read more. There are a lot of characters, which was confusing at first. Some are werewolves, some vampires, etc so I had a hard time remembering who had what powers. I think reading book 1 first would have helped with that, so I recommend reading in order. The whole story line is very creative and the relationships between the characters is great. There was a sense of mystery in the book, trying to figure out who the White Queen is and the connection there. I was glad it wasn’t given away early on. There are a lot of adult themes so definitely for older readers. The story does have a cliff hanger ending so be prepared. I am anxiously awaiting the next book so I can see what happens.

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Accountability (Scope of Practice Book 3) by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Accountability (Scope of Practice #3)Accountability by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Accountability is the third book in Jessica Aiken-Hall’s Scope of Practice Series. I have read them all, and they must be read in order. This cannot be a standalone. It is my favorite of the series though. It wraps everything up in a nice package with a solid ending. The story continues to focus around Val, but it branches out more to include her friends stories as well. Val is moving forward, and starting a family but needs to settle her past. Her husband and friends support her in the journey. We finally learn who the killer is (although I figured that out early on). We get to hear Norma’s story, and I think that was my favorite in the series. While I expected some of it, I was shocked to learn the full history. I think Norma needs a book of her own! Highly recommend this book, you won’t want to put it down.

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Shattered: Rhodes Family Book 1 by Lisa Wood – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

ShatteredShattered by Lisa Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shattered is the first book in the Rhodes Family series. This is the first book I have read by this author, and I enjoyed it. I will warn, it is very R rated, and written for mature audiences. The book is a little too graphic for my liking, makes 50 Shades look like PG. But if I look beyond those scenes, the book had a good story line. I love that the female lead, Olivia, is a strong independent woman, and a rocking lawyer. Granted she is running from a failed relationship, but she is rocking her life. Gabriel is the male lead, and while he is arrogant, rich and a ladies man, he is also a pretty good guy. He is a family man, and goes above and beyond to take care of Olivia, even after just meeting her. I love the supporting characters as well, and look forward to seeing how book 2 plays out. There is some hints toward it’s plot at the end of this book. I loved the way the book was written, alternating point of views. While this is nothing new for romance books, seeing his and her views, this had a new approach I have never experienced. It has chapters for many of the characters, including Gabriel’s sister and parents. It added to the unfolding of the story and the emotions involved.

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House Valdis Origins: Xenobia by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

House Valdis Origins: Xenobia (House Valdis, #0)House Valdis Origins: Xenobia by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

House Valdis Orgins: Xenobia is my first experience with the author Naomi Valkyrie. It was not at all what I expected, but I really liked it. It is unlike anything I’ve ever read, I highly recommend it. While it is technically the 3rd book in the series, it is written as a prequel and is advertised as taking place before the first House Valdis novel. I will now go back and read the others in the series, and honestly, cant wait. The book is not for young readers, as it contains scenes of rape and topics of sex slaves. It is a very quick read, but so full of action that it seems like a much longer story. It has great world building and the characters are well written.

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Composed (An Ash Park Novel Book 8) by Meghan O’Flynn – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Composed: An Ash Park Novel (Volume 8)Composed: An Ash Park Novel by Meghan O’Flynn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Composed: An Ash Park Novel is the 8th book in Meghan O’Flynn’s Ash Park series. It can be enjoyed as a stand alone book. I have read others, but not the whole series. This book is a wonderfully written crime mystery suspense book. It follows Detective Petrosky as he recently returned to work after an officer involved shooting. He is hunting a serial killer this time, and struggles with flashbacks from his last case. I love reading about the case and seeing it unfold. As they try to profile their killer, and track down the location the victims are being kept. The book gets pretty graphic at times, so reader discretion advised. I love this series and highly recommend. Think of it as a book of Law and Order SVU.

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Love Song: A friends-to-lovers rock and roll romantic suspense by KG Fletcher – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Love Song (A friends-to-lovers rock and roll romantic suspense)Love Song by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read a couple books by KG Fletcher and I really enjoy them. Love Song: A friends-to-lovers rock & roll romantic suspense was the latest I read. The book was not at all what I expected it to be, but I loved it just the same. The story tells of Casey and Sam meeting and falling in love, and the journey along the way. The first couple chapters shows us the stereotypical musician, drinking and partying and traveling around for gigs. I was expecting a quick pace rock star love story. But we soon discover neither are true Rock Stars- they both have a day job and responsibilities and like to just break free every once in a while to wind down. I loved both leads, as they are strong and independent but also vulnerable enough to rely on their friends and family when they need it. I would love to hear more about this couple. I don’t want to give away surprises, but there is a huge event that shocked the heck out of me 3/4 of the way through. Read for yourself…you won’t regret it.

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Drawn to Him by Tammy Mannersly – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Drawn to HimDrawn to Him by Tammy Mannersly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Drawn to Him is the first book I’ve read by Tammy Mannersly, and I enjoyed it. It is a romance novel about 2 people meeting and having an instant connection. However, the story offers so much more. It has a suspense twist involving a stalker and someone trying to sabotage the new relationship. I like that the author did a good job so I didn’t figure it out until near the end. It bugged me that the characters didn’t figure it out, because there were some obvious signs pointing.
The story revolves around lead characters Erica and Matt. Erica runs a local art gallery in town and hosts paint and drawing classes. Matt is the hot doctor in town, and one of the most eligible bachelors. Erica has sworn off men, and is focusing on herself and her career, but sometimes you cant ignore connections. Matt is active in the dating scene, but more as his friend’s wing man, not really looking for his own Mrs Right. But when he meets Erica, there is instant attraction neither can ignore.
But strange things start happening to both of them. It isn’t until they start discussing the situations with each other, that they realize they may be connected. Things get a little dangerous, but the story ends with a happily ever after.

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The Abduction of Sarah Tarbell: As Her Soul Remembers by Stuart Ledwith – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

The Abduction of Sarah Tarbell: As Her Soul RemembersThe Abduction of Sarah Tarbell: As Her Soul Remembers by Stuart Ledwith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Abduction of Sarah Tarbell: As Her Soul Remembers is the first book I have read by Stuart Ledwith. The manner in which it is written is unlike anything I have ever read. At first I thought it was really weird and awkward, but eventually I got into the flow of it, and really enjoyed the book. It is written in a biography style, but described as Sarah’s soul communicating her voice and feelings to the author. It was written in the early 2000s, but the story takes place in the 1700s. Sarah and her brothers were Puritans kidnapped by Mohawk Indians as children. Her brothers were adopted into Mohawk families, but Sarah was not. She tells her story of her capture and the years following. It is quite the story, starting off first as a stolen child, turned slave. Then falling in love with her captor, and serving as healer to the same tribe that took her from her family. The narration is one of a kind, and very intriguing. I don’t know if its a true story, but it certainly seems like it could be.

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Center of Gravity (An Ice Tigers Hockey Romance Book 2) by Isabella Cassazza – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Center of Gravity (Ice Tigers #2)Center of Gravity by Isabella Cassazza

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Center of Gravity is the 2nd of 3 books in the Ice Tigers Hockey Romance series by Isabella Cassazza. It is the first I have read, but it can be enjoyed as a stand alone novel. I really loved it, and plan to go back and read book 1 next, then the 3rd book. The story is a romance, but it is clean, with only a couple scenes approaching the pg 13 range. The characters were wonderful, even though they both annoyed me at times. It is mostly told from Emilia’s point of view, but Matt had some chapters as well. I like books written so we can understand the feelings of both main characters. Both Matt and Emilia were overly stubborn, but I loved that they put their differences aside and quickly decided to co-parent. Emilia is a strong female lead character, and while Matt is stubborn as can be, he is also a really great guy. There are a lot of supporting characters that I bet will get their own stories, and I look forward to that. I recommend this book and will definitely read more.

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The Divided Twin (The Divided Series Book 2) by M. Billiter with Kyle Thomas – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

The Divided TwinThe Divided Twin by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Divided Twin in the 2nd book in the Divided Series by M. Billiter. This book is co-written by Kyle Thomas, and is the continued story following A Divided Mind. You should read them together, in order. I loved the first book, and loved this one just as much. It gives us a deeper look into Branson’s life with psychoaffective disorder. I liked that we got to see Aaron’s life as well, as they navigate into adulthood. They have branched out and now attend different schools but continue to lean on each other. We are introduced to the “third twin” David, who lives in one of their minds. The characters in the story are wonderfully written, and very realistic. The reader develops feelings for the boys as they cope with hardships. It is emotional at times, so be prepared for some heavy moments. Overall, I Highly recommend this book.

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Divided Mind is the first book in the Divided Series by M. Billiter. It is my first venture with this author but I LOVED it. I have always had an interest in psychology and why people do what they do, so this series is right up my alley. The synopsis is real short so I dont want to give too much away, but I love the way this book was written. The author explains before the book that she has written the book as a work of fiction, but with first hand experience. The book tells the story of Branson Kovac, a teenager who hears voices and may or may not have an imaginary friend. It shows the adjustment period after learning you suffer from mental illness. The stages of denial, anger, acceptance and steps in coping for both the patient, and their family and friends. This book was wonderfully written and I am on to the 2nd book in the series. Highly Recommend this book!

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Confidentiality (Scope of Practice Book 2) by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

ConfidentialityConfidentiality by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Confidentiality is the 2nd Scope of Practice book by Jessica Aiken-Hall. It picks up right where Boundaries left off. It cannot be read as a stand alone, as it is a continuation of the story. This book was very well written, even if I did figure it out about halfway through. I still like the characters and the theme of the book. It is told from Val’s point of view and I like that it shares her thoughts and feelings, struggles, and love for her family and friends. Val has always kept to herself, shielding herself from being hurt. But now she is surrounded by close friends, has her Gram and her son back in her lift, and is engaged to Tim. There is now a serial killer in town, and Tim is investigating. But Val isn’t scared, but wants to find out who the killer is. There are too many connections, and she thinks she has figured it out. She was close, but not quite there. I don’t want to give it away, but I think this book (and series) is worth reading. I hope there is a 3rd book, because I want to know what happens next!

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

TWO HEARTS UNSPOKEN TARGETS (Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Book 11) by Tamara Ferguson – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

TWO HEARTS UNSPOKEN TARGETS (Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Book 11)TWO HEARTS UNSPOKEN TARGETS by Tamara Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have always loved Tamara Ferguson, since the first book I read of hers. The Two Hearts Wounded Warrior series is wonderful, and you should binge read them all. Two Hearts Unspoken Targets I liked because it was more than just the romantic story unfolding. We spend the first third of the book just getting to know Zach, as he spend time with his cousin in a house of his youth. Then he moves to the famous Crystal Rock, central location for all Two Hearts books. It is here that Zach meets Beth, and they both feel an instant attraction, however, they fight it for months. Both have their own stuff going on, and want to shield the other from it. But in a small town, that’s next to impossible. Zach begins working with Beth’s son daily, and they have mutual friends who bring them together over and over. There is some intense topics, like most of her books, but it does give us the happily ever after. I love these books because the chemistry between the characters is always wonderful. There is a good balance of romance and real life, so its realistic. And finally, the characters overlap from book to book, so we feel like we know the town and its residents. Or maybe that’s just me, after reading nearly a dozen of the books. Either way- do yourself a favor, grab any Ferguson book and curl on the couch. You wont want to put it down.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

The Wandering Isles: A Crown of Stones Novella (The Crown of Stones Novella Series Book 1) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

The Wandering Isles, A Crown of Stones Novella (Novella Series #1)The Wandering Isles, A Crown of Stones Novella by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I don’t normally read this genre, but have made an exception for this series. C.L Schneider has such a way with words, that I find myself sucked into the book. The Wandering Isles is the first novella, following the Crown of Stones series. Normally novellas are small tidbits of information the author adds on, but this feels like it could be a full story. The imagery is wonderful, and the connection between Ian Troy and Jarryd Kane is one I’ve never seen before. While I will admit, I was lost and confused the first half of the book, the characters were too. So I don’t take it too personally, haha. I love being able to see things unfold from their point of view, and feel what they are feeling. I am glad to know the author plans to put more novellas.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy