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Murder Creek (Eve Sawyer mystery series Book 1) by Jane Suen – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Murder Creek (Eve Sawyer #1)Murder Creek by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Murder Creek is the first book in the Eve Sawyer Muster series by Jane Suen. I love all of her books, as they are short but sweet. Every page counts with this book. So much is happening and it feels like a fully story despite its 159 page length. Eve is a journalism student with somewhat of a 6th sense. She passes over Murder Creek one weekend, and feels very drawn to it. Upon brief research, she discovers there was a massacre there centuries ago, as well as a possible killing/missing person case. She decides to investigate further, traveling to the small town. She quickly noses her way into the small town and its residents. I loved where the story ended up, wrapped up perfectly with a little bow. I don’t want to give anything away, but do yourself a favor and read this book. It will only take a day or two. Now, onto book 2 in the series!

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Murder at Lolly Beach (Eve Sawyer mystery series Book 2) by Jane Suen – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Murder at Lolly Beach (Eve Sawyer #2)Murder at Lolly Beach by Jane Suen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Murder at Lolly Beach is the 2nd book in the Eve Sawyer Mystery series by Jane Suen. It can be read as a stand alone, but I chose to read it after Murder Creek. I did not enjoy this book as much as the first. It didn’t have that action packed mysterious feel that Suen’s other books do. Some of the characters felt somewhat not needed. I felt like the ending was a little rushed. When the main part of the story ended, I didn’t really even understand what happened. I didn’t have that ah-ha moment, and had to read the epilogue to piece it all together. Overall, it was an okay story, in my opinion. There was the mystery, and it was definitely a mystery- I didn’t piece it together and figure things out. I wish we learned a little more about Cassie and Blake, but I suppose it is Eve’s story…

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Heartbeats and Roses (Hartwood Holiday Romance) by Jae Dawson – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Heartbeats and Roses: A Small Town Valentine's Day Romance (A Hartwood Holiday Romance)Heartbeats and Roses: A Small Town Valentine’s Day Romance by Jae Dawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Heartbeats and Roses is part of Jae Dawson’s A Heartwood Holiday Romance series. The books can be read independently, and can be enjoyed as such. This book is a cute happily ever after clean romance. The descriptive writing is a little over the top at times, but it works. It describes the characters and their personalities. Rose is a florist and is a hopeless romantic. She describes feelings based on flowers that represent them, quotes classic literature, and dreams of knights in shining armor and swooning. Her clothes are described as doilies and lace, often pink, and she is all about romance and flowers. Liam is a doctor and describes feelings based on the chemicals and biological cause of them. Despite the two being completely different, they were best friends their whole lives. Liam quickly left town in high school, and cut all contact with Rose. Fate seems to bring them back together, and a series of freak accidents force their time together. While the book was a bit cheesy, I loved it! Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

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Twisted Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops Book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Twisted SecretsTwisted Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Twisted Secrets is Amy McKinley’s first book in her Deadly Isles Special Ops series. It is very similar to the Gray Ghost series, with some references to overlapping characters. I LOVED this book, and cannot wait to read more. The story is very well told, with the mystery and suspense lasting until the end of the book. I was pleased that I never figured out “who done it” until it was revealed. Bravo! The characters are very likeable, each with their own friendships and past. I wish there was more details unfolded about Xander’s drama within his SEALS team, but I suppose that might continue into the next book. The story focuses on on Riley and Xander, and their developing relationship. I liked that each had their own stuff going on, so its almost 3 stories merging. There is Xander and his possible infiltration within his SEALS team. Riley’s relationship and the drama surrounding her breakup. And then the relationship that is developing between Riley and Xander. Highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read the next book.

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Matching Miriam by Mya O’Malley – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Matching MiriamMatching Miriam by Mya O’Malley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Matching Miriam is the first book I have read by Mya O’Malley, the cover art drew me in. I really enjoyed it, and didn’t want to put it down! It has a good balance of action, suspense thriller and a taste of romance. I love that the lead female is strong and independent, but has a soft side as well. The supporting characters are well written and the friendships/chemistry they have is very relatable. Miriam and Jesse have a past, but he moved away, putting a end to it all. When he comes back “home” they soon run into each other. It wasn’t instant reconnection, and I liked that they worked together to build the trust and relationship again. Miriam’s friend is very interesting, and I hope there is another story for her, because I think it would be a great spin off. The book has a good level of suspense, and keeps you guessing until the end. I was shocked to find out who the killer was, and did not see that coming.

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I Once Was Lost but Now I’m Found: Daisy and the Olympic Animal Sanctuary Rescue by Laura Koerber – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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I Once Was Lost, But Now I'm Found: Daisy and the Olympic Animal Sanctuary RescueI Once Was Lost, But Now I’m Found: Daisy and the Olympic Animal Sanctuary Rescue by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I Once Was Lost, But Now I’m Found is a heart breaking story written by Laura Koerber. It is the story of Daisy and the Olympic Animal Sanctuary Rescue. The story is based out of Forks, Washington, but this isn’t the make believe story of vampires and werewolves. It is the true story of 124+/- dogs that were living a nightmare in what was supposed to be a dog sanctuary. Koerber describes in this book the awful living situations these dogs were confined to, and their coordinated rescue. It focuses more details on a particular dog, Daisy, and her rescue owners. Instead of a good life in a no kill shelter, it was hell on earth. These dogs were packed in a warehouse, being fed uncooked meat every other day, and left often without water or human interaction for days at a time. They were not taken for walks, they were kept in cages too small to move around, and laying in their own filth. It is heart breaking to read about these conditions, but the story has a mostly happy ending. When you read this book, have a box of tissues near by. The book got a little preachy at times, but overall, I am glad to have read it. Makes you think twice about rescues, shelters and breeders reputations.

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Hell Hath No Fury (Life Is Hell Book 2) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Hell Hath No Fury (Life is Hell #2)Hell Hath No Fury by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hell Hath No Fury is the 2nd book in the Life is Hell series by Naomi Valkyrie. It should be read after No Rest for the Wicked, as this book continues where the previous left off. The story has many characters, all intertwined, but ultimately it focuses on Sheridan and Millicent. I don’t normally read paranormal books, but I really enjoy this series. The characters are likeable and of varying species (is that the right word…) of paranormal. Their relationships are different, but it all seems to work. While it does have relationships, it doesn’t reach the R rated scenes. I wasn’t fully invested in them, but more because it isn’t just your normal man and woman. Its demon, witch, dhampir, etc. But its a good balance with action, that keeps us guessing what might happen next. The writing is very descriptive, so despite me not typically reading this genre, I can envision it all unfolding. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

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Fighting for Us (Love is Worth Fighting For Book 1) by Bella Emy – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Fighting for Us (Love is Worth Fighting For #1)Fighting for Us by Bella Emy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fighting for Us is the first book in Bella Emy’s Love is Worth Fighting For series. It is also the first book I have read by her, but it won’t be the last. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series. I was hooked by this book from chapter 1. A friend told me how she was crying by the end of the first chapter, so I knew I had to check it out. I am so glad I did! There is something about Emy’s writing style that hooked me right from be beginning. The characters are wonderful and so relatable. The close relationships each lead has with their siblings and best friend was great. Not only did it build a well rounded story, it sets up for possible spin off stories. I know book 2 is going to be Ryker’s, but I hope Mari gets a story as well! I cant wait to see what happens there… But back to lead characters Lorenzo and Carissa- they both have been hurt in the past and are afraid to love again. But whether fate or just living in a small town- they keep running into each other and have an instant attraction. Both have been off the market for a while, and dealing with hurt, but for very different reasons. I love that Lorenzo is an ex Navy SEAL and MMA heavy weight champion, but also is a very sensitive male. I love that Emy showed real feelings and insecurities for both he and Carissa. It made me fall in love with him even more. Highly recommend this book, and look forward to reading more

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A Kiss Under A Blue Christmas Moon (Daydreams & Dragonflies Rock ‘N Sweet Romance 4) by Tamara Ferguson – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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A KISS UNDER A BLUE CHRISTMAS MOON (Daydreams & Dragonflies Rock 'N Sweet Romance Book 4)A KISS UNDER A BLUE CHRISTMAS MOON by Tamara Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tamara Ferguson once again brings us a wonderful happily ever after story. A Kiss Under a Blue Christmas Moon is the 4th book in her Daydreams & Dragonflies Rock N Sweet series. Like many of her stories, it takes place in Crystal Rock, with overlapping characters and locations. However, the book can be enjoyed as a stand alone. This book focuses on Mia and Noah, in their junior and senior years of high school. It is a clean sweet romantic story about finding your first love and perhaps soul mate in your high school sweetheart. The characters are all great, like always. I love Ferguson’s writing style- as its very relatable and real life stories. This book has a happily ever after. I recommend this book for a quick good read.

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Finders Reapers: A Paranormal Romantic Comedy (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 4) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Finders Reapers (New Orleans Nocturnes, #4)Finders Reapers by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Finders Reapers is book 5 in the New Orleans Nocturnes series by Carrie Pulkinen. I love all these books, they are hilarious! This book can be read independently of the series, but the characters do cross over. Each book focuses on its own couple, this book being a Grim Reaper and a necromancer. Asher and Jasmine are the perfect couple, one can raise the dead, and the other escorts the dead to hell. They had a thing for a hot minute in the past, but it ended badly. Now they avoid each other at all costs, but are thrown together when the stuff hits the fan. Asher tries to take a vacation and it all breaks loose, leaving a mess in his return. They must team up to fix the problem and escort thousands to the devil. Highly recommend this book and all in the series. They are quick reads and are super funny.

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Moonlit Whisper: An Irish Romance (Moonlit Destination Series) by Amy McKinley – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Moonlit Whisper (An Irish Romance)Moonlit Whisper by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Moonlit Whisper is a novella in the Moonlit Destination series by Amy McKinley. This book was very quick, reading it in one day, but it was good. I wish it was a full story, as I think it ended too soon. This story of Connor and Fiona was more carefree than I’m used to reading of McKinley’s. It tells the story of a love triangle of sorts, where Fiona is made to choose between her two best friends. I love the connection they share, but wish there was more details to the story. The plot is good enough it could have been a full length novel, but it is what it is. Still enjoyed it, and recommend to others for a quick sweet story with a happily ever after.

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Moonlit Mirage (A Cook Islands Romance) by Amy McKinley – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Moonlit Mirage - A Cook Islands Romance (Moonlit Destination Series)Moonlit Mirage – A Cook Islands Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Moonlight Mirage is a novella in the Moonlit Destination series by Amy McKinley. With being a novella, I felt like it was missing some detail. Her writing style is amazing, and I love all her books. The characters are likeable and the chemistry between Cade and Nadia was instant. I with there was more details given to their past, as it felt brushed over, told in passing. I did like the mysterious feel to it. We didn’t learn the details of their meeting until near the end of the book. I felt like the story ended abruptly, however, I’m hopeful their story continues in another book in the future. There is mentioning of characters from other McKinley books, so that was a pleasant surprise. This is a quick read, with a happily ever after. I recommend this book, and am onto the next in the series.

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Santa Got Run Over by a Vampire: A Paranormal Romantic Comedy (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 4) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Santa Got Run Over by a Vampire (New Orleans Nocturnes, #3.5)Santa Got Run Over by a Vampire by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Santa Got Run Over by a Vampire is the 4th book in the New Orleans Nocturnes series by Carrie Pulkinen. I have read them all and love them. They are quick reads that are hilarious. I don’t normally read supernatural books, but these are great. They are not dark, but instead light humored, about a group of friends, which include vampires, werewolves, witches and more. This book centers around Jane Devereux, so I recommend at least reading her book- License to Bite- to get the full background. This book is a short story, that you wont want to put down. It is fast paced and funny. Telling the story of how Jane runs over Santa, and in order to save his life, and Christmas, she must turn him into a vampire. Not your average Christmas story, but worth reading.

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Urban Justice (A Chicago Vigilantes Novel Book 2) by India Kells – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Urban Justice (A Chicago Vigilantes Novel #2)Urban Justice by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Urban Justice is the 2nd book in the Chicago Vigilantes series by India Kells. I recommend reading them in order, to get the full understanding of the vigilantes purpose and members. However, it could be read out of order. They are great quick books, and you won’t want to put them down. This book is filled with a good mix of romance, action, suspense, and justified violence. I like that the female lead, Sloane, is an awesome strong bad @$$ woman! She is an ex cop, and holds her own against the men. She is on a mission and rocks it! I love the sense of mystery that builds throughout the story between Sloane and Luke. Can’t wait for the next book in the series. Love Kells’ writing style, she hooks you early and you don’t want to let go!

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Lies That Bind (Logan McKenna Series Book 6) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Lies That Bind (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 6)Lies That Bind by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lies that Bind is the first book I have read by Valerie Davisson. It is book 6 in the Logan McKenna series, which I didn’t know until the end. While it can be read as a stand alone, you probably should read the series. I was really overwhelmed the first 1/4 of the book with all the characters. There is a lot going on, and so so many people. Once I pieced together who was who, and was related, it all started to click. Even still, there is a lot going on in this story, but it all comes together in the end. You just need to stick it out until the end to have the ahhh ha moment. I was impressed with the author’s writing style. She had 2 stories going, one from the past, and one current. It seemed 2 very different stories, but then it all came together. The story line is one of jealousy that leads to deadly rage more than once. I recommend this book, and look forward to reading more in the series.

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Starvation by Molly Fennig – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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StarvationStarvation by Molly Fennig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Starvation is the first book I have read by Molly Fennig, but I would absolutely read more. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time, it will leave a lasting impression. I caution the reader, as it is a very emotional book. It is very well written, where we can see and feel what the characters are going through. There is a lot of struggle and heartbreak, but also a lot of true feelings teens go through in their lives. It is very real. I never really thought about how one develops eating disorders, or what they may think and feel. But this book gets right down into the nitty gritty. I love that it shows it from both male and female perspectives, to eliminate the gender divide. It alternates time perspective, which was so unique. We see the before and after Wes hits his break, until the end when the two timelines meet and transform into the now. It was not confusing at all, and I loved seeing the transition of how things ended up the way they did. Highly recommend this book!

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

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

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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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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

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

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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

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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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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy