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Painting Kuwait Violet by Pamela Q Fernandes- Review by Felicia Bates

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Painting Kuwait VioletPainting Kuwait Violet by Pamela Q. Fernandes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Painting Kuwait Violet
Pamela Q Fernandes
4 out of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Painting Kuwait Violet since Pamela Q Fernandes is a new to me author, but I know I wasn’t expecting the novel to hit the ground running with such pulse quickening speed. The first chapter was attention grabbing and I was drawn to the book immediately.
I felt that the writing throughout stayed incredibly strong and the conversations between characters were authentic and felt as though I was listening in on friends. The characters were raw and relatable, specifically Violet and the story really held a lot of emotion.
Painting Kuwait Violet is a very different story then the ones I’ve been reading lately, more of a book that sticks with you, popping into your mind here and there and really making you reflect on what you just read. I really enjoyed the book overall and I am intrigued by the about the author segment, I am looking forward to checking out more of what she has written.
@fnbates

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Beckoned, Part 5: Adrift in Costa Rica by Aviva Vaughn – Review By Felicia Bates

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BECKONED, Part 5: Adrift in Costa RicaBECKONED, Part 5: Adrift in Costa Rica by Aviva Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beckoned, Part 5: Adrift in Costa Rica
Aviva Vaughn
5/5 stars

Adrift in Costa Rica is the installment to Aviva Vaughn’s Beckoned series I didn’t know I always wanted! When I read the first four books in the series I was completely hooked, not wanting to put them down until they were finished, sneaking pages into pockets of time in my day, you get the picture. There is something about Aviva Vaughn’s style of writing that captivates you in an almost poetic way but without becoming too wordy. I feel as though I hang on every word throughout these
novels.
Admittedly when I read the other books in the series I wasn’t too connected to Soren so I wasn’t
sure what to expect from Adrift in Costa Rica. As usual I was completely hooked from the very beginning. I enjoyed the recap from how Angela’s
story ended and seeing Soren’s perspective, it
truly painted him in a new light. The retelling could have been dull and repetitive but the raw emotion and vivid imagery of each scene really made this portion of the story feel new.
I could write a novels worth of how I feel about this story so I will try to wrap it up. I loved the character growth as we learn more about Soren and his relationships both romantic and with his family, but also as he learns more about himself. So many books are centered around the woman rebuilding herself after heartbreak, I really appreciated this perspective, especially after feeling as though this wasn’t a relatable character in the past.
I’ve mentioned in a previous review how much I love that each and every chapter has a title itself, I’m pleased to see that the work and effort put into this persists going even further to include a soundtrack to go along with the chapters, and a book club question list!

Review by @fnbates

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The Confectioner’s Guild (The Confectioner Chronicles Book 1) by Claire Luana – Review By Felicia Bates

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The Confectioner's Guild (The Confectioner Chronicles Book 1)The Confectioner’s Guild by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Confectioner’s Guild (The Confectioner Chronicles Book 1)
Claire Luana
5/5 stars

The Confectioner’s Guild is not my first experience with Claire Luana’s writing, I’ve read some of another series written by her and despite not being a true fantasy reader, I loved it. This series is different than the one I’ve read by the author in the past, but when I read the synopsis for the first book in The Confectioner Chronicles series I had high hopes, and I will admit I wasn’t disappointed in this unique, fast paced story.
The story kicks off pretty quickly, ramping up the intensity right out of the gate which I really enjoyed. So often the first book in the series serves as a means of laying a foundation as well as providing a story, this didn’t feel drawn out it was action packed and intriguing from the very start.
The Confectioner’s Guild left me wondering why I don’t read more YA novels. This truly has a little bit of everything, twists, turns, mystery, romance but nothing over the top. I loved the imagery and felt like I was transported to another world and Wren is a strong, likable character despite her difficult past. I’d give this book 5 stars all around, from the cover art to the words between the pages. I am looking forward to following The Confectioner Chronicles.

Review by @fnbates

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Give and Take (The Thorne Brothers, #2) by Lee Kilraine – Review By Felicia Bates

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Give and Take (The Thorne Brothers, #2)Give and Take by Lee Kilraine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Give and Take is the second book in Lee Kilraine’s Thorne Brothers series and my first experience with both the series and Lee Kilraine’s writing. Despite being the second book in the series I didn’t find it difficult to follow the storyline at all having not read book one.
Give and Take was a really strong read for me, I felt that both the main characters were fantastic with the kind of substance that really makes you want what is best for them, you feel invested. Coming from a close knit family that has always been supportive Rhia’s family infuriated me and I really felt an emotional connection to her character, if that isn’t a sign of strong writing I don’t know what is. I loved the character development throughout the storyline and most of all the sincere relationship between Wyatt and Rhia. Both characters are very similar and at their core want what is best for each other, it was nice to read a story with chemistry, wit and emotion while being completely realistic.
I really enjoyed Give And Take and will be going back to read the first Thorne Brothers book in the near future.

Review by @fnbates

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Our Unexpected Hope by Michelle Sullivan- Review By Felicia Bates

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Our Unexpected HopeOur Unexpected Hope by Michelle Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Our Unexpected Hope
Michelle Sullivan
4 out of 5 stars

I recently read Our Next Chapter, the story of Quinn’s parents and when I learned that there would be a book dedicated to Quinn’s story I was honestly excited. While Our Next Chapter wasn’t about Quinn, I thought she was a secondary character that really helped make that story.
These books read well as stand alone books and the prologue gives you a brief, but sufficient background anyway so you don’t need to feel like these books should be read in a particular novel. I will say I am someone that enjoys seeing past characters reappear as secondary characters later so I was thankful to have read both books in the order I did.
As the storyline progressed I found Quinn and Noah’s love story to be sweet and wholesome but irritating in how fast things progressed, funny coming from someone that believes “when you know, you know.” I’m not sure when the switch happened for me, but I ended up really coming to appreciate their love story. The obstacles they faced were common for many couples and incredibly relatable but not something I read in many novels giving Our Unexpected Hope a really fresh feel for me.
Overall the book was very well written and full of pure emotion. I love the family dynamic between Quinn, her parents and even Noah and I love that Dez and Karalyn were so tightly woven into this story. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more from Michelle Sullivan.

Review by @fnbates

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Who: A Stalker Series by Megan Mitcham – Review By Felicia Bates

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Who (Stalker, #1)Who by Megan Mitcham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Who: A Stalker Series Novel
Megan Mitcham
4 out of 4 stars

Who is the first book I’ve read by Megan Mitcham
but I was pleased to know it is the first in a series so it won’t be the last. While I have to admit I wasn’t completely hooked by the first page, the story kicked off a little slow for me but once the story picked up a little more I found myself completely enthralled.
I thoroughly enjoy books with a strong, independent female lead and that’s what I got in Larkin, her group of friends was just as powerful and successful making for great secondary characters.
It’s hard to adequately write a review for a romantic suspense like this one without ruining any of the plot, but the story was just as strong as the characters and I’m looking forward to what more this stand alone series has in store for me. If nothing else I absolutely love the titles for each installment!
Review by @fnbates

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The Catch (Eastern Shore Swingers Book 2) by Phoebe Alexander – Review By Felicia Bates

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The CatchThe Catch by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Catch (Eastern Shore Swingers Book 2)
Phoebe Alexander
5 out of 5 stars

One thing I’ve come to really appreciate in this series is Phoebe Alexander’s use of applicable quotes at the beginning of each of her chapters. I’ve always been a fan of a good quote and the effort put into this aspect of the series hasn’t been lost on me.
I mentioned in a previous review that I had read the third book of this series first, they read really well as stand alone stories. Once again it was cool to see the familiar faces I knew in book 3 and more of their background, Casey, Leah, Cap.
Paisley’s character is my favorite thus far, her story has a little bit of everything sex, danger, her character is fun and charismatic despite her colorful, mysterious past.
I was roped in from beginning to end and I felt that Calvin and Paisley really worked well together. Honestly, such a well rounded story with a sexy, strong, confident leading lady, I would certainly recommend!

Review by @fnbates

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Our Next Chapter by Michelle Sullivan – Review by Felicia Bates

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Our Next ChapterOur Next Chapter by Michelle Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Our Next Chapter
Michelle Sullivan
4 out of 5 stars

Our Next Chapter is one of those stories you just feel at home reading. As Karalyn and Des both return to their hometown you can’t help but feel like you’re returning to an old familiar place as well. I enjoyed the storyline and felt like it flowed well with relatable, likeable characters that carried the story well.
Our Next Chapter has a similar feel to a couple of my favorite love stories but it didn’t feel as though the storyline was one that was overdone it was familiar and unique all at once. I am really looking forward to reading Quinn’s story in the future, I felt that she was a strong supporting character in this story.

Reviewed by @fnbates

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The Sound Of Love, The Sound Series Book 1 by Maria Watts – Review by Felicia Bates

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The Sound of Love (The Sound series #1)The Sound of Love by Maria Watts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Sound Of Love (The Sound Series Book 1)
Maria Watts
5 out of 5 stars

I never should have started this in the middle of the night. While I would never choose to pick up a book I didn’t think would interest me, I never expected to be so enthralled in this storyline that I would need to stay up for “just one more chapter” over and over again from the very first page.
When the book began it was a different feel for me as our main character is young and her narration came off as such. Quickly I became more comfortable with Nina and well, I soon needed to know what was going to happen next.
As the book progressed I found myself struggling to like Chris as a character, he was infuriating and his relationship with Nina was the same. Somehow
though, I was still drawn to the two of them, I feel like the first several chapters gave us a good sense of who Chris and Nina are without the influence of fame, and despite the trials and tribulations they endured through the lense of fame the character development was so strong that you wanted to see them through. I am
surprised by the role that Nina’s parents play
throughout this story with the picture that was painted of them as parents at the beginning of the novel, but really that is just an opinion and has no real influence on the strength of the book.
I would be curious to see what happened after this story ended, and I would love to have more of Nathan’s character. Overall I loved The Sound Of Love, it was intriguing yet frustrating, once I started I needed to see it through with as little stopping as I could. It’s indicated that this is the first book in The Sound Series so I will definitely be looking for
more to come.

@fnbates

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Touchdown: A Steamy Football Romance, The Big Apple Series Book 1, by Alexa Summers – Review By Felicia Bates

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Touchdown: A Steamy Football Romance: The Big Apple Series Book 1Touchdown: A Steamy Football Romance: The Big Apple Series Book 1 by Alexa Summers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Touchdown: A Steamy Football Romance
The Big Apple Series, Book One
Alexa Summers
4 out of 5 stars
Touchdown is the second sports romance I’ve read and the first title I’ve read by this particular author. I was drawn to the book by the humor and honesty in the synopsis. One of the reasons Lexi became a sports journalist was to get into the men’s locker rooms? How can this book not provide entertainment?
Touchdown did meet all of my expectations, while it wasn’t as fast paced as I’m used to it had a little bit of everything to keep my interest. There was the classic element of jealousy that comes with women, especially in a competitive work environment, there was romance, there were steamy encounters, drama, the list goes on.
One of the things I most liked about this story was Lexi’s character, she was witty and charismatic which I loved but what’s best is that her success in her field is authentic proving her to be a strong female lead and I truly like that in my romance novels.
Touchdown was a fun read that I truly enjoyed, I am looking forward to more from Alexa Summers.

Reviewed by @fnbates

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Fisher of Men (Eastern Shore Swingers book one) by Phoebe Alexander- Review by Felicia Bates

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Fisher of MenFisher of Men by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fisher Of Men
(Eastern Shore Swingers Series, book one)
Phoebe Alexander
5 out of 5 stars

Fisher of Men is the first book in the stand alone Eastern Shore Swingers Series by Phoebe Alexander. This is the second book I’ve read in this series but I’m not new to Ms. Alexander’s work, I’ve started sampling some of her other series! I haven’t met a Phoebe Alexander book I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed yet and Fisher Of Men is no exception.
I read the third book in the Eastern Shore Series first so seeing where it all began in this book was a real treat, I recognized some names- Rhonda, Casey and of course Leah and Cap. By the end of the book I was left craving more and ready to go on with the series.
When you read the about the author segment for Phoebe Alexander it mentions that she writes sex positive, body positive stories and if you’re not familiar with her work yet, this couldn’t be more accurate. Each story I’ve read has had a captivating erotic theme while bringing a great, strong storyline along with it. Each of the characters I’ve “met” so far are strong and stand their ground. Leah was able to discover her true self whether it was in her relationship, sexuality or her faith and I think it shows true talent to have such a balanced storyline where there is no lack of entertainment in any area. So many times you read a book where a woman may not stand her ground right away and once Leah’s mind was made, it was made. In the same respect, Leah is the type of character that can keep a level head and really see things from different perspectives admitting fault when necessary. I really respected her character and look forward to seeing how she grows more throughout the series. As far as the storyline goes, the serendipity tie in this book is what truly sealed the deal for me!
My very first experience with “the lifestyle” and Phoebe Alexander’s writing was in the Juniper Court series book, Project Paradise. While this book has nothing to do with how incredible Fisher Of Men is, it opened me to a new genre of books, led me to this series, and honestly created a new fan of this author.
Reviewed by @fnbates

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Neverland by Melissa Jane- Review by Felicia Bates

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NeverlandNeverland by Melissa Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Neverland
Melissa Jane
5 out of 5 stars

Neverland is the second “romantic thriller” I’ve read by Melissa Jane. I read Monsters incredibly fast as I couldn’t put it down and the story really stuck with me. There is one scene in particular that had filled me with chills that I can still picture now months later. When I saw Neverland I couldn’t click the download button fast enough.
If you read the synopsis it will state that this book isn’t not all rainbows and butterflies and that there are triggering topics throughout the storyline, I would consider this a thriller with a touch of romance. As the synopsis warns, this is a dark story but one that is so, so well written.
I love the narration of the story bringing us back and forth between present and past and slowly unraveling how our main character got where she is. It truly adds to the element of suspense. I struggle to type a review that does this story justice as I don’t want to give away any spoilers. It is intense and intriguing from start to finish. Melissa Jane has a talent for creating a dark, twisted tale that leaves you haunted. I loved how this story came to a close and will say I was a little surprised by the ending.
With the warning that this story contains triggers for some kept in mind, I would recommend this to anyone that loves a suspensive, addictive dark story. I read this book within 24 hours, it was incredible.
Reviewed by @fnbates

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Summer Fling by Tarrah Anders – review by Felicia Bates

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Summer FlingSummer Fling by Tarrah Anders
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summer Fling
Tarrah Anders
4 out of 5 stars

Before I go on any further, can I just say how beautiful I think this book’s cover is? It is completely eye catching and the colors are gorgeous together! Since we aren’t supposed to judge books by their cover, I’ll move on…
As summer has come to a close here it was nice to have a light, summer read to shut it down. Summer Fling was the perfect combination of super sexy scenes and intriguing storyline with characters that felt so relatable they could be your friends too.
I enjoyed the his and her perspective that this story was told from, really giving us a true taste of their personalities. I loved Emma straight from the beginning, witty and honest. The supporting characters throughout the story were just as enjoyable as the main ones, making it an even easier read.
I almost wish this book was a little bit longer it was a fast paced, quick read that had a little of everything in it romance, steamy sex scenes, drama and suspense which was really satisfying. There was a time while reading when the drama and suspense really started to pick up and the book started to near the conclusion I felt like we were going in a different direction and there would be some loose ends. I will admit after making it to the end and reading the epilogue I was much more satisfied.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, it was nice to hold on to summer a little bit longer here in New England.

Reviewed by @fnbates

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Degrees of Innocence (Prestian Series Book One) by Via Mari – Review by Felicia Bates

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Degrees of Innocence (Prestian Series, #1)Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Degrees of Innocence
(The Prestian Series book 1)
Via Mari

Periodically I have to go for medication infusions which last a couple hours at a time so I’m constantly looking for a good book to help me escape the boredom. I stumbled across Degrees of Innocence while looking for my most recent read and I was really intrigued by the synopsis. Via Mari is a new to me author so I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book but knowing it was book one of a series I was hopeful I had found my next set of escapes for a while.
I wasn’t disappointed when I started Degrees of Innocence, I was actually a little surprised at how quickly I was drawn into the storyline and captured by the characters. This story was unique with well written twists and turns that left me on the edge of my seat but there were aspects that still left a familiar feel which I welcomed (like the usage of email communication).
I’m really impressed with how strong the storyline was written with a balance of incredibly steamy romance but substance and intrigue. I’m hooked and looking forward to carrying on more with the series.

Review by @fnbates

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Just Exes by Charity Ferrell – Review by Felicia Bates

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Just ExesJust Exes by Charity Ferrell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Just Exes
Charity Ferrell
4 out of 5 stars

Just Exes is the second book I’ve read by this author, having really enjoyed Just One Night I was looking forward to Just Exes and seeing what Lauren’s own story had to offer.
I don’t read many second chance romance stories as I tend to find the obstacles that keep these couples apart redundant and frustrating. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from this book. Just Exes was so much more than a second chance romance and I am glad I cast aside my preconceived notions. I found myself cheering Lauren on from beginning to end and the obstacles that she and Gage faced were nothing less than exciting.
I have to admit I really enjoyed the role Kyle played in the story, he was an excellent friend and his relationship dynamic with Lauren was well played out.
Just Exes has a little bit of everything for the avid reader, danger, drama, passion, romance, the list goes on. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from Charity Ferrell.

Review by @fnbates

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Georgia Pine (Southern Promises Book 3) by KG Fletcher – Review by Felicia Bates

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Georgia Pine (Southern Promises #3)Georgia Pine by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Georgia Pine is the third book in KG Fletcher’s Southern Promises and by far my favorite! Having loved the first two books in this stand alone series so much, I went into Georgia Pine blind on the faith that regardless of what the book was about, I was sure to love it. I couldn’t have been more excited when I found out that this book was about Jessica and her family and I really couldn’t be more pleased with how the story played out.
Georgia Pine has everything I could hope for in a story, so heartwarming I felt like my heart was swelling at times, then the tears, there were definitely tears. As if the emotion in these pages weren’t enough, we can’t forget to take into consideration the passion between Jessica and Tim. The more I type, the more I wonder if 5 stars is even enough?
The characters, as I’ve come to expect with KG Fletcher’s writing, were strong and memorable. I mean in just the second book Jessica and her beautiful blond girls made a lasting impression! I loved how characters still tied into this story too even if the book didn’t seem as intertwined as the first two books.
I could sit here gushing over Georgia Pine forever so I’ll wrap it up, but I definitely recommend this book to anyone that loves a good, heartfelt romance.

@fnbates

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Self Love by T.L. Clark – Review by Felicia Bates

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Self LoveSelf Love by T.L. Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Self Love: A British Tale of Woe and Wit
TL Clark
5 out of 5 stars

I honestly don’t even know where to start. Self Love is my first experience with TL Clark’s writing and if any of this author’s additional work reads as well as this, it certainly will not be my last.
I was hooked on this novel from the very first blundering words. I loved that we are thrown right at Molly and her honest, inner self.
I don’t know if it was because I saw so much of myself in Molly’s character, but I felt that she and the story as a whole was incredibly relatable. I feel this has to do with being a woman in general but you read the story and be the judge.
There were so, so many times I found myself smiling, cringing but more importantly cheering our main character on. The progression towards self love and accepting no less of what she deserves from herself, her family and her potential love interests was empowering.
There were so many pearls of wisdom within these pages, some you’ve may have heard before but definitely quotes from a story I will keep with me. One that struck me as I read was this, “Of course not. But you know, how others treat you is their own karma, how you react is entirely yours.” This sentiment is something I’ve learned along my self love journey and we all will be a little better off as we come into it on our own.
Well, it’s honestly 4 am and I could go on and on forever at this point. Overall, this was a great balance between fun, realistic, quirky and deep and meaningful. Well done.

Review by @fnbates

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