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Competing with the Star (Star Series Book 2) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Gillian Fawell

Competing with the StarCompeting with the Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having just read Next Door to a Star, I was so glad I had this book ready and waiting when I finished as the first book in the series was a very enjoyable read. Competing with the Start read just as well; another book I couldn’t put down and allowed me to live the childhood dream of being able to have a celebrity friend! I really hope Krysten Lindsay Hager writes more for this series as I want to know more!

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Next Door to a Star (The Star Series) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Gillian Fawell

Next Door to a StarNext Door to a Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s been a long while since I’ve read a YA novel, but Next Door to a Star took me right back to those years; enjoying sleepovers with friends and drooling over the hottest celebrities in magazines. Well written with a plot that kept moving forward, I couldn’t put it down and was glad that the next book in the series was ready and waiting on my Kindle!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia #1) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Gillian Fawell

Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia, #1)Sugar & Spice by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! Sugar and Spice is right! That’s exactly what Phoebe Alexander delivers in this page turner with surprises on every page! The lead characters were a surprise to me when I began but they quickly grow on you as you learn more about their human side and their motives! Will be very interested to see where this series goes!

 

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Queen Of My Heart (Life Won’t Wait Book 1) by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Gillian Fawell

Queen Of My Heart (Life Won't Wait Book 1)Queen Of My Heart by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a fun read!

Nikki Lynn Barrett creates fabulous characters that really surprised me but who I loved! As she puts it, a modern fairytale!

One of the characters talks about writing a fanfiction about Tucker and Quinn and that description is perfect as it that ultimate dream of a gorgeous, handsome star helping the heroine!

Looking forward to the rest of the series.

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Try Right (Aloha Series book 3) by Jill Brashear – Review by Gillian Fawell

Try RightTry Right by Jill Brashear
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Try Right was my first book in the Aloha series, but I will definitely be going back to read the others! Jill Brashear created a wonderful world set in Hawaii in the 1960s – a very different time and age to today! The attitudes of men towards women amongst other things was well written even if they drove me insane as 21st century woman! The insights into the world of Hollywood/TV shows of the era and especially that of stuntmen like Henry were fascinating! Definitely recommended as a fun, somewhat spicy read!

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In Plain Sight ( The Broken Bow Book 3) by Ashley A Quinn – Review by Gillian Fawell

In Plain Sight (Broken Bow Book #3)In Plain Sight by Ashley A Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So wonderful to return to The Broken Bow and the amazing characters that make up the nearby town! Loved reading about Rayna, Thomas and Mason! In Plain Sight differed from the usual romance storyline but that just helped to build the characters and the setting – something different but wonderful. Would definitely recommend this whole series!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Best Of My Love (Love in Emerald Creek) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Gillian Fawell

Best of my LoveBest of my Love by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book! It was funny, unpredictable and the writing just flowed! Although Dre was a very different character to what I was expecting, once I learnt more about her background I could understand why she was the way she was! It was great to read about a independent, modern woman who wasn’t afraid to be a spitfire! The characters were all well developed and the plot had just the right amount of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from N.D. Jackson!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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THE MYSTERY OF THE LOST AVENGER (ANNIE TILLERY MYSTERIES) by LINDA MARIA FRANK – Review by Gillian Fawell

The Mystery of the Lost AvengerThe Mystery of the Lost Avenger by Linda Maria Frank
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a fantastic story! The historical element was right up my alley and mixing that with the mystery meant this book was one I wish I had available to read when I was younger! I will definitely be looking out for the rest in the series!

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THE BUCCANEERS OF St. FREDERICK ISLAND by LINDA MARIA FRANK – Review by Gillian Fawell

The Buccaneers of St. Frederick IslandThe Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island by Linda Maria Frank
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this book! Reminded me of the Enid Blyton books I used to read as a child and am now sharing with my little miss so can definitely add this one to the reading list with her! Can’t wait to read more from this author and with these characters!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Matching Miriam by Mya O’Malley – Review by Gillian Fawell

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

Firstly, I can’t believe I didn’t remember that not only is Matching Miriam by the same author as the Maggie Trilogy I read last year (I remembered that part!) but this book follows in the same universe! Yay! I fell in love with the characters when reading the trilogy and to come back to them in yet another brilliantly written novel brought a smile to my face! Reading about tough fronted police officer Miriam and learning about why she is the way she is gave me a deeper understanding to a character who may otherwise have remained as Naomi’s friend who wouldn’t take anything from anyone! Highly recommended!

Reviewed @sparkinside

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The Last Christmas by Seelie Kay – Review by Gillian Fawell

The Last ChristmasThe Last Christmas by Seelie Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, there were a light of surprises packed into this novella by Seelie Kay. For a quick read, the twists and turns kept coming and were very original. In fact the whole story was original and something I would never have guessed. Great for a quick Christmas read!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Five – Alarm Christmas : A Novella by Melinda Valentine – Review by Gillian Fawell

Five-Alarm Christmas : A NovellaFive-Alarm Christmas : A Novella by Melinda Valentine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! This novella zoomed by but wasn’t short on the spice! A great little read for Christmas or anytime of the year whilst you’re lazing in the sun or snuggled with someone special. Highly recommended when you want a well written story but are short on time!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Wildfire (The Broken Bow Book 2) by Ashley A Quinn – Review by Gillian Fawell

Wildfire (The Broken Bow Book 2)Wildfire by Ashley A Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! Ashley A Quinn definitely spins quite the tale! There is the base romance storyline but also the mystery and suspense! I was reading this late one night after hubby had gone to bed and that was maybe not the best idea when reading scenes about a stalker crafted by a master author like Ashley! This was the first of her books I have read but now want to go and read #1 in this series and go from there!

Review by @sparkinside

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The Sound of Silence by Dakota Willink – Review by Gillian Fawell

The Sound of SilenceThe Sound of Silence by Dakota Willink
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, this book was intense. It was my first Dakota Willink read and also my first Black Rose Collection novel. So I wasn’t used to reading darker titles. That being said, The Sound of Silence instantly gripped me! Characters who weren’t who you thought they would be and moments that kept you guessing and gasping. There is the non-spoiler alert of domestic violence as mentioned in the blurb, so be prepared to hate characters but since that is obviously the intention of the author, I would highly recommend this book!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Fake Fiancé (A Second Chance Office Romance) by Amy McKinley – Review by Gillian Fawell

Fake Fiancé: A Second Chance Office RomanceFake Fiancé: A Second Chance Office Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My first Amy McKinley novel and what an introduction to this author! I loved the characters and the way she built the story with a twist which I won’t mention here for obvious reasons. Fake Fiance kept me reading as I wanted to know more and how it was all going to turn out! Highly recommended!

 

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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A Merry Texan Christmas (The Prentice Brothers of Sweet Ridge Book 3) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Gillian Fawell

A Merry Texan Christmas (Prentice Brothers of Sweet Ridge, #3)A Merry Texan Christmas by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After having read the first two Prentice Brothers books, I was eager to read this one and discover Trey’s story! We had only heard a little about him in the past two books so there was a whole story to uncover! And Nicole Flockton did not disappoint! I love the way she creates new and interesting characters who make you fall in love with them and invest in their stories! Highly recommended!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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She’s No Cowgirl (My Cowboy Series Book 5) by Brooke May – Review by Gillian Fawell

She's No CowgirlShe’s No Cowgirl by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such an entertaining read! Brooke May has done a really good job of creating characters who buck stereotypes and keep you turning the pages to find out what they will do next! A great mix of western and football – recommended for fans of both. Now to read the others in the series!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Rookie Moves: A Quick Snap Novella by Tarrah Anders – Review by Gillian Fawell

Rookie MovesRookie Moves by Tarrah Anders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was a good little read with fantastic characters that were very likable. Grant and Emily were both a little quirky and different to the stereotypes of their roles which led to interesting situations and a few laughs along the way. This is the first Quick Snap book I have read, but I’m sure it won’t be the last. Highly recommended!

 

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Old and New: The Enchanted Wedding Dress (The MacLellan Sisters Trilogy Book 1) by Lucinda Race – Review by Gillian Fawell

Old and New: The Enchanted Wedding Dress Book 1 (The MacLellan Sisters Trilogy)Old and New: The Enchanted Wedding Dress Book 1 by Lucinda Race
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, this book was an amazing read that kept me guessing throughout. At first, I was a little frustrated by the largely one POV but then I realised that helped add to the mystery. The characters were supremely well developed – at times they frustrated me and at times I was cheering them on – just like you would anyone in your life I’m sure. This was the first of Lucinda Race’s books that I have read, but it won’t be the last – beginning with the other two books in this trilogy!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Falling for the Texan (Prentice Brothers of Sweet Ridge Book 2) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Gillian Fawell

Falling for the Texan (Prentice Brothers of Sweet Ridge, #2)Falling for the Texan by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Falling for the Texan was another great book by Nicole Flockton. The previous book, One Hot Texas Summer was the first by her I had read and now I’m definitely a fan! The characters are so well written and the plot keeps you reading well into the night. I’m really hoping there will be a book for Trey, the 3rd Prentice brother and so I can keep reading more about Tyler, Gianna, Tate and Kelly!

Review by @sparkinside

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One Hot Texas Summer (Prentice Brothers of Sweet Ridge Book 1) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Gillian Fawell

One Hot Texas Summer (Prentice Brothers of Sweet Ridge, #1)One Hot Texas Summer by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book by Nicole Flockton. The characters were very believable and developed really well. At first I wasn’t sure what to make of Tate, but by the end of the story, he had show his true colours – I won’t reveal which way that went! I found it very interesting to see the two main characters interacting with their extended families, this helped to give them depth and made them more realistic. Highly recommended!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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The Slaughter of Leith Hall by Lexie Conyngham – Review by Gillian Fawell

The Slaughter of Leith HallThe Slaughter of Leith Hall by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an adventure this story was! It took a moment for me to become accustomed to the language used but then I had fun looking up Scottish terms and it was like learning another language! The characters were superbly developed and quickly fell into categories of love them or hate them. Although, it must be said that some characters kept you guessing about their true motives through multiple twists and turns. Highly recommended!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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New Jerk in Town: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romantic Comedy (Carolina Kisses Book 2) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Gillian Fawell

New Jerk in Town: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romantic Comedy (Carolina Kisses Book 2)New Jerk in Town: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romantic Comedy by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the first one I have read in the Carolina Kisses series but I will have to go back and read the others and other titles by Sylvie Stewart as I thoroughly enjoyed New Jerk in Town! The characters were very well developed and I liked the way Sylvie revealed little bits at a time so that you learnt more about the characters as you went. I stayed up into the night reading this one as I needed to know what happened to Jill and Milo! The alternating points of view and flashbacks added to the reading experience! Highly recommended!

 

Reviewed by @sparkinside

 

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Turn up the Tempo (Lyrical Odyssey Rock Star Series Book 4) by Charli B Rose – Review by Gillian Fawell

Turn up the Tempo (Lyrical Odyssey Rock Star series, #4)Turn up the Tempo by Charli B. Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fantastic read – every girl’s dream is to hang out with rock stars right? No, in all seriousness, a very easy book to read, Turn up the Tempo flowed really well with a great mix of characters, the perfect amount of spice and twists that kept you guessing.
I haven’t read the previous books in this series and was able to follow along well enough, however am now curious to go back and find out the whole story from the start!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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2am Secrets by M. Piper – Review by Gillian Fawell

2am Secrets2am Secrets by M. Piper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was fantastic – the perfect mix of sweet and hot and spicy! It was the first one of M. Piper’s that I have read but it won’t be the last! I have always been a fan of the forbidden love/best friend scenario and this one is written to perfection! I loved the dual POV and the fact that Archer was a strong alpha male but that didn’t mean Sadie was a weak female – that girl could hold her own! Highly recommended!

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Reviewed by @sparkinside

Lillie (Maggie Trilogy Series Book 3) by Mya O’Malley – Review by Gillian Fawell

Lillie (Maggie Trilogy Series Book 3)Lillie by Mya O’Malley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The only real problem with this book was that it was impossible to put down! Great to be absorbed by a wonderful story, not so good when you’re supposed to be sleeping! Much like the Harry Potter series, each of the Maggie Trilogy books got darker as the series progressed and Lillie in particular kept me on the edge of my seat. I had to know how the story unravelled and was very pleased with the results.

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Naomi (Maggie Trilogy Book 2) by Mya O’Malley – Review by Gillian Fawell

NaomiNaomi by Mya O’Malley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, this book was amazing! I had read the first in the series, Maggie and thought I knew what I was in for, but Mya O’Malley took this series to a whole other level with Naomi!
I couldn’t put it down but at the same time, I was a little worried reading it when I was the only one awake at night!
Looking forward to reading the final title in the trilogy!

Reviewed by @gillianfawell

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Maggie (Maggie Trilogy Book 1) by Mya O’Malley – Review by Gillian Fawell

MaggieMaggie by Mya O’Malley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Maggie was so full of twists and turns it was so hard to put down. Although I had my suspicions about certain aspects, I was never quite sure until all was explained. I have not read a lot of supernatural type books before but really enjoyed this one and look forward to reading the sequels. It will be interesting to see how Mya O’Malley develops the core characters Naomi and Bryce.

Reviewed by @gillianfawell

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Hula Girl by Lara Ward Cosio – Review by Gillian Fawell

Hula GirlHula Girl by Lara Ward Cosio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was awesome. Lara Ward Casio has managed to pull off a fantastic combination of laughs, spice and heartwrenching moments. The main characters Ava and Ford are easy to fall in love with and Hula Girl quickly became a book I couldn’t put down! I look forward to reading more of Lara’s books! Definitely check this one out!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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