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A Tangy Christmas Kiss by Allyson R. Abbott – Review by Heather Bahm

A Tangy Christmas KissA Tangy Christmas Kiss by Allyson R. Abbott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Tangy Christmas Kiss, by Allyson R. Abbott, is the second book in the Christmas Kiss series. This story features an overseas trip, a language barrier, and crazy antics that ensue. The story was fun to read with charming characters. The characters gave this story a lighthearted feel, along with some craziness – which always tends to come with family. This is one of those stories that are a guilty reading pleasure when you need your time away. It had just the right amount of humor to be entertaining. A great holiday read.

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Degrees of Control (A Prestian Series Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Heather Bahm

Degrees of Control (Prestian Series, #3)Degrees of Control by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Degrees of Control, by Via Mari, is the third book of the Prestian series in the continuing epic story of Chace and Katarina. In this contemporary romance, we have traveled the trials and tribulations that these characters as they attempt to find themselves and forge forward in their lives, whether together or apart. So many choices ahead and watching Chace and Katarina navigate those kept me on the edge of my seat wondering which way they would go. I have enjoyed reading their story over the previous books and I really liked how the author continued in this third book. This was well thought out with a captivating story line. This is a series that is worth reading at least once.

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Reckless: A Steamy Contemporary Romance Anthology by Various Authors – Review by Heather Bahm

Reckless - An AnthologyReckless – An Anthology by Mika Jolie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reckless: A Steamy Contemporary Romance Anthology features four stories by Mika Jolie, Kylie Stewart, P.M. Carson, and Sharla Lovelace. Each of the books within this anthology bring the meaning to hot and steamy in a romance. I had to literally check the thermostat to ensure it wasn’t too high, hot hot hot! The chemistry is off the charts, the passion scorches the sheets, and the dialogue was on point. I have previously read 1-2 of the authors in this set, but a few were new. Anthologies are one of the sets I always like to read. It gives me an opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone and try something new, something enticing and potentially appealing. These authors delivered all of that. If you are looking for a steamy and hot romance, give these the chance to quench that thirst.

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A Second Chance (Powder River Pack Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Heather Bahm

A Second Chance (The Powder River Pack #1)A Second Chance by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Brooke May’s A Second Chance is the first book in the Powder River Pack series. This story is a paranormal contemporary romance featuring shifters. The author quickly sets the scenes and begins with character introductions along with some backstory to give the story more detail and depth. There was something about Derek’s character throughout the story that just spoke to me and pushed me through chapter after chapter. Annabelle is Derek’s other have and seeing the struggle along with the back and forth that ensues, it pulls at the heartstrings. Brooke May really drew on the emotional card to create a captivating story that introduces the start of what is bound to be an enthralling series.

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A Prickly Christmas Kiss by Allyson R. Abbott – Review by Heather Bahm

A Prickly Christmas KissA Prickly Christmas Kiss by Allyson R. Abbott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Prickly Christmas Kiss, by Allyson R. Abbott, is a seasonal treat for the holiday season. The character names, location and theme truly give a feel for the holiday season. From the beginning, the author has provided a story that just blankets you with the pages as you read. From the soul(s) that are disenchanted, to the paths that feel as if fate is pushing forward, and just the magical time of year – it all adds together to give this story just the perfect mix of warmth and seasonal joy. The addition of some comedic moments throughout gave just enough to the story not to feel over done. I absolutely adored ELF’s character and her personality, she really made this story fun, as well as, all the supporting characters.

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Hometown Heroes: A Christmas Anthology by Various Authors – Review by Heather Bahm

Hometown HeroesHometown Heroes by Jolie St. Amant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hometown Heroes: A Christmas Anthology is a great set of holiday themed stories. These include: Courtship and Courage by Carrie Dalby, When Time Stood Still by Chelsi Arnold and JD Boudreaux, Hobbes House Noel by CJ Petterson, Talking in Code: A Christmas Homecoming by E.A. Hale, and Safe Haven by Jolie St. Amant. I personally love anthologies, always a new author and something I may not have previously read. That is absolutely the case here. I enjoyed each of these stories. In these holiday themed stories, the magic just flowed freely – it felt right, it felt real, and it was divine! This is definitely a treat that you need to taste.

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Santa’s Little Helper by Shaan Ranae – Review by Heather Bahm

Santa's Little HelperSanta’s Little Helper by Shaan Ranae
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Santa’s Little Helper, by Shaan Ranae, is a holiday romance novella. This story brings forth the true meaning of Christmas and helping others in its limited pages. This was easy to read, fun and cute, with a little bit of naughty going on at the same time. Shaan Ranae did a great job of adding some fine tuned details to give the story some meat and substance. Jake comes across as a strong, domineering male with a spicy and feisty “helper” included. A quick holiday read not to pass up!

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A Must for Christmas: A Darling Cove Novella by Deborah Garland – Review by Heather Bahm

A Must for Christmas: A Darling Cove NovellaA Must for Christmas: A Darling Cove Novella by Deborah Garland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Must for Christmas: A Darling Cove Novella, by Deborah Garland, is a great holiday romance. The author introduced Faith and Greg in the start of the series. This latest book gives the reader a further view into their story with a holiday twist. This story provided everything that I enjoyed from other books in the series and gives me more. More intrigue, a little bit of drama, and a true feeling of family. A quick read loaded full, it didn’t feel rush or lacking in any way. The author brought us back to Faith and Greg, knowing not everything is always easy flowing, but sometimes obstacles come along and you have to work to maintain your happiness. Beautifully written.

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Rhapsody and Rebellion: (Once Upon a Widow) (Enduring Legacy Book 7) by Aubrey Wynne – Review by Heather Bahm

Rhapsody and Rebellion (Enduring Legacy #7)Rhapsody and Rebellion by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rhapsody and Rebellion: (Once Upon a Widow) by Aubrey Wynne is the seventh book in the Enduring Legacy series. Alisabeth and Gideon are the main/featured characters in this historical/regency romance. The author lays the necessary ground work to hold true to the theme/style of the story with the historical time vibe from years past. Once I began reading this story, I did find it’s certainly not your standard historical romance novel- and there’s not one thing wrong with that. I think it gave this novel a bit something different giving it some additional allure. Emotional pulls are evident as you continue through the chapters, adding some additional depth to the story. The little details that Aubrey Wynne wrote it really made this story more fulfilling to read.

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Hope’s Deceit (The Fated Book 2) by Angela McPherson – Review by Heather Bahm

Hope's Deceit (The Fated #2)Hope’s Deceit by Angela McPherson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second book in the Fated series, by Angela McPherson, is Hope’s Deceit. This paranormal/fantasy romance continues with the vivid details that the author shared in the first novel of this series. Hope’s Deceit continues Trinity’s story with lots of drama, suspense, action, and of course, romance. While some mysteries are answered from questions that were created from the first novel, new ones are awakened. Angela McPherson shines in this genre, her writing ability is above par along with character and story creation. This story never felt lacking and it just giving more and more, keeping you engaged and enthralled in the story.

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Snatching Dianna (Feisty Lawyers Book 1) by Seelie Kay – Review by Heather Bahm

Snatching Dianna (Feisty Lawyers, #1)Snatching Dianna by Seelie Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Seelie Kay’s Snatching Dianna is the first book in the Feisty Lawyers series. This was a thrilling and suspenseful read. Seelie Kay doesn’t wait to pull the reader into the story, but instantly starts with the right lead ins to draw attention to not only the characters, but also the environment. As I was reading this story, from the details provided, I could vividly picture the scenes – it was amazingly done. Each of the characters in this story were well described and portrayed, despite the limited pages within this book. The story was fast paced, but not rushed. I felt that this was a great introduction into the Feisty Lawyers series and after the sequence of events that occurred in in Snatching Dianna, I cannot wait to see what the author delivers next.

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The Changeup (A Resort Romance Novel Book 6) by Mary Billiter – Review by Heather Bahm

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

The Changeup, by Mary Billiter, is a romantic suspense. This sixth novel fit perfectly within the A Resort Romance series. I adored the character names, they were fun to add in with the hilarious, suspenseful, intriguing and drama filled moments of the story. Rebel’s character was, by far, the best in this novel – something about her character shined thoroughly through. It could have been her witty nature or her personal set of morals/ethics, but it was unique. Then Ryan! Oh my goodness, the nickname he is graced with, its fabulous nickname! There are memorable characters in this book that just make it so good, entertaining and a must read! Not only do you get suspense within this story, the author gives you a bit more and delivers.

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Must Be Crazy (Darling Cove Book 3) by Deborah Garland – Review by Heather Bahm

Must Be CrazyMust Be Crazy by Deborah Garland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Deborah Garland’s Must Be Crazy is the third installment in the Darling Cove series. This contemporary romance features Skye Mallory, her quirks, faults and possibly a happily ever after? I fell in love with this series with the first book, Must Love Fashion. Each book has featured a separate couple, but they each overflow to some extent to the subsequent stories. Must Be Crazy is my favorite from the series so far. Skye is a strong character, but inside, she’s fractured and trying to hold herself together. The ultimate question, is how long that will last and what will happen when that final seal breaks? Add in a seriously charming male, the possibilities are endless. The back history that is shared with the present tense of the story was well played, not pushing the story into the far left field. There were definitely some character(s) I enjoyed not liking, but they gave the story that additional mix to create a well rounded tale.

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An Agreement (Summer in New York Book 3) by Lindsay Marie Miller – Review by Heather Bahm

An Agreement (Summer in New York, #3)An Agreement by Lindsay Marie Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An Agreement, by Lindsay Marie Miller, is the third book in the Summer in New York series. This contemporary romance story was a reading pleasure. I easily feel into the story within the first chapter. Something about Bailey just immediately drew me in. The opening scenes were fun, entertaining and just what you expect from a talented author. I really liked how the author played with the friendly banter, attraction, emotional hills/valleys that you would encounter with a friends/lovers theme. Both Bailey and Carter have insecurities within their lives that deter them from certain choices; the author handled these within the story with style allowing it to flow seamlessly within the story rather than feeling misplaced.

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Cowboy: Claimed Box Set by Various Authors – Review by Heather Bahm

Cowboy: ClaimedCowboy: Claimed by Melissa Keir
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cowboy: Claimed is a box set featuring six stories:
Rescue Love by Melissa Keir
Snow Bird Springs: TROY by Cheryl Gorman
Upstaging the Cowboy by Leslie P. Garcia
Cowboy Kind of Forgiveness by Becca Turner
Reverence by Lyssa Layne
Cowboy Proud by D’Ann Lindun

Each of these stories are standalone, but go perfectly together within this set. Any lover of cowboy romances should step up to read these. I’ve previously read novels by a couple of these authors, but one of the things I enjoy about anthologies/sets is that it introduces me to authors that I may not have previously read. A myriad of of emotions, antics, opportunities and more are abound in this box set. You cannot resist a good written romance, but with six of them, what are you waiting for?

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Hope’s Decree (The Fated Book 1) by Angela McPherson – Review by Heather Bahm

Hope's Decree (The Fated #1)Hope’s Decree by Angela McPherson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Angela McPherson’s Hope’s Decree is the first book of The Fated. This paranormal/fantasy romance was vivid in the details, from the character descriptions to the events that transpired within the novel. The story line was executed perfectly. I was pulled into the book within the first chapter. Noting that Trinity is still in high school, the author pulled those type of relationships and dynamics into the story and the interactions between characters. The story was well paced. As new characters are introduced in the story, you get a foreboding of something more to come. I like the suspense that is there making me anticipate what could come next around the corner. Angela McPherson is a fantastic author and I am enjoying this paranormal twist in this latest series.

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Nathaniel (Dragon Hearts 1) by Carole Mortimer – Review by Heather Bahm

Nathaniel (Dragon Hearts #1)Nathaniel by Carole Mortimer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nathaniel, Dragon Hearts #1, by Carole Mortimer is a fantasy romance featuring dragon shifters. One inquisitive woman versus a determined man to keep his distance and her away, what could possibly happen? The author quickly sets the stage for this story, along with a colorful cast of characters. I liked Nathaniel’s personality in this story was breathtaking. He may be standoffish at parts, but in the entire scheme of things – he was quite magnetic. Chloe was absolutely the best to set against this alpha male. She is persistent and holds her own. Add them together in this creative story line and it was a worthwhile read that I thoroughly enjoyed!

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Once Upon a Romance (A Dream Come True Book 1) by Alex Bailey – Review by Heather Bahm

Once Upon a Romance (A Dream Come True, #1)Once Upon a Romance by Alex Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Alex Bailey’s Once Upon a Romance is the first book in A Dream Come True. This holiday themed story was beautifully written. My favorite character was Ariel, the niece. Even though she was not a main character, she shined in this story. That is not to say that I didn’t like Sophie. I felt her character had a lot of self-discovery and growth as the story progressed and it was handled in a way that felt natural. With most of the story taking place in Disney, this tale was magical in so many ways – from the locale, to the emotions, to the people that were passing characters in the store – it all brought together the theme of a dream come true. Alex Bailey is a talented author and I felt that she did it effortlessly within this romance that focused on the emotional ties more than the physical – you don’t always feel that passion in some stories.

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Born to Fight (Can’t Resist You Book 1) by Brittany Anne – Review by Heather Bahm

Born to Fight (Can't Resist You, #1)Born to Fight by Brittany Anne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Born to Fight, by Brittany Anne, is the first book in the Can’t Resist You series. This is a captivating story that is built upon the most unfortunate of circumstances driving together individuals that are drawn together despite all that is going on around them. I found the sequence of events through the story and how the author laid them out was well thought out. The story was multi-dimensional giving life to the story through the characters and events. Hunter and Rain were exceptional characters from the start of the story. The chemistry was exquisite and the journey was masterful. A great story by Brittany Anne. Can’t wait to read the next book(s) in the series.

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Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjurings By Maria F. DeBlassie – Review by Heather Bahm

Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily ConjuringsEveryday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjurings by Maria F DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Maria F DeBlassie’s Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjurings is a different spin on a book that has you step back, picture your life, how you are interacting, and finding yourself. This book inviting a relaxing read and reflections made by the author. In no way is this a directional book on how to take your life, but it was a fresh breath of air that makes you want to shift how you may view particular things as they impact your life. I found that this author did a fine job in portraying their thoughts and beliefs in a way that comes across as inspiring, possibly spiritual in certain ways, but overall finding wellness within.

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F*cking Frank (Smirk Series Book 1) by Jen Luerssen – Review by Heather Bahm

F*cking Frank (Smirk Series Book 1)F*cking Frank by Jen Luerssen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jen Luerssen’s F*cking Frank (Smirk Series Book 1) is ripping roar of a romantic comedy. From the start, the author will have you laughing until your sides are about ready to split and still continue on. Frank is a no filter kind of guy, but can anything set him off kilter? Watching how Frank moves this this story was amusing, touching and also extremely entertaining. The story includes a full cast of characters that work well together even though some of their personalities are off the chart. Jen Luerssen makes this story work in all the right ways!

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My Free Life: Prequel to The Brothers of Camelot (My Life Series Book 3) by Necie Navone – Review by Heather Bahm

My Free Life: Prequel to The Brothers of Camelot (My Life Series Book 3)My Free Life: Prequel to The Brothers of Camelot by Necie Navone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My Free Life: Prequel to The Brothers of Camelot, by Necie Navone, is the third book in the My Life Series. This coming of age thrilling suspense continues from My Hidden Life, the second book of the series. The author has taken this series/book into a side we don’t typically see, a strong woman carrying a role we often see/read that are held by men. Alessandra is an epic character and I enjoyed seeing her grow further in this book between the choices she continues to make and the paths she attempts to maneuver through. Necie Navone is a strong and creative author, her writing style continues to improve with her fascinating and intriguing tales that she weaves with unforgettable characters.

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Only This Tuesday: A Copper Mills Novella by Melissa Keir – Review by Heather Bahm

Only This Tuesday: A Copper Mills NovellaOnly This Tuesday: A Copper Mills Novella by Melissa Keir
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Melissa Keir’s Only This Tuesday: A Copper Mills Novella may be a short story, but it shares a beautifully written romance that brews and cannot be denied. The lead characters both had lessons they learned in their lives and knew what they were and were not willing to settle for in their lives despite what may be laid in their paths. I found how the author laid out several themes in the story were well done. I would love to have seen this written as a longer story, but I enjoyed what was provided. I liked Tuesday’s character, her personality and her sense of morality. Definitely a great female character to be paired against the male lead.

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Getting the Goods by Elizabeth Perry – Review by Heather Bahm

Getting the GoodsGetting the Goods by Elizabeth Perry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Getting the Goods, by Elizabeth Perry, is an hilarious romantic comedy. From the beginning, the author has you cracking up with the antics of the characters. Never in my wildest dreams would I anticipate that as the logical option, but “bad” decisions always come in pairs. The lead characters are the epitome of what makes this book work and work well. If you do not fall out of your chair laughing throughout this book, you’ve definitely picked the wrong genre. I enjoyed the dynamics of how the story unfolds and the “battles” that occur within the story. It was fun and enchanting to read.

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Forgetting Ophelia: A Novel by Julie C. Gardner – Review by Heather Bahm

Forgetting Ophelia: A Novel (Friendship & Secrets, #2)Forgetting Ophelia: A Novel by Julie C. Gardner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Forgetting Ophelia: A Novel is the second book in the Friendship & Secrets series by Julie C. Gardner. This was an emotional read showing life doesn’t always take you on the path you anticipate and may be filled with unexpected and unwanted obstacles. The characters start off strong within the story, but at times felt a little off, but the author does get them under control by the end of the story. Overall, the story was well written with realistic characters and events that occurred, making the story touching and emotional rife where the author was attempting to draw those portrayals.

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Degrees of Acceptance (A Prestian Series Book 2) by Via Mari – Review by Heather Bahm

Degrees of Acceptance (Prestian Series, #2)Degrees of Acceptance by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Via Mari’s Degrees of Acceptance in the second book the Prestian Series. This contemporary romance that holds with the first book of the series in relation to what it delivers. Chase and Katarina’s relationship continues in this story right where it left off in the previous novel and the author maintains the pace. This is a journey that is full of unknowns, but it includes paths that must be taken. The mystery and suspense are perfectly laid out with the remainder of the story, it’s all mixed together creating an alluring sequence from the first chapter(s). We do continue to see growth within the characters from where we initially met them. Be sure to note that this series does need to be read in order; noting how this book finishes, I’m already off to the next – it’s good!

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Mad About Matt (A Red Maple Falls Novel, #1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Heather Bahm

Mad About Matt (Red Maple Falls #1)Mad About Matt by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mad About Matt, by Theresa Paolo, is the first book in the Red Maple Falls series. This second chance romance is utterly sweet with a mix of drama running abound. Shay is a strong female character is this book though she may not always make the best decisions. She feels that she is on the path she needs to be on and holds firm to those strides. Matt is a protector, it’s driven in his DNA. He exudes those traits throughout the story, whether they across good or bad. Add these two back into the same pot and the question on whether the sparks will reignite or it they will sparkle, then fizzle out. Theresa Paolo wrote a well paced story with solid characters. In the midst of their story, secondary characters are introduced that set the stage for the series to continue. A worthwhile read that I enjoyed each moment.

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Never Let Me Fall (Fatal Dreams Book 3) by Abbie Roads – Review by Heather Bahm

Never Let Me Fall (Fatal Dreams, #3)Never Let Me Fall by Abbie Roads
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The third installment in the Fatal Dreams series, Never Let Me Fall, by Abbie Roads continues with its romantic suspense theme. Abbie Roads is highly talented in how she writes these stories. In Never Let Me Fall, the story immediately opens into a scene that makes you hold your breath! Oh my goodness, this book seriously had me on the edge of my seat quickly reading to see what was to happen next! Talk about a page turner!! I felt that the characters were each perfectly flawed. Helena’s past is not an easy one, yet the author handled it with flare without it feeling too weak or overly done. Thomas is enticing, the reader is drawn to him, to his personality and how he interacts. Combining these two characters together was climatic and how they juggle and combat against forces was well played. This story holds its own within the series, but I liked the touch of how there are small, minuscule pieces that overflow from the other books in the series.

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Ring Tru (Thick As Thieves Book 1) by Janice M. Whiteaker – Review by Heather Bahm

Ring Tru (Thick as Theives Book 1)Ring Tru by Janice M. Whiteaker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Janice M. Whiteaker’s Ring Tru is the first book of the Thick as Thieves series. This romantic suspense is fascinatingly written. Tru and Will are the primary/lead characters in this tale and they distinctly stand out, as they should. I liked Tru’s whit and fire that was well established and shown through. Adding in Will’s protectiveness and drive, this made a story rife with twists/turns as these two battle out their feelings/connection and try to complete their end game(s). The tug and pull between them was intriguing to read. The hints of their best friends as supporting characters in the story added perfectly to the allure of this story as it unfolded. This was a great beginning to the series and has definitely whetted my appetite and created a desire to see what’s next!

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Bound by Blood (Crescent City Wolf Pack #3) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Heather Bahm

Bound by Blood (Crescent City Wolf Pack, #3)Bound by Blood by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Carrie Pulkinen’s Bound by Blood is the third book in the Crescent City Wolf Pack series. This paranormal romances features secondary characters that have appeared earlier in the series: Bryce and Alexis. I like how this story is slightly different with the female being the “wolf” of the story. However, that doesn’t mean Bryce doesn’t carry a strong, typical male presence here – he certainly does. The tug and pull of these two is ever present and it makes reading the story intriguing and entertaining. Each of the books within this series have been strong on their own, but together they create a wonderful series. I do strongly recommend reading each book in sequential order to get the most from this series.

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