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Falling for You (Buckeye Falls Book 2) by Libby Kay – Review by Helani Kihe

Falling for You (Buckeye Falls, #2)Falling for You by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 2nd book I’ve read by this author and the 2nd Buckeye Falls book I’ve read. I thought book 1 deserved to be a Hallmark movie and I think book 3 should be as well. I loved reading the story and I would love to watch them come to life on TV.
Falling for you is such a sweet love story. I absolutely love the friendship that Cece & Even have. I love how they have this connection between them even before they make things official.
I see how age can sometimes be an issue. I like how Even decides to show how manly he is even though he’s younger but ends up throwing a little tantrum. It’s such a guy thing to do. Lol It made me giggle because I know guys who’ve acted like this and I pictured the whole thing.
I loved being able to “see” the characters reappear from book 1 in book 2. Even though the stories are connected you could read them as stand alone.
Overall great story, great characters, I really enjoyed it all.

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Emissary (Star-Crossed Celestials Duet) by A.L. Morrow – Review by Helani Kihe

Emissary (A Star-Crossed Celestials Story)Emissary by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Emissary is my 4th or 5th MM book I’ve read. I’ve really enjoyed reading romances from different points of view.
I fell in love with both Malakai & Byron’s characters.
I really liked the star-crossed lovers aspect. The whole forbidden love thing makes it 100x better.
This is a great read. Once you get started you won’t be able to put it down. The story is full of love & mystery…it’s steamy, action packed & unpredictable.
Now I must read The Watcher!

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The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Helani Kihe

The Man In BlackThe Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story does start off a little slow but don’t let that stop you.
I feel like I must warn you…the author did a phenomenal job…be ready to go on an emotional roller-coaster.
This story is filled with action, mystery and romance. There is a little something for everyone. Trigger warning: It does get violent.
The story is a little on the long side but definitely worth the read. Trust me you won’t be able to put it down and you’ll get to the last page and wish it hadn’t ended yet.

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Hot For Me (The Balefire Series Book 4) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Helani Kihe

Hot For Me (The Balefire Series Book 4)Hot For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hot For Me is book #4 in the Balefire Series.
It can be read as a stand alone.
Hot For Me was the 1st book from this author I’ve read and it’s the 1st of this series I’ve read.
It’s a long story but sooooo worth the read. I couldn’t put it down. Okay so I was forced to put it down a few times due to work and life but I definitely didn’t want to.
The author gave the story great characters and a great storyline. Things got very hot & steamy quite a few times.
There were a few times at the end I thought the book was ending then I turned the page and there was more. Definitely not a bad thing. It just surprised me a little. It sounded like the story was complete…. then….SURPRISE…a few more pages.
Overall very enjoyable, entertaining, book. I must get my hands on the 1st three and I can’t wait for #5 to come out.

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I Love You Today (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 2) by Julie Navickas – Review by Helani Kihe

I Love You Today (The Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 2)I Love You Today by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

  1. Book 1 was Amazing! Book 2 was Amazing x2! Can’t wait to read Book 3.
    I’ve gotta say I fell in love with Austin in book 1. Of course I had to read book 2 and it definitely didn’t disappoint.
    The chemistry between Austin & Casey is magnetic. Austin has been drawn to her since book 1 but he allows Mavis to cloud his judgement.
    I love how the author has several love stories going at once. So we get to see a continuation of book 1, of course we get Austin & Casey’s story, and a look at what book 3 will be about with Lauren.
    Overall a great read. Super steamy. I couldn’t put it down.

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Throwing the Curve by Lauren Fraser- Review by Helani Kihe

Throwing the CurveThrowing the Curve by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Throwing the Curve was hot & steamy almost the entire way through. It’s part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. (Reading it will make you want to read the others if you haven’t. Don’t say I didn’t warn you lol.)
I loved most of the characters. The main characters were super relatable. I loved their bickering. The villain was extra douche baggy (if that’s not a word it should be lol). He’s the only character I really couldn’t stand and for obvious reasons.
The author did a phenomenal job with the storyline. I couldn’t put the book down. I can’t wait for book 3 to be released.

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Falling Home (Buckeye Falls Book 1) by Libby Kay – Review by Helani Kihe

Falling HomeFalling Home by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Falling Home is a Hallmark Movie worthy story. Definitely a quick read. I love that it’s set during the holidays. Christmas & Love just go together.
I’m a big believer in 2nd chances (if deserved). I really liked the lost love and finding it again aspect of the story. Ginny & Max are very lovable characters.
Falling Home was the 1st title I’ve read from this author and I can’t wait to check the other books in this series and whatever else she has to offer.

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Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Helani Kihe

Kamana Wanalaya for the HolidaysKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kamana Wanalaya was the 1st book I’ve read by this author. I really enjoy reading books from different authors and seeing their different writing styles.
This was a quick read. Definitely entertaining. It was funny and spicy. The characters were great. It would make for a great holiday movie if the author ever decided to do that I’d definitely watch it!

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The Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Helani Kihe

The Final BiteThe Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Final Bite was a great little read. Short & Sweet but not too sweet.
I liked the mix of supernatural creatures. I always like to see how different authors have them interact with each other.
My only complaint is that it was a short story and I read it way too fast. It was so good I wanted more.

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Queen’s Destiny (Blood Prophecy Book 1) by Barb Jones – Review by Helani Kihe

Queen's Destiny (The Blood Prophecy, #1)Queen’s Destiny by Barb Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Queen’s Destiny was the 1st book I’ve read from this author. She did an awesome job.
I love supernatural stories. I love supernatural love stories even more. Queen’s Destiny was a great read. It’s a long story with a lot of back and forth between many different time periods. You’ve really gotta pay attention or you could get lost but it’s definitely worth reading. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.

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Lab Spill (The Cool Thing Series Book 2) by Robert Rife – Review by Helani Kihe

LAB SPILL: A Dark Comedy. Maybe. (THE COOL THING SERIES)LAB SPILL: A Dark Comedy. Maybe. by Robert Rife
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

To say this series is unique is an understatement.
If you like sci-fi this is your book for sure.
Lab Spill isn’t the type of book I’d normally read but I came across book 1 and it sounded super interesting and the title caught my attention. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would so of course I had to read book 2 and see where the story takes me.
Lab spill is a very well written book. It’s funny and the characters are great. The author is definitely in a league of his own.

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I Loved You Yesterday (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 1) by Julie Navickas – Review by Helani Kihe

I Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats TrilogyI Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats Trilogy by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Phenomenal read! Romance is my absolute favorite genre to read. I loved you yesterday definitely did not disappoint.
Usually early on in a story, like this, where there is a love triangle. I try to guess who the character is gonna end up with and most times that’s who they end up with but this one had me going back and forth. I just couldn’t figure it out. You have one who is embedded in her past and they have all of this history and then you have the other one who had helped her through some tough times in her life. I just couldn’t figure it out, so I decided for myself who I wanted her to end up with and by the end of the story I was a little sad that she didn’t pick who I was rooting for but I have hope that he will get his happy ending in the next book. Soooo with that being said, as you can imagine I am super excited for book 2. I can’t wait to read it.

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Battling Beckett by T. Christensen – Review by Helani Kihe

Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother RomanceBattling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Soooo I have step siblings. I don’t like to use the word “step” because to me they’re just my siblings. That being said I was very curious as to how this book would make me feel seeing as I could never look at one of my siblings as anything but my sibling…BUT…no lie it was a great story.

I liked that they were from different social groups. Beckett is rich, popular, good looking quarter back of the football team. Every guy wants to be him and every girl wants to be with him. Greer is not poor but doesn’t come from money, quiet, not popular, pretty but a “no one really sees her” kinda girl.

I enjoyed the tension between the 2 of them. They both had internal battles about their relationship. They don’t really like the other person but can’t help this magnetic pull towards each other.

There is also some drama/danger there that makes the story a little more interesting and helps bring the couple closer together.

I think there was some really good supporting characters in the story as well. I really enjoyed how the football team started to treat Greer like a little sister.
All in all I really enjoyed the story. I think it’s one of those stories that would make a great lifetime or hallmark movie.

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The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not. by Robert Rife – Review by Helani Kihe

The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not.The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not. by Robert Rife
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Cool Thing was definitely an interesting read. By far the most unique story I’ve read so far this year. After reading the 1st few chapters I was sooo confused I wasn’t sure if I was likely the book or not but I couldn’t stop reading. It’s definitely not gonna be for everybody but if you like Sci-Fi, Comedy, & Romance then this is definitely for you. I’m really happy I didn’t give on finishing the book. It turned out to be quite enjoyable and I’m even looking forward to reading book 2.

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Saved by Love (Bellevue Bullies Book 7) by Toni Aleo – Review by Helani Kihe

Saved by Love (Bellevue Bullies #7)Saved by Love by Toni Aleo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Saved by Love was a phenomenal read. It is book #7 in the Bellevue Bullies series. I’m gonna be honest….I never read books 1-6. I had just finished a book and was looking for something to read when I came across Saved by Love. The title alone caught my eye (I’m a sucker for a good love story). After reading the synopsis and some of the reviews I figured out I could read this like a standalone, I did, and I’m sooooo glad I did. It is such a good story!
I’m not gonna say too much since I don’t wanna give anything away. I will say is, the storyline is amazing, the characters are great and loveable, if you decide to read this be prepared for all the emotions!
My favorite thing about this book was the “Mental Health” issues. I have never read a book where the author allows the characters to openly say “Hey I have Mental health issues and It’s ok” or “I have mental health issues and I need help”. I feel like mental health is so important and needs to be talked about. I give the AUTHOR 2 BIG HIGH FIVES for touching on mental health related issues and showing how people struggle through them and how they can over come some of those.
I am definitely going to have to read 1-6 now!!!

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Amber Waves of Grace by Jessica Berg – Review By Helani Kihe

Amber Waves of GraceAmber Waves of Grace by Jessica Berg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love me a good, for lack of a better word, “smut” book. This was quite the opposite which I found rather refreshing. I’ve read some religious romance books before and they’re usually quite sweet but really dry in the romance department. Which isn’t a bad thing just not usually my thing but I like to give all books equal opportunity before I judge them. Boy am I glad I did.
Amber Waves of Grace was very sweet but not too sweet. I like that there was several “Love stories” going on in the story. My favorite was between main characters Aaron & Corrie. I loved being able to see how they would get passed the past and the age difference. I loved the growth and healing that happened between the characters. There was some suspense and mystery that made the story more interesting. All in all a great story. I absolutely loved it!

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Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Helani Kihe

Love is Worth Fighting forLove is Worth Fighting for by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Let me just start off by saying this series was absolutely wonderful. I loved everything about them.
Love is Worth Fighting for is the 3rd book in the Meraki Series. This story follows couple Krystina and Loukas. I’ve been dying to know their story since book one. I could tell there had to be something there with all the back and forth between them in the 1st 2 books and boy was I right. Their story is officially my favorite so far in this series. I loved being able to see how their relationship started,  how things went sideway and how they came full circle back to each other.
I also really enjoyed getting closure to yiayia and Panos’ love story.
Just like books 1 & 2 I enjoyed that the author continued to add the little extras at the end of some of the chapters. I enjoyed being able to see into the minds of the characters that went back in time.
I also thought it was really neat that the author chose to place this story in our time and have the characters go through what we were going through with Covid and how it was affecting our lives.
The author did a phenomenal job telling the stories of each of these characters relationships and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and see who’s love story will be told in that one.

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Love is What you Bake of it. (The Meraki Series Book 1) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Helani Kihe

Love is What You Bake of it (The Meraki Series #1)Love is What You Bake of it by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

  1. I really enjoyed this story. I think it’s one of those stories I could reread over and over again. It would definitely make a good “Hallmark Movie” or “Lifetime Movie “.
    I liked that the author used the language of the characters. I had to do some research on the meaning and pronunciation but it added some authenticity to the story that I really liked.
    I don’t wanna give anything away so I won’t say exactly what it is but there were little surprises at the end of some of the chapters that I really really enjoyed.  I can’t wait to see what Book 2 has in store.View all my reviews

Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Helani Kihe

Love by Design (The Meraki series, #2)Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When reading a series of books you always hope the next book is just as good or better than the last but you’re never really sure till you actually read it. Let me just say book #2 in this series definitely doesn’t disappoint.
The author did a great job again with the storyline and the characters. I really liked being able to “see” some of the characters from the 1st story.
The little “extras” at the ends of some of the chapters were nice little surprises I enjoyed.
The language, culture and history of the characters were nice to see as well.
If you need a reminder that fate & destiny are real then you definitely need to read this story.

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Love is What you Bake of it. (The Meraki Series Book 1) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Helani Kihe

Love is What You Bake of it (The Meraki Series #1)Love is What You Bake of it by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story. I think it’s one of those stories I could reread over and over again. It would definitely make a good “Hallmark Movie” or “Lifetime Movie “.
I liked that the author used the language of the characters. I had to do some research on the meaning and pronunciation but it added some authenticity to the story that I really liked.
I don’t wanna give anything away so I won’t say exactly what it is but there were little surprises at the end of some of the chapters that I really really enjoyed.  I can’t wait to see what Book 2 has in store.

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The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent – Review by Helani Kihe

The Lie That BindsThe Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Lie That Binds was a phenomenal story. I love a good love story.
When I saw that it was a young adult story I knew that it would have some love scenes but nothing like what I read in adult books. Most YA romance books I’ve read don’t have sex scenes in them and the ones that do aren’t very descriptive. Sex might be implied but there usually isn’t too much detail. This story was more mature than I had expected and I am here for it!
The characters were well written. They were your classic teens in school. You’ve got your populars, not so popular, etc.
The struggles that Nathan endures when no one is around was something that I’ve never seen in a book before and the way that Holly comes along and helps him through it was absolutely beautiful. I really enjoyed “watching” their relationship grow.
Overall great read that teens and adults can both enjoy.

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The True Garza (Red Cage Book 3) by S. Ann Cole – Review by Helani Kihe

The True Garza (Red Cage, #3)The True Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Omg! Is it normal to have a crush on a fictional character in a book??? I think I might…. on True Garza. The author wrote his character beautifully.
London is a badass that I’d like to befriend.
This story got me all kinds of hot and bothered reading it. If you’re looking for a story to take your breath away this is your book.
I need to get my hands on the other books in this series ASAP!

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A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending Book 1) by Nicole Bailey – Review by Helani Kihe

A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending, #1)A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

  • I’m a big fan of greek mythology, so the minute I saw familiar names in the synopsis I knew I needed to read the book. I’m also a strong believer in “Love is Love” so when I saw that this was a m/m love story I was intrigued, since I don’t come across many of these.
    I really enjoyed the characters and the roles they played. I loved how the relationship between Apollo & Hyacinth blossomed into something so beautiful after harshly judging each other without knowing each other.
    I loved the relationship between the king and his children. You don’t see this kind of relationship between royal parents and their children in many stories. The relationships between the siblings were beautiful as well.
    I can’t say enough about this story. I loved everything about it. The author did an amazing job. I am super excited to read book 2.View all my reviews

Blood & Ravens (The Casket Girls Series Book 1) by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Helani Kihe

Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance (The Casket Girls Book 1)Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’d like to start off saying that I first heard of the Casket Girls in one of my favorite TV shows. That’s when I found out that it was a reference to the actual casquette/Casket Girls. I thought it was cool that even though Blood & Ravens is a fictional story, the author chose to set the story in the same place and time period as the real Casket Girls.
Blood & Ravens was a phenomenal read. It started off a little slow but once the pace picked up it definitely didn’t disappoint. Just when you think you know where the story is going something happens and you’re pleasantly surprised by the turn it takes.
There was a great cast of characters, great storyline and a great twist at the end. Can’t wait to read book #2.

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Everwood Plantation by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Helani Kihe

Everwood County PlantationEverwood County Plantation by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Everwood County Plantation is the second story I’ve read written by this author. I really enjoyed her writing style in both stories.
This particular story had such a good storyline. The main characters both had histories that could affect their futures. They were both pretty stubborn until they fell in love.
I enjoyed reading the story. I am sad how quick I read it but if you’re looking for a good quick read this is definitely the book for you.

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Deacon (Saints vs Sinners Series) by CJ Warrant – Review by Helani Kihe

Deacon (Saints vs Sinners Series Book 1)Deacon by CJ Warrant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lord have mercy was this a real page turner. I loved that this was more than a romance story. The author gave you mystery, tragedy, humor and romance all rolled into one.

I thought it was pretty cool that Deacon and Olivia come from a small town where everyone knows everyone. I love that they grew up together and were really good friends that fell in love.

  1. The author did a phenomenal job keeping you guessing whether or not that love they felt for each other, all these years, is enough to get past the hurt they have both endured.View all my reviews

Claiming My Mate (Wolf Hollow Pack Book 1) by Nicole Howl – Review by Helani Kihe

Claiming My Mate (Wolf Hollow Pack, #1)Claiming My Mate by Nicole Howl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVE PARANORMAL ROMANCE! Claiming my Mate definitely did not disappoint. Once I started reading I couldn’t stop. The only thing I didn’t like is that is was so good I read it too fast and now I have to wait for book 2 to find out what happens. The author did a great job with the storyline and the characters.

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Unchecked: A Steamy Love Triangle Love Romance by Carina Alyce – Review by Helani Kihe

Unchecked (MetroGen Downtown Kiss and Tell, #1)Unchecked by Carina Alyce
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No lie chapter one started of slow. I always try to read the synopsis before I read the book to make sure it’s something I’m interested in. The synopsis had me hooked so I kept reading the book despite the slow start. I’m sure glad I did! You know how they say “Never judge a book by it’s cover!”? Well you shouldn’t judge a book by the 1st few pages either. This story actually took several twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting. It was very well written. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. I will be keeping my eyes open for book #2 because the cliffhanger has me shook! I need to know what happens.

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Checking Boxes by Magdoline Ward – Review by Helani Kihe

Checking BoxesChecking Boxes by Magdoline Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Checking Boxes was a story about Grace and Ian and how their pasts may or may not affect their future.
I really enjoyed how the author took us back and forth between 2 time periods. It was a real page turner….I couldn’t put the book down. Sometimes when reading a romance book I can kind of guess how it will end…. well not with this story. I was pleasantly surprised in the turn the story took.
Checking Boxes was the first title I’ve read from this author. After that story I need to see what else she’s written. I was on an emotional rollercoaster while reading it and I enjoyed every emotional ride the author took me on.

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So Right (Love Grows Series Book 5) by Renee Regent – Review by Helani Kihe

So Right (Love Grows, Book 5)So Right by Renee Regent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

1st off I’d like to say I absolutely loved this book! I was hooked from the very 1st page. If I didn’t have kids and the need to sleep I would’ve NEVER put the book down.
I really enjoyed that it wasn’t one of those love at first sight stories. While I enjoy reading those as well. The fact that there was a little distaste between them made me want to keep going to see how that would be turned around.
I liked that even though this was book 5 in a series you could read it as a standalone. There was mention of characters from the previous stories but there wasn’t anything that made it seem like you had to read them before reading this one. However if you do read them out of order the author writes such amazing stories you’re gonna want to read them all anyway.
Also I don’t know if it was just my imagination getting caught up in the story or if the author intentionally wrote the story with accents but I swear I could hear the Greek accent in my head.

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