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I Loved You Yesterday (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 1) by Julie Navickas – Review by Kristine Solano-Witucky

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

I was really drawn to this book when I read the synopsis. When I started reading it I couldn’t put it down and when I did I kept thinking about it and wanted to read more. Kinda hard when you have kids. That says a lot though, the writing is fantastic, the characters are perfectly written and developed. Josh and Austin brothers who both want Mavis despite the past. It’s absolutely wonderful and I definitely enjoyed it and can’t wait to read the next book.

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My Darling Rogue (A Wicked Rogues Romance Book 1) by April Moran – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

My Darling RogueMy Darling Rogue by April Moran
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My Darling Rogue seemed more like the older romance books that tend to be a guilty pleasure of mine. The book was a little slow to start but turned hot and heavy really quickly and had a modern 50 shades type twist. This is definitely a book for the 18 and up crowd due to male main character’s proclivities. It was wild and kept me engaged once it picked up and it was an enjoyable read. I look forward to picking up more books by this author.

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Bake Believe (Bake Believe Series Book 1) by Cori Cooper – Review by Savanah Schwarz

I started to read this book with trepidation as I firmly believed quick read, but something too immature for me. I honestly did not think that I would want to read this fast to move on to something else. However, I was happily mistaken. I started to read this book and never put it down!

It starts off with Cat Anderson, newly graduated to 8th grade. She is so excited for the last day of summer before the first day of school. When she becomes entirely enamored with a pretzel, her life changes drastically. Cat being energetic, and quirky, doesn’t get phased by much. I mean, why should she? But when she bites into the pretzel from heaven from the new bakery, she knows her life will never be the same but she doesn’t know how.

It all comes together when she starts a culinary class in school she uncovers a magical mystical gift (or curse – according to her mother) that transfers her emotions into her cooking. What starts off as a simple story about a regular 8th grader turns into a cute and interesting story about a young girl coming into her own as she learns that her family has a magical, fantastical, yummy secret. It starts off with baking. Which is a huge deal in Cat’s family. I had to keep reading to find out the baking secret. I was not disappointed. now on to the next one!

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by April McCoy

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This fairy tale retelling was seriously so good! I really enjoyed it and was surprised at how easy to read and relate to the story it was based off of. While it says YA it really was a good book for any romance fairy tale lover! Well written and had me wanting more and more! This author is another new one for me and she was definitely added to my list of favourites! She has a true gift! Ashley was just someone you couldn’t help but love and root for! Definitely worth every minute of the read!!

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The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan – Review by Enisha Reaves

The Girl Who EscapedThe Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you are looking for a thriller that you can read in one sitting then this is for you.

Mark Nolan packs a quick paced punch in his book The Girl Who Escaped.

A spring break adventure turns deadly for 4 college girls who were just looking to have a fun vacation with no worries. However, the 4 girls were abducted, 3 were murdered and 1 barely escaped. But now, survivor Angie is not being looked at as a victim of a viscous crime, but as a suspect of the horrible murders of her friends.

Its up to FBI agent Brenda Reynolds of the Victim Services Response Team to help clear Angie’s name, help her through her trauma and find the real killer.

This novel takes off right away and doesnt slow down until the end. This was great in some ways because the pace keeps you reading, however it caused it to move a little too quickly without building the storyline and characters in a more well rounded way.

I am interested in picking up some other novels from this author as I can see myself clearing a day, gathering some snacks and finishing one of his novels in one sitting.

Happy Reading!

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Never Is A Very Long Time (The Perfect Date Book 1) Audiobook by Donna McDonald – Review by Ashley Hasting

Dr. Mariah Bates has had a roller coaster of a few years. She quit her radio job, started her own dating business, and during that, was also going through a nasty divorce. Her ex-husband was a cop who tried getting every penny out of her. During all of this, she meets a detective of her own who becomes a wedge for good and bad. I love the whole plot of this book!

Stand Your Ground Audiobook by A.J. Ullman – Review by Ashley Hasting

When you first listen to the beginning of this audible, you think you know what’s going on. Well, let me tell you I was thrown for a loop! Cady is a lawyer who is hoping to get the partnership she has been waiting for and working for forever. Well, on the way home, she ends up shooting a man in defense as she feared for her life. When you continue listening, you will hear more and more that you will question and start cluing all of the pieces together. I loved every minute of it!

Chasing Hope Audiobook by Dana Wayne – Review by Amanda Glaspie

This was a cute romance about two people who didn’t know they needed love. Skylar, a single mom to Maddie finds herself in a small town where everybody knows your name. Max is a former Marine who recently moved back after being injured to his hometown. Lol and behold, fate named Maddie brought the two together. This was a simple romance about two people who needed each other and learned to trust again despite things going against them.

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Vanessa Watts

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love all things fairy tale retellings and this one was no exception. The characters were well developed and the situations were relevant to today’s society and what kids have to deal with. This is a great beach read that once you start you find you may finish it in one setting.

Ashley is the high school pariah, a social outcast that works with dead bodies to boot. A constant target for the popular crowd Ashley has but one best friend that seems like fate brought them together and maybe that’s not so far from the truth. Life is going to plan, avoiding her evil step mother and step sisters, to finish school and finally be free of them all with a little boost from her dad. Then enters Harry James, mega celebrity, who has been ordered back to high school after a few very bad decisions landed him in front of a less than sympathetic judge. Now all the girls are chasing him except the one that interests him the most. With all the forces working against them can Harry and Ashley ever make it to their happily ever after?

In this modern day Cinderella retelling, Harry and Ashley must fight against all the forces that are pulling them apart. With a little bit of meddling behind the scenes can they overcome not just the evil step mother and her nefarious plans but also a controlling publicist and popular girl determined to find her own fame. This is a very fast read but there is action from the very first page. I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to see what happens next for the other characters!

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The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan – Review by Emily Beehler

The Girl Who EscapedThe Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a thrilling thriller! This is a book with lots of unique twist and turns. If you like a read that will keep you on your toes and wondering what’s going to happen next in this book, this is the read for you. The story begins with Angie celebrating a night out with her friends, that quickly turns deadly on her way back home. Angie is the only one to survive the attack on her and her friends. However, the murderer isn’t finished killing. Not until Angie finds her way into an early grave along with her friends.

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Stand Your Ground Audiobook by A.J. Ullman – Review by Amanda Glaspie

I was not expecting this book to be as politically charged as it was. It had good character development which led to the reader able to make their own decisions on the guiltiness of our leading character. The story found itself with a lot of subplots in my opinion that led to more questions that I feel were never answered. Overall, interesting listen with a twist at the end that I was not expecting.

Stand Your Ground Audiobook by A.J. Ullman – Review by Alison Risher

4 Stars. As a Kentucky gal from somewhat less-than-typical upbringing, I appreciate the author’s use of her protagonist’s background. A big- city attorney with small town roots finds herself the center of a complicated legal matter. Themes of this story parallel current events that grip our nation. Racism, classism, and sexism all rear their ugly heads. This tale will keep you guessing until the very end, and leave you reeling from the plot twist.

Ashali and the Blue Horseman by Jordan Elizabeth – Review by Megan Watson

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/fc712ca5-cfe5-4637-8981-a5218e3f3f19

What a fun and original read! A young adult, slow burn romance, fantasy that is appropriate to read for your teenager with fade to black scenes.
In this world, superheros are a common sight and they actively save the world and fight crime when the opportunity arrives. Ashali is your typical loner girl out on vacation with her best friend Miranda in Florida when she meets a handsome boy at the bar named Jase. A spontaneous decision to go home with Jase makes for a lengthy adventure of superheros, bad guys, a growing attraction neither party can deny and a discovery of one’s own ability to be a badass.

Ashali and the Blue Horseman by Jordan Elizabeth – Review by Angela Hayes

Ashali and the Blue Horseman

By: Jordan Elizabeth

 

4 Stars

Ashali and the Blue Horseman is a bit of a superhero adventure story by Jordan Elizabeth. I was immediately intrigued as soon as I laid eyes on the title and cover- then the blurb sealed the deal for me.

This was a fun story with just the right amount of tension, action, intrigue, mystery, and romance to keep things interesting.

Ashali life is about to take an unexpected and action-packed turn. With an evil gang of assassins, a vigilante, secret identities, and much more- get set for a ride on the fun side.

I can see this making a great movie, or TV series.

Happy Reading!

 

Thank you, Jordan Elizabeth!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Hard Lover (Houston After Dark #2)Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this romance story that has a touch of suspense. This is not my first book by this author but this one ranks up with one of my favorites. This is a well written story where the past comes crashing into the present and having to face it head on. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into their story from the start. They are connectable and I enjoyed watching their growth throughout. They have great chemistry and I found myself hoping they would find their HEA at the end. This is a fast paced story that certainly ticks all the boxes for romance and suspense. A hard to put down story that you don’t want to miss. This is an easy and entertaining story that I really enjoyed. The twists and turns had me turning pages fast. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Chasing Hope Audiobook by Dana Wayne – Review by Deborah White

It was a great story to listen to, and although at times hearing the narrator attempt to do the voice of Maddie was a little off putting it wasn’t enough to distract from the beautiful storyline of Sky, Max and Maddie. This story had a wonderful blend of charisma, sass, and empathy. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would be interested and reading other stories by the author.It was a great story to listen to, and although at times hearing the narrator attempt to do the voice of Maddie was a little off putting it wasn’t enough to distract from the beautiful storyline of Sky, Max and Maddie. This story had a wonderful blend of charisma, sass, and empathy. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would be interested and reading other stories by the author.

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

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: 4 of 5 stars

The world of love and romance is full of ups and downs… and so is this book!
I was hooked by the characters, and continued to stay hooked by the complexity within the relationships. This book has everything a romance can offer – including second chances, drama, fate, high school sweethearts, and love triangles.
The characters were so relatable and real… and the story was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Now I cannot wait to see what else is in store with this trilogy!

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

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

I Loved You Yesterday was beautiful, sweet, and heartbreaking. I loved it and I can’t wait to read the next one. A second chance romance as well as a love triangle to boot. The author weaved a web that could’ve left all the characters destroyed, but that’s not what happened.
Mavis and Joshua high school sweethearts. The love of each other’s lives. Well that was till Mavis disappeared only leaving a letter in her wake. Devastating Joshua, her brother Mitch and the rest of their friend group. 10 years have now gone by and Joshua wants to go after the one who got away, despite the feelings of others. He has no clue where to start besides a magazine story, till his twin brother drops a bombshell. He knows where she is.
Austin has kept Mavis’s whereabouts a secret and had every intention of doing so despite his better judgement. Mavis came to Austin in a time of need and support, not long after she disappeared. Austin became her comfort and secret keeper over the last 10 years. Little did she realize what that was doing to them.
Stuck between two brothers, how does one decide their feelings?
How will Mavis navigate the reemergence of Joshua in her life?
What will that mean for Austin?
The author keeps you on the edge of your seat to get to those answers. This book was well put together and though I could sometimes guess what was coming next. The author presented those scenarios in unexpected ways. Which I thoroughly enjoyed. I feel like anyone who gives this book a shot won’t want to put it down till they are done!

@placexba

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My Darling Rogue (A Wicked Rogues Romance Book 1) by April Moran – Review by Sarah King

My Darling Rogue (A Wicked Rogues Romance Book 1)My Darling Rogue by April Moran
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The bastard son of a nobleman, Gabriel Rose has earned himself a place in the ton that can not be disputed. It on the edge thanks to many but, it does not really matter to the women , they see him as a thrill to be had. He has his eye on Lady Cecilia Buchanan. Lady Cecilia comes across as the typical daughter of high society however she has a secret she feels makes her unworthy. Due to this She has managed to avoid her mothers attempts to marry her off. But that avoidance ends with Gabriel. She says no but Gabriel is determined. Will Gabriel’s be enough for him to put in the work to win Cecelia? Will Cecelia be able to open herself to Gabriel , giving him the trust that must exist between a couple? Will Gabriel and Cecelia both get what they want, their own happily ever after?

I really enjoyed reading this story. Watching Cecelia and Gabriel come together and of course all the spice along the way made for an exciting read! I can not wait to see what comes next in this series. Worth the read.

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I’m Not Your Difference (Fitz Series #4) by Theresa Sederholt-Review by Amanda Kimble

I'm Not Your Difference (Fitz, #4)I’m Not Your Difference by Theresa Sederholt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5/5 Stars

I’m Not Your Difference: A Fitz Series Book by Theresa Sederholt

This is the first book I’ve read by the author. If you don’t like Male/Male relationships this book isn’t for you. I’m Not Your Difference is a great read and I enjoyed it. This is part of the Fitz Series.

Andy is battling Parkinson’s and raising a daughter on his own. He was married at one point, but his husband decided it was too much for him to handle. Now Andy is trying to move on for the sake of his daughter. The quote I chose for Andy is: “Fitz, this is not like you. You’re such a forgiving person. Did you ever think that maybe he realized he was wrong? Maybe he wants to make amends.”

Stephen was Andy’s husband and made the biggest mistake of his life. Seeing Andy happy made him realize that he wants Andy back. Now he’s got to figure out what to do to get him back. The quote I chose for Stephen is: “I can’t. I’ve got an important case to work on. I’m going in the shower. You can let yourself out. Stone, I really need to get to work. Honestly, this isn’t working for me. Maybe if I was younger, like you, my mindset would be different.”

Highly recommended for M/M Crime Romance lovers.

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Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Cintia Leyva

Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner book 4)Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This has been such a wild ride. The viking Saga continues in this story. Every time I think it can not get any better, Batista suprises me. It is such a detailed and thought out world and story line. It has been costructed so perfectly that I am unable to put the books down. I love following Kara and everyone else’s story and watch them evolve and grow!

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Stand Your Ground Audiobook by A.J. Ullman – Review by Robin Rankin

Stand Your Ground

I decided to listen to something a little different from what I usually listen to on a whim and I have no regrets.

Through the entire book I found myself liking Cady one minute and not liking her the next which shocked me.   I’m not usually one to flip flop like that over a character several times in the same book no matter the circumstances.   Was this something the author did intentionally or is it me? I have no idea but if it was on purpose he did a great job making it happen either way.

I had no idea how it was going to play out up until the end when it was revealed which made me enjoy it more.  Definitely lots of twists and turns with what I think were very subtle hints along the way.

Melissa Reizian’s narration added more to the story and character.  She did an amazing job bringing Cady along with the others and the story to life.

Together We Stand Volume 2: A Charity Anthology for Ukraine by C.A. King, JA Lafrance, Rose Bak, A.N. Waugh, AM Cosgrove, Crystal St. Clair, Sky Purington, A.L. Morrow, TL Mayhew, C.L. Collier, Jordan Leger, Zorha Redwolf Edwards, Emery LeeAnn, Pandora Snow, M.A. Abraham, Tricia Daniels, Raven Belasco, M.K. Moore, KL Fast, Illustrated by Mikki Noble – Review by Kerry Baker

Together We Stand, Vol. 2Together We Stand, Vol. 2 by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

At first I picked this book up for 2 reasons – one the cause the book was supporting and, two, the fact that C.A. King had contributed to the anthology. Any book with her name on and I will buy no matter what. It was a bonus that I recognised a couple of the other names too.
I am so glad that those reasons pushed me into reading this collection because I was completely taken in by them. The C.A. King book is definitely up there as my favourite. I always have such an affinity for her work and this book was the perfect example as to why! But the other stories all definitely held their own. I liked that they were all different from each other. The issue with anthologies I tend to find is that the books start to merge into one after a while but that was not the case with this one. They each stood their ground and shone through the rest.
I love the fact that this collection is for such a worthy cause as well. For me, it gave such an emotional edge while reading it and I was drawn in all the more. This is a fantastic collection of stories and I would urge everyone to buy it today.

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On Viking Seas (The Forerunner Saga Series Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Cintia Leyva

On Viking Seas (Forerunner Series)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series just keeps getting better and better .The twists and turns at every page make it impossible to put down. I love seeing how the characters evolve and all the dark and still light hearted moments all throughout.

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Ashali and the Blue Horseman by Jordan Elizabeth – Review by Carrie Reed

5 stars!

I wasn’t sure how this was going to turn out, but I instantly fell in love hard and fast! I love Ashali, she seems so meek and in need of saving at first but once put into a situation her fight comes out, and she is magnificent. Jase, he seemed a little obnoxious at first meeting, but I could tell how he was falling for Ashali, and watching their relationship blossom was so sweet. There were a couple of different surprises throughout the book, like who Ashali’s family is and where she comes from. I thought the story flowed so smoothly and really hope to see if Ashali and Jase will be continuing their journey together and being the superhero they are.

I’m Not Your Difference (Fitz Series Book 4) by Theresa Sederholt – Review by Karyn Taylor

I'm Not Your Difference (Fitz, #4)I’m Not Your Difference by Theresa Sederholt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 4th book in the series but the first book I have read by this author. I’m unsure whether the book is intended to be able to be read as a standalone but I have to admit that in the beginning I felt as though I had to have read the previous books to get understand the dynamics of many of the characters. This didn’t stop me from really enjoying this book though. I’ll just have to find time to read the 3 books that came before this one.
In this book Fitz is working on the case of a serial killer who is killing gay men and making them look like suicide. This case comes a bit too close to home when his brother in law Andy becomes the target of the killer.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s full of drama, danger, intrigue as well as romance. I particularly loved Andy’s relationship with deaf daughter Stella as he tries to teach her about being different and accepting people for who they are.
The author has an excellent skill for character writing. I was so engaged with the characters and could really relate to their story.
Definitely recommend but would advise to read the others in the series first.

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Together We Stand Volume 2: A Charity Anthology for Ukraine by C.A. King, JA Lafrance, Rose Bak, A.N. Waugh, AM Cosgrove, Crystal St. Clair, Sky Purington, A.L. Morrow, TL Mayhew, C.L. Collier, Jordan Leger, Zorha Redwolf Edwards, Emery LeeAnn, Pandora Snow, M.A. Abraham, Tricia Daniels, Raven Belasco, M.K. Moore, KL Fast, Illustrated by Mikki Noble – Review by Tanya Wall, August 2022

Together We Stand, Vol. 2Together We Stand, Vol. 2 by C.A. King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is an anthology that contains many stories by different authors. It isn’t my cup of tea usually. However, the fact that this was written specifically for the Ukraine and address the themes of survival and hope, I was able to give it a chance. You will find stories about persecution, loss, struggles. The endings of each show the positive outcomes. I could outline each story contained in this book, but will just choose a couple that I enjoyed.
1. Artem Dimitri and Elina (Saving His Own) – Artem left he Ukraine to study in America. Elina was not happy with the decision. When he returns, he is at the same hospital as her. It is a love story in the making!
2. (Happy Hour) – Mari is a middle school counselor just returned from a cancer diagnosis and treatment. The person hired, Mitch, to take over while she was gone, was hired to stay on as a second counselor. Mari finds Mitch very attractive. Is it appropriate that they act on their sparks? Will it cause issues or be happily ever after?
3. (The Shimmer) – Blindsided by the ex that packs up and leaves, Grace wonders what she did wrong to turn her husband away and moves back in with her parents. Two years later, she is still living there and learning to find a new view on life. How can she live in the moment and enjoy life’s simple pleasures? It is at this moment that her best friend made in elementary school walks into her life. Sawyer. Tragedy strikes – and Grace’s life is turned upside down again. Will Sawyer be there for her? Will it be enough to heal her heart or will her heart be broken again?

Never Is A Very Long Time (The Perfect Date Book 1) Audiobook by Donna McDonald – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Sweet and refreshing story …I loved that the characters were a bit more older.

Mariah is a successful businesswoman trying to find the “perfect dates” for her clients while dealing with the aftermath of a divorce. She is strong and professional… I love this about her character. When she meets Detective John Monroe for the first time, she wants nothing to do with especially since her ex husband, Dan, is a detective too. As John peels back the layers to Mariah’s heart.. would she give John a chance?

Sweet, fun romance that was a great listen.

I’m Not Your Difference (Fitz Series Book 4) by Theresa Sederholt – Review by Tracy Manderson

I'm Not Your Difference (Fitz, #4)I’m Not Your Difference by Theresa Sederholt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first book that I have read by this author and I really enjoyed the book. The characters are amazing and you can relate to them.
Andy is trying to get his life back in order after Stephen left him and their daughter alone. Leaving Andy devastated and trying to come to terms with Stephen leaving. Once Andy is back on his feet taking care of Stella and moving ahead with the help of Fitz and MJ, he is ready to move on.
Stephen unexpectedly contacts him and asks to meet. Andy agrees, if only to have his say, something he never had the chance to do before. Andy finally feels the confidence to move on. Stella is his focus now, even though Stephen will always have a place in his heart, he finds his closure. However, Stephen’s world, is not what he has expected and seeing Andy only confirms what he’s been afraid to admit all along—he’s made a huge mistake.
Now Stephen has to work hard to win Andy back, so they can have the life they were supposed to have. While Andy and Stephen are trying to figure things out a serial killer, who is targeting gay men, has other plans for them both.

So the only one man who can put all the pieces together in time to save them is Fitzgerald “Fitz” Rodriguez.

Tracy
@tracym

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Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Hard Lover (Houston After Dark #2)Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Noah and Callie have just one thing keeping them from each other. Callies brother, who is also Noah’s best friend. Callie’s brother has taken care of her since their parents went to prison. So yes he is just one of her protectors. With every secret comes trouble, that too will try to keep Noah and Callie apart. So, will they get a HEA or will this suspenseful romance leave them broken-hearted?
This story has so much going on that I read it in one setting. I could not put it down. It is well written and intriguing. This author, while new to me, has worked her way into my must read list. The characters are believable in their thoughts as well as life going on around them. So I must go get and read the other books in this series. Even Though you could read this as a standalone. I hope you enjoy this story as I have…

Review@cinful

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