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Discovering Desire (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn – Review by M Policicchio

Discovering Desire (Shattered Embrace #3)Discovering Desire by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As the family continues to deal with the baddie Lucian’s threats and evil behavior, Derek decides that he is ready to take over the family biz and oust Lucian. This is a shock to everyone, especially Zach, who begrudgingly accepts Derek’s pan since it will keep him and his mischief safe.

During all this, Derek has been doing his brother a favor by mentoring a new sub who has been around awhile, observing but has decided to take the sub training course to get a closer look at what the lifestyle entails. Justine, is a grad student that has been observing at Shattered Embrace as research for her Doctoral thesis. Justine seems drawn towards Derek, despite her fear of his dominance.

After Derek accidentally heard Justine moan his name during one self-love session, Derek has a growing curiosity about this little grad student. One night during sub class, he demonstrates the fun of wax play. Justine asks for more. Derek and a long-time play partner, Jordan, provide a deeper demonstration with Justine’s participation. This interaction leads to all kinds of questions, including if Jordan is more than who she has been.

One night Justine races after Derek to talk to him, only to be accidentally shot in the parking lot. Derek scoops up Justine and heads for the hills and safer ground. Derek has everyone else on lock down. As Derek tries to sort out his feelings for Justine, she proves to be quite the help in his current situation with Lucian. In fact, Justine offers herself as bait to help capture Lucian. It works, mostly. Lucian is no longer an issue.

Derek and Justine figure out their connection. Jordan decides to give herself a chance in a new role. A couple of new characters are introduced to our core group. How will they play into the story? Only the next book will tell. Now that Lucian isn’t a threat, who will be? So many questions to be answered in the next in the series.

There is something for everyone in this series. A little steam, a little mystery, family loyalty, found family bonds, and friendship. Get in now! Worth the read.

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Trusting Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 1) by Julie Navickas – Review by Brandy Rymer

Trusting Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 1)Trusting Love by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a hilarious read this was, it’s like a city girl thrown into the wilderness all for a chance at love, so awesome! This book was a great world-building experience showing how far people will go to get to know someone they have a spark with. As Tess and Ryan get to know one another, Tess realizes that it is a small world, especially when it comes to love. That and past mistakes have a terrible way of rearing their ugly head when you least expect or want them to come out. Tess has realized that her past actions do not have to continue to define her present lifestyle or prevent her chance at a true romance. The only problem is that Ryan, the man she’s falling in love with, despises dishonesty, and cheaters…will Tess be able to admit her past mistakes and move forward with Ryan, or will this be a deal breaker for him as he works to overcome his broken heart from his ex-girlfriend Vicky who ripped his heart out at the worst time possible. This is the first book in the Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy and the first book of Julie Navickas that I’d ever read. I must say that I adore her writing style and cannot wait to continue with this series as well as go back and read her prior trilogy where we get to know several of our side character’s stories. The characters are so well-developed and are all linked in such a manner that they are all connected in their storylines. This book was such a great read, I could not put it down, I had to continue reading because I didn’t want their story to end!
@Brandy Rymer
07/2024

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Orange Forest Rabbit Mysteries by Lois Wickstrom and Lucrecia Darling


The Carrots are Missing! The Customers are Missing, too!
First a blue fireball crashes into the Orange Forest Rabbit’s favorite carrot field. Then his carrots and his customers start disappearing. And a spy from Lucky Dog Carrots is trying to steal the recipe for his maximally delicious carrot bread. Robes Pierre, his loyal puppy smells trouble. It’s all the beginning of another adventure for a carrot-powered rabbit looking for a profit.
Can he make a profit and keep his mischievous family out of trouble?

~ AMAZON ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for Opposite Day for Orange Forest Rabbit Mysteries by Lois Wickstrom and Lucrecia Darling

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of Orange Forest Rabbit Mysteries by Lois Wickstrom and Lucrecia Darling

Lois is a former science teacher. She has written a series of science-based folktales.  In each modernized tale, the protagonist achieves a better ending because of learning scientific principles. Lois likes to garden, ride her bike with her husband, cook, and she votes in every election.

Author Interview with Lois Wickstrom

FACEBOOK ~ INSTAGRAM ~ BOOKBUB ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ GOODREADS ~ YOUTUBE ~ NEWSLETTER ~

WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOUTUBE ~ INSTAGRAMFACEBOOK GROUP ~ TIKTOK ~

Finding Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 2) by Julie Navickas – Review by Brandy Rymer

Finding Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 2)Finding Love by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an amazing second book to the Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy! I loved following Rachel’s story, especially after watching all that she did for her family in the first book of this series. She deserved to find her happily ever after, and definitely not with Ian, her boyfriend from the first book. This was such an excellent read, it was intriguing, had very dynamic characters, and is a continuation of the story right where we left off in the previous book in the series. What a great job Julie Navickas does at working her magic in creating characters that pull at your heartstrings and then continue to draw your attention as they grow in character and humility. There are so many developments for all of our characters, the focus does not stay just with our two mains, but we get to continue to follow along with the love stories of our past characters. I am so excited to go back and read the other trilogy that the author had written, especially since we get to know the side character’s stories and some of these characters’ backstories that are hinted at throughout these books. What a great find this series was for me, it’s a great contemporary romance with just the right amount of romance to keep it fresh but not overly spicy.
@Brandy Rymer
07/2024

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The Handshake Agreement (Book 1) by A. Akinosho – Review by Sue Kemp

The Handshake Agreement: An Age Gap, Second Chance RomanceThe Handshake Agreement: An Age Gap, Second Chance Romance by A Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Handshake Agreement: An Age Gap, Second Chance Romance
by A Akinosho

Akinosho is a new author to me. This book was not my cup of tea.
However the book has been well written, the characters are likeable. I did find this book ran slow in some parts but ran smoothly in other parts.
If you like a book that has twists and turns, some suspense and heart break then I recommend that you read this book. While I have recommended this book to be read by some of you, it is definitely a book that needs to be read in order for you to make up your own mind. On the way the book is written I am rating this book a 4 star.

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The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Shannen Kern

The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is absolutely a must read for current and future dog owners alike! We have enjoyed other books about Porter and Midge and this is no exception. Both of my kiddos and I enjoyed this wonderful book about the importance of training and socializing puppies. It is especially helpful for my youngest who has a harder time understanding animal needs, and I feel like it assisted him in seeing the bigger picture. The illustrations are not only gorgeous and incredibly detailed, but they do add so much more to the story for readers both young and old. I feel like this would be a marvelous addition to a library, your home, and adoption shelters!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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The Fallen Man (The Olympic Peninsula Book 5) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Betsy Melano

The Fallen Man: A Heartwarming Holiday Romance Set in the 1990s (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 5)The Fallen Man: A Heartwarming Holiday Romance Set in the 1990s by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Fallen Man is the fifth book in the Olympic Peninsula Series. This is about Edward the oldest of the O’Connell siblings. These books are well written and have wonderful world building by the author. Edward is the son that joined the priesthood but after a possible attempt to undermine Edward’s knowledge of a scheme he finds himself heading home to be with family and also meets a beautiful woman named Lisette. The family can be overbearing but many of the extended network of friends, lovers, and others connected to the O’Connell household/compound bring joy and happiness to a family that has struggled. I enjoyed this series and recommend it to friends.

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The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Karole Petty

The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and AboutThe Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a new to me author. I would definitely recommend this book to parents who’s children are wanting a pet. There is a lot of information in this book, I like how it moved right along . It can show children all the little things involved with pet ownership. The illustrations were amazing and the story was insightful.

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Amy’s Betrayal (Gemstone Massacre Series) by Julia Goldhirsh – Review by Santana Hicks

Amy's Betrayal: An LGBTQIA+ Arthurian, Urban Fantasy (Gemstone Massacre Book 2)Amy’s Betrayal: An LGBTQIA+ Arthurian, Urban Fantasy by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is the second book in the “Gemstone Massacre Series”. It takes place shortly after the first book and dives right in. The first book focused mostly on Amy with some POV of others. This time around, it focuses more on Dusk.

After Dusk feels betrayed once again from Amy, he decides to seek revenge and put a stop to the violence. With a target on his back from Opal, it’s going to make it difficult to go unscathed but he is determined.

Meanwhile Amy is realizing that Opal and herself have a lot more in common than she wants. She wants to put an end to Opal once and for all but at what cost?

I really like the LGBTQ+ elements in the book along with the lore from King Author with bits and pieces of Norse Mythology (Freya). I also love the concept of magical gems. Like I said in my review of the first book, it gives Steven Universe vibes with more violence. Highly recommend it!

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Stout of My League (Love on Tap Series) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Christie Mitchum

Stout of My League (Love on Tap #4)Stout of My League by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved this Sylvie Stewart rom-com; it was a great addition to the series. Now, it’s Lynn’s turn to share her story and her own “happily ever after.”

I enjoyed the way Stewart wrote this book. Instead of falling instantly in love, Lynn and Joey had quite a wait before they finally became a couple…a whole year! The fireworks were evident at their first meeting. Still, misunderstandings and an age difference killed the possibility of anything more between them before they ever really got to know one another. A year later, Lynn is treating Joey for an injury he sustained playing baseball, and he fears it could derail his career. The sparks are still there, but Lynn wants nothing to come between her career goals, so they agree to set boundaries and be friends. As she finds herself embroiled in a family mystery, Joey helps her, and that boundary begins to blur.

Lynn is not only the youngest Brooks child but also the only girl. Her brothers are extremely overprotective, especially since her father passed away. She has had enough of it, and in my opinion, she allowed that to color how she viewed relationships. Initially, I thought her view of women’s independence influenced how she saw men, and she tended to stereotype them, especially Joey. However, she grew exponentially by the end of the book by taking a hard look at why she felt the way she did. She didn’t want to let anyone into her heart because when her father died, it affected her as she saw her family falling apart around her. I was glad to see that she finally came to see Joey as her “teammate.”

I read another book in the series and fell in love with the crazy, loveable family. Joey fits right in with the Brooks family. He is sweet and such a cheerleader for Lynn, even when she is too stubborn to see it. Stewart tells the story with humor, love, and some mystery and spice thrown in. There are spoilers from books 1-3, so if you don’t want anything spoiled, I suggest starting from Book 1.

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The Chaos Clock: Tales of Cosmic Aether edited by Danielle Ackley-McPhail – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

The Chaos ClockThe Chaos Clock by Danielle Ackley-McPhail
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Chaos Clock is a steampunk anthology, collecting short stories from a variety of authors focusing on the theme of time and clocks. It’s a great way to sample different authors and enjoy thrilling and original stories.

One of my favourites is The Last Flight of the One-Eyed Jack. I love stories with pirate ships in the sky and this one has a loveable cast of characters on an intriguing quest.

I liked the epistolary form of The Birth of Mechanical Things, where we only get to see one side of the story and imagine what is happening to the other characters.

There are plenty of diverse characters in these stories, including characters with steampunk prosthetic limbs such as the lighthouse keeper in Lighthouse at the Edge of Time.

This collection gets five stars from me! It’s perfect for steampunk fans who want bite-sized stories that will fuel their imaginations!

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The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Cindy Rushin

The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and AboutThe Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a cute little story. I really like this series because it is full of interesting tidbits that help children learn about how to take care of their pets. Porter and Midge have a great deal of fun learning how to behave around noise and crowds of people in this latest book. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in getting a pet for their children as it will help prepare them for the responsibility involved in having a pet and how to take care of them properly.

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The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Ayla Eddy

The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and AboutThe Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an adorably illustrated book that provides information on dog owner responsibilities at the level of understanding perfect for small children. Older readers can also gain information from this book too. It follows CJ and Lora along with their puppies, Porter and Midge, as they train for the Independence Day Parade. The children need to teach their pups to reamin calm when around new places, new people, and all sorts of new noises. As they go about getting their puppies ready it provides educational information for owning a puppy. It also comes with a check list and real-life adventure ideas to try out.

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Irresistible Bond (Central Florida Stories Book 5) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Maria Colón

Irresistible Bond: Central Florida StoriesIrresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Barrington and Marcus are cousins while Storm is the best friend. The cousins are from affluent families and she is not…but they have a bond until one of the mothers reveals her true colors.

Storm leaves for the DEA and a mission goes wrong in all the possible ways.

She returns and the cousins take action only the mission follows her back, too.

Overall the plot was good.

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The Amanda Mini-Mysteries by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kerry Baker

The Amanda Mini-MysteriesThe Amanda Mini-Mysteries by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is such a clever idea from an amazing author! It is a collection of science based mysteries that two characters set out to try and solve. The author has done an amazing job of picking things that kids are genuinely likely to ask about, and most adults are probably curious about! This book is aimed at my daughters age range and I can say the author has nailed it! It was lovely to watch my daughter light up with curiosity as we read more of the book and her excitement as the characters set about trying to solve the “mysteries”. Even my son (who is younger, but his favourite word is “how”) enjoyed discovering the things between these pages.
This author has become one of those that I never hesitate to pick up. All of her books have been an absolute success and every new one is met with excitement. Each book is read multiple times and we enjoy each and every one of them as a family. I would highly recommend both this book and the author.

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Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 2) by MK Harkins – Review by Kerry Baker

Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #2)Red by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read the first book in this series I was excited to pick up the second and discover another reimagined fairytale. This book is a different take on Little Red Riding Hood and I have to say that I absolutely loved it. I thought I knew what to expect from the first book but this one was so much better! I quickly became invested in the story and I loved the addition of the guardian angel.
The characters were interesting and fit the story well. There was more going on with them than I expected which made them even more enjoyable to read about. You do not have to read the previous book first (although you should because it is also amazing!) as this book in a standalone. It is a fantastic retelling and, if this is a sign of what is to come, I cannot wait for the next one this author has to offer!

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Spirit Guide (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 3) by Byrd Nash – Review by Emmye Marihugh

Spirit Guide (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #3)Spirit Guide by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So delightful! Byrd Nash has done it again with the third installment of the Ghost Talker series. I absolutely love her writing style! It is easy to follow and captivating from the start. This installment is no different than the last as far as intrigue and entertainment. Great cunning and humor as well as romantic intrigue. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third novel in this series and we’re back with Sparky, the plucky eleven year old amateur super-sleuth. I’ve enjoyed the previous books in the series and this historical cozy mystery, set during the 1930’s in Los Angeles, had me hooked once again. Sparky is determined to prove that his boss Bookie who is a crook is not a murderer. She wants to convince the police that he’s been framed for the murder at the ratty tourist trap, Monkey Island. Sparky also has to cope with going back to school and being forced to volunteer for the police. She will be working for top cop Mug and grumpy Detective Bernie, but it’s the police station’s bunny who gives Sparky an important clue.  Meanwhile, back at Sparky’s home, the Creepy House and her guardian Tootsie and her assistant Gilbert are preparing for an audition, which could revive Tootsie’s career as a silent movie star. The quirky characters and fascinating settings came vividly to life due to the description narrative. Whilst the historical details transported me back to the Prohibition era. Once again, Sparky is a likeable and relatable character, who I felt engaged with throughout the intriguing story. I love the humour along with the mystery element of the storyline and I was gripped throughout.

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Amy’s Betrayal (Gemstone Massacre Series) by Julia Goldhirsh – Review by Darla Yocom

Amy's Betrayal: An LGBTQIA+ Arthurian, Urban Fantasy (Gemstone Massacre Book 2)Amy’s Betrayal: An LGBTQIA+ Arthurian, Urban Fantasy by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book two of the Gemstone Massacre and another fantastic read by the author. While reading these books in order will give you a broader and more detailed understanding of the series, I truly believe that readers will enjoy this title on its own without embarking on the previous title. The way the author beautifully created this paranormal and mythological-based fantasy is brilliant and includes the perfectly constructed framework that will help this series shine for many more rebellion adventures to come, should the author choose to continue.

I like the originality of this book and the way the author created a steady stream of drama, action, and a bit of the paranormal to keep the reader entertained and enticed throughout the story. If you enjoy the stories of King Arthur, you will recall some important details shared within this story.

I love the inclusivity referenced in this storyline, as the author openly created a cast of LGBTQIA+ roles. I think each character was carefully constructed to flawlessly fit their role and portrayal. It’s nice to see a genuine depiction of LGBTQIA+ characters that are dimensional and do not fall flat on the page and plot.

I really enjoyed this read and could not put this one down. I am interested in reading some of the author’s other titles, including any that may follow this book in the series since they are magnificently designed. I also need to give props to the chosen book cover because it is not only gorgeous but I feel it represents what I believe the characters would look like.
Amy’s Betrayal: An LGBTQIA+ Arthurian, Urban Fantasy

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In the Midst of Omens (The Legacy of Gilgamesh Series) by Nicole Bailey – Review by Chrissy Spulak

In the Midst of Omens (The Legacy of Gilgamesh Book 1)In the Midst of Omens by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first installment in the Legacy of Gilgamesh series, and the first I have picked up by this author. Ancient myth and lore fascinates me and this book is a fabulous retelling of the very first one. Even readers who are unfamiliar with the Gilgamesh story would enjoy reading this book. It’s imaginative, captivating, and very well-written. The characters jump off of the page and pull you right down into their world. There is a glorious glossary included so don’t worry about knowing the epic tale in too much detail as you can learn on the journey. I loved getting lost in this tale, and I will absolutely grab up the next one!

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The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Kelli Harper

The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About Activity BookThe Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About Activity Book by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful series. Teaching kids all about dogs and the different types, sizes, shapes, temperaments, and all the things. It is wonderful to a book teaching the kids all about the hard work, dedication and patience it takes to keep your pets happy and healthy. Wonderfully illustrated and educational as well as fun.

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The Amanda Mini-Mysteries by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kelli Harper

The Amanda Mini-MysteriesThe Amanda Mini-Mysteries by Lois Wickstrom

An informative, yet fun way of figuring out some of life’s random queries. Why do our veins show blue when our blood is red? What is saliva for except making our mouth wet? These are just a couple of the questions that Amanda and Elaine discuss and answer in this book of mini-mysteries. Informative and fun with cute illustrations. Great book for 7-11 year olds.

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Salt Love by Marika Ray- Review by Heather Knalls

Salt Love: A Summer Romantic ComedySalt Love: A Summer Romantic Comedy by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kenna Ryan feels her life is completely falling apart, which it kind of is. Her husband is cheating on her with one of her coworkers, she loses it at work when she realizes it’s her coworker her husband is seeing and her Aunt Maeve passes away. Since she now has some unpaid leave from work she flies to Florida to take care of her Aunt’s estate. When she arrives she realizes it’s not all just left to her and her mother but her Aunt Maeve’s next door neighbor Dec. She is left her aunts house and money and part of the boat club on one condition, she lives there in Florida and helps manage the boat club. Could this possibly be her new beginning? Could this be the start of a new relationship?

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Discovering Desire (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn – Review by Stephanie Runyon

Discovering Desire (Shattered Embrace #3)Discovering Desire by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The third book in the Shattered Embrace Series, Discovering Desires, features the points of view of Derek, Jordan, and Justine.

Derek is head of Nightshade Security and has taken on the task of removing Lucian Clareno from leadership of the Clareno Crime Syndicate. He meets with four of the syndicate’s lieutenants to discuss Lucian’s poor judgment. Since Derek’s brother, Zach, is the oldest, the lieutenants suggest that Zach take over the syndicate. Derek advises them that Zach doesn’t want to be the leader since he has become the head of the Ingram conglomerate. Because Lucian’s actions are putting his family and the syndicate at risk, he proposes a plan to eliminate Lucian. The men agree to support him during the operation.

Justine is writing a dissertation on sexual authenticity for her master’s degree. Zach has allowed her unlimited access to the BDSM club, Shattered Embrace. He agrees to her demystifying lifestyle, stipulating that he read her dissertation prior to submission. She also cannot reveal any member identities in her work. Originally, before Zach became attached to his submissive girlfriend, Ashton, he had been a dominant mentor for Justine. However, now Derek is her mentor. While she is fascinated with Derek, she doesn’t think she is submissive.

Jordan, a switch, enjoys her time with Derek. She has never been monogamous, though she has begun to entertain the idea of becoming Derek’s devoted submissive. However, she also sees the possibility of including Justine.

Derek, Justine, and Jordan have no idea how far their boundaries will be tested as the insane Lucian Clareno begins targeting everyone close to Derek.

This is an intense book that builds tension at the perfect pace. Despite being the third book in a series, it is easily capable of being a standalone. An element of danger adds to the building suspense from the first page to the last. Zach and Derek are opposites outside the club. Zach doesn’t engage in the criminal world; Derek has the intestinal fortitude to do battle without flinching. Intertwining Justine and Jordan inside and outside of Shattered Embrace takes readers on a roller coaster ride, seen through the eyes of three exceptionally developed characters. The plot twists are captivating. The balance between steamy scenes and action is beyond remarkable. A perfect 5-star story sure to entice any romance reader without fail.

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The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Candice Estes

The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone. This is a great book for young children who have pets or are a part of a family that is thinking about getting a pet. In this book, CJ and Lora are set to participate in a parade for the 4th of July. They want to bring their dogs, Porter and Midge, respectively, with them for the parade. They are then told all of the things that a dog needs to be able to do, such as not being distracted by new things, not barking excessively, and sitting and behaving well, as well as about the vaccinations that need to be done in order for their dogs to be able to participate. CJ and Lora train their dogs and work to be able to include them in the parade. The illustrations are great, and the book includes a check list of things to help children with training their dogs as well.

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Puzzleman by Christopher Alan Broadstone – Review by Kerry Baker

Puzzleman: A NovelPuzzleman: A Novel by Christopher Alan Broadstone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a dark, twisted and intense horror / thriller story that, at times, was quite uncomfortable to read in the best way. This is the first book that I have read by this author and from the description I really did not know what to expect. The idea behind the book and the world created is so imaginative. It is detailed to the point that you can’t help but picture everything the author is describing.
The combination of characters in the book really worked. They were all so different by the very nature of the situation which added even more layers to the book. At times, I think the writing could have done with a little polish. The writing was a bit abrupt in places but overall it was a great story. I look forward to seeing what else this author has to offer.

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Tally and the Angel, The Sands of Time (Tally and the Angel Series) by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Kerry Baker

Tally and the Angel, The Sands of Time: Thrilling Middle Grade fantasy adventure where Greek Myths come alive!Tally and the Angel, The Sands of Time: Thrilling Middle Grade fantasy adventure where Greek Myths come alive! by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What another fantastic addition to an exciting series! This is the fourth book and I would definitely recommend reading the previous three first. It was so nice to revisit with these characters and go with them on another adventure. Tally is such a fun character to read about. I always become invested in everything she does and I love watching as she discovers so much about herself and the world.
This book is probably my favourite of the series so far. I loved the element of Greek myths. It is something I have always been fascinated with and I really enjoyed how the author weaved it into this book. This is a really exciting story which was a pleasure to read. I would highly recommend this whole series.

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Discovering Desire (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn – Review by Shelly Kittell

Discovering Desire (Shattered Embrace #3)Discovering Desire by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great story. It’s steamy, for sure. I enjoyed the story pretense. It was plausible with a forbidden apple touch to it. There was also a bit of romantic suspense in it that gave it an air that had me totally engaged. I have loved this series and hope to read more. Terrific characters and wonderful writing in these books make for a fantastic adventure.

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In the Midst of Omens (The Legacy of Gilgamesh Series) by Nicole Bailey – Review by Deborah Joseph

In the Midst of Omens (The Legacy of Gilgamesh Book 1)In the Midst of Omens by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

** Make sure to read content warnings and Authors notes before reading **

I have never read The Epic of Gilgamesh, so not having read that I did enter this story blind, due to this being a retelling. I am glad the author added a glossary on what some of the words mean, without it, I would have been confused.
This story was very well written, along with the character/world-building.

I wanted to like this story, however I just couldn’t get into it. I have read other fantasies that I loved and was hoping to add this one to that collection. Why couldn’t I get into it? I felt there wasn’t enough action.

It started off great and grabbed my attention right away with the war. It gave great insight to how Gilgamesh’s character is. How he is power-hungry and wants to make a name for himself. He did care for those in his inner circle and protected his family, but is ruthless.

After the first chapter, the war, it slowed down… A LOT. It became more of a slow burn and focused on character/world-building. While this is great for some, it just wasn’t my cup of tea. Even the fight with Enkidu wasn’t much to grab my attention back. It was also love at first sight (or touch in their case).

There were other moments where I thought it was going to pick back up again, but it was never enough to grab my attention until about 80% into it.

I just didn’t vibe with it. I am sure someone who has read The Epic of Gilgamesh might be able to enjoy this story to its fullest potential, and of course, if you are more into character/world-building.

This book does end with a cliffhanger, but I don’t think I will be getting the second book in this series.

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Trusting Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 1) by Julie Navickas – Review by Sharon Funkhouser

Trusting Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 1)Trusting Love by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Trusting Love was a fun read! First book I’ve read by Julie Navickas and I enjoyed her realistic portrayal of the quickly developing romance. The main characters both had independent backstories that really added to the progression of their relationship (for better or for worse!). Both Tess and Ryan have had rocky previous relationships and easily let their past issues become present, but their family and friends help them work through their issues and push them to better their circumstances. Fun read! Excited to read the rest of trilogy!

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