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A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 2) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Julie Johnson

A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta, #2)A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars for this read.

I enjoyed this story but if I hear “beading” or “throbbing” again anytime soon, I might cry. It was overdone. I found Annie to be a very likeable character and her determination to get her B&B up and going is commendable. I also found Craig to be likeable but I like Hunter even more.

This story deals with lost love situations but not all love is romantic love. The comparisons and contrasts of the relationships in story are what really drew me in and kept me reading. Choices made based on past experiences with love influence what Annie and Craig think of their futures.

Overall, an enjoyable book. I did not realize that this was part of a series. It can be read as a standalone without missing out but I am curious to know more about Ted. I’m not sure if he’s in the first book or not.

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A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 2) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta, #2)A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Millers of Marietta series. The fact that I dind’t realise until half way through the book that this was likely not the first goes to show that this can be read as a standalone. I will be going back to read the first book though. There is background that is missed but not reading the first book for example the previous couple’s story but overall, this doen’t impact the current story line as all vital information is given.

This has quickly become one of my favourite romances. It’s fun, easy to read and sweet. I enjoyed the humour from page 1, it was brilliant. Annie and Craig are perfect. I love them! They’re fun characters and relatable. Annie was my favourite by far. Her comments and actions are unintentionally funny and she reminds me of a couple of friends in that way.

The author’s writing is descriptive without being too much and simple without being patronising. It’s easy to follow and a great read for when I was feeling down.

I loved this book and look forward to discovering more from this author!

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Christina Ford

Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Colleen’s dad has a very important job – he holds up the sky! Unfortunately, the townsfolk don’t understand or appreciate what he does and he is bullied. This is my first book by Wickstrom but I love how she built into a lesson without taking away from magic and adventure. The illustrations were adorable – I loved this little book!

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is another wonderful story by Lois Wickstrom! Holding Up the Sky is a great story that helps children understand difficult subjects like bullying, inclusion, making peace with those you may not agree with, etc. The tale is told in such a way that it’s interesting to kids and should hold their attention while also delivering an important message. The illustrations were artistic and easy to follow as well. This is a great story for kids of various school ages!

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Shalom Israel by Melissa Lavi – Review by Christina Ford

Shalom Israel: A place like no otherShalom Israel: A place like no other by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a lyrical story that describes Israel in pictures and prose. The story highlights the beauty of the land both naturally and culturally. The illustrations are within photos and make each page inviting and fun. My favorite part is the glossary in the back, it even helped me with some terms, and I am an adult! Adorable book!

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A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 2) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta, #2)A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Match Made in Montana is Book Two in The Millers of Marietta series. Although it is part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone. The story centers around the characters of Annie and Craig who initially attempt to deny the attraction they both felt when they first met.

Annie is getting over her fiancée calling off their wedding with only weeks to go until they were to wed. Also grieving the loss of her parents, she needs a change of scenery and moves to Marietta where she uses her inheritance to open a B&B on Bramble Lane. Unfortunately, she has yet to have many customers booking rooms and business is slow. Craig is a genius at marketing who just happens to be in town on a two-week vacation for his cousin’s wedding. His Aunt Janice decides that it would be a good idea if he used his marketing skills to help Annie bring customers to her B&B. Neither Annie nor Craig are looking for a relationship due to bad past experiences, so they choose to make the most of their two weeks together and enjoy each other’s company. When they realize they have feelings for each other can they still part ways after the two weeks is up? Or does fate have more in store for them?

This was a beautifully written story with a believable storyline, lovable characters, and a great setting. The characters of Annie and Craig were well suited for each other, and I found myself cheering them on to be together. Both Annie and Craig were carrying around baggage from their previous relationships that were preventing them from seeing themselves fall in love with anyone in the near future. Yet, when they first met months prior to Craig coming to Marietta for a vacation neither had been able to stop thinking about the other. Each tried to deny their feelings, but fate had other plans. Annie and Craig must work through their emotional baggage and try to leave their past behind. This book had love, passion, chemistry, romance, and a feel-good vibe that leaves you ready to read the next book in this series.

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Soul Redeemed (War of Destiny Book 5) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Desiree Ottinger

Soul Redeemed (War of Destiny #5)Soul Redeemed by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Julia is still honing her skill to reach out to the spirits of passed friends. With her ka-tet, she finds building trust with them all to be daunting. While some are willing to believe that she can speak to the dead, others remain skeptical. As Valentino’s band brings trouble to their area, can she manage to strengthen her abilities to help defeat them, or will she still be the weak link that they fear and cause their destruction?

This series seems to be building to a big face off, and I am looking forward to it. With some many characters in different areas, I found myself hoping they would all gather together in this book. They didn’t, but there are reasons for that which are left to be seen by the reader. I appreciated the author taking the time to describe how Julia works through her trauma, how others encourage her, and how they help her. Definitely looking forward to seeing the outcome and how everyone pulls together to defeat Valentino in the end.

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Grand Slam (Ground Rule Book 3) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Christine Baranek

Grand Slam (Ground Rule Book 3)Grand Slam by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grand Slam
By: Bree Kraemer

This is the third book in the Ground Rule Series. Each book definitely functions as a standalone. However, I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and definitely recommend reading the whole thing as each book is so very good. This is a contemporary sports romance with characters who are so very well written. The main characters have such amazing chemistry and its the type of book that I love, the kind that you wish will never end. I have thoroughly become invested and involved in the world that Bree Kraemer creates in each of her books. It doesn’t hurt that this features baseball players, as I enjoy baseball and grew up both playing softball and surrounded by family members that have played throughout high school and in their adult years. Bree Kraemer writes characters who have fantastic banter and the dialogue between Heath and Grace definitely falls into this category. I hope that this is not the end of the series as I have loved every book so far!

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Falling Again (Buckeye Falls Book 3) by Libby Kay – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

Falling AgainFalling Again by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book! In the third book in the Buckeye Falls series, we meet characters Nicole and Anthony again. They are having a rough spell in their marriage and are desperate to reconnect. I read this book after reading the first two in the series, but I feel this book could be read alone. I was so excited to revisit Buckeye Falls! This book features wonderful dialogue and excellent characters. I love the steamy romance scenes. As with the other two books in the series, I love the friendships formed between the main characters. I recommend this book, especially for married couples.

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Soul Redeemed (War of Destiny Book 5) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Kerry Baker

Soul Redeemed (War of Destiny #5)Soul Redeemed by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 5th book in the series and I would definitely recommend reading the others first. This series seems to go from strength to strength, with no signs of slowing down. It is impressive the author has managed to successfully keep the series going for this long.
It was so easy to slip back into these characters and the story. This book is just as exciting as the others and I loved how it all developed. The book was well written and intriguing. I am thoroughly enjoying this series and cannot wait for more.

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Shalom Israel by Melissa Lavi – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

Shalom Israel: A place like no otherShalom Israel: A place like no other by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a lovely and informative book aimed at kids. Saying that, there were things I learnt from reading this book, even before reaching the facts page.

The images were colourful and fun with a mi of photo and cartoon. I personally liked how many places within Israel were shown in the images and text.

This is another great kids book which combines fun and education, keeping kids engaged while they learn.

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Twisted Eros (Modern Mythica Book 1) by Aria Skylar – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

Twisted Eros (Modern Mythica Book 1)Twisted Eros by Aria Skylar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I started reading this, I didn’t realise it was the start of a series with modern tellings of ‘myths’. Now I know, I’ll be keeping my eye out for the others, I love a good retelling.

This follows Kay’s journey of learning to let go and betrayal and Erik coming to terms with who he is. I enjoyed how their chosen names reflected the Greek ‘myths,’ it was a nice touch for the modern aspect.

I enjoyed the author’s writing style; it was easy to follow and clear. The dialogue was believable, and I felt for the turmoil Kay and Erik must have been feeling.

I look forward to more works by this author.

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Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Kristin Boutelle

Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite #4)Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brutal Nights is the continuation of Brutal Days. I love how Brutal Nights picks up right where the previous book left off. The main character’s development does grow as the story goes on. The characters show how vulnerable they are when their walls are down. The story flows seamlessly from one character to the next.

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Kristin Boutelle

Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite #3)Brutal Days by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brutal Days is a good book to read if you want to get away from reality. All of the characters are very well developed. While reading you can imagine how certain high school groups act towards one another. There is a lot going on and to keep up with which makes reading all the more entertaining.

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This author is totally teasing me in a good way with the beginnings of Aspen and Phoenix’s story.

The college years are to be one of the best when you are one of the up and coming new stars on the football team for Thane University like Phoenix is. All about football, grades and his focus on NFL future…Phoenix wants success….but when he meets the beautiful “surfer girl” in Aspen…one fun night may impact both Phoenix and Aspen’s futures….what is to come with Phoenix and Aspen….

I highly highly recommend reading this series in order, you get to know a little more of Phoenix at the beginning…..and I cannot wait until the next book comes out to find out what happens to both Phoenix and Aspen. I love this series and author, just have to have patience until the next book is released.

Happy Reading!

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Kerry Carr

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can’t stop getting excited everytime i pick one of these books up. The author does an amazing job with the characters that you are automatically drawn into their lives. This is part of the Hidden Valley Elite series and I definately recommend reading them from the beginning as the 2 main boys are linked from the beginning as they are cousins and their lives are all link and entwined.
In this short introduction we are with Phoenix and Aspen’s story.
It is a story of instant attraction and how one decision taken in a moment of lust has left them connected forever.
The attraction between Phoenix and Aspen is instant but both of them carry a lot of baggage and family drama which has left neither of them wanting a relationship and when that decision is taken out of their hands what will this mean for them and their futures?
I really can’t wait to carry on reading and delving more into Aspen’s and Phoenix’s life to see how they overcome the challenges that are ahead of them.
Will they learn to drop their guards and give love a chance? Or will their past dysfunctional families make all hope of that impossible.

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House of Arsceneaux (Servants of Morrigan: Immortal Creatures) by Caterina Novelliere – Review by Tausha Treadway

House of ArsceneauxHouse of Arsceneaux by Caterina Novelliere
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

House of Arsceneaux (Servants of Morrigan: Immortal Creatures) by Caterina Novelliere. Such a fun vampire, paranormal, ancient history romance. This is the story of Gage and Caitlin who has been in love for centuries! Caitlin and Gage time travel in this book and its a little hard to keep up with the different versions but I still really enjoyed this book. Caitlin in present day is so very strong and really tough. She works for Sean as an investigator for Corporate takeovers. She is flown to New Orleans to invesigate vampire Evariste aka Gage who is a grouch who prefers fishing to people. She realizes that she is magnetically pulled toward Evariste and can’t figure out why. Evariste realizes that they were married in a previous life. While they are realizing they were meant to be a couple every thing in the World comes to tear them apart. With the help of friends they try to keep their relationship intact but with all the outside forces it difficult. This is a medium spicy paranormal romance that will keep you flipping pages late in the night. Pay attention to names because they do change throughout the story.

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Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Tausha Treadway

Helpful HudsonHelpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford. This is such a fun sweet book about Hudson who is so busy helping others that he forgets about himself. This even can teach adults to remember to take care of yourself. If we are always busy taking care of others then we will run out of gas and not be able to take care of anyone. This book has amazing pictures and my 5 year old nephew loved it. It would make a great gift for any child and an amazing addition to your child’s library. Do yourself a favor and get this sweet book today.

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Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Logan yoder

Helpful HudsonHelpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a pediatric nurse I read this to one of my kiddos. Hudson is a boy that earned the nickname helpful Hudson by helping with chores in the house and yard. Hudson then learns he needs time for himself and that his family will always be there for him. The illustrations were very well done and the story was a cute one I’m sure your little one will enjoy!

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Rayne East

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Short but sweet
What a tease this novella us. It has set the scene for book 5 of the Hidden Valley Elite series but has also made me so frustrated. I need to find out what happens with Phoenix and Aspen. I don’t do very well with cliffhangers. Anyway, this is a great little addition to the series and we get to catch up with all the elite. The writing is on point as always. Highly recommend as I eagerly await book 5.

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Grand Slam (Ground Rule Book 3) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Rayne East

Grand Slam (Ground Rule Book 3)Grand Slam by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Two different worlds collide
The third book in the Ground Rules series and I’m loving this series. This is Heath (Hannah’s brother) and Grace’s story. I really like how the series has the continuation of storylines from the previous books and the characters crossover. There’s drama, chemistry, baseball and of course steam as these two work out their relationship. Looking forward to more from this author. Recommend.

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Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper – Review by Sheri Schrader

Ways to Improve BaileyWays to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ways to Improve Bailey is best described as a YA RomCom. Bailey has been given a list of how she can improve by her older brother. Also, she has been set up on a date with Tanner, the weirdest guy she probably knows. Will Bailey see how she can grow as a person?
This is an enjoyable story of a monumental time when you are trying to figure out who you are meant to be. Bailey is a fun character because she is relatable and realistic. She has her faults but is not a horrible person. Her brother reminds me of being the oldest sibling. I have my faults, but I easily see the faults of my younger siblings. This is a great read for a teen because it is relatable, fun, and has a good lesson. I enjoy this author’s books and look forward to reading more by her soon.

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Twisted Eros (Modern Mythica Book 1) by Aria Skylar – Review by Amelia Stansell

Twisted Eros (Modern Mythica Book 1)Twisted Eros by Aria Skylar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was one of my faves. It’s the first book of the series. Hooked from the very beginning. Kay owns her own business, with that she doesn’t have time to take off or she doesn’t make the time. Her sisters force her to take a vacation. When she agrees, they plan her “abduction.” Once she lets go and enjoys her “abduction,” her and Aeros have all sorts of fun. They really get to know each other. I cannot wait to read the next book.

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A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 2) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Shelly Kittell

A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta, #2)A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a well-written sweet and entertaining romance. The male and female protagonists were quite charming and the flirting was delightful. Aunt Janice and her matchmaking ways brought Annie and Craig together. This is book 2 of the series. It can be read as a standalone. The writing is light and positive. Though they both have some baggage, they somehow deal with it and get through it. I love how well the whole book flows and just falls into place. A nice, quick read for the romance reader.

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Allyson Ware

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

THIS AUTHOR IS KILLING ME WITH THE CLIFF HANGERS. That being said, I cannot say enough how much I love this series. It is not necessary to read the other books prior to reading this one, because it can stand alone (minus the next two in the “Cruel” series), but it is easier to understand if you have read the others because then you will be familiar with the characters.

This novel takes a twist from the others because Aspen ends up pregnant. You follow Aspen through high school, boy crush, and ultimately hormones from becoming pregnant. You also follow Phoenix, who wants to focus on football and has no idea how to be a father. I highly recommend this novel and the rest of the series. I cannot get enough of this author. An easy, fast read that will leave you wanting more and more.

Review by @aware
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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shelly Kittell

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I think Phoenix and Aspen’s story may be the hardest yet to come into. These two are coming with some big baggage and then one spur of the moment choice can change your life. I always viewed Phoenix as kind of a putz but I am seeing a little glimmer of a nice guy under that tough persona. Aspen has been messed by her parent’s relationship. This book is intense and you can feel every emotion as you are reading. I got pulled into it right from the start. It was like coming home. New faces, old faces, and then we get a cliffhanger until the next one comes out. I’ll be hanging on here waiting to see what’s coming for them. These characters are so well-written that they feel like they could be your friend’s kids. They are real struggles and very relatable. This is a really good series and I’m always watching for the next one to come out. You are watching a new relationship develop and waiting to see how it’s going to turn out. Will it last or fade out? Stay tuned for the next episode of Phoenix and Aspen.

My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

My Goodbye GirlMy Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars
My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez

My Goodbye girl is a wonderfully written Women’s Fiction that will take you on quite the emotional journey. This journey expands over several years and many different places. There’s plenty of good times ,bad times lots of highs and lows. My heart broke many times and I even shed a few tears. This is a fairly new author to me but I’m definitely going to check out what else they’ve written. This was just what I needed, a good heart felt Romance that pulls you in and you feel like you are strolling right along side them. I highly recommend reading this story about Tessa and Simon to find out if they find there ways back to one another. I look forward to reading more from this Author.

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Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Helen Dawkins

Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite #4)Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book! This is the 4th book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series, but it is a part of Damon and Skylar’s duet, so you technically don’t need to read books 1 & 2, but I recommend it as they interconnect!

The connection and energy between Damon and Skylar is off the charts. I think this second part of the duet is better than the first, but there is less of the bully aspect in part two. Skylar and Damon have just been discovered, and everyone is pissed. Especially Gia. So what will they do? Confess their attraction? Absolutely not, because why on earth would they do something like that? HAHA.

I am heads over heels for Sky. She is an AMAZING person, and friend. My heart absolutely breaks for her in every situation. She gets the short end of the stick every time it seems.
Damon grows A LOT in this book, and it is so beautiful and mesmerizing to read as it unfolds in front of you. You get to see deep into both of their minds, and in the end, they both have to ask their selves, what do they truly want? Not only do Damon and Sky have to deal with what they have done behind closed doors, Sky also is battling a horrible situation with her father, that threatens everything in Skys life.

Will their true feelings come to light? If they do, does it even matter or have things gone too far past repair? Will Damon or ANYONE be able to protect Sky from her father? How will this end? In love… or in possible death? Will Damon and Sky stand up for what they truly want, or will they let everyone else’s feelings and wants to dictate their future?

I highly recommend this book, duet, and entire series! It is a show stopper!
There is plenty of drama, spice, angst, and also pure love.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Sarah King

Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again, Wickstrom has managed to write an adorable story to draw in her readers / listeners. She has become one of my favorite authors to purchase for my nieces and nephews; they always enjoy, and I love the bonus of a worthwhile lesson snuck into the story.

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn

❣🌹❤🥀 ❥ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ❣🌹❤🥀 ❥
Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn
Genre – New Adult, Romance
Page Count – 62
Cover Designer – TE Black Designs

New in town? Check.

Risk taker? Double check.

Party at the cove with a hot guy? Triple check.

It’s my last summer before college, and my life is on the rails. Work, family drama, and a life that’s almost too much.

When I get the chance to escape… The thrill of cliff diving at the cove is perfect. Just like the hottest man I’ve ever run into. Literally. When the fire between us ignites into a night of passion, it’s best to leave it in the past where it belongs.

The moment the plus sign shows up on the stick, all my risk-taking days are over. And the father? He’s the biggest risk I could imagine. Especially when he finds out he’s about to be a daddy.

Cruel Start is an enemies-to-lovers, new adult bully romance with pregnancy and plenty of angst, and the prequel to Aspen and Phoenix’s duet Cruel Hate and Cruel Love.

This book contains mature content that some readers may find disturbing. It is not a standalone and does end in a cliffhanger that continues with Cruel Hate.

~ AMAZON US ~ AMAZON UK ~ AMAZON CA ~ AMAZON AU ~


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Isla Vaughn is the author of the Hidden Valley Elite series. Her romance books are full of complex characters, strong alpha males, and the fierce women who bring them to their knees. When not writing, she can be found daydreaming about owning a beach house, reading, or drinking too much coffee. You can find her at www.IslaVaughnAuthor.com

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