Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Very gripping, emotional recounting of life as the granddaughter of a prominent chief. How she grows up, trains, is taught, I was drawn into the story and learning about her life and all things it encompassed. I am really curious to see where the other books take us.
Ghosts of Alda by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Having read the first book in this series, the author did not disappoint in delivering a horrific continuation of the story of Alda and the dark magic that consumes its world. Similar to the first book, it’s sectioned into almost a collection of short stories that build an overall world and characters and creatures unimaginable. The author’s detail of scenery, however, provides a clear picture of the horrors encountered. It is a slow and somewhat tedious read, but the way it unfolds along the way makes it so worth it, full of unpredictable twists that will make your jaw drop. I’m both scared and excited to see what happens next and I’m really rooting for some positive gains after the huge setback revealed in this leg of the journey.
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brutal Nights is book four of the Hidden Valley Elite set, but it’s book two of Damon and Skylar’s story. You definitely need to read the first book to their story, but I would personally recommend reading the whole set, in order. There are people and events mentioned that you will have a better understanding of with that knowledge before hand. Book three left off with a HUGE cliffhanger and book four doesn’t make you wait long to see the consequences of that encounter. You won’t want to put these books down until you know how each one ends! I’m not at all sad to say that I have given up some sleep with the “just one more chapter” line that turned into 4am reading easily. A couple times. LOL. Skylar (aka Sky) only wanted to finish up her senior year, write for the school blog, help out her friend Gia with her senior mission, and to go off to college. When Gia’s big mission turns into an undercover blackmail, things get messy for Sky quick. How did things get so crazy so quickly?? Damon (aka D) can’t help but like Sky. She’s the only girl to ever turn him down. She sets his world on fire and makes him blind to stuff. Blackmailing Sky and fake dating Gia seems like a great idea. Where can he go wrong with that arrangement? He hates Gia though. She talks to much, her perfume bugs him, and she’s super clingy. But as things get messy for Sky he doesn’t want out of the arrangement. He could care less about Gia except that he wants Sky. Getting caught in a web of lies with Gia, Sky becomes her best friend’s enemy and with that more problems. The school is on Gia’s side and with that Sky is on the no fly list. D has to put things right with her somehow. With Sky’s present crashing around her and her past sneaking up behind her, Sky is crushed by the weight of everything. Danger is coming and she and her mom need to get out of dodge quick! But will they be to late? Will Damon ruin his whole future over two girls? Will he finally settle his own demons? Will Sky stand up for herself? Or will she crumble at her past flashing back into her life and mind? So many things happen and this book will have you on your toes thinking about what might come next! If you like new adult, romance, enemies to lovers, super tense, spicy banter back and forth, and mega drama filled books then you will love this whole set!! It is so good! I have read two sets from this author now and I love them both!! I can not wait to finish this one!! I know that there are more great reads in my future. Grab these books!! You won’t be disappointed!!
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63032568-walk-off” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Walk Off” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1666104426l/63032568._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63032568-walk-off”>Walk Off</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8581563.Bree_Kraemer”>Bree Kraemer</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5639282183″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Celia is living a good life with her daughter. She has a good job and great friends to make her life run a bit smoother. The last person she expects to run into is someone she let go of a long time ago. There is a huge secret she had kept from him and it looks like the time has come to let everything out. Kyle is living his dream life playing a sport that he loves, but he is missing out on sharing it with the one that he loves. Fate steps in and puts her back in his path at a mutual friends wedding. Will they pick up where they left off or will Celia’s secret tear them apart forever? This is a feel good second chance romance. You are definitely rooting for the couple to work things out and end up together. This is the first book I have read by this author and really enjoyed her writing style. She does a great job of bringing out the emotions of the characters and making you feel what they feel. I can’t wait to read the other books in this series.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A perfect YA Rom Com. Super fun and entertaining and just different enough to keep you wanting more. It is a quick read and lots of laughs, while Bailey is finding herself and what is important to her.
It is a definite must read. I can’t wait to share this with my nieces.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122996230-sacrifice-bunt” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1677123780l/122996230._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122996230-sacrifice-bunt”>Sacrifice Bunt</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8581563.Bree_Kraemer”>Bree Kraemer</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5639262431″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Zara is a great, strong female lead. As a sports agent she gets along with everyone and gets the job done closing out deals. The one person she can’t tolerate, or so she keeps telling herself, is Noah Ashe. He’s done nothing to her to warrant such hatred except for walk in on her naked, save her life and then vanish. Noah had his reasons for vanishing and he has yet to share that with anyone but his therapist. Maybe Zara will be the first? After Zara said no to being his agent it has become his mission to annoy her. Due to unforseen circumstances Zara is asked to step in at the tale end of a deal by her good friend and Noah’s agent. The last thing either of them expected was to share a kiss at the end of the night. Noah is all for moving forward and having a possible relationship, but is Zara? In my opinion this book is too short, BUT it is good! The author made both characters very relatable and really brought their personalities to life. It was fun to see Zara come to the realization that she had romantic feelings for Noah and that she felt less lonely when he was around. Although this is part of a series you can read it as a stand alone.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
Twisted Proposal by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was a DOOZY. A first for me from this author and DEFINITELY not the last. Wow wow wow. The characters were insanely good. The story line was perfectly attention capturing. I went on a vacation into this storyline and I was sad to come home when the last page ended… hot as sin chemistry and the best kind of dirty!
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Brutal Nights is the fourth book in the Hidden Valley Elite series by Isla Vaughn. It is a New Adult (High School) bully romance, with plenty of engrossing details, an enemies-to-lovers element, angst, drama, secrets, jealousy, friendship, lies, intrigue, chemistry, steam, emotion, dark games, agendas, danger, and more.
This series just gets better with each new instalment, and this conclusion to Damon and Skylar’s story had me in its grip the whole way through. So much has happened, but Ms. Vaughn doesn’t take it easy on them- and toyed with my emotions in the process.
As this is the fourth book in the series, and the second part to Skylar and Damon’s story, I highly recommend reading the rest of the series before starting on this book, or at the very least, read Book #3 so you are up to date on their little saga- and can jump into this book without feeling like you have missed something.
I am excited to see what “Cruel Start” (Book #5) will hold… Bring it on!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Isla Vaughn!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Stalked by the Devil: BWWM Thriller by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
There are some things I really enjoyed about this book. And there are some things that I did not enjoy about this book. The interaction between the sisters, even the fighting, is one of the things I enjoyed. That and best friend Craig were the most realistic parts of the book. How quickly and easily things were resolved is one of the things that I didn’t enjoy. Like Sahara sitting on her porch at the end of the book just days after taking down two rich and powerful men in the city. With her being a model and with all the press that would come from the arrest of the mayor’s husband and son, the paparazzi would be everywhere. Didn’t Melody forgive Lucas a little fast? He did lie to her. Sure he came around, admitted he was wrong, apologized for lying but just a couple of weeks after that she is agreeing to move in with him?
This book moved fast and kept you guessing throughout. I had the stalker wrong, not gonna lie. I guessed it was Keith, just keeping Sahara dependent on him. Turned out not to be. It was a good twist. Maybe I just watch too much true crime. This just ended too pretty for me, too nice, too neat. But a really good read!!
Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Underneath the Whiskey is a compelling, gut wrenching story about a man trying to be who he is expected to be by everyone in his life but it comes at the cost of his own sense of self. It contains things that can be triggering including addiction, attempted suicide, conversion therapy, and cheating.
I honestly didn’t want to like Ben. I am usually not interested in stories that include cheating, but this is a very well-written story that is honest and raw. The reason events happen makes sense. Ben goes through so much but doesn’t recognize the trauma as he was doing it for what he felt was the good of his family. Each of the characters starts out appearing one way, but as the layers get peeled away, their truth is revealed, sometimes for the better and sometimes not. Ben’s journey absolutely broke my heart and I am so glad there is a happy ending. Definitely well-worth the pain to experience this story.
Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper is a fast-paced clean, romantic comedy. It follows (very) imperfect Bailey as she discovers what it means to improve yourself. Bailey uses her brother’s recommendations – as outlined in his list of improvements for her. I enjoyed the book far more than I guessed I would as I have siblings too! Seriously though, if you want something with a snarky main character and diverse, interesting side ones then give this book a try!
Reviewed by @WhisperHymer
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh, Gia. I spent so much of this book angry at her, regardless of her list and her high school dreams of “success”. Skylar and Damon have been discovered, and Gia is pissed. She has managed to stay popular despite Damon not being with her, and she uses her newfound popularity to be absolutely awful to Skylar.
Sky has decided the only way to right her wrongs is to stay completely away from Damon and take what Gia dishes out. Damon has no desire to stay away from Skylar at all, and approaches it the way he approaches everything. How will it end for Skylar and Damon? WILL it end, or will they continue to be drawn to one another?
Damon matures greatly in this story, and it was really a pleasure to see. The fight he puts in for things to be the way they should be has him digging deep into what he really wants.
Skylar is making herself miserable, but doesn’t want to buckle. She fights Damon as hard as ever, as he fights back. They make jabs at one another, barely restraining their attraction. This was such a good read!
Living With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering Choices by Toby Dorr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first non-fiction book I’ve read in quite a while, and I am absolutely blown away! The sheer amount of emotion that this memoir evoked in me is astounding. Toby tells her story sparing no detail and puts you in her shoes. I couldn’t read fast enough as she really has a great way of writing that just pulls you in and won’t let go. I truly appreciate Toby being so incredibly courageous, vulnerable, and forthcoming with this experience. It’s eye-opening in the most unexpected of ways. I highly recommend giving this book a chance even if it isn’t in your normal wheelhouse, it will likely knock you right off your feet.
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I continue to love this series of the Hidden Valley Elite with my every being….Book 4 with the continuation of Damon and Sky’s story…I cannot help but have so much love for these two characters. Plenty of angst, drama, tension, spice and everything oh so nice. I am completely invested in this series, and I do highly recommend reading this series of books in order right from the beginning.
Damon and Sky have this love/hate relationship still stewing between them, especially when the aftermath of the downward spiral friendship between Sky and Gia comes tumbling down. Damon wants to protect Sky from the ugly lies and bullying that Sky is enduring. When Damon and Sky come together in a “fake date” relationship…..will true feelings between them come into play or will someone get hurt at the end? Will Damon be able to even protect Sky from who is coming back for her and her mother with a wicked vengeance?
Highly recommended read…..I loved this story of Damon and Sky and pick up to where what happens next. I love this author’s storytelling and I am already anticipating the next book in the series. A true must read.
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Anticipation. Once again, I cannot get enough of the Hidden Valley Elite series. Isla Vaughn’s ability to weave such complex emotions and twists into an effortless story is mind blowing. Book four, the second book in the Brutal duet about Damon and Skylar picks up once again in the same moment the first book ended in. They are coming down from an intimate moment when her mom and Gia are standing in the doorway having caught them.
What follows is nothing less than expectation with the fallout between Gia and Sky, fear of a teen pregnancy, and the overwhelming reality that while they try to label it all as fake it’s anything but. All along a greater threat is around the corner, Sky’s dad is set to be released from prison forcing both her and Damon to confront their feelings now or risk never seeing each other again. Damon on the other hand never cared as much as his brother about football and the NFL is more of a maybe for him but Skylar makes him see more beyond football. As everything builds to its climax Sky can no longer handle the guilt and tries to talk to Gia, leaving her with the parting words that “he’s getting out soon and we’ll be gone.” Admitting to Damon she doesn’t want to leave him he does the one thing he never wanted to do. Damon asks his dad for help, sees pictures of what happened when Sky was seven and some of the hatred, he holds for Raelyn is replaced with some respect. He realizes that Sky’s situation is very similar to Riley’s and her moms from the previous year, only no one is there to help Sky and her mom. Finally filling in Cole about everything with Sky, and her dad situation he gets a call from Gia……He’s there.
Will Damon make it to Skylar’s in time? Can Skylar and her mom survive and stay safe? Will Skylar and Damon finally get a chance to drop the “fake” from their relationship? This series has truly become my number one go to for an escape from the realities of life. The world, while nothing more than reality, the characters are what keep you drawn in. Over the course of two books the characters both take a journey, growing and becoming well rounded. Leaving you routing for them to come out on top and get their happiness ever after. Once again, knowing that a happy ending is always coming doesn’t take away from the story, it leaves you in anticipation of how they achieve it when everything seems against them, even themselves sometimes. I already have a countdown for the next book in the series, Cruel Start, June 29th, 2023, which is like Cole’s duet with the Savage Start prequel, this book serves as the prequel into Phoenix and Aspen’s duet, book one Cruel Hate, August 31st, 2023.
Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was my first book by this author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I really enjoy reading in my spare time and typically it takes me a chapter or two to really find my groove. That was not the case with Underneath the Whiskey. I was immediately drawn into the story from page one. It was SO unbelievable how quickly everything played out in my mind. This is an emotional rollercoaster that takes your heart and puts it in a vice. On paper, it can sometimes seem easy to make decisions especially when you’re not involved, but I was completely and utterly invested in Benjamin’s life. I’ve already grabbed a couple of other books by this author because her writing style is stunning! As always, you should check the potential triggers that she has lovingly put in the front. Trust me on this one, don’t pass on picking this book up. It’s a must read!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Twisted Bond by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Rose is a wolf who is on a mission. The witches are now controlling when wolves can shift and have their freedom. She is trying to find a way, and that is to try and to become the leaders wife of the coven. Titan has to have a child and in order for that, he must wed. Once he meets Rose, he starts their adventure in this book. It’s a really great read!
Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Loved having the list of things her brother has to “improve” Bailey, but didn’t like how they didn’t go in numerical order (just my opinion, felt it was weird). Loved how Bailey is blind to true love and then finds it. Enjoyed the team work aspects of saving Froyo.
Felt parts of the book were stagnant, but overall, i would definitely recommend it and/or read more books by Cori Cooper- felt like Shopaholic or similar (I am not a heavy romance reader) and I appreciated the banter between Bailey and the rest of the characters.
Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
You’ve got Benjamin, who has his own business, family, and wife. As his business continues, he needs more help. Here he meets Caden. This young man ends up crushing on Benjamin, who shows his true self to Caden. Now Benjamin feels the closet should be no more, but has to work on his past. It’s such a heart wrenching book.
My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my favorite book I read this year. The author wrote the story in such a way that I had to keep reading. The characters were not only relatable but so well written that at times I thought Tessa and Simon could be real friends of mine. The story starts in and air plane where Tessa and Simon meet each other but don’t have a chance to build a connection. If it weren’t for Simon making sure Tessa finds his business card in her purse.
A world traveling romance of two strangers who become so much more, that are pulled apart due to a tragic incident. Something that any of us could experience in the world we live in today. The connection and love shown throughout the story made me believe again. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author!
Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A historical romance that had me hooked into reading the book to the end in no time! I’m sure this is the first time I’m reading a book written by this author. I enjoyed the way she wrote about the characters so that I could connect with them but specifically with Helen. Conway describing Helen as a ray of sunshine, something clicks for him to find ways to show Lady Helen that she needs to be open to finding love again struck close to home for me. I enjoyed this romance for the hope and the strength to carry on after a tragic event. Another good series & author to look for in the near future.
Living With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering Choices by Toby Dorr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Living With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering Choices by Toby Dorr
4 out of 5 Stars
Every story has multiple sides. This is a story that has been told many times but this time is straight from the source. I was surprised many times while reading this book. This was an interesting read that gives you an understanding of how life can change due to a mistake. If you are into this type of stories you should give it a try.
Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Underneath the Whiskey was a complex novel with even more complex characters. If you’re looking for a light, fluffy read… this isn’t the book for you. If you’re looking for a book that evokes true emotions and a wide range of them, I recommend giving this book a try. That being said, the book is centered around real, heavy subject matter that can he hard to read but I do think the author really did craft a well developed story. I did not connect or identify with the characters in this novel but their stories and depth was truly realistic and appreciated on my part. This was a new to me author with a great ability to right a deep, realistic storyline and I would be happy to read more.
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
The bullies are back and in fine form in the conclusion of Skylar and Damon’s story. Brutal Nights is a fourth dynamic book in this dark enemies-to-lovers, YA/NA romance book in the Hidden Valley Elite series. I have enjoyed them all and they keep getting better.
High school has never looked more different in this romance. Brutal Nights is an intriguing web of lies and deceit, angst and drama, heat and fear, secrets and jealousy.
There are a lot of layers and intensity to these characters who are bullies who are rule the Academy. They take what they want, do what they want.
The world where the Elite exists is about to come crumbling down around them.
He rules on and off the ground. He is but One who plays dark and dangerous games and he wants her. Nothing will stand in his way and if it does beware!
Isla Vaughn has come in to her own with this series and it just keeps on getting better and better.
I can’t wait for the next book Cruel Start.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Twisted Proposal by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What begins as a plan for revenge quickly takes twists and turns that have the characters questioning things around them. It is filled with family secrets, lies, and betrayal…but also explores the dom/sub genre of s/m which is not often described. As Ethan and Siena go forward in their very unorthodox business arrangement, Ethan is able to demonstrate the side of himself that he is aware of…while Siena discovers what she enjoys and desires in the bedroom (or other places). Add in the mafia, building a business from the ground up, and a jilted ex….and the story just keeps getting better.
I found myself fully immersed in this story form the moment I started reading it. These characters had sizzling chemistry from the first time they meet. The secondary characters each added to the story. Ethan and Siena grew as the story progressed…each having their own reasons in the beginning…and those reasons morphing along the way into feelings (even if neither of them wants to admit it). It was a good story that I enjoyed reading!
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brutal Nights is the Fourth Book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series. This book continues with the story of Sky, Gia, and Damon that we met in the third book in the series. If you have not already read it, I recommend that you read it first or you may feel lost. Gia and Sky are best friends, or were, until they were both fighting over the same guy, Damon. Gia wanted Sky to set her up with him, but Sky and Damon instead became attracted to one another. The passion between them has intensified and could no longer be denied, which Gia learns the hard way when she walks in on the two of them. Gia not only becomes angry but chooses to retaliate by bullying Sky and enlisting others to help her carry out her cruelness towards Sky. Sky is devastated over losing her best friend and wants to win her back, so she pushes Damon away. However, Damon realizes that he really likes Sky, enjoys her friendship, and wants to be with her so he is not going without a fight. As the drama between the trio unfolds Sky is terrified that all her secrets will be revealed and that her whole world will collapse in around her.
I was riveted from the first few pages and wanted to see what would become of Sky and Damon. The passion, suspense, danger, intrigue, suspense, and angst are intense as Sky and Damon’s story reaches its conclusion. The characters were well written, and the storyline was attention grabbing, making you want to read until the end to see how things turn out. It was great seeing how much the character of Damon matured through the book and seeing a softer side of him. Gia is such a spoiled, self-centered, self-serving bully that I could not help but want to slap her. I admired Sky’s strength in how she handled not only the bullying by Gia and her friends but also the conflicts as they unfolded. A great read that I highly recommend!
Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was so much more heart wrenching and emotional than I expected when I first start reading. I was completely captivated by Ben and his story. It really seemed to touch me and the thought that people genuinely feel like they need to live a hidden is saddening. I loved to watch how the story developed and I was fully behind Ben and Caden right from the start.
This is a new author to me and, if this book is anything to go by, I will definitely be reading more. I loved this story and I am looking forward to whatever is next.
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This series just seems to go from strength to strength. I could not wait to get my hands on this book, I just had to see how things would progress with these characters. I was instantly hooked on this book and pulled straight back into their story. I devoured this in one sitting and could still have read even more. I have even started re-reading this series again from scratch.
I love the connection the characters in this series all seem to have. It is undeniable, right from the first page and I am completely pulled in to it. This author I fast becoming one of my favourites and I cannot wait to read more.
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow just wow. This is the second part to Damon and Sky’s story and omg it didn’t disappoint. I have loved every book in Hidden Valley Elite series. This is book 4 and the second part of the story in Brutal Days.
I don’t want to give too much away but you definitely need to read these books in order so you get the full story.
This book is about Damon and Sky and their unusual start. It is full of attraction, chemistry, angst, loss of friendship, and danger that was almost lethal.
The chemistry and attraction between the couple jumps off the page and their love/hate relationship only kept me hooked even more.
Will this couple realise how perfect and ment for each other they are? Or will circumstances surrounding them mean they lose the chance to even try.
I adore this series and I can’t wait for the next one.
Talks Like Thunder: Red With Native Blood: Novella One by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Talks Like Thunder is the first book in the Red With Native Blood series. It is a coming-of-age story, suitable for YA readers, which follows a young woman whose life is turned upside down as a child by diseases brought by white settlers and who has to learn to live in a world where her community is constantly under threat.
This is an engaging story which draws on history both to educate and to enhance the reader’s experience. There are plenty of details which bring the story to life, as the writers paint a strong, sensory picture. It’s beautiful to read!
At times, this book gets quite dark and sad as it addresses historical atrocities. For younger or more sensitive readers, it may be worth reading together with someone else so you can discuss what happens and the issues that are raised.
I would recommend this to fans of historical fiction, particularly those with an interest in Indigenous American culture and history. It gets five stars from me, I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
