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Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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

Ways to Improve Bailey was so much better than I expected. I got invested right away and didn’t want to put it down, completing in two days and missing some sleep! It is not your every day rom-com. Bailey is funny and sarcastic, and has a love/hate relationship with her brother, Dayton. Her best friend Marnie is quirky but fun. Bailey gets conned into hanging out with Tanner, a daily repeating customer at her job. She thinks he’s a bit odd, but they start to hit it off and soon become good friends. Things take a twist, and the ending is not quite what I enjoyed, but it was perfect. The story takes place in Flagstaff Arizona, which I loved even more. I too, live in Arizona, and it was fun to read about all the places I have been to, and some I have not yet. It made it a little more realistic and me a tad more invested. I look forward to reading more by this author, because they are always great cozy reads I can cuddle on the couch with and get lost for hours.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi – Review by Julie Johnson

A Teacher's HeartA Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book would make a great end-of-the-year gift for a teacher. It would also be a great book to read to a youngster about to start school. Teachers, for the most part, are really super great people! This book highlights some of the features of teachers to show their “human” side outside of the classroom.

The illustrations are very well done in this book as well!

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Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Megan Pesek

Underneath The WhiskeyUnderneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Underneath The Whiskey is gut wrenching, emotional, and heartbreaking in every way possible. It is not for the faint of heart as this story contains many difficult subjects, such as alcoholism, suicide, sexual assault, violence, and mental illness. The issues seem so real and the author, Chelsea Lauren, does a great job writing about all of the issues at hand.
Underneath The Whiskey tells the story of Benjamin, a closeted gay man, who is living a lie with his wife and children. He tried so hard to hide and cope with his pain, but can’t do it forever.
The characters are flawed, well-developed, and easy to hate because we witness all their struggles and demons. Once the characters find their truth they become lovable despite their flaws and harsh reality.

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Twisted Bond by Danielle Jacks – Review by Tonya Merritt

Twisted BondTwisted Bond by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Twisted Bond has so much described imagery in just the first few paragraphs that you can feel and smell the same as described. The book is a bit slow to get into and takes a few chapters to catch on but well worth it. A story of betrayal and the fear of failure but is it really just love the whole time? A great fantasy book that will quickly become a page turner in a few hours.

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Living with Conviction: A True Crime Memoir by Toby Dorr – Review by Shadel Ayerbe

Living With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering ChoicesLiving With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering Choices by Toby Dorr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Living With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering Choices by Toby Dorr is a great book based on true crime.

In this autobiography, Toby Dorr describes her experiences as a volunteer who ran a canine training program for inmates at the Lansing Correctional Center. She interacts with various prisoners, but just one really grabs her attention. John Manard, who escaped from prison with Toby’s assistance, is who he is. Before being apprehended, they were on the run for 12 days. Through her several court appearances, Toby had to develop her media savvy after becoming an overnight sensation. She served a few years in prison for her misdeeds, and in this book, she recounts her experience there.

Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. The story really transports you into this crazy prison world. I couldn’t put the book down.

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House of Arsceneaux (Servants of Morrigan: Immortal Creatures) by Caterina Novelliere – Review by Emily H

House of ArsceneauxHouse of Arsceneaux by Caterina Novelliere
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cailtlin DeDanann is counting down the time until she can leave for her vacation. She is less than thrilled to have to add work to her vacation and it doesn’t help that Evariste Gage Arsceneaux is avoiding her at all costs. That is until Evariste gets a look at Caitlin and begins to wonder if Caitlin is his long dead wife reincarnated. With a threat surrounding them Caitlin wants answers, can she trust Evariste.

I enjoyed this one quite a bit. The story has some past present moments which gave clarity to Evariste’s past. I thought the chemistry between Caitlin and Evariste was full of charismatic banter, you are pulled in when these two are on the page with one another. I would read more from this author for sure.

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Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Christine Baranek

Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2)Sacrifice Bunt by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sacrifice Bunt
By: Bree Kraemer

I am absolutely loving this series by Bree Kraemer. I love baseball so this series featuring Baseball Players is a no brainer for me to read. What I wasn’t expecting is that the plot would be so well written and would suck me in from the first word.
Zara is an incredibly strong, independent woman. She has a career she loves and she definitely prides herself on not getting attached. She never expected that the one person who would get under her skin would be a pro baseball player. Its important to note that Noah and Zara have history and not any kind of history but the kind of history where everyone hopes they never see each other again. But yet they do and boy do sparks fly.
I love the banter between Zara and Noah. It just seemed like it was inevitable that their chemistry would win, despite any personal feelings that they may have. However, when they have to be professional with one another their chemistry is undeniable. I definitely love this series and recommend that everyone read this.

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Acting Counsel (Kings of Screen Book 3) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Lyndsey Fairley

Acting Counsel (Kings of Screen, #3)Acting Counsel by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. And loved getting to see the group of friends we’ve met before make appearances in this one.

These 2 were great for each other once they each got through their own personal doubts and downfalls.
Im glad this author has strong female characters who stand up for themselves and know their worth but also can understand when someone else is putting in the effort.
I can’t wait for more from this group!

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My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez – Review by Christine Baranek

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

My Goodbye Girl
By: Anna Gomez

This is the type of book that I expect in a summer read. It was well written, fast paced, and feel good. Reading it felt like I was sitting in the sunshine, while in reality I was in my bed. This book also in many ways is an opposites attract – where in no way should the characters click in real life but in the book it not only works but makes complete sense. I felt that their attraction for each other was palpable and they definitely had great banter that was enjoyable to read. I definitely recommend reading this book, especially as it makes a great beach read!

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Ladies of the Links (Ladies of the Links Book 2) by Haley Rhoades – Review by Christine Baranek

Ladies of the Links #2Ladies of the Links #2 by Haley Rhoades
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ladies of the Links #2
By: Haley Rhodes

This book features a group of friends that are so well written. I picked up this book because it intrigued me but I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy it because I don’t know anything about golf. However, now I want to find a golf league that I can join to hopefully find friends such as this group in the story. This book definitely features the trials and tribulations of the ladies. It features a second chance romance, but the truth is the real story is the friends and everything they get into. This is everything that a group of friends should be. I definitely recommend this book and I promise you I will be reading the other books to find out more!

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Christine Baranek

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fetching Dreams
By: Mary Bleckwehl

This is such a fantastic chapter book. The quote in the description is what drew me to this book, it ultimately became the reason I absolutely could not put down. “It was just a school assignment until it became a lifesaving mission.” This is such a heartwarming story. Neyah and Abby are penpals who begin writing because of a school assignment. However they connect on a much deeper level. This becomes such a valuable friendship that definitely changes their lives and the lives of others. As a teacher, this instantly became a book that I know I will use as a read aloud with my students. I cannot wait to see the conversations that my students will have and see if they are as moved by this book as much as I am. This is absolutely such a heartwarming inspirational story that I think that everyone should read.

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A Way Out (Rock Star Book 2) by Tami Lund – Review by Christine Baranek

A Way Out (Rock Star Book 2)A Way Out by Tami Lund
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Way Out
By: Tami Lund

This book features such a wonderful storyline and characters. Maria is a brand new divorcee with plenty of money, but nowhere to live, no job and really no clue what she is going to do now. She really hadn’t planned on being in this predicament. This leads her to the one place and person that she thinks might help. Her sister’s house. But her sister isn’t there and their is a gorgeous stranger standing at their door. Oz is this handsome man at the door. Oz has an incredibly caring nature and they decide to travel together to Louisana, which is where her sister is, and a wedding that they are both invited to is. Enter amazing banter between Oz and Maria, an undeniable attraction and then a proposal that just might complicate things.
This book is the second in a series. It functions as a standalone, but it most definitely wont be the last book in this series that I read. I want to go back and read the first one just because I enjoyed the writing and the storyline that much. I definitely suggest picking this one up, as it won’t disappoint.

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Living with Conviction: A True Crime Memoir by Toby Dorr – Review by Melissa Fink

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2WZPS2QLKTIUZ/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Living With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering ChoicesLiving 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 my first book by this author and Toby didn’t disappoint. The world building and characters was well thought out. This book was a page turner for me. The author grabbed my attention within the first few pages. Some parts of the book had you sitting on the edge of your seat wanting to know what happens next. I can’t wait to read more books by this author.

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https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2517367642

Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper – Review by Tonya Merritt

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

I began this book and wasn’t sure I was gonna like it. The story kinda started slow for me and I wasn’t thrilled with the characters but then I got to Bailey’s date with Tanner and everything changed for me. I couldn’t put the book down. I loved it. Definitely recommend reading it and if it seems slow do not give up at all on it. It really was a great book.

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Someone to Watch Over Me (Wounded Hearts Series Book 3) by Debbie Cromack – Review by Christine Baranek

Someone to Watch Over Me (Wounded Hearts, #3)Someone to Watch Over Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Someone To Watch Over Me
By: Debbie Cromack

This is a best friend to lovers book. It features Angelo and Lucia. I absolutely love when this type is done well. When done well I feel like it gives characters with great depth, amazing development and, generally speaking, main characters with absolutely amazing banter between them. This book definitely delivers on all three of those aspects. I felt that Lucia was very heartfelt and that her emotions truly jumped off the page, starting with the initial rejection that she faces. From there, the readers are taken on a fantastic roller coaster of emotions that had me rooting for her to find the happiness and the love that I felt that she really deserved. This was just so very good! I definitely recommended it!

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A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi – Review by Caralee Loonat

A Teacher's HeartA Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really thought that this was such a sweet book. The author really has written a easy to read book for kids. This book brings a good lesson for kids to know. The author does a good job of showing every side a teacher can be and gives just a little perspective into what and how a teacher ticks. I really like that this is a very simple book as it will help children to get confidence in reading and also show how teachers can be. I would recommend this book to anyone with small children.

Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Kerry Baker

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood: Novella One)Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such an emotional and touching read from the start to the finish. Although it is a work in fiction, it is inspired by true events and well known historical ones. It is so hard to imagine people having to go through what this character did and yet the author did an amazing job of making it seem real and relatable.
The book is only short, as expected from a novella, but it is the kind of book I could have gone on reading. I would definitely recommend this book and can’t wait to see what else this author has to offer

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Kerry Baker

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is truly an inspiring and heartfelt story of two young girls who strike up a bond despite living worlds apart. The connection they develop grows overtime as they slowly get to know each other. And, although on the face of it their lives are completely different, they soon find commonalities as their bond strengthens.
The author has done an incredible jobs at portraying both of these girls. They are engaging and interesting and I wanted to know more about them. The story is inspiring, watching two young girls forge a connection when everything says it shouldn’t work. I really enjoyed this story and would love to read more like it.

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A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

A Teacher's HeartA Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Easy, fun and sweet book dedicated to all kinds of teachers…regardless if they are young or old…teachers may all be different but truly there is one similarity….They all have a “Very Big Heart”.

I love that a young reader can see from the wonderful illustrations and words that teachers are truly awesome and want what is best for them to learn and grow.

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Megan Conley

Talks Like Thunder: Red With Native Blood: Novella OneTalks Like Thunder: Red With Native Blood: Novella One by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This harrowing historical fiction follows the main female protagonist, Talks Like Thunder, as she is taken from her original tribe, and then taken again by the white man and placed on a reservation and forced to learn and accept white culture all the while her culture is disregarded. Carter and Nerhus did an amazing job of capturing the sorrow and fear and determination of the young protagonist and the situations she went through. I found myself staying up late saying, “Just one more chapter,” continuously until I had finished the novella. This is a very quick read, but don’t let that fool you. It will rip your heart out and infuriate you.

Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Ghosts of Alda (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 2) by Russell Archey – Review by Charlene Gonzalez

Ghosts of Alda (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 2)Ghosts of Alda by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 1 was amazing leading to drama, secrets, mystery, and suspense. Seeing how the world of Alda was falling apart because the 55 seals were being broken now in the 2nd book leads us off to find out more about the secrets and how the world is being controlled and how the Black Gnarls are getting their strength.
Russell Archey did an amazing job on both books.

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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Charlene Gonzalez

Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Russell Archey has got my mind in all these little stories about the world Alda that needs saving from this Sinster entity called Obscure Throne. Hearing that every magical creature is leaving Alda behind is sad. Reflecting on this world and Biblical stories evil also tries to dominate something that good has created for those who want to be part of it. But in stories like this one evil seems to be winning. If anyone likes fantasy stories this is a great book to seek the different sides of the story.
5 stars for creation and characters
4 stars for sadness

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Ghosts of Alda (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 2) by Russell Archey – Review by Tonya Merritt

Ghosts of AldaGhosts of Alda by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this dark fantasy you’ll see action, drama, mystery, and suspense. The story has great characters and will mold you into the dystopian feel. I recommend reading the first book in this series, ‘Ashes of Aldyr’ before reading Ghosts of Alda. A good story that will take you into a wild place.

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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book) by Russell Archey – Review by Tonya Merritt

Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is a wild ride. Russell Archey has a way to pull you into every character’s mindset. You really can feel the world around them. This story is a great dark fantasy book that will bring you to a new sense of being.

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The Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Sara Grantham

The Master of DemiseThe Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The book had me hooked from the start! I love psychological thrillers, but boy… this took me for a ride. There were so many twists and turns, which I love, that kept me intrigued throughout the whole book. It was dark and mysterious, but also had so many layers for the characters and the plot. I highly enjoyed this book!

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Ladies of the Links (Ladies of the Links Book 2) by Haley Rhoades – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/71532692-ladies-of-the-links-2″ style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Ladies of the Links #2″ src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1671467790l/71532692._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/71532692-ladies-of-the-links-2″>Ladies of the Links #2</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16790803.Haley_Rhoades”>Haley Rhoades</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5634498214″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This was a great second chance romance. After 5 years Christy and Ryan are reunited while he is rubbing elbows with the elite at his new country club. He’s recently moved into the community when he spots her behind the bar. He’s been doing big things and living his dream of playing in the NFL, but his life is about to change. Christy left after a colossal misunderstanding and never looked back. Now that Ryan is back in her life things are starting to look up. Ryan takes to fatherhood as if he had never been away from them. This was a fun, steamy read that can be read in one sitting. I loved all the characters. I definitely need to go back and read book one to see if I missed anything, but I don’t feel as if I did. Either way this author has just gained another fan and I can’t wait to read more of her works.
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Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Amber Howard

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

Helpful Hudson was such a cute book. It taught an important lesson in a way young kids could easily understand. The artwork was beautiful and it was an easy read for young one. A great addition to your children’s book collection.

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Bound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Amber Howard

Bound by the HinterlandsBound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a pretty good read. I only wish it had a sequel. The story felt incomplete. Like the Prince’s visit and the possibility that he would decided that the Hinterlands could be cast aside and no longer apart of the kingdom was made to be a big part of the plot just for it not to have conclusion. However, Cressida and Caravahl were perfectly matched. Each had a tough life but a big heart the story was full of action, entertainment, wit, and romance. Definitely a good read for those who enjoy fantasy novels.

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The Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Heather Hoke

The Master of DemiseThe Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I just couldn’t stop reading. I needed to know what was going to happen next. The author gives you just enough to keep you curious. And you really never see the next event coming!
I think this is a book I will read again. I know I will enjoy it more than once.

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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscure Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Katie Kearney

Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m a romance reader through and through but I always challenge myself to pick up something out of my comfort zone every now and then. This one caught my eye so I decided why not. I was so glad I found it. This story took me on quite the ride in a world I didn’t want to leave. The characters and storyline are so well written you just simply sink into the pages while the outside world passes by. From start to finish I was completely hooked and couldn’t put this book down. This is a newer author to me but I’m really excited for more. I’m really looking forward to the next book and highly recommend this one to anyone who asks. Four big stars! Can’t wait for the next one!

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