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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Kerry Baker

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a fun and cute story that all kids will absolutely love! The author has the balance of this book just right – it is educational and insightful but also retains the fun that kids need to keep their interest. There were plenty of giggles as we all read this book, with pirate voices to boot. My kids loved this book – the story, the characters and the illustrations. It has become a regular in our household and I can’t see that changing anytime soon. This is a book that I would highly recommend and is fun for all of the family.

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Evan (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 2) by Toni Denise – Review by Jules Herbert

Evan: A Steamy Billionaire Workplace Contemporary Romance (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 2)Evan: A Steamy Billionaire Workplace Contemporary Romance by Toni Denise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such a great read and continuation for this series. If you haven’t read the previous book don’t worry you can 100% read this as a stand alone and thoroughly enjoy it but I still recommend reading them all to further enhance your enjoyment.
Kayla and Evan are friends and business partners who are both very attracted to each other but fear taking it further in case it doesn’t work out and they ruin the wonderful friendship they have built. Reading how they navigate through those feelings all while dealing with some very difficult times ( I don’t want to give anything away so I won’t say anything about that) made for a truly wonderful read. This author is truly talented and I can’t wait to read more not only from this series but also from this author.

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Straight for the Kill (Benoit and Dayne Mystery Book 3) by Winter Austin – Review by Emily H

Straight for the Kill (Benoit and Dayne Mystery, #3)Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

25 years ago Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit there was an unsolved mystery that was too close to home. Elizabeth’s best friend and her Deputies sister. Now there is another case that has links to the past cases, can Elizabeth figure it out in time or will it be too late.

Lila Dayne is doing her best to assist on the case. She wasn’t around when the initial death occurred, will she be able to give her take on the case no matter how difficult it maybe?

This is a really intriguing series. I like all the characters and the way the author cleverly drops little hints but as a reader you are not sure where the story is going. Elizabeth is a complex character who sets the tone for her deputies. I really enjoy the connection as detectives between Elizabeth and Lila, it really adds to the story.

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Evan (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 2) by Toni Denise – Review by Jenni Bishop

Evan: A Steamy Billionaire Workplace Contemporary Romance (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 2)Evan: A Steamy Billionaire Workplace Contemporary Romance by Toni Denise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Evan is a captivating billionaire contemporary romance story. It is the second book in the Billionaire Blind Dates series and Evan and Kayla’s story. I loved the first book but of all Toni’s books this is my favourite to date. Toni has taken a different approach with this series where the characters have to rely on their other senses when going on a blind date. A place you get to know someone in the dark. A literal blind date. Preconceived ideas are put on the back burner when you visit the Blind Date. It’s a place where you can meet someone without having to worry about safety. It’s a place that everyone is raving about.
The characters are interesting and the chemistry is sizzling hot. There is also a little drama, some angst. I enjoyed the easy banter between the male group of friends they make me laugh.
Being the creator and owner makes it easy for her to help others find their one true love but not her. At least she thought not BUT her blind date doesn’t know who she is.

He likes to be behind the scenes but after his friend found love he wonders what or who is out there. Encouraged to find his own romantic adventure he decides to give it a go. What he doesn’t know is that the one he is seeking advice from is the same one who has been on his mind.
Will it all come crashing down or will they find their HEA?
I look forward to reading the stories of the remaining friends.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Grace Under Fire (The Anderson Sisters Book 2) by Jennifer Raines – Review by Jenni Bishop

Grace Under FireGrace Under Fire by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed Jennifer’s first book Taylor’s Law and was looking forward to reading this book Grace Under Fire. Contemporary romance lovers will love this book. The characters are complex and well developed. It is an emotional journey for them as they are still reeling from their pasts.
This intriguing story keeps the pages turning. With something for everyone, love and loss, secrets and lies, wealth and greed, passion and compassion, fear and angst, sadness and frustration, humour and more you can’t go wrong.
Grace thought she had more time. Now she is forced to act much sooner than she thought. She will fight with everything she has to hold on to the one thing that means more to her. Will she be able to overcome her abandonment and mistrust to seek help or will she lose it all?

Ryan is still haunted from a tragedy and is stomping his way through the world without thought for anyone or anything. Now he isn’t so sure what to do. Will he come to terms with his past and be there for the woman who needs help?
It is not just their pasts they have to endure it is sabotage and hard ballers that are determined to take it all away.
I look forward to more from Jennifer.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Evan (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 2) by Toni Denise – Review by Katie Matthews

Evan: A Steamy Billionaire Workplace Contemporary Romance (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 2)Evan: A Steamy Billionaire Workplace Contemporary Romance by Toni Denise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so excited to get my hands on the second book in this series and my gosh the author did not disappoint! I’d quite happily go on a blind date with any of these friends! This book was Evan’s turn for his blind date and it didn’t really get off to a great start! I really like Evan, he’s quite down to earth and a really likeable character. Kayla was such a sweetheart and I could tell that they had so much chemistry between then from the very first page and I was rooting for them!! I knew that their story wouldn’t be straight forward and I loved all the will they won’t they angst that was going on.
I am very excited to get my hands on the next book in this series!!

@katiem
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Lucky Stars by Fantasia Yu – Review by Katie Turner

Lucky StarsLucky Stars by Fantasia Yu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mora is a moon princess who aspires to do more and see more. However, she is arranged to wed Prince Fidge, whom she clearly has no interest in. Despite gaining acceptance, her parents do not seem to be very supportive of her dreams to go to the Bronze City for school, where she hopes to be far, far away from Fidge. And from that point, she begins to care less and less about the opinions of others about her, as well as her safety. When she is introduced to the handsome Darin, she is instantly smitten and becomes quite the risk taker. But if Darin found out who she really was, Mora is not sure he would still be accepting of her being a Princess. How long can she hide her identity from him when the royals send a bounty hunter to retrieve her?

Lucky Stars is my first experience with Fantasia Yu’s work. The way she writes keeps you pulled in and able to easily imagine the world that characters are engaged in. She has really created a fun adventure within space in this short sci-fi romance.

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Evan (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 2) by Toni Denise – Review by Beverly Finnie

Evan: A Steamy Billionaire Workplace Contemporary Romance (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 2)Evan: A Steamy Billionaire Workplace Contemporary Romance by Toni Denise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this series! It’s different from the usual romances I read, I can’t wait till the next one! Evan was no different. The author keeps you interested.
Evan and Kayla are partners in The Blind Date restaurant app, well Evan is the silent partner. It’s also his turn to be set up on blind dates by his friends to find something real. So what happens is the communication is through an app then the dates are in a restaurant in complete darkness so you can’t see who you’re with. Getting to know someone on personality vs what they look like. When Evan makes the call it’s his turn Kayla is taken aback by it. She secretly crushed on him. Not realizing the next call would be from one of his friends asking her to be his choice of date for Evan.
These two should be together but they aren’t and it makes the blind dating experience between them that much difficult.
When their restaurant is targeted the investigation into it is what brings them closer together. But will it work out? Will Evan ever figure out Kayla is “K?”
You want a fun romance with some dramatic flair. This series is perfect! Though a series this book works very well as a standalone. But let me tell you, once you read one you’re going to want to read them all!

@placexba

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Evan (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 2) by Toni Denise – Review by La Toya Lewis

Evan: A Steamy Billionaire Workplace Contemporary Romance (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 2)Evan: A Steamy Billionaire Workplace Contemporary Romance by Toni Denise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Evan is the second book in the Billionaire Blind Dates series by Toni Denise. This is a fun business partners to lovers book. Kayla is the owner of the Blind Date dating app. She can find it for everyone but has never found it for herself. Evan is a silent partner of the app and while he has seen it work for others, he has no interest in finding love for himself until his friends convince him to try it. I thought this was a great story with great chemistry between Kayla and Evan. These are two great characters and the story has great writing. This book is great as a stand-alone but I will definitely be reading the first one.

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Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Tammy Wood

Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I know that there are real people out there like Dusty, but I hope I am not raising them. Jacklyn worked hard her whole life building a legacy at her gardening store, alongside her husband. When her husband dies, she finds herself lost and unsure how to move forward. Her son quickly takes advantage of her and she finds herself in a situation where she must fight for her life.
I felt that, while the premise of the story was well thought out and interesting, it felt disjointed at times. Almost like parts of the story were skipped and all of a sudden something else was happening. In my opinion, there could have been a little bit more development at the beginning to help understand how things broke down. Dusty was a horrible person, but Jacklyn must have trusted him previous to this and we don’t have that background to understand. We also don’t have any background on her children’s relationship with each other and I think that would have been helpful to understand why the daughter went along with everything.
I did enjoy the story, and I really liked Jacklyn’s character. She is a tough lady. I hope I have half the grit she has.

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Caspian’s UnBirthday (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tonya Merritt

Caspian's UnBirthday (Invisible Magic Wand)Caspian’s UnBirthday by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This short tale is well written. The illustrations are excellent. This unique story follows Caspian on his Unbirthday. A great children’s book. Lois wrote the book full of imagination and fun!

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Grace Under Fire (The Anderson Sisters Book 2) by Jennifer Raines – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Grace Under FireGrace Under Fire by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which had me hooked from start to finish. Grace Anderson is an artisan cheese maker and the fifth generation to work on the family farm. Unfortunately Grace has had a difficult time as her father was conned out of land, and her closest friend committed suicide. When her mother’s health deteriorates she’s determined to buy her parents out, before they loose the farm and run it alone. The bank make it difficult for Grace and she has to consider selling part of the land to neighbour Ryan Wilson. Ryan is back on his family farm after eight years away, to sell it. Ryan is still grieving for his younger brother Danny who committed suicide. Blaming himself he just wants to do what he’s good at, flipping farm properties, and then leave. Ryan does not like forming attachments with people or land, so he’s a bit mystified when he offers to help neighbour Grace.

When someone sabotages Grace’s purchase she reluctantly turns to Ryan for assistance, but finds more than financial help. Neither Grace or Ryan can ignore the chemistry between them, which sizzles off the page, but she needs to realise that accepting his help isn’t a failure and he needs to learn to open his heart again. Although this is the second book, it can be read as a standalone story, however having read and enjoyed the previous one I liked how the characters popped up in this novel. I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading this heartwarming romance. I loved the main characters, and how Ryan and Grace’s relationship developed. The setting was brought to life by the descriptive narrative and I felt immersed in the storyline, which kept me happily turning the pages.

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Caspian’s UnBirthday (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tanya Wall, February 2023

Caspian's UnbirthdayCaspian’s Unbirthday by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Caspian’s grandpa does it again! This time for Caspian’s unbirthday, he is gifted a pair of brown socks. But as we all know, there has to be something special about them. The boring brown socks give Caspian the ability to fly. So instead of going to school, Caspian and his grandpa go on adventures… they always have fun together. Lois Wickstrom writes great children’s adventure books!

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Saving the Bellydancer (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 3) by Debra Parmley – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Saving the Bellydancer (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 3)Saving the Bellydancer by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tony (Cutter) Cuttino is a Navy Seal. But his love of strippers keeps him looking for more. But not what we would think, he loves their strength and grace. He also loves his grandmother, someone he calls every week. Who keeps asking him about getting married. Who would love it if he were married with children. Not for Tony. Edith Smith, stage name Zarifah, loves belly dancing. But when her ex gets abusive and demands her to quit, she leaves him. Nobody will demand Edith to quit dancing or anything else for that matter. What a grand story. No Spoilers to be found here. A fresh new author has stepped into my library. This story is quick paced and action packed. The author touched on abuse and does so as to not offend others. Giving her characters the go on this subject. She made Edith stronger and Tony Loving, but more importantly she opened the eyes of the reader. I enjoyed reading this story and I am sure you will too.

 

Review@cinful

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Absolution by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Ashley Johnson

AbsolutionAbsolution by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is what dark romance is suppose to be!!! It had twists, turns, drama and revenge. It also had paranormal feel to it. The is was a great book and the story was everything. Dominic….sigh Dominic. This story has triggers but the plot and romance is amazing.

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Evan (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 2) by Toni Denise – Review by Trish Ann

Evan: A Steamy Billionaire Workplace Contemporary Romance (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 2)Evan: A Steamy Billionaire Workplace Contemporary Romance by Toni Denise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked this book. I thought that Kayla and Evan had really good chemistry. I was able to connect on a level with some of themes in this book. I would like to read Book 1- Jake since I like the author’s writing style. I didn’t feel like I was missing anything reading the second book.

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Talisman (The Talisman Series Book 1) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Kerry Carr

Talisman (The Talisman, #1)Talisman by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting read that I enjoyed. I loved how history and present day mix and I love the magic and paranormal elements in this story. This is a fated mate story which gives it a additional element that works well.
Alyssa Macaulay is our leading lady. She has just finished writing a thesis on Celtic Warriors and she is plagued by strange dreams of modern day Celtic Warriors. She doesn’t know what it means or if it’s just her overactive mind. When she meet Rowan she feels a connection although she doesn’t know what it is or how getting involved with him will change her life forever.

Rowan is a security guy during the day but at night he becomes a powerful warrior, protecting humans from evil forces and a fight that has been going on for centuries. Rowan however had a problem. Because of a curse on his family centuries before he needs to find his talisman(fated mate) before his 28th birthday else he loses the fight to be a warrior for good.
When he meets Alyssa he knows she’s the one but she’s going to take some convincing.

This is a story full of adventure and when Alyssa glimpses his world she sees all the paranormal beings that she wasn’t even aware existed before. Could she really be Rowan’s fated mate? Will she believe in time? Or will Rowan be doomed to return to the druid that cursed his family so long ago?

I can’t wait to see how this series carries on

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Grace Under Fire (The Anderson Sisters Book 2) by Jennifer Raines – Review by Ashley Hasting

Grace Under FireGrace Under Fire by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grace and Ryan have had a rocking past with his brother and her best friend committed suicide. When he left back then, it broke her relationship with him as a friend back then. Grace is working her butt off with her cheese business and the family farm, when news happens. Her moms health is worse, and the farm needs to be sold. Grace wants to keep it and will do almost anything to do that. This is where Ryan comes in. The drama, the romance tension, and the relationships are so good!!!

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Grace Under Fire (The Anderson Sisters Book 2) by Jennifer Raines – Review by Karen Pearman

Grace Under FireGrace Under Fire by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book number two in The Anderson Sisters series, and it was just as perfect as the predecessor. The protagonist makes you root for her to win. She has been through so much heartache and pain that I found myself an emotional mess on this rollercoaster ride of a story. She reminded me of myself in certain ways because she is such a strong willed, do it yourself woman. Fierce and determined to not ask or accept help. However sometimes you are resigned to the fact that you must do what is needed under fire. I loved this story. I highly recommend it. I think this would make a wonderful Hallmark movie and would love to see it on screen.

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Caspian’s UnBirthday (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Karen Pearman

Caspian's UnbirthdayCaspian’s Unbirthday by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the wonderful children’s series of the Invisible Magic Wand. Once again, the writer has done an amazing job telling the story of the next birthday gift given to Caspian by his grandfather. This one involved a pair of socks that allowed him to fly. And fly they did. All over the town enjoying his birthday and his new birthday gift. I loved it. The illustrations are so vivid and vibrant in color and go along with the story so well. Another book I highly recommend for the kids in your life. Would make a great gift to give to other kids, teachers or even to school libraries.

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Hit on You by Brooke May – Review by Mary Espinoza

Hit on YouHit on You by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a brilliant dark romance by an author who is new to me, I have never had the pleasure to read one of her books…. until now! Brooke did not disappoint one bit! I had no idea what I was going to get when I picked up her book and let me tell ya’ll…. she delivered! To me, this book had a great deal of intensity and romance, and I was not expecting such a well written story, like I said Brooke is a new author to me. The way she develops the story, and the characters drew me into the story immediately and she developed a world and what was going on around them so wonderfully. I found that this book had me thinking about it even when I wasn’t reading. Brooke had me wondering what was going to happen next, and of course gave me an excuse to sit down and read more!
I will have to say that Brooke did a wonderful job on this novel, and I can’t wait to read more books by this author, she definitely has a talent for creating wonderful characters and has a knack for great world building! Happy Reading!

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Mary Espinoza, February 2023

Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Mary Espinoza

Bees in Loretta's Bonnet (Loretta's Insects #2)Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bees in Loretta’s Bonnet by Lois Wickstrom is a children’s book that is fun and informational for all ages! This book like many of Lois’s books, aims to teach children about bees (leafcutter bees, more specifically). As always, the illustrations are brilliant, vibrant and really help to bring the explanations to life. Lois has a way of writing books that portray observations of your surrounding and how to handle situations that may occur. It also shows children the importance to have compassion towards insects in general. This is great learning tool that shows the different situations from a child’s point of view.

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Mary Espinoza, February 2023

Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Nakyshia Leger

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait!Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Even little piggies have to learn big lessons! Waiting to go to big kid pirate school is HARD for the adorable Half-Pint Porky. When the day finally arrives, nerves get the best of little Half-Pint. Throughout her first day in her new school, she learns more about patience, especially how waiting pays off in the end!

This adventurous book is full of vibrant illustrations. It teaches valuable lessons to little readers about patience and conquering fear. My kids especially liked the pirate language used throughout the book. It made the story engaging and interactive. You definitely want this book for your young readers!

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Grace Under Fire (The Anderson Sisters Book 2) by Jennifer Raines – Review by Shelly Kittell

Grace Under FireGrace Under Fire by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grace and Ryan are going to have to work together to save her family’s farm. It is being sold because her parents have to relocate for their health. Grace has 3 months to secure financing to buy it. She and Ryan have been friends but a falling out damaged that. Can they work together to save the farm and her business? The chemistry between these two is there the whole time. What makes this story so fascinating is watching them work through the relationship and the issues. The story feels realistic and relatable. The characters feel like they could be your neighbors. It was nice to see Ella and Jake and Tessa pop in. A lovely story that you just can’t pass by.

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Caspian’s UnBirthday (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shelly Kittell

Caspian's UnbirthdayCaspian’s Unbirthday by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Who doesn’t want Hot Chocolate Socks? Caspian has the best adventures. This time Grandpa got him the best socks. Pour hot chocolate on them (don’t try this at home) and off they flew with a broom. Fun adventure all day. Another winner for this author. Bright and colorful pictures. An exciting story that brings out conversation with the kiddos. We love Caspian in this house. We are starting our own Unbirthday for our little boy in March this year. We can’t wait to read more.

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Chatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard – Review by Bethany Rollins

Chatroom With A ViewChatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I’m not quite sure how I feel about this book and I’ve sat on my feelings for a few days. This is not at all a happy tale and we get some awful characters that were extremely well written. Troy, an adult who seems trapped inside his own adolescent mentality, has suffered abuse his entire life and seeks revenge on those that did him wrong. He struggles with his inner self throughout the book and tries to discover if he does carry the killer gene, something his ‘girlfriend’ Veronica said he had. Veronica is probably the worst and most tragic character of this book. I believe through Veronica’s odd behaviors and caring for his now paralyzed former abuser, Troy is able to answer his own inner turmoil questions. This story took us on a very dark ride of revenge and truths revealed. While it was a good story, it was a bit too dark for me at times.

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Caspian’s Unbirthday (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Anna Hirsch

Caspian's UnbirthdayCaspian’s Unbirthday by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Caspuan’s Unbirthday (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom
4 Stars

This is a silly, adventurous book for younger children. It’s Caspian’s unbirthday and he is slightly disappointed with his grandfather’s present. Brown socks! Who wants brown socks? After his grandfather spills hot chocolate on them, Caspian starts floating in the air. The adventure begins as they are both wearing their “hot chocolate socks”. The book is filled with colourful pictures and lots of silliness. This story is sure to be a favourite among the kiddos.

Review by @AnnaHirsch
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Talisman (The Talisman Series Book 1) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Jules Herbert

Talisman: The Talisman SeriesTalisman: The Talisman Series by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have to say I was completely captivated by this creatively written book from the very start! I just couldn’t put it down even when I read the very last word I still didn’t want to put it down, I just didn’t want it to end. Filled with so many wonderful characters, creative storyline twists, very interesting Gaelic Mythology plus just enough steamy moments to keep readers hooked this truly is a book you don’t want to miss! I wasn’t only captivated by the main characters Rowan and Alyssa but by all the others as well. I became so invested in everyone that I now need to know more about them all. I can’t wait not only to read more of this series but also from this very talented author. I now only need to see her name and I will grab the book because I just know it will be amazing!

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A Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker – Review by Rayne East

A Dowry of Snails and MudA Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Historical romantic comedy
This was a well-written light hearted romance that had me smiling. I was glued as the strong storyline unfolded. I became so vested in the characters and their plight. Such an easy read, with great pacing and imagery. Recommend.

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Hit on You by Brooke May – Review by Rayne East

Hit on YouHit on You by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Good mafia romance
This was a great book. Luke and Nikolai have a rough journey in becoming a couple. Luke has a strong, independent streak and doesn’t trust easily. Nikolai is Mafia and alpha all the way. Their chemistry is off the charts and made for some steamy passionate scenes. Will be looking for more from this author.

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