Jaimie Salmon Colburn – Page 3 – Itsy Bitsy Book Bits

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Vanishing Day (Logan McKenna Series Book 4) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

December 24, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Vanishing Day: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Logan Book 4 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I say that this series is just getting better and better with each book, you just need to take my word for it. But also read this set!!!!! You CAN read them all as standalone, but please just read them all! You will not regret it! Logan has a bad habit of getting stuck in the middle of murders, but she also has a pretty good track record with unearthing the killers. This time she’s so close to the killer that it’s crazy scary. Determined to find the truth Logan yet again dives into the mystery. The police investigation stalls, but that never stopped Logan before and it won’t now. Not knowing she holds the clue to it all, she is sucked into the killers world once again. Can she make it out alive again or will this be the one killer that makes her life vanish! The author has spun yet another wonderful suspense thriller murder mystery! I was on the edge of my seat even more and I can’t wait to dive into the nest book to the series!! Grab this whole set!! You will love them!! Danger, suspense, abuse, family and friends, intrigue, and of course murder!!

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Forest Park (Logan McKenna Mystery Book 2) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

December 24, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Forest Park: Logan Book 2 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Valerie has done it again!! Another gripping mystery thriller. Now you don’t HAVE to read the others in the series, in fact I read the 8th book before an of the others. The author is wonderful at sneaking in previous information to keep you caught up. BUT let me tell you that if you don’t read the other books in the series you are MISSING OUT!!!! I have loved them all so far and you will too. In this book Logan is visiting Portland, a small vacation with her new boyfriend and to do a little recon on a school and it’s program that lines up with her own new career. She’s loving the city, the sights, and of course all the wonderful food! But then a horrible explosion destroys a food truck near her hotel and she knows the owner who was killed in the blaze. Of course Logan’s new friend and a Vietnam vet are the top suspects, but she knows better. Not knowing if it was an accident or done on purpose, Logan starts digging into the mystery. Without knowing who to trust she dives in to intestate all while trying to deal with her own personal life, which is also having some issues of it’s own. Secrets and lies unravel and while bringing everything to the surface her own life is once again in the cross fire of the real killer. I’m not going to give anything away, but boy oh boy does this story get good!! I love a great mystery!!

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Shattered (Logan McKenna Series Book 1) by Valerie Davisson- Reviewed by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

December 24, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Shattered: Logan Book 1 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a gripping mystery crime thriller with lots of action and adventure!! This set of books had me not wanting to sleep so I could finish them! I, of course had to sleep, so it took me longer than I even wanted, but I was not disappointed at all!! The author weaves these stories so well. I could easily see these as movies! With this first book the author paints you a picture of a local arts festival that is based around glass blowing demonstrations. You are placed into their world of art and music. But then a young glassblower is brutally murdered at the festival before hours. Logan has lost so much. Her husband, the company they built together, her music, and probably her job that she really came to enjoy. Having the summer “off” because she’s a teacher, a couple friends invite her to the festival to help with their booth. She of course is excited to help and to make a little income while waiting to see her fait with the schoolboard. Her friend Thomas is accused of the murder and Logan isn’t convinced. He refuses to defend himself and Logan doesn’t understand why. She starts to look into the glassblowers and everyone connected to them. There is more to this murder and with a slam-dunk suspect the detective isn’t looking elsewhere. Logan digs into secrets while diving into the world of glassblowing. The real killer becomes more dangerous and Logan must find out who it is before it’s to late for her friend, but also herself! With killer now after her, can she find the proof needed to free her friend before she herself is killed? Such a great book!! I didn’t see a few things coming and it was so wonderful! I love it when I can’t guess who the killer is right away. I can’t wait to finish the whole set!!

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Orenda (The Latitude Series) by T.S. Simons – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

November 29, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This set of books was so different for me, but I have loved EVERY SINGLE ONE so far! This is a sequel to another book (The 45th Parallel), but it is also an extension of another set (The Antipodes series). Which was also AMAZING!!! You really have to read the previous books, because there is SO MUCH information you will miss. They connect with this book so you will be lost in many ways. You COULD read it and kind of follow along, but just read the others first!! You will not regret it! Just trust me on this! I found myself lost in these stories. Rooting for certain characters and not liking a couple. Feeling heartbroken for some and wanting to reach into the book and hit an idiot or two. Hehe. The worlds that are created in these book are amazing and really make you think about the possibilities of something like this truly happening. You can just see it all in your mind unfolding. This would be a WONDERFUL show/movies series in my opinion! A virus has wiped out the planet. It’s in the water and kills everything it comes in contact with. Plants, animals, and humans aren’t safe. Scientists and the government came up with a plan to save as many people as they could by setting up bio-domes around the world (you learn about all this in the first series of books). Yes! So interesting right?!?! You HAVE to read these sets!! Both of them!! In this book, Caitlin and her new husband Gio travel to Canada to become new ambassadors for the ACC (Association of Collective Communities). The ACC tries to bridge the gap between communities (not at all easy!), come up with solutions to any problems that may arise (there are SO many!), and offer new opportunities that will benefit all the communities AND all the generations to come (can you even imagine!!). Keeping everyone safe from the virus. but also still growing and thriving is a hard battle, especially when space is so limited! Caitlin proves herself in many ways and is respected by her people. She helps where she can, gives everyone new ideas, and helps make things more efficient. All great for a new leader. But as she builds her family with her husband an old enemy comes along and threatens everything!! Their security, their loyalties, and their lives. You will not want to put this book down! I don’t want to give anything away, but man oh man will this have you on your toes and gripped into your seat. Tragedy strikes (again!), revenge comes about (ugh. again!!), and everything they’ve worked so hard for could be destroyed (again!). The world ended guys! Can’t we just get along! The future looks bleak bleak bleak! I am not at all sad to say that I stayed up a little tiny bit to late, so I could finish this book. LOL! I can’t wait to read more from this author. I am so invested in these characters and world!!

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Porter and Midge (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

November 12, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid’s Guide to Safe Dog Interactions by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book so much! Yes, I bought it for my kiddos (8 & 11), but I also really enjoyed it. I love books that are entertaining, but also a learning experience as well. This book teaches you a TON of safety guides when it comes to dogs. The book follows CJ and Lora’s safety tips with their dogs, Porter who is a Mastiff and Midge who is a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. They explain different ways to care for your pet dog and how to interact with other people’s dogs. Throughout the book you get to see many types of dogs and how to be safe with them all. The illustrations are super cute and the information in the book on dog safety is really great. I even learned a few things! Such a great book for kids. Learning how to act around dogs is something everyone should, not just kids! I can’t wait to read the next books: The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About & The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Paws at Attention. If you are thinking of getting a dog for yourself or your child(ren) these books are GREAT for learning!! They ALL teach you different things- from safety, socialization, training, and focus.

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Wolfbane (Wolfbane Series Book 1) by Celia Hart – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

November 1, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Wolfbane by Celia Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my gosh this book was so good!!! So good that I went right away and ordered book two and three as soon as I finished it! Yes, it was that good!! I love the whole take on the werewolf mate bond in this book. It was a nice twist and I can not wait to see what happens next with all these characters! Jasmine is a good girl. She follows all the rules. She goes to temple. She doesn’t date. She gets straight A’s. She trains more than most. And she is just overall a well rounded good person. Well that all goes flying out the window when she finally meets her mate. Unfortunately, he’s already been with someone else and because of that her whole life is falling apart. Not all wolves follow the strict rules like Jasmine was. She was brought up to save herself in EVERY way for her mate. Blake is the soon to be alpha of the pack. His mate was taken from him before he even had the chance to mark her. It almost killed him to lose her. He’s not the same person at all. Leaving for a few years helped, but now he is back and after meeting a shy quirky girl his world is tipped on it’s axes. His common sense flew out the window. Self-control melted away and who knows where his discipline went!! He can’t help but like her, but she is destined to be matted to someone else and he can’t mess with that gift for the Goddess. Luke messed up. And I mean, big time!! He keeps trying to right all his wrongs, but he just can’t seem to get anything right. He betrayed his mate in HUGE ways. Trying to clean it up just made it worse and worse and worse. What will he do with his life now? The shambled mess that it is! War is coming to their pack and these three must prepare as much as they can, but how do you do that when your world is flipped upside down and sideways? Death is in the air from this 5 year war, and the other clan just won’t give up on seeking their revenge. You HAVE to read this book!!!!!! If you love a good werewolf romance book with lots of twists and turns, grab this one! Like I said I grabbed two and three as soon as I was finished! You will want to too!!

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Wicked Games (Hidden Valley Elite Book 7) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

October 26, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am LOVING this whole series!!! I can’t wait to read them all! If you haven’t read the others in this series I personally suggest that you do. You don’t NEED to, but trust me when I say you will WANT to. Not only does it give you so many great books to read!! But they also, all give you SO MANY insights into all the other characters and what leads up to this story. When they mention certain people or things you won’t know everything and you’ll miss some great bits!! Trust me just read them all! PLUS the prequels! Again, those are not NEEDED, but they give you some back story each time that I personally really enjoyed. I really hate and love that you are left on a cliffhanger with each book. I hate it because I have to wait for the next one, but I love it because it keeps you clutched into their series wanting more and more. The author, I’m sure, gets this all the time!! Wicked Games is about Winter and Shane. They went to school when they were younger. Before Winter’s life imploded and she moved away. Shane remembers her though and he can’t get past that she was so horrible to him. Now they’re at Thane University together. Shane comes up with a plan for revenge. Pretending to be someone named Landon, he starts to “date” Winter. Winter is at University to work through some things in her personal life. Memories in nightmares that she can’t seem to understand. Memories that she’s scared to even understand. Winter was warned to stay away from Shane, but she just can’t seem to stay away from him. He has this grip around her soul and she can’t place it or him! As they get to know each other and things heat up they both start to really enjoy each other. Unfortunately, things never work the way you plan. I won’t say more because I don’t want to spoil anything, but trust me!! Read this WHOLE series!!!!

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The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

October 24, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What do you do when you lose your job two weeks before Christmas, your about to lose your apartment because your roommate is moving in with her boyfriend, your best friend’s boyfriend cheats and leaves her with a non-refundable ticket, and you don’t want to deal with your family over the holidays because of it all? Well you grab that ticket from her to help her out, and you have a Christmas getaway!!!! Well, that is what Lizzie does anyway. Christmas away in Australia is just what the doctor ordered. She can go, get away, and forget all about Christmas. And avoid her family and their judgement and questions! Right? Well maybe not… She’s checking out the beach and soaking up the sun when she’s hit in the head with a football. And just like that the whole vacation is turned upside down. Getting a black eye at the beginning of her trip was not what she had in mind! Plans shift and she ends up thinking a holiday romance might be in her cards. But can she really have a holiday fling? Loads of people do it. But can she? Jaz is a single father and has loads of baggage. Although he seems sweet and wants to get to know Lizzie, she’s worried things won’t work out the way she had planned. Invited to his Christmas get together is the last thing she expected. What will happen with her non-Christmas vacation? And what about when she goes back to her life with no job and no place to stay? Moving back with you parents is humiliating! Lizzie has her own baggage to unpack. Maybe a fling isn’t a good idea after all…. I haven’t read many Christmas themed books, but I am so glad that I grabbed this one! It was so, so good!! I LOVE watching Christmas movies and this one I could TOTALLY see on the big screen!! You can laugh, you can cry, and you can yell at the characters when they’re being stupid! If you love holiday romances, witty banter, and just an overall cute Christmas story this one is for you!! I didn’t want to put it down and now I can’t wait to read more!!

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Wondogfilled (Boys Unboxed) by Dr. Kimberlie Harris – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

October 13, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Wondogfilled: Look, a Dog! The story for children who love dogs between the ages of 0-8. A perfect addition to home and classroom libraries. by Dr. Kimberlie Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a cute book! I got it thinking that my 8 year old would like it. She loved the pictures and such, but it was super easy for her. This book is better for younger kids. I’d say this is a 1st library type book for kindergarten and younger. This book follows a mother and her son Kingston. Kingston loves dogs. While on walks and such with his mother they always look at the dogs around town. His mother points out the different ones and any new dogs they haven’t seen before. It’s their little game while out and about. One day his mom shows him a cat, but Kingston thinks it’s just a different type of dog. After his mom shows him a few different animals he thinks that they are playing a game. Mom will call the critter something other than a dog and Kingston will yell dog! You can tell that the mother is worried throughout the book about this. By the end of the book she has showed him animals from hamsters to elephants to a fox. I loved this book. Even though it was easy for my daughter we enjoyed the story and looking at all the animals. So many different types of dogs and I thought that the fox was adorable! Grab this book to read with your little one! You are sure to love it!!

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Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

October 10, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Wild Lavender by Nicole E. Kelleher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just finished this book and let me tell you that I didn’t want to put it down! Of course I had to many, many times for normal life stuff, but every free chance I got, I grabbed it to read a little more. One chapter at a time I slowly finished it. Not because it was slow going, but because I was just crazy busy this week! If I had the time I’m sure I would have finished it within a day or two. Aubrianne (aka Anna) isn’t prepared for her marriage to Lord Roger of Stolweg. The fantasy of a loving home and husband is dashed away as soon as they arrive at the Keep. He’s so cruel to everyone when he’s home and frequently gone to unknown places otherwise. He’s hiding something and she and her new found friends (the servants that keep Stolweg running) fear him and his plans. She knows that her life will be coming to an end soon, just like his first wife. Roger only had two uses for her. Breeding horses and providing him with an heir. She starts a breeding program that flourishes, but providing an heir not so much. When the stable boy is tied to a post for lashes, Anna jumps in and takes his lashes for herself, not realizing that she fuels Roger’s sadist’s desires more. He becomes increasingly ugly and sadistic to her and she has the scares to prove it. Uncovering what he is up to and killing him before he kills her are her focus. When the Royal Guard show up unannounced to look into her husband and his dealings with forbidden realms, she fears she may have missed her chance. Larkin, one of the guards there to investigate Lord Roger, realizes that he knows Anna from years before. He caught her sneaking about court and he’s never been able to forget her since. Unfortunately for her, if her husband is punished for the treason they suspect, she could very well be implicated and put to death as well. Larkin’s gut tells him more is happening at the Keep, but how can he prove it? It’s a race to figure out what Roger is up to and stop him before it’s to late. Lord Roger or the King himself will be the end of Anna if she’s not careful. This book will have you on your toes! Trust me, it is that good! I was sad for Anna, but also wished the best for her and all the Keep’s people. Well, not Roger and some of his men, but the rest of them! I can not wait to read more of this series!! If you like epic fantasies, hot romances, murder, secret passages, love and war, and of course horses you will fall in love with this book too!

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Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls Book 4) by Libby Kay – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

October 5, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Faking the Fall: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my gosh guys!! You have to read this set!! You COULD read this one without reading the first few, BUT I would NOT recommend it! Just read them all! You will not regret it and you will fall in love with these characters and their cute little town. Plus the other books give you looks into the other character’s lives and small town life. Buckeye Falls, Ohio is a small town, everyone knows everyone, and the rumor mill is QUICK! Alice unfortunately has a bad rep in town. She’s finished with school and traveling and now she’s back living at home. Yes with her parents! In her 30s and still living at home. Something the WHOLE town won’t let her forget. The whole town (especially her parents!) won’t let her be when it comes to her future plans and her love life. “She’s not getting any younger”. She comes up with a plan that might get them off her back, but will she be able to convince James? James is an artist that leaves New York for small town life after his divorce. He’s been blocked when it comes to his painting and staring at a blank canvases all day has him itching for inspiration. Will he be able to get out of his head and heart and make some beautiful art again? When the two of them have a run-in in the library they both light up! James has some inspiration finally and Alice has a plan for the rumor mill of town. Alice convinces James to fake date her to keep the town at bay and James jumps at the chance to be around his new muse more and more. Will these two crash and burn with their little ruse? This book is super cute and so funny. I laughed out loud like ten times reading this! Maybe more!! You can’t help but fall in love with these characters. Each book is so good! I can’t wait to read more from this author and I hope she continues the Buckeye Falls series with more characters around town!

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Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

September 30, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is such a cute book! I got it for my 8 year old, but after reading it all together by 11 year old enjoyed it as well! I have gotten and read a few of this authors books and I must say that you can’t go wrong with any of her stuff. She’s such a wonderful children’s book author!! I can’t wait to read more with my kids from her. This small children’s chapter book takes place in Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium. This toy shop is a world a magical world where imaginary friends are real. The book follows four children in their quest for imagination and adventure. A world where it’s all four season and there are creatures all around. Lily, Jack, Audrey, and Nick are all drawn to the Emporium in different ways, but their stories slowly connect at the shop. The book is full of magic and adventures, but like everything there is a price to pay for the imaginary friends and it isn’t money! This book captures you in it’s grip and you just can’t wait to read it. It only took a couple days for my children and I to read and that was with us taking turns reading chapter by chapter.

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

September 28, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First let me start by saying that this is NOT a stand alone book. You have to read Cruel Hate and I also suggest that you read the prequel Cruel Start as well. Although Cruel Start isn’t NEEDED, it gives you some back story that just makes the overall story that much better! Cruel Love is the continued story of Aspen and Phoenix. In book one (which is left on a huge cliffhanger!) Aspen is pregnant and Phoenix is the father. Phoenix unfortunately loses his memory in an accident. YEARS of memories just wiped out clean. Everyone walks around him on eggshells hiding things “for his own good”. To him everyone is just lying and keeping secrets. Pushing his brain to remember causes headaches and blackouts, so keeping certain things from him for the time being is a must. So what do you do when the father of your child doesn’t even remember you or that you’re pregnant? Eventually Aspen will start to show and there will be no more hiding. Secrets are piling up and the past is also knocking around to come to the surface. Can Aspen deal with the pregnancy alone? Phoenix isn’t any help in his current state. He has to put school and football on hold as is. So how much will they both have to give up? Will she be alone caring for a baby they both wanted to keep before the accident? Things have changed between them and she’s worried about when he finally does get his memory back! Things will heat up and break down on so many levels. This book is so good! I have loved this WHOLE series (Hidden Valley Elite) so far and I can’t wait to read the rest of it!! If you love enemies to lovers with plenty of back and forth heat and banter this one is for you! I suggest reading them ALL and in order because you get to learn about the other characters in the book and how they all line up with each other. The prequels are wonderful small starts too, so read those as well!!! But again in order!! You will not regret it! I know I sure didn’t. 🙂

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The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 2) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

September 13, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

The Guardsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Let me start off by saying that you don’t NEED to read the first book in this series, BUT I would recommend that you DO! You really get so much more information and backstory on the characters in book one, that will help to understand them in this one a bit. Plus why not just start at the beginning? This book follows Liam who is Ali’s sister from book one. After an explosion (read book 1!!), Liam was thought to be dead for years! Ali and her husband Joe hire an investigator to look into things and by a small chance they find him! Being well into her pregnancy Ali couldn’t go after him, so they sent Joe’s sister Teresa. She wanted to travel and see the world, and this gave her the perfect excuse. Two birds, one stone. Finding him scarred physically and mentally he agrees to come back to the states to stay with his sister while he figures out his next plans for life. Teresa heads back as well and helps Joe and Ali find the perfect place for them and their soon to come twin girls. She finds a great three story compound with a few guest cabins on plenty of land. Being VERY pregnant with twins, she welcomes all the help that both Liam and Teresa provide staying in the guest cabins. Ali and Joe head back to have the babies at the hospital and that leaves Liam and Teresa all alone. Unfortunately Teresa has a few scary accidents, some of which could have killed her. Has she always been so accident prone? Or was someone trying to send a message? Finding a man with a camera on the property they start to think it’s just paparazzi. Liam sets up security and even picks up a couple guard dogs, but these accidents just seem to find her where ever she goes. Even in town! After a man pushes her off a dock into the freezing water, she finally goes back home leaving Liam alone. Liam does everything he can to keep himself busy and keep his mind off Teresa, but even night life in town doesn’t help. Going on a three day hike is his next plan. Ali, Joe, the twins, and Teresa come back to the compound the week he’s heading for his hike and it just happens to be Ali and Liam’s birthday too! With a weekend dinner party planned the house is full with friends, the new nanny, and the twins. Talk about busy, busy! I could go on and on about this book! So much happens! So much suspense! Like who is trying to hurt Teresa? What was Liam doing those three years when everyone thought he was dead? Is he really an assassin? Or spy? And what will become of both Teresa and Liam? Will the past come to bite him in the butt? And will Teresa find her calling?? Will she go back to Paul? Or maybe the yoga instructor! You have got to check this book out!! I personally can’t wait to read the next book!

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Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

September 3, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isla has done it again! This series is SO GOOD!!! I haven’t read them all (YET!), but all the ones I have read, have hooked and reeled me in so quick! You don’t HAVE to read the others in the set to read this one, BUT you WILL want to! Trust me!!!! There is also a prequel to this book that gives you a small intro into Phoenix and Aspen’s story. Again you don’t HAVE to read it, but again I would totally recommend it!! You will not be sorry buy reading them all. You will thank me (or better yet the author) when you do! This book is also NOT a stand alone. There is another book to their story after this one (book 6). Okay so to the book!…. Phoenix is a football QB superstar. Just starting in college football with his brother (Shane) and his cousins (Cole and Damon), who he played with and dominated in high school with (You can read more about them in the other books!), his goals are clear. NFL here he comes! Until one night over the summer, throws his plans for a huge loop. Aspen has goals of her own. Surf board shop with her sister. She designs the boards and her sister designs surf clothing. Neither one want or need a relationship. Having bad role models in the love department growing up, they both don’t want anything to do with relationships. They both have to stay focused on school and their dreams. Well Miss Aspen decides to give up her v-card that summer before college and to both their surprise she gets pregnant!! Yep total wrench in both their plans. Now what can they do? He plans a fake relationship to keep the other girls off his back and she agrees to keep her parents off hers’. What could go wrong there, right? Well minus the fact that they can’t be in the same room with each other without fighting!! This book ends on a cliffhanger that will have you RUNNING to get the next book in the series. Trust me when I say, this series is that good!! I can’t wait to read the rest!! With a fake relationship, sports, a pregnancy, and plenty of back and forth banter you will love this enemies to lovers bully romance. I won’t give away anything, but let me tell you the ending had me on my toes!! Grab this one NOW!!

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

August 24, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a cute book!! I got this for my 10 almost 11 year old, but as I read it I really enjoyed it myself! I was captivated by each horse/pony! What little/big girl doesn’t love horses?! Poor Russell’s’ life is been all downs lately in life’s’ crazy ups and downs. He’s not been doing well at school (about failing!), his over the top storytelling grandfather moved in and took his room (plus he has to care for him after school!), he was basically banished to the basement (yelling up and down stairs all the time. ugh!), and he can’t seem to do anything right (dad’s drinking isn’t helping!). Pre-teen life at it’s finest! He has big dreams of being a firefighter like his uncle, but he really isn’t courageous/brave enough. He can’t stand up to school bullies, his grandpa keeps making him go to the park for a baby ride (the carousel), and everyone seems to yell at him for everything. Life sucks. One day after fighting with his grandfather (about that stupid baby carousel), he rides the carousel with him and they’re magically sent for a ride!! Shot back into the past where they face a life and death experience, has Russell looking at his grandfather’s “crazy” stories closer. Has he really lived all these stories? Different lives almost? Each time he rides a horse, he is brought into that horses’ world and he gets to experience their life for a short song. Each ride has it’s own obstacles and adventures though, and when Russell looses the magic brass ring (his grandfather gave him) he could be stuck forever!! Can he make it back? Will he learn all the secrets to the ring and the horses? What about the lead horse? Will he find it?? There are so many questions you will find yourself asking throughout this book (I suggest you ask your kids what they think while you read together for more interaction!), but it is so wonderful! I really enjoyed “getting to know” each of the different horses on the carousel and so did my daughter. I can’t wait to read more from this author!!

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Reticent Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

August 17, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend’s Older Sister Forbidden Romance by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gwyn has done it again! Just like all the other books of her’s that I have read, this one captures you in it’s grip and you don’t even care. Until the book ends and you can’t wait for more! You don’t need to read the first generation to read this one, but let me tell you that once you get into these you will want to go back and read them! They are all so, so good! So, just trust me and read them all!! LOL. And make sure you read the prequels too! So much good stuff in them all! Reticent Hawke is about Angie and Jude’s story. This one was so gripping. You get to learn more about the allusive Jude who was kind of adopted into the family. He hates being apart of the family, but that’s because he loves one of them. He sits in his window, hidden away from everyone, watching. Jude had a very horrible start to life and because of it he has locked himself away. Building up walls to keep people away from him. Allie is the exception. She is his best friend and one of the only people to see him in person in two years. When Allie starts to act weird and disappears for days he and Angie team up to find out what’s going on. Even when she comes clean she’s hiding something and they both know it. Getting to the bottom of her secrets is going to be tricky. To top it off a pesky company is gunning for Angie’s coffee shop along with the other Hawke family businesses. Will they finally find out who is behind it? Boy oh boy! I don’t want to give anything away, but you have to read this one!! Curl up with a drink, some tissues, and get ready to get sucked in!

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Night Hawke (A Second Generation Hawke Family Prequel) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

August 17, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Night Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a Prequel to Nolan (Isaac) and Jack’s story. I actually didn’t read this prequel first, but I wish I had. It just gives their story a little taste of what’s to come and man oh man is it good!! Isaac just finishing law school decides a night of celebrating is needed before he heads back to NOLA to help run the Hawke empire. With his whole life mapped out for him settling into the family business can wait a couple days. He just happens to have his sites on a red head that would fill those days before life and family demands him back. Jack has slipped out and gone to a dive bar no one would ever think to look for her at. She wants some much needed time away from her life and family. Playing pool and having a few drinks with Nolan is harmless. She’s looking for a fun distraction and so is he. No strings. Not giving each other their real names they set out to have a great one night stand with each other. Their one night stand turns into two and before they know it this have changed. This book is steamy! It will have you rushing to grab their story asap, so you can dive right in some more. More than one of Gwyn’s books has had me up late reading when I should have been sleeping! LOL 🙂

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The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

August 15, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

The Silent Woodsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Silent Woodsman had me on my toes for quite a while! Almost the whole book I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. I kept hoping Ali would find her way back to her woodsman somehow, but man was it hopeless!! Ali was told that her brother was killed in an explosion, but she refuses to believe it. She FEELS that her twin is still alive and out there somewhere. In an attempt to get a sign from him, she goes for a hike in the rainforest. They loved to hike together, so she finds a fitting area to hike. Getting trapped in a sudden storm she seeks shelter in the only random remote cabin around. Fortunately for her JJ (Joe) isn’t an ax murderer who has people cut up in the walls! Unfortunately for them both though, JJ can’t speak due to his vocal chores healing and being under orders to completely rest his voice. Trapped together for a couple days with only paper and pen, charades, and facial expressions to communicate the two get a little closer. Ali is the main speaker, but JJ keeps his identity a secret and with much regret he never tells her who he is. She leaves back to her life after an unforgettable kiss and he slowly gets back to his own as well. He searches for her, calling every coffee shop he can, but never finds her. She dreams of him, but knows it’s hopeless with only knowing his nickname JJ. When she runs into his double she has a spark of hope, but it’s quickly dashed away. Can either of them move on? Will they forever pine for the one who got away? There are a few twists that will have you wondering how this book will end, but I don’t want to give an hints. Very up and down with the storyline that will keep you guessing. You just have to read it yourself to see how it ends though!! I can’t wait to read the 2nd book to the series soon, which is about her twin brother!!

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Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

August 12, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I chose this book in mind of my kids going back to school this week. Children often have emotions that affect their bodies and many times they don’t know how to manage any of it. This book helps kids understand why it is happening and it offers a couple of solutions to help navigate those feelings. In this book the main character Lilly forgets her favorite stuffed rabbit at home. She uses this stuffed rabbit as a support stuffy. When she gets those pesky heebie-jeebies she would normally rub her rabbit’s ear, but because she forgot it at home she can’t. Once at school she sees the nurse who helps her with a breathing exercise that calms her down. A new friend at recess also shows her another way to help with belly butterflies. Throughout the book Lilly learns many things about her emotions and how they make her body feel. I would defiantly recommend this book to kids! My youngest daughter is eight, but I would say reading this to younger kids would be great as well. They younger they learn about their emotions and how they can affect your body the better. The illustrations are also wonderful! You can see the heebi-jeebies floating around her throughout the book. I can’t wait to read more from this author with my kids!

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Cruel King by K.M. Scott – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

August 12, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was so good!! I am so glad that I read it and I can’t wait to read more from this author! This one was a first from her, but defiantly won’t be a last for sure! Ava and Matthias don’t get along. He’s never been nice to her, but she’s best friend’s with his brother Theo so she’s always around. Growing up together their families are super close, but she doesn’t know why he always looks so miserable around her and every word towards her is cruel. She hates the way he treats her and for the life of her she doesn’t know what she ever did to make him hate her. One winter day after an argument and fall Ava is laid up at the estate. Then if things couldn’t get worse they’re snowed into the estate, while the rest of the Kings and her father are snowed out in New York. I don’t want to give to much away, but one thing leads to another and the next thing she knows, she’s in this crazy love triangle with him and Theo! Who will she end up with? I really liked both brothers for her in different ways, but I never saw some of the twists in this book coming! If you love a good contemporary romance, enemies to lovers, a little jealousy, and easy banter between characters this is one you need to add to your to-read list!

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Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation) by Toni Aleo – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

August 1, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Heavy Shot by Toni Aleo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I got this book I didn’t even realize that it was book 7, but it totally didn’t matter! You can read this as a stand alone, but honestly I can’t wait to read the others to the set!! This one was so good!! I haven’t read any sport romances before and I am glad that I gave it a shot. I was able to understand what the author was talking about and I ended up really enjoying the book. Dimitri loves hockey. It’s his life long career and his goal has always been to play for the Assassins. So picking up his mom, dad, and sister they all move from Russia to Tennessee! But just because his family came with doesn’t mean he wants to live with them. He stays in the players rooms instead. After a long day of practice, working out, meetings, and seeing old friends he’s ready to crazy. Unfortunately there is a tiny problem. Austen. She’s escaped a horrible abusive past and can’t wait to lead the farm team for the Assassins. She doesn’t want people making decisions for her and she wants to thrive in her new life and career. Only issue is Dimitri. Both Dimitri and Austen are given the same room. A mix up with last minute changes and not enough communication. Thinking Dimitri is an intruder, Austen loses it. Let’s just say that their first meeting leaves some marks. Boy oh boy do you need to read this book! It is funny and sad and you will just get sucked right in! Sports Romance for the win!

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Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

August 1, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Ten Little Starfish: A Counting Book by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is so cute!! I personally thought that it was adorable. The illustrations are so cute and fun. It is a counting book, so it is wonderful for kids 1-5. You can have your kids search and find all the starfish along the way through the book as you read. There are also some great facts about starfish near the end of the book. Also included are some search and count pages where they give you a few things to find at the end. Then after that there is a search the whole book and count page. It will have you going through the book a couple times with your kid(dos), counting a few different things. Personally I would add on a few more counting challenges using the opening and ending pages. They are illustrated with small shells, crabs, and star fish on those four pages, so you can defiantly add to all the counting fun there! I would recommend this book for babies 1st library up to pre-k. Start them reading young and they’ll be counting in no time!

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Falling Again (Buckeye Falls Book 3) by Libby Kay – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

July 10, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

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

Such a wonderful series so far!! I can’t wait to read more of it!! This is book 3 to the Buckeye Falls Series and boy oh boy are you in for it with this one! I cried a couple times for these characters. Anthony and Natalie have the picture perfect life and family. He’s the Mayor of Buckeye Falls and she runs her own event planning company with one of her best friends. Life is perfect. Or is it? From the outside everything seems great, but on the inside the couple isn’t doing well. Between two full time jobs, two kids, and everything in between work and home they’ve been drifting apart. Between Anthony trying to fill the big shoes of his father (the last mayor) and Natalie trying to be everything for everyone, the two of them lead very crazy lives and schedules. Both feel guilt of not doing better. Not being better. But can the couple come together and work things out? Or is this the end of their seemingly perfect relationship? When Anthony’s father asks the couple to pack up, clean, and get the family lake house ready for sale the couple jumps at the chance for a week away from everything. With the kids safely with their aunt with grandma there for backup, the two take off. Can the two put work and life away for a week and work things out while they pack? Or will this week away confirm their fears of growing apart in life. I won’t give anything away, but let me tell you that this couple has some ups and downs in this book. Sometimes over simple things that make you want to smack them both and lock them in a room until they work stuff out. Such a wonderful book that had me crying and thinking about some of my own relationships with family and friends. Check this sweet romance out! You CAN read this book as a stand alone, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The previous two books introduce you to the town and many of the characters that you will see in this book. So personally I would say read all three in order for a better reading experience with this series.

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House of Arsceneaux (Servants of Morrigan: Immortal Creatures) by Caterina Novelliere – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

July 8, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

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

Man oh man, are you in for a treat with this book! This book had a wonderful and interesting twist when it came to the whole story. I didn’t want to put it down! I had to force myself to go to bed more than once, otherwise I would have stayed up all night reading. Again. Lol. I loved the way the author wrote this book. It’s another take on Immortal Creatures and I just wanted more and more of it. Evariste (aka Gage) is a three hundred year old cursed immortal. His curse started when he lost his wife all those years ago and it’s been plaguing him and his family who were cursed right along with him. He feels the guilt of it all every single day. He throws himself into work, cooking, and fishing. He loves his family and his company, but he doesn’t know all the secrets and lies behind his own life. Caitlin (aka Cate) is on overload. She was recently dumped over a promotion. She is overworked and totally burnt out. Over all, her life is a big old mess right now. Looking forward to a much needed vacation to New Orleans has her hopeful for the much needed time off and away. But of course her boss throws her plans askew. He talks her into staying longer so she can check out a company while she’s on her vacation. Just a small routine background investigation is all it’s supposed to be. But with her luck and how her life is right now, of course it turns out to be way more than what it seemed. She’s forced into the world of Gage’s and his business. When they meet Gage can’t believe his eyes. Or her eyes!! The uniqueness of them stops him in his tracks. He knows them. He can’t help but be drawn to them and her. Can he trust what he sees? Keeping her close so that he can try to spark up some old memories, has him dangling an unwelcomed business proposition up in the air just to keep her around longer. Work won’t keep his quilt at bay when he’s starting into the eyes of his past. Grab this book NOW to read how this story turns out. I don’t want to give anything away, but it’s so good!!! You will not be disappointed at all by this read. Except maybe wanting more like I did! I can’t wait for more from this author!

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

July 1, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cruel start is a prequel to Aspen and Phoenix’s story. Their story continues in book five and six of the Hidden Valley Elite Series. Although you don’t need to need to read the first four or their prequels, I would recommend you do!! It is such a great series and the previous books give you a lot more information about other characters and events that are mentioned here and there throughout this book. The prequels are wonderful little starters and I am so glad that I read them! Back to this book. Cruel Start is so good! I can’t wait to finish Aspen and Phoenix’s story! Aspen is spending her last summer before college working and staying away from family drama as much as possible. She needs the stress relief that comes from cliff diving at the cove. She uses it to get away and unwind from life. After a dive she crashes into Phoenix. He’s the hottest man she’s ever literally run into. She’s the only girl to ever get under his skin. A night of passion at a cove party turns into the biggest mistake she could imagine and has repercussions he always said he’d never make in his life. Her risk-taking days are over and he’s risking more than ever. What will these two do when those two lines show a plus? Are their lives over? There goes NFL for him and college for her, right? And what about the fall out with their parents?! Their life plans are going up in smoke quick! Check this book out! If you love enemies to lover books (that end with a cliffhanger!), you will love this new adult romance. This story continues on with book five Cruel Hate and then book six Cruel Love, which I personally can not wait to read!!

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Shalom Israel by Melissa Lavi – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

June 30, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Shalom Israel: A place like no other by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I picked this book for my eight and eleven year old just as much as I picked it for me. I’ve been teaching my kids about different cultures, backgrounds, religions, and traditions. Being Jewish but never seeing Israel had me drawn to this book. I could teach my kids a little more, but also myself at the same time! This book was so informative during a whole journey through Israel. You go through a huge diverse, fascinating, beautiful, and historic land. You can see the amazing lands of colors through the landscapes pictured in these pages. I really loved the fields of flowers, but my girls loved the camels and beach art. There is a wonderful glossary at the end of the book that explains some of the words, but also has some great facts about the photos and places. I would recommend this book not only to kids, but anyone who wants to visit Israel one day. This is a great guide to many places there. But also anyone who wants to learn a bit more about other places, culture, food, land, and traditions like I did. I can’t wait to check out some of the other books from this author!!

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Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

June 23, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

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!!

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Bound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

June 15, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

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

Cressida’s life hasn’t been anything grand or special. Her mother passed away, so it’s just been her and her sickly father, who’s super controlling and not very affectionate. He abusive and mean, but he’s all she has so she care for him. Knowing his death is coming soon, she’s been trying to plan for life without him. Not blessed with beauty or any talents, she knows that life is going to be hard. Even with her father’s last name, a woman just doesn’t have the same rights as men do. She’ll be on her own and she’s twenty-five. She’ll have to be a maid, a cook, or something similar once he passes. It will be hard work and her life will be simple, but what else can she ask for? A small amount of freedom is really all she wants. Her father has other plans though. Calling in a debt from a Baron, her father arranges a marriage with Caravahl of the Hinterlands. With no say she accepts her fate, she’s married off, and she’s whisked right away to the Hinterlands. Stories of the land give children nightmares and now she must live there. Going from a small amount of freedom to a marriage and running a house was not where she saw her life heading. At all! But she starts to fall in love with the people and the land around her. Danger threatens it all though. There is a darkness to the Hinterland forest. The land is sinister and hard. It’s hard to work there and it’s even harder to live there. It’s cold. The forest is a poison. The area is just creepy! But it’s her new home and she plans to be a helpmate to her new husband and help when and where she can. As secrets threaten the land and all people in and around it, the last thing they need is a visit from last minute quests. Arriving right after their super quick marriage and their fast journey home, everyone is rushing around to prepare for their unexpected company. How do you prepare for a guest who likes to cause problems though? Purposely messing with people is just part of court. Infuriating her husband seems to be their goal, but as she spends more time with him she sees another side to Caravahl. He actually loves his country and people. He’s a man of honor. Will he risk it all to save her from the darkness? His kingdom, his life, and even his heart? Can he share the truth with her? Will she find her footing in this new life that was thrust upon her or will the weight of it all crush her heart and soul? Will she run in fear once she learns the truth? This book was very interesting. It took me a minute to get into it because I was having a very busy week, but once I did I didn’t want to put it down. I knew something was going to happen soon and I just had to know what!! I ended up enjoying it and the characters. Of course there are sad parts, tense parts, and funny parts but the story gets better and better as you read. I can’t wait to read some more from this author in the future!!

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Twisted Bond by Danielle Jacks – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

June 3, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

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

This was such an interesting twist on werewolves, witches, and magic and I loved it!! The author spins this story around and it just catches you in it’s web. Twisted and stuck until you finish it. Like many books this one had me staying up a little extra just to finish it asap. A coven of witches twist magic to make a bond with a wolf coven. The wolves are now bonded to the moon and it’s phases and they don’t have a choice but to turn into a wolf with the moon. Rose, who is part of the wolf coven goes into the Dutchmen’s lands to steal the moonstone that binds both covens together to break the curse, but while she’s there she is under the watchful eye of not only the queen but also the prince. The queen is looking for a bride for the prince and not just anyone will do. She must be powerful and helpful to their responsibilities. He needs an heir and wife fast! Titan, the prince doesn’t want a wife, but he must do something. He is running out of time as his father slips away. His father, with the help of the moonstone is the current amplifier of the realm’s magic and it’s slowly poisoning him. Without the bond the realm’s magic will drop and the world with it will be in shambles. The prince must become the new holder for the gem, but he finds himself questioning everything. When the two of the meet something in them both changes. She’s attracted to his darkness and he’s not interested in his heart holding the realm together. Choosing their own paths might just be the end of them both. You need to check this book out! You will enjoy the twists and turns as much as I did. Plus the unique take on the supernatural world.

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