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Murder At Music Hall (True North Murder Mystery Book 1) by A. J. Ullman – Review by Jess Engel

Murder At Music Hall (A True North Murder Mystery Book 1)Murder At Music Hall by A. J. Ullman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Intriguing, well-written mystery, though long-winded at times. I generally enjoyed this read and felt the author tied the story together well. There was plenty of intrigue and ultimately loved the way everything came together in the end. The author really pulls the reader in with the engaging writing style and with action right away.

Retired detective and curren private investigator Trueman North is a likable character, with a past, that will make a great cornerstone for this series. He is on the case to discover the killer of timpanist—even though someone is already in jail.

While the story was engaging and the main character is likable for a series starter, I did feel there were parts of the book that were wordy and read slowly and I found myself urging the story along. This isn’t overwhelmingly negative and could also be a reflection of just wanting to know what was going to happen next, but nonetheless I did feel it could be a bit more succinct in places.

Overall I recommend this as the plot and culmination of the story was very well done.

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Deceptively Yours (Titans of Chicago Series) by Anise Storm – Review by Jess Engel

Deceptively Yours (Titans of Chicago, #1)Deceptively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A good start to a new series. I really enjoyed the other Titans series by this author and was excited to start this one!

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. The author sets up a great plot with characters you want to root for. There is a lot of tragedy and some darker themes, but they are important pieces to the plot and really create depth to the character arcs. The author has an engaging writing style and I found myself engrossed in the book and turning the pages to the end, having to know what would unfold next. The attraction between Gabriel and Harper is palpable and there was steam coming through the pages.

While I really enjoyed this overall, I did feel there was a lot of repetition throughout the book. It is told from alternating points of view and frequently the reader would receive the same information several times as the characters rehashed events. There were moments I felt myself urging the story to just move forward because I had anticipation for what was going to happen next, but had to deal with the rehashing first.

Gabriel and Harper have a wild ride and there are wounds that run deep…can their relationship survive this wounds and the danger lurking around every corner?

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Savage Truth (Hidden Valley Elite Book 2) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jess Engel

Savage Truth (Hidden Valley Elite #2)Savage Truth by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a page-turner! This I was the finale of Riley and Cole’s story and I couldn’t put it down. The previous two installments built to this finale and it was full of suspense and steam.

I really enjoyed that character building that took place throughout the story, as well as the romance building. The heat and attraction between Cole and Riley easily come through the pages and you as the reader want them to stop fighting it by trying to hate each other. While this is a romance, the mystery and suspense woven throughout keeps the reader engaged and the author has an effortless writing style. I really enjoyed the way the story comes together, but it was a bumpy ride and well worth the read!

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jess Engel

Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite #1)Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story continues! I couldn’t start and finish this one fast enough. The author continues building the world around Cole and Riley, engulfing the reader in the story. The attraction between them is palpable, despite hating one another. They couldn’t be from more different worlds and they each have their own secrets, so what happens when they are forced to live in the same world?

The author crafts an intense, engaging read that keeps you turning the page. I quite enjoy the world building. There are times I read books set in high school that aren’t believable or read as if they are adults instead of teenagers and while these teenagers deal with adult themes, I feel like the author does a great job bringing in typical teenage issues that make the setting feel authentic.

I devoured this book and the author has me on the edge of my seat to start the next one!

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jess Engel

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! What a great, fast-paced read to start a new series! This prequel introduces us to main characters Riley and Cole, as well as a host of supporting characters like Riley’s mom and Cole’s brother and cousins. The author does an amazing job setting the story and starting to create depth and mystery into the characters and beginning their development through the story. The author sets up an intriguing plot following Riley and her mom, who never stay in any place for long, and also following the super elite Cole and family, riddled with problems of their own. What happens when these two collide?

The author has an engaging writing style. If you’re looking for your next series, get ready to be consumed by this one!

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The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Jess Engel

The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a smashing sequel! The author delivers again with an adventurous mystery with our favorite child sleuth, Sparky!

The author does a wonderful job with setting and storytelling. The story is engaging, fast-paced, and incredibly unique. You’ll feel transported right into the action with Sparky working to solve the mystery and keep her friends safe.

These books continue to surprise me with their ingenuity and likable characters, especially Sparky. This has been an unexpectedly wonderful series so far and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

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Recipe For Revenge (An April May Cozy Mystery Book 2) by Hazel Smith – Review by Jess Engel

Recipe For Revenge: An Unputdownable Small Town Cozy Murder Mystery (An April May Cozy Mystery Book Book 2)Recipe For Revenge: An Unputdownable Small Town Cozy Murder Mystery by Hazel Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a lovely cozy mystery! If you’re looking for an easy, enjoyable read, this one is for you. Though it is the second in a series, it can be read as a standalone (I haven’t read the first and enjoyed it just the same).

The author creates a fun, yet suspenseful, story with likable characters. I particular enjoyed the humor throughout the book, making it feel that much more “cozy.” My only complaint is there isn’t much depth to the characters, though I suspect more and more is revealed throughout the series—and truly, in this genre I expect it to be a bit lighter in character development.

This read was just what the doctor ordered—an engaging read with enough intrigue to keep me turning the pages, while also light and humorous.

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Renewed (Fateful Justice Series) by Sara Vinduska – Review by Jess Engel

Renewed (Fateful Justice Book 6)Renewed by Sara Vinduska
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an action-packed, suspenseful romance! I was impressed by this author and story—especially with how much was packed in to a shorter page count. The author really developed the two main characters fairly well. The author also gave depth to the story and it reads at a quick pace starting with action from the get go and through the developing, steamy romance between Ruby and Hayden and the suspense of lurking danger. This was a somewhat predictable, but entertaining story that kept my attention throughout. Though it is part of a series, it is easily read as a standalone. If you’re looking for a page-turning suspenseful romance, this is for you!

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The Cold Kid Case (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Jess Engel

The Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. I’m not even sure quite how to describe the experience of enjoying this story. The author puts together an intriguing and unique story told from the perspective of the 11yo Sparky. I honestly expected a more juvenile story with a writing style to match for this type of cozy mystery—instead what I got was a compelling story and witty dialogue. The author also did a wonderful job with character development and creating unique, but believable characters to help Cary the storyline. I also quite enjoyed the setting of the story and incorporation of the culture of the 1930s which helped transport me directly into the time and story—a proven talent of this author’s writing style. I honestly can’t say enough good things, just pick this one up and be prepared to be transported into the mystery and helping Sparky clear her name!

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Murder at the Wedding (Modern Midwife Mysteries Book 1) by Christine Knapp – Review by Jess Engel

Murder at the Wedding (Modern Midwife Mysteries #1)Murder at the Wedding by Christine Knapp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an engaging cozy mystery with likable and relatable characters! The author provides a lot of detail with their writing style and crafts a wonderful story and mystery that actually keeps you turning the page.

The story is fast-paced with a protagonist in Maeve and a cast of friendly, fun characters that keeps the reader engaged in the storyline. It had all the makings of a cozy mystery in some of the lighthearted, laugh-out-loud dialogue, but with mixed in intrigue and uncertainty in what will happen next. If you’re looking for a well written, entertaining, mysterious cozy, this is for you!

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Woman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder – Review by Jess Engel

Woman UnbrokenWoman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an emotional, intense at times story following Devorah, a woman who has been broken in just about every way but ready to take back her life.

Though not everyone will be able to relate to her story directly, this is a powerful story with reminders that despite the many heartaches and traumas we encounter in life, we may have the opportunity to grow and find ourselves again. The author does a wonderful job developing Devorah’s character and connecting the reader to her story. The writing style is simple, but engaging and effective. If you’re looking for an emotional read with some redemption, look no further!

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The Earl, Her Reluctant Guardian by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Jess Engel

The Earl, Her Reluctant GuardianThe Earl, Her Reluctant Guardian by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so pleasantly surprised by this story! From the very beginning, the author draws you in with suspense and intrigue. You’ll also find yourself drawn to the main character, Vanessa, from the first pages. She is such a wonderful character with amazing strength displayed as she is figuring out her life through the book as she returns home following the death of her uncle to find her uncle’s wife running the show. Jacob is also there and not so keen on being responsible for Vanessa..or is he?

Though this is a historical romance, the story also has a great deal of suspense and a paranormal twist, all making it very difficult to put down. The setting and concept was so intriguing and just not what I expected, but I loved this story! It was very well written and engaging and I highly recommend it.

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Chasing Cheer (Emerald Hollow Book 1) by Heather Schneider – Review by Jess Engel

What a sweet, cheery (pun very much intended), unexpected story! I loved this from beginning to end. The author does a wonderful job creating setting, as well as lovely characters making you feel like you’re plopped right in the middle of your favorite holiday romance movie…you know the ones I’m talking about. 😉

Holly Claus find herself looking to fill her cheer meter in Emerald Hollow and unexpectedly finds an attraction to Ash, the owner of the quaint inn she is staying in. You’ll fall in love with Holly and Ash, as well as the creative take on the Claus family and North Pole in this sweet story.

This was a page-turning, easy to read story that will get you in the holiday spirit! I highly recommend it!

Dead Keen (Things Unseen Book 2) by Anise Eden – Review by Jess Engel

Dead Keen (Things Unseen #2)Dead Keen by Anise Eden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great read!! This is a sequel, but can be read as a standalone. The author has an engaging writing style that draws the reader in and the storyline is captivating. We join Neve and her boyfriend, Con, on a trip to help Cons brother and his fiancé with a medical mystery, but it soon unravels into much more!

The author develops plot and characters well and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The author gives us everything in this story and keeps you guessing throughout. This is a well written, engrossing psychological thriller!

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Murder Creek by Jane Suen – Review by Jess Engel

Murder Creek (Eve Sawyer Mystery, #1)Murder Creek by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A quick, easy cozy mystery. The author puts together nice little story that is week developed, even in its short fashion. It is an easy read with very straight-forward writing and is engaging enough to finish in one sitting.

While I enjoyed this story, it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. I would have enjoyed a bit more depth to the story and characters, but understand if the author was trying to write a simple cozy mystery. It was at least enjoyable and I’d pick up another by the author in the future.

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Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey – Review by Jess Engel

Softest TouchSoftest Touch by Adina D. Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a delightful, short, and sweet read! I fell in love with the characters quickly, which was important for such a quick read and I was invested in their story.

Melinda begins working for Derek, who severely underestimates her but quickly finds her irresistible. Their chemistry comes off the page quickly and keeps the reader engaged. The author has an inviting writing style that draws the reader in, and again, the likable characters made this one for me! Pick it up, you can read it in one sitting and won’t regret it!

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Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Jess Engel

Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance (Playing for Keeps Book 3)Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series continues to deliver! This third installment is just as good as the first two and I loved Jeff and Kia’s story!

The story and characters were both well developed, something I’ve come to expect from this author. She thinks of everything and fills out the story well with all of the little details. I love how their child (of course unknown to Jeff) brings them back together, though not seamlessly. The tension, romance, and resilience between them keeps the reader engaged. Jeff may be one of my favorite characters from the entire series; I loved his patience and dedication to their relationship as well as with Max. If you’re looking for an entertaining, page-turner, this is it!

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The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Jess Engel

The Misery House (The House on the Hill #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an entertaining and spooky read! This is not my typical genre, but I enjoyed the story overall. The author introduced and told the story from multiple points of view which helped me engage with the story. I did find myself wanting a little more out of the character development, however, I did enjoy plot, setting, and development of the story. It gives you all the spooky feels of a haunted house story with an underlying mystery at hand! For reasons which will become obvious upon reading I can’t wait to see the rest unfold in a future installment!

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Grand Slam (Ground Rule Book 3) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Jess Engel

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

This was a grand slam of a story, no pun intended. As with the first two books, this was an easy, fast, and enjoyable read! The author creates likable characters and Heath and Grace are no exception.

The attraction between Heath and Grace is undeniable. Heath, for a superstar athlete, is such a worm and genuine character and I loved seeing a softer side to a very “manly” character. Grace has a heart of gold but doesn’t feel “good enough.” Can Heath break down her walls?

I’ve loved this series and the flow to her stories. This one has it all, sweetness, tension, steam, and wonderful characters and storyline!

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Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Jess Engel

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

Another great one! Though the second in a series, this can be read as a standalone and date I say I enjoyed it more than the first. The author composes a page-turning read following Zara and Noah. I love a good sports romance and this is no exception. Zara is a powerhouse character and I love her sauciness and interactions with Noah. The author does an excellent job creating well-rounded, likable characters, ask well as tension and relationship. I love a hate to love type storyline and this author delivers it to the next level. I love the first one, now the second, can’t wait to start the third!

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Walk Off (Ground Rule Book 1) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Jess Engel

Walk OffWalk Off by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great, easy read! This one will suck you in and keep you turning the pages until the end. The author crafts an effortless second chance romance between Celia and Kyle. Once lovers, they find their way back to each other, but one secret could ruin it all!

The author builds a world upon fantastic characters. The reader is pulled into their story and can’t help but rooting for them. The chemistry between the characters is palpable. It is well written and engaging. I highly recommend this read!

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People Safari by Feather Chelle – Review by Jess Engel

People SafariPeople Safari by Feather Chelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a beautiful and delightful read! This wonderfully illustrated story has an entertaining and imaginative storyline! The flipflop of traditional world to an animal world and their observations of humans was so fun. I just loved the characters, Ranger Marco and his adventure with Fawn and family exploring the human world was so cute. The characters and their interactions really made the story. This is an easy read that is fun for the whole family. It will put a smile on your face!

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Cabin Eight (The Millersville Series Book 3) by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jess Engel

Cabin Eight (The Millersville series)Cabin Eight by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was an interesting storyline in a series that keeps you guessing where the author will go next. This follows the story of Miranda, who has experienced trauma and a series of unfortunate events that have gotten her in to trouble, gets away to reset and process these events. This getaway is not what she expects and she soon finds herself being tested in new, twisted ways.

Overall this was an intriguing and completely unexpected storyline, which is something I’ve been accustomed to with this author. The action starts immediately into the book and continues all the way through, making this and engaging and quick read. It’s definitely a different type of psychological thriller than I would say is typical, but engaging overall.

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A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Jess Engel

A River of CrowsA River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! If you’re looking for a page-turning, drama-filled, action-packed book, this one is for you! The author is a talented storyteller and exceptional writer. I read this in two sittings (only because I didn’t know when I picked it up I wouldn’t be able to put it down and I had other plans)….just plan to read it all the way through once you start. There are twists and turns and jaw-dropping moments perfectly placed and makes you wonder what is coming next. The family secrets and drama take you where you least expect surrounding the death and disappearance of Sloan’s brother Ridge. The setting, characters, and plot are well developed and it is extremely well written. This is by far the best book I have read so far this year!

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Where Fire Meets Flame (Yours From The Ashes Book 1) by Elena Kincaid – Review by Jess Engel

Where Fire Meets Flame (Yours From the Ashes, #1)Where Fire Meets Flame by Elena Kincaid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a quick, easy, and engaging read. It was my first by this author and I quite enjoyed it. The world building was great, storyline kept you turning the pages, and the chemistry of the characters really comes through the pages. This book had almost anything you could want: enjoyable characters, steam, and suspense. I only wish it were longer! The author does a wonderful job, but the story and characters really could have been developed even more and more pages could have made an already very good story into a great one! I look forward to reading the rest of the series still!

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Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Teenage War Survival Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Jess Engel

Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Book 1) (Teenage War Survival series)Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an amazingly compelling, emotional memoir recounting the authors experiences as a teenager living in Sarajevo during the Bosnian war in the 90s. I was captivated by her story. The writing style, in her voice, is relatable and easy to read. I was shocked by how relatable she was though from a completely different background from me and the experience of war she recounted; however, this relatability made the story come to life even more and better illustrated the shock of the events that changed her life forever. The story comes to life through the pages and the reader is transported to that time and can’t help but imagine and feel like it is happening to them. This is a riveting coming of age story in unimaginable circumstances. I’m not generally a huge fan of memoirs, but this one is well worth the read!

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Right in Front of You (Morris Valley Gang Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Jess Engel

Right in Front of You: Volume One Brinley and AdrianRight in Front of You: Volume One Brinley and Adrian by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first by this author and I’ll be coming back for more. This is a romance with a touch of suspense and drama and I’m here for it!

I loved Brinley and Adrian’s connection and the development of their story, as well as the whole cast of characters! I can see the future stories lining up with the cast! The characters are likable and are developed well, which is something I really value as a reader and draws me into the story….and who doesn’t love a broody rancher. I can’t wait for the rest of the series!

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The Thieves (The Millersville series) by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jess Engel

The ThievesThe Thieves by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fun, easy read. I enjoyed this one in a different way than the first book in the series. The writer creates an easy flow with the story, told from alternating view points of the female characters from opposing pairs. The premise of the book is fun and you feel the emotion driving them, especially Jas in trying to help
Her dad. They are likable despite their chosen paths throughout the story. The storyline is unique and I haven’t read anything quite like it and enjoyed the way it was presented.

This book can be read as a standalone and is a quick, action-packed read. I continue to find this author’s work to be engaging and entertaining!

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Ruthless Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Jess Engel

Ruthless Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 1)Ruthless Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What can I say…amazing! The author comes back with this second generation and captivates the reader with action, drama, and steam! I was enthralled with the story and, as always, the character development, relationship development, and world building was outstanding.

I loved the teaser given before this book and picking up in their story to see how their worlds collide and intertwine. Jack and Isaac’s story is unique and makes for an interesting read full of twists and turns. Isaac will stop at nothing to protect Jack and his daughter Vivi, but can work out in the end?

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, steamy read, this one is for you! I can’t wait to read more of this new generation (pick up the first generation of you haven’t already too)!

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

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

A fast-paced, attention grabbing story! Although it’s the third in a series, it can be read as a standalone fairly easily. There are a lot of characters and moving pieces to this story, but once the reader has a handle on the picture you will keep turning the page to figure out what is going to happen.

I really enjoyed the setting and characters that made up the story. The plot was unique and I loved the concept of the cold case relating to present danger, it brought another element and depth to the story. Lila and Elizabeth are a dynamic duo, with Elizabeth both haunted and driven by the past and Lila with a new perspective but her own past. Can they work together to solve the case and finally bring peace to the town?

I can’t wait for the next installment, as well as to go back and read the first two!

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