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PREMEDITATED: A Trust Betrayed, Lives Sabotaged, A Love Undaunted (Agents of Justice Book 2) by Susanna Haymond – Review by Jess Engel

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PremeditatedPremeditated by Susanna Haymond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you have several hours to fill up in your life, grab this book! The author creates a suspenseful, engaging read that has you turning the pages until the very end.

The second book in the series, we see repeating characters from the first book, but it can be read as a stand-alone. The characters and story are largely believable and deals with difficult themes.

You never know who next target is when everyone is a target and you’ll find yourself guessing who is responsible until the very end! This is easy to read in one sitting with the action-packed, creative storyline and wonderful characters!

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The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jess Engel

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A delightfully sweet children’s book! The illustrations are cute and story is creative! Children are sure to love these story about friendship and imagination.

Friends Fig and Maia enjoy a picnic and make an ice cube necklace for their mermaid friend. Though only one girl can see their mermaid friend, Trezzie, the girls enjoy the magic of the ice cube necklace and their picnic by the lake together! The diversity of the characters and friendship between them make this a winning story!

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The True Purpose of Vines (The Winemakers Book 1) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Jess Engel

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The True Purpose of Vines: An intoxicating historical romance about wine and love. (The Winemakers Book 1)The True Purpose of Vines: An intoxicating historical romance about wine and love. by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A lovely, engaging read! The author does a wonderful job bringing this story to life with wonderful descriptions, leading to vivid imagery. It is evident the author was well researched to bring this historical romance to life.

The author also does a wonderful job in her creation of the characters. Griffin and Julia are each enjoyable in their own way and you truly get a sense of who they are and find yourself rooting for them throughout the book. The author also does a wonderful job creating tension and chemistry within their relationship.

Pick this one up if you’re looking for an enjoyable enemies-to-lovers with a beau frigio historical setting!

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Everything to Me (Playing for Keeps Book 2) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Jess Engel

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Everything to Me (Playing for Keeps Book 2)Everything to Me by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A sexy, fun read! I really enjoyed Kendall and Pete’s story and seeing a childhood crush turned adult romance.

The author does a wonderful job encapsulating the story and point of view of each of the main characters. I really enjoyed that Pete’s point of view felt more authentic to a man’s point of view in contrast to other romances of read. The story was full of steamy moments, as well as both funny and serious moments rounding out the book very well. This was an enjoyable page-turner that I would highly recommend.

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Unabridged (Lovestruck Series Book 2) by Melinda De Ross – Review by Jess Engel

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UnabridgedUnabridged by Melinda De Ross
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was my first read by this author and it was delightfully entertaining. I really enjoyed the main characters, Angelina and Blade, and their story. The author writes with an engaging and easy-to-read style and easily keeps the reader entertained. I found myself turning the pages and getting lost in the story, because of this engaging style. I enjoyed the banter between the characters and the many laugh out loud moments. If you’re looking for a fun romantic comedy with some twists, pick this one up!

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Finding Melodie and The Wedding Special Boxset by Laura Rossi – Review by Jess Engel

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Melodie Boxset (Melodie #1-2)Melodie Boxset by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a sweet, fun read! This no set contains two stories, following Melodie and Office Guy, aka Isaac.

Melodie is a lovable, relatable character. She is a free spirit and an artist and the books are full of her inner-dialogue, which add to the story and provides witty and funny commentary to the story. Office Guy is her opposite and her crush admired from afar, until one day their lives collide and a friendship…and more..is formed.

These stories are written in an engaging style with many laugh out loud moments. It is an easy read with the characters well developed. If your looking for a fun romantic comedy, pick this one up!

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The Last Cabin Girl (Detective Josie Thompson Series) by Tom Swyers – Review by Jess Engel

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The Last Cabin Girl: A totally gripping thriller full of twistsThe Last Cabin Girl: A totally gripping thriller full of twists by Tom Swyers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first read by this author, but I don’t think it’ll be my last! This was action-packed from the very beginning and keeps that pace all the way through, with unpredictable twist and turns.

The author does a wonderful job putting together a story by fully developing the world, characters, and the details with each event. I enjoyed the intertwining of current events (COVID) that enhanced parts of the story to be more relevant and enjoyed the underlying mystery throughout the book. It definitely keeps the readers attention and is difficult to put down!

Josie, through events both past and present, finds herself in the middle of mystery that threatens her life. She knows if she doesn’t solve it, her life as she knows it, may be over! I don’t want to ruin anything, so just do yourself a favor and read it!

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The Sound of Murder (Musical Murder Mystery Series) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Jess Engel

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The Sound of MurderThe Sound of Murder by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable cozy mystery! This author consistently delivers fun and unique storylines and this one is no exception. It is a fun way to start a new series.

Ruby is part of a traveling theater group who recently lost a member to murder. In a new city ready to explore and move forward, tragedy unfortunately strikes the group again and Ruby decides to solve the case!

This page-turner was a great, fast read with laugh out loud moments and solid storyline!

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Lingering Spirits (Soul Connection Book 4) by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Jess Engel

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Lingering Spirits (Soul Connection, #4)Lingering Spirits by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

All I can say is wow. The author delivers again in this installment of the series. Every time I read a new book in the series I’m captivated all over again. The author has a way of connecting the reader to the characters and story that is always meaningful and brings life to the story. I feel like it can be challenging to actually connect to a paranormal story, rather than just be entertained by it, but this author very easily draws a reader in and connects them to her stories in a way that is unmatched! The series build on itself very nicely and this story is just as unique as the previous books.

Hope and Russ connect in a way neither of them have experienced before, but why? Truths come to light in this page-turner! Highly recommend!

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Seductively Yours (Titans of Manhattan Book 3) by Anise Storm – Review by Jess Engel

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Seductively Yours (Titans Of Manhattan, #3)Seductively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another hit in this series! The author does a wonderful job weaving another steamy romance in this story with Mason and Rhyann. I was curious how the author would tackle Mason’s story, the playboy that he is, but the story was believable, engaging, and authentic to who he is a person. Rhyann was a lovely addition to the series and loved her character development.

This author continues to slay this series with an engaging writing style and twists and turns in the story to keep the reader intrigued. I love the way the author develops characters and writes reliably wonderful stories! I can’t wait for the next!

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Juliet’s Journey to Love (Great Smoky Mountain Getaways Book 1) by Elsie Davis – Review by Jess Engel

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Juliet's Journey to Love (Great Smoky Mountain Getaways, #4)Juliet’s Journey to Love by Elsie Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A wonderfully sweet read! I loved Jake and Juliet’s story; it had everything a reader could hope for: a small town, likable characters, a faith-rooted, clean romance, and a serendipitous meeting of lovers.

The author developed both characters and story well, building tension throughout the story by slowly adding depth. It was a fast and easy read that kept my attention and had me rooting for Jake and Juliet throughout. I look forward to additional stories in this series and by this author in general.

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Love’s Full Circle by Cherry Christensen – Review by Jess Engel

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Love's Full CircleLove’s Full Circle by Cherry Christensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a sweet story about second chances. Kayden’s first love, Liam, walked away when she wouldn’t pursue a physical relationship with him, staying true to her faith. When they reconnect years later, the flame is still alive, but can Kayden ever trust Liam again?

The author writes a sweet, clean story reflecting true connection between characters. Even in a shorter story, the author develops the characters and their relationship well. It was a fast, enjoyable read!

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Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Jess Engel

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Depending On YouDepending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Phenomenal. This author is consistently good; I love everything I read by her, and this is no exception. The characters always have such depth and the relationships are palpable. Nostalgia oozes through the pages on this book and a the friendship between Cate and Patti will give you all the feels. These two have been through a lot together, including a major trauma they have kept secret for decades—and has also kept them apart. Even with all of the time that has passed, their bond is just as strong, but with their secret coming back into the fold, can the best friends survive the revival of this trauma?

The shifting from past to present and building of the story was engaging and keeps you turning the pages until the end. Pick this one up!

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A Bride for Noah (Brides of Broken Arrow) by Cheryl Wright – Review by Jess Engel

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A Bride for Noah (Brides of Broken Arrow #1)A Bride for Noah by Cheryl Wright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An easy, clean read! An unconventional story with a couple brought together by their individual needs and a means to an end, but could it work out forever?

The author writes an engaging novella. It’s an easy read with likable characters in both Noah and Mary. The author developed the characters and story well and I love that it is wholesome and where faith plays a central role. This was an enjoyable read and I look forward to the rest of the series.

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Journeys Through AllCreation (Journeys Through Book 3) by James Talisman – Review by Jess Engel

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Journeys Through AllCreation (Journeys Through Book 3)Journeys Through AllCreation by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yes! Yes! Yes! I waited for this book to be available after being hooked to the first two in the series and it delivers!

The author continues to utilize descriptive imagery and provides a depth to his characters that is nearly unmatched by other authors! Though it is a complex MultiVerse, he brings it to life and connects the story so well it’s easy to keep track of the events, worlds, and universes within the storyline. This final chapter was action-packed and so satisfying with every last detail recorded.

In this installment of the series, everything has culminated into a camaraderie of good throughout the MultiVerse battling evil to save many universes from total destruction and allow their ways of life to continue.

I’m so excited to see what this author will do next!

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Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 1) by CJ Cartwright – Review by Jess Engel

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Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder #1)Power Play by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow!! This second chance romance was an amazing page-turner; I read it in only a couple of sittings! The author brings the cast characters to life, allowing the reader to envision the story unfolding right in front of them. While it is a second-chance romance, leading the reader to surmise what will happen, there were so many twists and unfoldings from the past that there is still mystery within the story. The authors writing style is engaging and she really knows how to tell a story! Brynn and Levi’s story will leave you breathless; can they overcome their past to find love again? Pick this one up! I cannot wait to read the next in the series!

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Imperfectly Yours (Titans of Manhattan Book 2) by Anise Storm – Review by Jess Engel

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Imperfectly Yours (Titans of Manhattan #2)Imperfectly Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn’t think it could get better than the first book, but this one did it! This was such an unexpected story and varied from your typical romance, starting with a couple already together and in love, rather than a developing love story. The author tackled very difficult life situations and cultivated a story of marriage that felt real (outside of the elite social status of the couple). Elsa and Anton have a storybook romance that is threatened by real life loss and struggles that could occur in any marriage. This is an emotional ride of a story.

As in the first book, I felt the author did a wonderful job developing the characters throughout the book and built upon the story in way that made it difficult to put down. I really am enjoying this series and this author and can’t wait to see what she brings us in the next one!

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Conveniently Yours (Titans Of Manhattan BOOK 1) by Anise Storm – Review by Jess Engel

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Conveniently Yours (Titans Of Manhattan #1)Conveniently Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hooked! What a great book and story! The author has an effortless writing style that is engaging and reels you into the story. I really enjoyed Paisley and Caspian’s unique story and the unfolding of their personal stories as the book progressed. From the same roots and with a history that time has changed, Paisley and Caspian literally collide. Each facing their own very different challenges, Caspian helps Paisley realize they can can help each other. Though they entered into a marriage of convenience their steamy attraction can’t be denied…could it ever be anything more? This page-turner left me wanting more from the author and had me picking up the next installment quickly!

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Unlikely to Stay (Parker Lake) by Olivia Sherwood – Review by Jess Engel

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Unlikely to Stay (A Parker Lake Novel Book 3)Unlikely to Stay by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A reliably good series! This installment in the series was just as good as the previous two. The author does a wonderful job building upon both the characters and the overall story, keeping the reader engaged. I love the relatability of the characters and the ties to the previous books, while also being able to standalone. The world building is excellent as well. Though there is definitely timely conflict, this book, as well as the previous books, just give you an overall feel-good, romantic read. In this story, we follow CC—the more eccentric and unlikely to find love friend of the trio and Brant—an eligible bachelor in town with little ties and a temporary job. Much to her chagrin, CC’s friends are determined to make the match, but their past experiences and wounds may hinder the connection. I highly recommend reading on (and picking up the rest of the series if you haven’t already) to see what will become of their romance.

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States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller – Review by Jess Engel

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States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a well-written page-turner! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it’s cast of characters. The author did an incredible job building on the story and each of the characters throughout the story, helping the reader unravel the mystery. I really enjoyed the main character, Grace, from whose point of view this was written. The depth to which we come to understand her, while she is trying to defend her teenaged client Zoe, puts the reader in her shoes, so to speak, and yearn for justice with her. The details provided place the reader in the midst of it all and keeps you turning the page all the way to the end. I can’t wait for another in this series!

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Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade – Review by Jess Engel

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Fall to PiecesFall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An engaging, well-written romantic suspense/crime novel! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in a couple of sittings. It was hard to put down; the story was fast-paced with fully developed characters drawing the reader in deeper. The world building was also excellent, making the reader feel like they are in the middle of the story, with vivid details. The author tackles many difficult themes in the story, including suicide and loss of child to murder, which makes the book feel a bit darker and could make it challenging to read, but I found her writing flawless and her ability to capture emotion of characters excellent, doing proper justice to difficult subject matter. Overall, this was an excellently written book and I look forward to more from this author.

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Dead Sound (Things Unseen Series Book1) by Anise Eden – Review by Jess Engel

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Dead Sound (Things Unseen, #1)Dead Sound by Anise Eden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very interesting! Neve, who just returned to work after a traumatic near-death experience, finds herself at the center of a chaotic and apocalyptic threat…but could it really be? This book was unlike anything I’ve ever read before and was quite intriguing. This was a romantic suspense meets psychological thriller type read full of twist and turns. It kept me interested throughout and the characters were well-developed and likable. Though it was largely suspenseful, I loved the bits of humor thrown into the story. This book really has it all and is an original work that is worth the read. My mind is still twisted with this story and intricacies crafted by this author.

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Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J Berger Illustrator: KC Snider – Review by Jess Engel

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Mom, Is There a Santa Claus?Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J. Berger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A sweet children’s read! This book could provide a great read for parents and children struggling with the question of whether or not Santa Claus is real. This book tries to capture the spirit of Christmas and translates a positive message. It was an easy, fast read. I’d recommend for older kids and families who may be trying to help capture the spirit of Christmas and address questions about Santa Claus.

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A Sweet Christmas: A Sweet Confections Novella by Nicole Richards – Review by Jess Engel

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A Sweet ChristmasA Sweet Christmas by Nicole Richard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A delightful, easy read! I read this sweet novella easily in one sitting. The author creates a beautiful whirlwind romance with lovely characters. The attraction between Ben and Thea is palpable from their first meeting and the beginning of their journey is something you’d expect in a movie! As with many novellas, I wished for a little more deep character development, but you still get a really good feel for the characters and their lives. This is a sweet, no pun intended, romance with the slightest hint of drama, but mostly a sweet, easy read. It was well-written and easy to follow and I’d be interested in other stories by this author!

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Unlikely to Fit (Parker Lake) by Olivia Sherwood – Review by Jess Engel

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Unlikely to Fit (A Parker Lake Novel Book 2)Unlikely to Fit by Olivia Sherwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A romantic comedy smash hit! I LOVED this book. The author develops relatable, funny characters with depth. You really get to know all of the characters, but deeply understand the hurts and joys of the main characters, which keeps the reader engaged with the story. I love the world created by the author and the relationships and friendships on display in her books, especially in this series. I laughed out loud many times— Meemaw’s character is something else!

In this story we dive deeper into the lives of Breckin and Griff, who have each had their heartbreaks and given up on love; however, they have caught one another’s eye. Will they take another chance on love? Could it ever work?

This is the second book in the series, so if you read the first, you already know many of the other characters in the book, which makes it even more engaging—though it could be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed this book and Breckin and Griff’s story even more than the first book in the series and I cannot wait for the third!

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Snowfall Serenade (Soul Connection #3) by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Jess Engel

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Snowfall Serenade (Soul Connection, #3)Snowfall Serenade by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Deeply emotional and captivating. Snowfall Serenade (Soul Connection Book 3) by Nikki Lynn Barrett hits hard. We pick back up in the lives of Scott and Zelda’s love story, when tragedy strikes again; this time in a deeply personal way.

This book was every bit as good as the previous two and once again I found myself crying, but this one felt even more emotional than the others. Scott and Zelda go through everyone worst nightmare, but their love for one another and the strength of their friendships are on full display in this installment of their story. Barrett does an amazing job creating a connection between the reader and the story and characters; she constantly takes my breath away and this has been a phenomenal series!

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Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery) by Merissa Racine – Review by Jess Engel

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Shadows of Doubt: A Crawford MysteryShadows of Doubt: A Crawford Mystery by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another hit! Shadows of Doubt: A Crawford Mystery by Merissa Racine is an excellent second installment! We pickup following small town court reporter Lauren, who is closely tied to another murder in town. When someone is arrested and tried, she just isn’t so sure they have the right man. Can she help unravel the mystery?

I really enjoyed this story and again found Racine’s writing style to flow so well, keeping me engaged and turning the page. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up (and any others she writes)!

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Jess Engel

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Engaging, fast-paced, and full of twists and turns. Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo didn’t let me down. Honestly, it took several chapters to really get going, but once the stage was set in the first 10% of the book, things really picked up and I couldn’t put it down!

Shelby has hidden her past from everyone, but it may be catching up with her—then she is accused of murder! Fearing for herself and her loved ones she sits in jail wondering if her name will ever be cleared.

Browne Kabongo creates an addicting story, as usual. I love the intricate details that bring the story together and keeps surprising the reader. Not my first by this author and certainly won’t be my last!

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Stand Your Ground by A. J. Ullman – Review by Jess Engel

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Stand Your GroundStand Your Ground by A.J. Ullman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fast-paced crime mystery! Stand Your Ground by A.J. Ullman is an engaging, thrilling read. You’re drawn in right from the beginning with non-stop action.

Cady, an attorney vying for partner, from a tumultuous background, finds herself in a predicament when she shoots and kills a known drug dealer one night. Was it self-defense or something more?

I enjoyed the unraveling of this story and the night in question throughout the book. It kept my attention and kept me turning the page.

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Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Jess Engel

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Silent Gavel (Crawford Mystery #1)Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This one packs a punch! Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine is a page-turning whodunnit. Drawn in from page one, you won’t be able to put it down until you solve the mystery.

When Lauren, a local court reporter, finds her boss dead and finds herself as suspect number one, she wracks her brain for alternatives to offer the police to stay out of jail! But who really did kill the judge, with a growing suspect list but nothing seems to stick?

Racine has an effortless flow to her writing that draws you in as a reader. She weaves a story with excellent detail that keeps you guessing until the end. I can’t wait to read more from her!

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