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The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jordan Allen

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

I really adore the concept of this book! It is about two friends that go on a picnic together. It is there that the science behind ice cubes is explored with these two little characters!
I loved this book! I thought it was really fun how there were tidbits of information sown together in the middle of a story! After I had read it once, I read it to my daughter. She didn’t understand the terms completely, but she enjoyed the story a lot. She has had endless questions for me about water and ice since then! It gave her a new understanding of the world all while decorated with pictures and a fun story!
I plan on homeschooling my little ones. This will be a book that I use in my teachings when we get to the grade level it is apporiate for!

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The Day the Librarian Saved the Galaxy by Stephanie Wilson Peterson – Review by Jordan Allen

The Day the Librarian Saved the GalaxyThe Day the Librarian Saved the Galaxy by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gah! I can’t get over the cuteness of this book. It follows two students with a fantastic librarian on a journey of wonder! They HAVE to save the school, and even world, from the aliens threatening to invade!

The best I could describe this book is whimsical! It is such a perfectly woven book for children. It made me remember why I use to love running to the school’s library every Friday afternoon! Even though I didn’t read it as a child, it felt nostalgic nonetheless. I’m really excited for the day I can share this book with my own children!

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Captivated (Hybrid Lovers Series Book 1) by Toya Richardson – Review by Jordan Allen

Captivated (Hybrid Lovers, #1)Captivated by Toya Richardson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Captivated: Hybrid Love follows Angelina as she finds herself in a spicy love triangle between two brothers. Long before she was born, the Fates set her soul to be destined to these two men for the rest of her existence. It is her love that will help these two men be able to fight demons and send them back to where they came from. The three of them need each other to survive. The way they receive each other’s love is spicy in every way.

This is only my second smut book I’ve ever read. Without experience in this genre, this book is well written. It delivers in every way that one would hope while looking for something a bit more erotic in thier reading life. I think if you’re looking to dive into a mystical creature love triangle with life threatening stakes, this would be the book for you! I liked the idea of the plot and enjoyed the creativity the author put into the story. I can say this book isn’t for me. I don’t think smut is my genre. However, I think it would be someone’s five golden star if this is their genre of choice! Ain’t no shame in the sexy game!

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The Last Cabin Girl (Detective Josie Thompson Series) by Tom Swyers – Review by Jordan Allen

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

The Last Cabin Girl follows Josie as she is in the process of filing for divorce from her abusive husband. She has secluded herself in a cabin with enough bad energy to keep her husband away from her and her children. While she fights for the end of her marriage, she watches as the coronavirus works its way across the ocean to America. That won’t be the only thing that fills her with terror once a body is discovered on her property. Every single bit of evidence points to Josie being the murderer.

This book is different from anything I have read before. It had action, betrayal, confusion, and twists that left my gaping. Josie is a very strong female character that works hard throughout the book for everything she wants in her life. She isn’t very likable but I’m not sure she was meant to be. She is someone I would avoid being friends with but that’s what makes her the perfect suspect.

My only drawback with the story was that it felt as though there was too much going on. I feel as though there was so much packed into the plot that at times the plots got completely lost. While the author did a fabulous job of tying up all the loose strings at the end, it felt as though there were too many strings. Personally, I didn’t feel as though it was realistic. With all that being said, I did enjoy it when I knew what was going on.

Overall it was a pretty easy read that took me on a rollercoaster. As far as being a thriller, it hit the mark completely!

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A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending Book 1) by Nicole Bailey – Review by Jordan Allen

A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending, #1)A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can’t get enough of this book! I am honestly so in love with everything I just read! Even though I was unable to put this book down, I didn’t want it to be over!

A Veil of Gods and Kings follows Apollo and Hyacinth as they are forced to learn how to live together. Due to Apollo’s stubbornness, he has found himself stuck with Hyacinth for the next year of his life. While the thought is grueling, he finds himself being mentored by him. Anything is better than descending right? As the story unfolds, we find ourselves on an emotional journey hoping for a love story that will leave us breathless.

When I saw a mythological retelling I knew I had to read it. I will be completely honest, I don’t know the original of this story. I am drawn to mythology retellings though. This one didn’t fail to disappoint me! This author was able to bring out every emotion while I read through this masterpiece. The story kept my interest the whole way. My only complaint about the book is that it’s over!

I absolutely recommend this book!

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Cosplay Worthy by Quiana Glide – Review by Jordan Allen

Cosplay WorthyCosplay Worthy by Quiana Glide
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Enchanting. Exquisite. Elegant.

28 year old Layla has found herself in a dream. She stumbled into comic-con excited to get an autograph from none other than Vic, author of her favorite comic book. A few weeks later she is in a romance that leaves readers hungry for me.

This book was everything I hope for out of a love story. It was cute, spicy, and fun. Even the darker parts of this book were handled with so much love and care. I found myself hooked on every word. Layla is someone I wish I could be friends with! She’s nerdy, loves manga, enjoys a teenager diet, and has such a true heart. Sometimes these types of stories can make a character feel 2-D. However I felt as though I could easily be friends with Vic and Layla. I even found myself whispering advice.

I absolutely recommend this book to anyone ready to get lost in a nerdy fairy tale!

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Class Clown (Ghost Girl Series) by Allan Evans – Review by Jordan Allen

Class ClownClass Clown by Allan Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a wild ride! Class Clown takes readers into the life of Abbey. She seems like your normal high school soccer player at first glance. As we travel through her life with her we realize that Abbey has the unique ability to communicate with those that have died. In a new high school, with a new group of friends, Abbey finds herself facing off against an army of dead clowns that have a vengeance. She brings her friends into her chaos to try to calm the storm and create peace again within the walls of high school.

At every turn this book surprised me. Woven together with 80’s music, sarcasm, and whitt this story takes you on an adventure you’re not soon to forget! If you love everything that goes bump in the night I highly suggest this book! It will have you turning the pages so quickly, you won’t even realize that you have finished it. I’m sad this is over but I will be looking for more from this author!

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Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, book 4) by Amy McKinley – Review by Jordan Allen

Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, #4)Savage Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Spicey. Action-packed. Exhilarating.

When El is taken back to her Mafia life by none other than her teenage fantasy Marco, she becomes the target of the Russian Mafia. El faces each challenge with a smile on her lips. At times she runs head first into the danger that awaits her at every turn.

Amy McKinely created a dangerous atmospheres with comforting characters and passionate sex scenes. She captivates her audience by bringing them alongside El as she uncovers the truth about who she is and where she was always meant to be. If you love a fast paced novel with heart pounding adventure, then this book is perfect for you!

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Jordan Allen

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book absolutely deserves to be a New York Time’s best seller!

Adijana enters into a life she didn’t ask for when she goes to visit her best friend Simeon. Upon arriving the queen is killed. Adijana learns that she has power that may make the truth of the murderer become apparent. However, she finds herself in murky waters as she muddles through politics, deception, and her new found mystical abilities.

Claire Luana knocked it out of the park with this one! I found myself staying up until midnight and waking up at 4AM just so I could read this book. I couldn’t find the self control to put it down! Every page leaked with passion, murder, fear, and betrayal. I didn’t know who to trust or where the story would lead. The last hundred pages Claire wrapped it all up in a beautiful box and set it on our laps.

I am really sad this book is over! I wish I could read it again for the first time. I will be anxiously awaiting the second book!

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Wild Hare’s Daughter (Wild Hares) by Laura Koerber – Review by Jordan Allen

Wild Hare's DaughterWild Hare’s Daughter by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Captivating. Imaginative. Angsty.

Those are the three words I would use to describe Amy’s journey to finding a relationship with her father. She flies through her town searching for answers and trying to solve adult problems all while trying to balance high school. She does all of it with a smile on her face.

I enjoyed reading this book. It kept my attention. I wanted to keep flipping to the next page. The second book to this duology was my favorite out of the two. I enjoyed the drama between Amy and her Evil Step Dad. It was entertaining to watch Bobby try to become a father. The relationship between Taylor and Bobby is always sweet to watch. I feel as though Sally was a bit too headstrong in this one but I enjoyed watching her grow as a character. Overall this book was like watching a comfortable sitcom on a Sunday night.

This is just a side-not to the author. A few of the names got switched around in the second book. Mrs. Allen’s name and Bryan’s name got switched around to Ryan. There were a couple of grammar and spelling problems that made it hard to read at times. This doesn’t take away from my review at all, I just wanted to let the author know!

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Wild Hare’s Daughter (Wild Hares) by Laura Koerber – Review by Jordan Allen

Wild Hare's DaughterWild Hare’s Daughter by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Captivating. Imaginative. Angsty.

Those are the three words I would use to describe Amy’s journey to finding a relationship with her father. She flies through her town searching for answers and trying to solve adult problems all while trying to balance high school. She does all of it with a smile on her face.

I enjoyed reading this book. It kept my attention. I wanted to keep flipping to the next page. The second book to this duology was my favorite out of the two. I enjoyed the drama between Amy and her Evil Step Dad. It was entertaining to watch Bobby try to become a father. The relationship between Taylor and Bobby is always sweet to watch. I feel as though Sally was a bit too headstrong in this one but I enjoyed watching her grow as a character. Overall this book was like watching a comfortable sitcom on a Sunday night.

This is just a side-not to the author. A few of the names got switched around in the second book. Mrs. Allen’s name and Bryan’s name got switched around to Ryan. There were a couple of grammar and spelling problems that made it hard to read at times. This doesn’t take away from my review at all, I just wanted to let the author know!

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Swipe Right to Bite (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 6) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Jordan Allen

Swipe Right to Bite (New Orleans Nocturnes, #6)Swipe Right to Bite by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hilarious. Sexy. Fun.

Swipe Right To Bite is the text-book definition of enemies to lovers. Katrina, a sex demon, is trying to redeem herself by refraining from sexual desires. In order to stick by her oath she creates a dating app that is just for hooking up. Instead of sex being her life, she makes other people’s sex lives her business – literally. Then Gabe, a retired sex demon, comes to New Orleans teaching emotional intimiacy over just phyisical attraction. Katrina is furious and plans to stop him at all costs. Gabe wants his business to thrive and will make any deal he can to make it happen. The two clash in a way neither truly expected.

This book is not one I would usually pick up. Supernatural-romances with an emphasis on enemies to lovers is not my usual flavor. With that being said, I completely lost myself in the world Carrie Pulkinen crafted for her readers! I laughed more than I ever have while reading a book. I found myself cheering for both Gabe and Katrina. Each character found a place in my heart. Mostly, I enjoyed myself. It has been a really long time since I read a seriously fun book.

If you are in need of a sexy romance with devilishly attractive characters or even just a light hearted book then his book is absolutely for you!

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No Names to Be Given by Julia Brewer Daily – Review by Jordan Allen

No Names to Be GivenNo Names to Be Given by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“But good things can come from pieces of a broken heart patched back together.”

In No Games Given, Julia Brewer Daily crafted three separate lives for readers to explore. Sandy, Faith, and Becca could not be more different. Set in the cruel 1960’s when women had few options and reputations to protect. These three women find themselves in a maternity home in New Orleans. They struggle through the loss of their youth, giving away their children for adoption, and the rippling effects they must face every single day. Each woman had to find a way to move forward after giving away the biggest pieces of their hearts.

This book felt very personal to me. My sister was given away for adoption in the late 80’s. While it was 20 years after this story took place, society still held women to an unfair standard. This book felt as though these are the type of stories my sister would’ve created as a young woman about her birth mother. Not only the stories but the endless stream of questions she would’ve asked herself. Was she beautiful? Was she successful? Did she even remember her? These very questions are not only tackled in the book but handled in a heart breaking sequence of events.

Julia wrote a breath-taking story with so many twists and turns. The summary does not do justice to the plot that awaits readers. If you have an interest in time pieces, diving deeper into women’s issues, and going on a wild adventure then I highly suggest this book! Just make sure you have some tissues nearby as you will need them!

I will be anxiously awaiting reading other books by this author in the future!

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