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Amy’s Betrayal (Gemstone Massacre Series) by Julia Goldhirsh – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Amy's Betrayal: An LGBTQIA+ Arthurian, Urban Fantasy (Gemstone Massacre Book 2)Amy’s Betrayal: An LGBTQIA+ Arthurian, Urban Fantasy by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Amy’s Betrayal is Book 2 in the Gemstone Massacre series….very intriguing story, so much going on, drama, action, danger and magic….I really enjoyed this story. I very highly recommend reading this series from the beginning as you are picking up after Book 1. If you are a lover of paranormal fantasy like I am this is a great series to pick up.

Amy is trying to lay low….and trying to stay alive and out of the sights of Opal. What Amy is to realize..she is a bit like Opal and wants nothing to do with that except to stop Opal from causing chaos and harm. Will Amy be able to overcome Opal when it counts…

This is a great urban fantasy….highly recommend and looking forward to what Julia has in store next!!

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Orange Forest Rabbit by Lois Wickstrom and Lucrecia Darling – Review by Kristin Boutelle

The Orange Forest Rabbit MysteriesThe Orange Forest Rabbit Mysteries by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

These stories are not what I expected at all. They are very entertaining and imaginative to make the stories more engaging to read. The characters are all very well put together. I love how there are moral values integrated into the story. Don’t just follow the crowd, do the right thing. Each one of the stories flows well and is easy to understand.

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Irresistible Bond (Central Florida Stories Book 5) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Dawn Mitchell

Irresistible Bond: Central Florida StoriesIrresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was hot an steamy! Storm, Marcus, and Barrington were friends since kids. Now they are grown an can they find it in their hearts for second chances? Especially when Storms job puts her in a bad situation and she needs her best friends to take care of her an to protect her.

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Irresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Irresistible Bond: Central Florida StoriesIrresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Marcus and Barrington Laurier are two cousins from an extremely rich family, a family to whom appearances and reputation are king and anyone who they deem lower than them isn’t worth their time. Storm Canales is a childhood friend of the two cousins, coming from a different background, she is not rich, but her family have worked hard for what they have and from an early age, the three musketeers have had a deep connection and friendship until one night when everything changed.

At a black-tie event, Marcus and Barrington are decked out in their finest apparel and Storm is wearing a beautiful burgundy dress which every woman is jealous of, and every man wants, the same could be said for the two extremely handsome cousins who also turn every eye, especially when they decide to get some air in a secluded part of the balcony. When there, a decidedly heated interaction is on the verge of being both accepted and desired when an ill-timed interruption from another of the Laurier clan shows Storm exactly how she is seen by her best friend’s family, less than nothing and a gold digger to boot.

When Storm realises that her soon to be loves cannot stand up for her, she remains true to her name and leaves in a storm of disappointment and shame and without looking back, she heads out to a new start with the DEA and all that the position there can offer her. Marcus and Barrington are shocked and appalled by their family and do their best to make amends, even if Storm won’t accept them or communicate with them, they try to carry on with their lives.

Unfortunately for Storm, she becomes mixed up with a Colombian drug cartel and has to keep herself alive throughout an ordeal she wouldn’t wish on her worst enemy, until she is brought home a changed woman. Meanwhile, the cousins are worried about Storm, so when they hear she is home, they are determined to right the wrongs of the past and regain Storm’s love and trust, however, just as they are making progress, the past returns and Storm is thrust back into danger, but this time, she has two very capable men to help her, but will that be enough?

This is a spicy romance with dark undertones where three people come together to hope, love and heal from the past so that they can try and have a future, however, where there is light, darkness follows, and this darkness could rip this tenuous bond apart at the seams when dangerous intentions mix with heartwarming scenes in this gripping read.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Amy’s Betrayal (Gemstone Massacre Series) by Julia Goldhirsh – Review by La Toya Lewis

Amy's Betrayal: An LGBTQIA+ Arthurian, Urban Fantasy (Gemstone Massacre Book 2)Amy’s Betrayal: An LGBTQIA+ Arthurian, Urban Fantasy by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amy’s Betrayal is Book 2 of the Gemstone Massacre Series. If you have not read Book 1, you must read that first. This story picks up pretty much where Book 1 ended. Amy and Naru are fleeing and Amy is separated from Dusk and Garnet. Amy finds herself in a bind and must call on an ally but it goes haywire. This story is very engaging. Lots of events are happening and lots of characters. You really must focus. The plot is very detailed and the world-building continues to be fantastic. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. There is great emotional payoff. This was a delightful book 2.

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Orange Forest Rabbit by Lois Wickstrom and Lucrecia Darling – Review by Megan Rea

The Orange Forest Rabbit MysteriesThe Orange Forest Rabbit Mysteries by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fantastic chapter book for your mid to upper elementary kiddos. I really love how Wickstrom creates a whimsical world filled with mystery that kept me turning the pages! My youngest (8F) and I took turns reading this to each other and we couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen! We were definitely kept on our toes with these mysteries! I really liked the fact that we got 3 short stories in this book and that, as always, Wickstrom is able to weave learning and life lessons together seamlessly.

Reviewed by @meggs1717
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Irresistible Bond (Central Florida Stories Book 5) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Irresistible Bond: Central Florida StoriesIrresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This enjoyable and entertaining romance can be read as a standalone story but is set in the Central Florida Stories/Club Nexus universe. It’s definitely for mature readers as it has explicit and erotic BDSM scenes as part of the story. Storm and her best friends, cousins Marcus and Barrington Laurier share one steamy night together lost in mutual desire. However, the wealthy Laurier family make it very clear that Storm does not belong in their world. Storm leaves to join the secretive DEA without saying goodbye. Five years later and Storm is left traumatised and scarred mentally and physically, after a mission to bring down a Colombian drug lord went horrifyingly wrong. Meanwhile, Doms Marcus and Barrington have cut family ties and built a life at Club Nexus. When they discover Storm is home they are determined to finally claim her and tell her they love her. This romantic suspense story had me hooked throughout, and both the characters and the setting came to life through the descriptive narrative.

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Irresistible Bond (Central Florida Stories Book 5) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Megan Rea

Irresistible Bond: Central Florida StoriesIrresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While this is the 5th book in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. I didn’t feel as though I was missing out on any pertinent information not having read the series prior to this book. I enjoyed the premise of the plot line. I thought it was intriguing and I couldn’t wait to see how it was going to be developed. I enjoyed the characters…individually…for the most part. I thought they were well-rounded and developed. However, when everything was put together, I was disappointed. Everything felt forced and unnatural. There were parts when the characters were done really well; however, this typically happened when the characters were on their own. Again, I really liked the premise of the plot and the characters, but pretty much throughout the entire book everything felt forced. This is an 18+ read…it comes with trigger warnings so if you are someone who needs those, please read them.
Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Orange Forest Rabbit by Lois Wickstrom and Lucrecia Darling – Review by Kerry Baker

The Orange Forest Rabbit MysteriesThe Orange Forest Rabbit Mysteries by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a family, we picked up this book expecting to be entertained and, as usual, the author did not disappoint! For us, this book was definitely all about the characters. They were so vivid and full of life, they pulled us into the story with ease.
Their adventure was fun to read about. Both my kids found it funny that the carrots had gone missing and enjoyed watching as the Orange Forest Rabbit tried to solve his problem. This was a great story and another hit from this author.

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The Chaos Clock: Tales of Cosmic Aether edited by Danielle Ackley-McPhail – Review by Kerry Baker

The Chaos ClockThe Chaos Clock by Danielle Ackley-McPhail
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I saw a new book by Danielle Ackley-McPhail, I picked it up to read without hesitating. So it was a pleasant surprised to find this actually be a collection of steampunk themed books, all with a common theme of time. It was delightful to discover each new story, and new author for the most part, as I made my way through this book.
I thought this collection of stories all molded together really well. It is a more unusual genre to write about and yet each author added to it beautifully. Each of these stories was unique, interesting to read and thoroughly enjoyable. I had already added a few more authors to me “to be read” list.

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Irresistible Bond (Central Florida Stories Book 5) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Amelia Stansell

Irresistible Bond: Central Florida StoriesIrresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought this book was really good. It is the 5th book of the series, but can be read as a stand alone. Everything made sense to me. Storm is best friends with the Laurier cousins. Their family has made it quite clear they don’t want her around. She leaves without telling either boy goodbye. For 5 years she is working her dream job, until one case goes terribly wrong. She ends up coming home. Marcus And Barrington are determined to make Storm theirs but are they also able to protect her?

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The Fallen Man Audiobook (The Olympic Peninsula Book 5) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Shelly Kittell

Wow! I am sad that this series is over. Hoping that the author may find a lost sibling to pop up with. Edward and Lisette’s story was intriguing and my favorite adventure yet. I loved how everything was tied up. I do suggest you listen to these in order. It’s a fantastic romance story that will leave you feeling every emotion because you will find the story and characters very relatable. The author narrates the story. She does a nice job. I can get behind recommending this series.

5/5 stars

The Book of Fears: A Collection of Short Stories by K. S. Gantt – Review by

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2L2TQNYMQZU3S/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6651958329

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/3028959215

Puzzleman by Christopher Alan Broadstone – Review by Heidi Sturgess

Puzzleman: A NovelPuzzleman: A Novel by Christopher Alan Broadstone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This cover just sends chill down your spine ! It’s a little taste of what’s to come 😉

My heart just aches for Amanda and the loss of her son and grief does strange things to people , we all cope and deal differently….

We have Jeanette and John and their lost love , then there’s Ben our retired detective and I think they’re much like farmers , they never can retire or sit still,let’s not forget the one legged man

Each of these people’s lives are somehow woven together in a frightful tale that has hints of mythology , horror , gore , history and folklore

The Grumemonsters are frightful and a living nightmare and I’d like to avoid crossing their path and I’d like to forget that the puzzle man exists 🙈😵‍💫

Was I on edge ? Yes ! Was I scared ? Yes! Did I have the passage light on ? Yes !

Irresistible Bond (Central Florida Stories Book 5) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Jules Herbert

Irresistible Bond: Central Florida StoriesIrresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is yet another fantastic read from this very talented author. With an interesting storyline and intriguing characters you will be taken into the world of BDSM and D/s/D relationships all while being kept on the edge of your seat waiting for the past to come back and cause a lot more trouble for Marcus, Storm and Barrington. You will be turning page after page because like me you will just have to know what is going to happen next.

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The Handshake Agreement (Book 1) by A. Akinosho – Review by Audrie Harrington

The Handshake AgreementThe Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked this story of Declan and Anne. This is an age gap romance as Declan is about 10 years older than Anne. Declan works at his father’s company and is told that he needs to stop being a player and settle down. Declan says his dad can choose a wife because he doesn’t believe in love, but he wants 10 years. Anne moved to the US from the UK after her dad died and her mom had a breakdown. She is guarded and doesn’t really trust many people, but is one of Declan’s sister’s friends and when their eyes meet during a ride home, they both feel it. They meet one more time at a party and he’s hoping to get her out of his system with a kiss. A few years later he still thinks about Anne often. She is finished with college and they decide to meet up. The book follows their relationships over many years. He is sometimes demanding and overprotective and she is naive but also independent. I struggled a bit with some missing background. Declan often refers to his brothers, but he isn’t talking about his actual brother Julian, it is a group of friends that have known each other and worked together for years. He’s definitely written as an alpha, almost like the mafia or a motorcycle club but he doesn’t ride.

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Discovering Desire (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn – Review by Kelli Harper

Discovering Desire (Shattered Embrace #3)Discovering Desire by Alyndra Quinn

While this is book 3 in the Shattered Embrace Series, this is the first book of the series that I have read myself. I am definitely going to have to go back and read the first two to get more of the beginning of this story but I did not feel as if I missed a whole lot. This book can totally be read as a stand-alone. The chemistry between Justine, Jordan, and Derek is palpable and it is crazy hot to read their scenes together. This story will have you turning pages and dreading having to put it down even for a minute. It will keep you on your toes throughout the whole read.

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As always the author does a great job of transporting you back to the 1930’s and really making you feel like you are right there in the midst of the story with her vivid descriptions and well written story telling. Sparky is back, stirring up trouble as she works to prove her boss isn’t a murderer, all while trying to juggle, school, her guardian’s potential career revival, as well as having to volunteer with cop Mug and Detective Bernie. I am still loving that the station has a police bunny, just cracks me up. As always Sparky keeps finding herself in all sorts of mischief and trouble as she sleuths her way through the murder investigation. There are definitely plenty of twists and turns, as well as humor, in this cozy noir historical mystery. Looking forward to seeing more Sparky mysteries!

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Puzzleman by Christopher Alan Broadstone – Review by Mandy Ott

Puzzleman: A NovelPuzzleman: A Novel by Christopher Alan Broadstone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Broadstone is a first time author for me and I am hooked! Puzzleman is horrifically original, macabre, and full of so many twists, turns, and a crazy interconnectedness. Broadstone weaves such an intricately detailed story and delivers it in such a way that the reader can smell the pipe world, feel the heat of the puzzleman’s breath, and see the nauseating, deformed “bodies” of the grumemonsters. The characters are realistically flawed and believable. This book combines history, mythology, horror, mystery, and gore. There were a few places where the writing seemed a bit disjointed, but it did not detract from the story one bit. Overall, an amazing horror read by a great author. I can’t wait to read more from Mr. Broadstone.

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Amy’s Betrayal (Gemstone Massacre Series) by Julia Goldhirsh – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Amy's Betrayal: An LGBTQIA+ Arthurian, Urban Fantasy (Gemstone Massacre Book 2)Amy’s Betrayal: An LGBTQIA+ Arthurian, Urban Fantasy by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After getting to read book one, I was thrilled to be able to check out book 2 and continue to see how the story unfolds. The author continues to create an amazing story with non-stop action and continues to draw you into the story. It was great getting to see where all of the different characters are and to see the continued character development for them. Dusk is struggling with how he perceives Amy betraying him, while Amy is starting to see how she and Opal have some similar qualities. The conflicts, drama, suspense, magic, shifters, and gemstones to name a few, kept me enthralled. The author continues to paint a vivid picture that makes you feel like you are really in the story. I love that the author took a classic story and has put such a creative twist to it! I am looking forward to seeing what comes next.

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Discovering Desire (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn – Review by Candida Hopper

Discovering Desire (Shattered Embrace #3)Discovering Desire by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was so much fun to read. It had a little bit of everything I wanted in a good story. This book has mystery, action, danger, mafia, steamy moments, love, loyalty, family, great characters and more. I enjoy this author’s style of writing. I got sucked into the story from the beginning and I was kept entertained throughout. I had a hard time putting this down while I was reading because I needed to know what was going to happen next. The chemistry between Derek and Justine could be felt jumping off the pages but both of them like to keep people at arms length. Justine’s past has a lot to do with how she interacts now. Derek is always trying to protect the people he cares about. If you want to know what happens between these two then this is a must read. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book.

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The Music That Ties Us (Love Ties Us Series) by Nicolette Terry – Review by Nina Maes

Rockstar Energy Drink book! I just loved this story and all the feels that it brought to light for me. This is a page turner, with great characters throughout. I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a fast-paced love story with an extra shot of spicy. I will be looking forward to reading more by this author. This one will not disappoint.

The Music That Ties Us: A Rockstar Romance (Love Ties Us)The Music That Ties Us: A Rockstar Romance by Nicolette Terry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rockstar Energy Drink book! I just loved this story and all the feels that it brought to light for me. This is a page turner, with great characters throughout. I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a fast-paced love story with an extra shot of spicy. I will be looking forward to reading more by this author. This one will not disappoint.

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The Fallen Man Audiobook (The Olympic Peninsula Book 5) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Robin Rankin

The Fallen Man: A Heartwarming Holiday Romance Set in the 1990s (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 5)

This is the fifth and final book in this series and I think Ms. Treadgold did a good job wrapping everything up with all of the O’Connell family.

Edward the enigma of the family is home. After devoting most of his adult life to God and the church he leaves and comes home to his family. Never one to be too close with his siblings he tries to build those relationships and learn how to live in a secular world.

Lisette the owner of a cafe and the place Edward finds himself spending time. She has a past but not what everyone thought at first.

It was nice to follow this family through several years. A Second Generation wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Irresistible Bond (Central Florida Stories Book 5) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Michelle Troyer

Irresistible Bond: Central Florida StoriesIrresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a contemporary romance with suspense, danger and so much more. The author pulls you into the story from the very beginning and you won’t want to put it down. Great standalone book!

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Love Rinkside (The Playmakers Series) Audiobook by G. K. Brady – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

Although it was a quick listen, Love Rinkside was a laugh out loud funny, well written, hockey romance. Although the guy plays hockey and it’s important to him it wasn’t the center point of the novel. The first chapter had me laughing out loud. I loved the relationship between the MMC and the FMC, and it started out pretty intense for them both. I think both voices were a perfect fit for the characters and really brought them to life! I am definitely interested in reading/listening to more of the novels in this series.

Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 2) by MK Harkins – Review by Stephanie Runyon

Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #2)Red by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Merilee had messed up on her mission. She had been sent to Earth to help Ashley Adams find her soulmate, Harry James, who was a famous singer. Posing as Laura Vanetta, Merilee had become best friends with Ashley, keeping her safe from her stepmother, who had attempted to kill her. She had spent time with Harry’s best friend, George Sparks. George had fallen in love with Merilee. Ashley’s Guardian Angel, Zuriel, was furious because he now had to work with Merilee and Fannetta to keep Ashley safe from her stepmother and help George be open to love again. Merilee and Zuriel are not happy about working together.

George’s new roommate, Hunter, was desperate to get George out of his depression. Now at the University of California, George still wasn’t over, not knowing why Laura was just gone. After convincing him to attend a party, George spiraled further into depression by drinking every day and missing his classes for two weeks. Hunter warned him that he was on academic probation and was risking his dream of being a veterinarian. Hunter convinced him to talk to a counselor. Meadow was going to help him move forward with life.

Lily was staying at an Airbnb and worried she was going to fail with her plans. Her mother had wanted her to stay nearby and go to medical school. However, Lily didn’t want to be a doctor for people. She wanted to work with animals and decided to leave Washington to take the veterinary program at UCLA. While at Target, Ashley overhears Lily talking to the cashier. She offers Lily a room in her house.

During Ashley and Harry’s first anniversary, George meets Lily. They had so many things in common and agreed to meet at a coffee house for a date. The date goes well and extends all day. At the end of the date, they kiss passionately. Suddenly, George stops the kiss and tells her he has to leave and can’t see her again. Lily is hurt.

Red is full of suspense that is filled with tension on every page. Merilee and Zuriel seem to have a love-hate relationship that grows the longer they try to intervene in George’s downward spiral and refusal to admit his feelings for Lily. The emotional turmoil is easy to understand. There are some darker themes; however, the romance is appropriate for high school-age readers. This is a five star novel capable of being a standalone, despite being the second in the series.

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Puzzleman by Christopher Alan Broadstone – Review by Shelly Kittell

Puzzleman: A NovelPuzzleman: A Novel by Christopher Alan Broadstone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Now, I feel that I’ll give a little warning: This is a graphic horror. If you aren’t into that type of book, you might want to pass. If you like this type of genre, here we go. I love it. Reminded me of the days when Stephen King had more gore in his stories. I found these stories good. I came in expecting horror and thrills; I got them in spades. Excellent read with lots of action, descriptions. I found the writing to be well-done. It’s one of the better horror novels I’ve read in a long time.

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Raccoon Reunion by Terri Sabol – Review by Felicia Bates

Raccoon ReunionRaccoon Reunion by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Raccoon Reunion was the bedtime book of choice and I will admit, it did not disappoint. It was the perfect length for bedtime routine. My daughter’s favorite part of the book was when the raccoons enjoyed a game of Marco Polo as she enjoyed reading “Marco, Polo, Polo” she explained to me. I thought the story and illustrations were really cute. I am someone that makes plans or dreads social settings only to realize it was exactly what I needed… I think that Rocky learned this as well. Raccoon Reunion was a really fun children’s book.

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The Handshake Agreement (Book 1) by A. Akinosho – Review by Robin Rankin

The Handshake AgreementThe Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Handshake Agreement: An Age Gap, Second Chance Romance

I overall enjoyed the book. Still confused about the timeline of the story and Anne’s reaction to something that happened.

Declan is an insufferable Alpha in every way but under that armor he wears is a guy with a huge heart and loves fiercely when it happens.

Anne has had her heart broken more times than most people could handle and I think those are what caused her to react the way she did to some of the situations.

Looking forward to see what Ms. Akinosho has in store for us.

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This Time Around by Kimberly Packard – Review by Sheri Schrader

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This Time Around is a story about returning to your past and the potential to make changes. Josie is a 47-year-old woman, a mother, a business owner, and in the process of divorce. She is relatable as she deals with all the challenges life brings her way. After she has a panic attack, she awakens in her teenage bedroom, about to start her senior year of high school. Is this a time to change the “what ifs” or to repeat the past? Josie’s character draws you into her adult and teen life because she is realistic and understandable. Most of us have those experiences in high school that we know we could have handled differently now that we have the insight of living in the adult world. She handles everything carefully, trying not to give herself away to her friends and classmates that she is 47 in a teen’s body. With the opportunity to make changes in her past, does Josie change her future? If you enjoy a bit of time traveling with women’s fiction, this is a great read that explores the “what ifs” of life.
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

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