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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shelly Kittell

Oliver, A Story About AdoptionOliver, A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a very well-written book about adoption and the feelings that kids may have. Not only does it cover how an adopted child may feel but it also talks about how children may feel when they are mad at their parents and might wish they want a different life. I appreciate how the author approached the topic and made it a fun story that is entertaining yet covers real and important topics. This is a story that I will be sharing with my grandson. We have custody of him and it will help us explain some of how he feels is normal. Big feelings are okay. Great book that I recommend.

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Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Whisper Hymer

Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns)Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Flame and Crystal Thorns begins a new series by Kay L. Moody. It is the story of Chloe who appears to have been a minor character from an earlier series. I am not certain as I’ve never read another book by this author. The book can, however, be read, understood, and enjoyed as a stand-alone read – though it did have a slow feeling start without prior knowledge of the characters and mystical world Ms. Moody has created.

Ms. Moody did a lovely job of explaining character motivation and interactions found in her previous work. Her writing is flowing and filled with descriptive language to help the reader immerse in the story. I found the story enchanting with a creative use of magic and its magical boundaries. The main character, Chloe, feels real as she struggles through doubt and fear. In a refreshing twist, we follow a reluctant hero with abilities but also heart and crippling fears. The intwined love story gave the book an intriguing companion for Chloe and added some interesting twists. All in all, I think I will need to get my hands on more works by Ms. Moody soon!

Reviewed by @whisperhymer

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Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Tia Martel

Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns)Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chloe has made a life for herself back in the mortal world as the town’s apothecary. As a human, she’s content living this way and is adamant that she will never go back to Faerie, but sometimes things change.

When a fae shows up begging for her help in saving Faerie, she repeatedly says no until it’s apparent she cannot keep refusing. Her sister is in danger and she must go help fight the angry humans poisoning Faerie with iron.

She packs a bag to make the trip, but when making their way into Faerie things take a turn when the humans are stronger than anticipated. Now armed with a new magic, Chloe has to save all of Faerie before it’s too late.

Flame and Crystal Thorns was a fun, suspenseful read with wonderful world building. If you’re a fan of Sarah J. Maas you will absolutely love this story! It pulls you in from the first page and doesn’t willingly let you go until you’re craving more.

I adored Chloe and Quintus, and I’m excited to check out book 2 in this series. I’m 100% hooked and ready for more time in Faerie with this crew!

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Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by S. Bittles

Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns, #1)Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I could not read this book fast enough!!! The next book in the series is to be released later this year and I will definitely be preordering it. My understanding is that there is a previous series that comes before this one, but I was able to enjoy this book without reading the other series.

I throughly enjoy this Authors writing, it is so vivid and engaging, even when describing bandaging a wound. We are given a wonderful plot and very loveable characters. I look forward to reading previous books and new ones to come.

This is a shorter review because I am unable to write more without giving anything away, just go read it!!

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Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Jennifer Reimer

Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns)Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was amazing, I could not put it down, it took me to a whole another world, I thrilly enjoyed it. This book was filled with action the whole way thou. It really kept me in anticipation and on the edge of my seat wanting to know what was going to happen next with Chloe. Chloe is an amazing well put together character, her sass and determination and growth in the book made it hard not to enjoy her character. Chloe’s leadership and the was she was dealing with tasks make you know that she will be an amazing person and character. The visuals that were placed in the book about the Faerie world made you think you were right there and able to reach out and touch everything. This story did not disappoint me at all. Its an amazing and wonderful book loved it from start to finish. A must read book by far. Can’t wait to read the rest in this series.

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Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Desiree Ottinger

Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns, #1)Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chloe has acclimated back into the human world after being in Fairy for a while. She is the village apothecary and does her utmost to heal all who are injured or sick. When some of the villagers come down with an illness that she can’t cure without using Fairy elements, she becomes very concerned. Then a Fae from her past, Quintus, shows up asking for her help to save other Fae from humans who are poisoning Fairy with iron. They quickly figure out that the illness in the village is connected to the poisoning of Fairy. Can they work together to save Fairy and thus the villagers in time?

I enjoy this author’s books because they write Fae characters well. I haven’t read the series that this spins off from, but I will. Chloe seemed a little on the frail side of being able to deal with conflict. I appreciated reading about how she deals with it and finding out why she responds in the way she does. I look forward to finding out more in the next books!

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Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Heather Watson

Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns)Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first-time reading Kay L. Moody and I have to say it was not what I was expecting. Flame and Crystal Thorns was one of the first Fae books that I have read. The world of Fae hasn’t been a world I’m that familiar with. After reading this book I found out that this a spin off from The Fae of Bitter Thorn series, that gives more background to the characters in this novel. Even though you can read this book without reading the other series I think I would have understood the book better. Chole isn’t the normal main character I am used to which was a change for me that’s for sure. This book left a great cliff hanger that leaves me wanting more. I am ready to read what come next for these characters.

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Distant Heart Sounds (Nurse Morgan Series Book 1) by Kate MacInnis – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Distant Heart Sounds (Nurse Morgan #1)Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyable paranormal romance story with auras, ghosts, mystery and romance. Morgan Cutler is an ER nurse with many years experience……and going through a near death experience of her own she now has the psychic ability to see spirits of deceased people. There were moments that I chuckled with all the dialogue with Morgan and the “spirits”. I love that Morgan was also opening up herself to something new and throw in a handsome ER Doctor…what can truly happen if Morgan does see evil or are things better left unseen??

Looking forward to book 2!

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Distant Heart Sounds (Nurse Morgan Series Book 1) by Kate MacInnis – Review by Candice Estes

Distant Heart Sounds (Nurse Morgan #1)Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Morgan has had a brain aneurism rupture, and a few weeks after surgery she starts to see, hear and smell things that shouldn’t be possible. One night she wakes up to a party in her living room that she can see, hear and even smell, though the people aren’t really there, and they don’t seem to be able to see or hear her. Eventually, she learns that she can see auras as well as spirits from the other side. As an ER nurse, this can sometimes be frustrating for Morgan, as she is overwhelmed with recently passed people who want or need her help, or just want someone to talk to. Eventually, Morgan learns that she’s not the only one in her friends group who has these abilities, and her friends are eager and willing to help her learn how to work her powers and navigate the new world she’s found herself in. Now, if she could just get the male ghost in her house to behave appropriately, she’d be in a much better position.

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Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Jessica Stone

Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 6)Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Jessica Stone

This is the first book I’ve read from this author or in this series, there are multiple books that come before this one but you do not have to have previously read those to understand this story. This story, Collateral damage, follows Hayley and Trey.

Trey still reeling from the death of his previous girlfriend meets Hayley prior to this book but chooses to walk away having not healed from his loss.
Months later Hayley gets kidnapped, and Trey is asked by Hayley’s step father Allen,(who sits on the board of the hospital Trey works at and Hayley’s mom owns)to find and save Hayley from whatever fate awaits her, Trey will do anything to get Hayley back.

After some crazy twist and turns Hayley and Trey end up in a twisted web of lies and secrets that just might tear them apart or worse one of them could wind up dead.

A very slow burn, friends to lovers, mafia romance, with just the right amount of action. I can’t wait to read more in this series. It introduces you to many faces who have their own books in the series and if they are as good as this one I’ll be on the edge of my seat the entire time.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Wendy Wary

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved reading this tale about Grace, a young woman who learned to fight as a means for survival, and then fighting in an underground circuit as a way to make money to help support her mother and sister after her father dies. The struggle of facing starvation and threat of losing her family due to her mother’s schizophrenia and their impoverished living conditions is all Grace can focus on in her small little world in the Bronx.
But, when she gets offered a deal to fight legitimately while representing a freshly launched athletic clothing brand, it affords her an opportunity to finally think beyond how she’s going to pay for medications and care for her mother and when her next meal will be. Weighed by promises and ghosts from the past, Grace has to figure out how to overcome her emotions and fears and decide if fighting professionally is something she wants.
With a cast full of colorful and diverse characters, the author did a great job weaving a story about overcoming hardships, facing fears, finding yourself, healing from the past, dedication and perseverance, and building community with those around you. I’m excited to read the next book in the series!

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Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by stephanie nicole

Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was a really great sequel to the first book. It was a perfect clean teen read with enough surprises to keep you guessing. The first book was great but this sequel really took the cake. Full of teen angst, a hint of romance, and plenty of humor this book was a great read and definitely parent approved.

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Romance under Aquarius (Stargazing Series Book 1) by Danielle Jacks

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Romance under Aquarius (Stargazing Series Book 1) by Danielle Jacks
Genre – Paranormal, Romance
Page Count – 226
Cover Designer – Shower of Schmidt Designs

Romance under Aquarius is book 1# of the Stargazing series, a 12-book series of standalones.

Kasper

What would you do for your dying brother?

Would you travel the world and swim to the deepest depths?

If I told you Greek mythology speaks of a water healer under the zodiac sign of Aquarius, would you consider going after it?

Maris

What would you do if you found out your fiancé was cheating on you?

Would you fight your father’s decision to have you marry him?

If I told you your opinion wouldn’t change a thing, would you fight to be heard or maybe run away?

Pasha

What would you do if the only person you loved was intended for your best friend?

Would you sacrifice your own happiness for theirs?

If I told you your future following others’ rules would make you miserable, would you step in line?

Ryn

What would you do if you found out you could be king but you’d have to marry someone you didn’t love?

Would you try to make it work?

If I told you the princess is destined for more than you can offer, would you help her?

~ AMAZON ~ AMAZON UK ~

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Danielle lives in Yorkshire, England, with her husband, daughter, and tortoise. She enjoys reading, watching the rain, and listening to old music. Her dreams include writing stories, visiting magical places, and staying young at heart. The people who know her describe her as someone who has her head in the clouds and her mind in a book.

Author Interview with Danielle Jacks

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Oliver, A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom

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Oliver, A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
Genre – Kids, Family
Page Count – 24
Cover Designer – Priscilla Marden

Oliver is stuck in his room. His father sent him there for playing in a tree that was too young to be climbed. Oh, if only he still lived with his birthparents! What could he do if he were with them? Be a scientist? Or a trapeze artist? Do other people wish for other parents when they are angry with their own?  Updated to adoption language of the 21st century.

~ AMAZON ~

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Lois is a former high school chemistry teacher and former head science teacher at Science in the City Summer Camp in Philadelphia. She has also been an adjunct science teacher at the University of South Florida. Since retiring, she continues to take science classes. Her class in Forensic Biology led to Little Red, The Detective, in which Red is studying fingerprint identification, so she can tell that “Grandma” isn’t who she says she is.

Lois has taken so many science classes that she believes science is the solution to almost every problem, including the dilemmas in fairy tales. She has invented what she calls Science Folktales. In each science-based tale, the protagonist achieves a better ending than the original because of learning scientific principles. She has turned some of these tales into plays for children.

She has also created a series of Mermaid Science stories, which make use of water science.

Lois is married to the love of her life. She has two children and four grandchildren, and a dog. She gardens, rides her bike, and tries to save the planet.

Author Interview with Lois Wickstrom

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The Vardoger Boy (The Forerunner Saga Book 2) by Jay Veloso Batista

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The Vardoger Boy (The Forerunner Saga Book 2) by Jay Veloso Batista
Genre – Fantasy, Historical
Page Count – 350
Cover Designer – J Caleb Design

Vikings war with the last Saxon Kingdom, blood feuds stalk the family, the werebear takes revenge and our forerunner hero must face trolls, a kelp man and his nuggles, and a dark elf! The epic adventures of the Agneson Clan continue! The year is 878: Danish forces assemble for war on Wessex and the loyal Agneson Clan heeds the call to join the Great Viking Horde, but while honorable men gather in the midlands, a blood feud draws mercenaries to their undefended homestead for murderous revenge.

Sailing his Viking crew to fulfill their oath, Karl harbors suspicions over strange occurrences that bedevil his nephew Thorfinn, while far to the north their sworn enemy the werebear and his dark elf master strike back… And the young forerunner Thorfinn learns the Nine Realms are full of surprising hidden folk, but to earn his place aboard the Viking’s ship he must accept a mast troll’s quest….

Will the family escape the despicable vendetta? Can Thorfinn face the evils prowling the bottom of the Humber Estuary? Does Cub battle to victory against King Alfred’s men? How can Karl and his Vikings find and defeat a mysterious lair of were-beasts?

The epic saga of Thorfinn the forerunner and his clan in Danelaw England continues…. Like history and legends? Enjoy the gritty realism of TV’s Vikings or the multi-character fantasy of The Song of Ice and Fire? Want Viking Age drama and adventures like The Last Kingdom, then this is a series you’ll love!

~ AMAZON ~

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Jay Veloso Batista is a published author of Historical Fantasy and Supernatural Suspense, technical non-fiction, poetry and role-playing games. The Forerunner Series includes ‘Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse,’ ‘The Vardoger Boy,’ ‘On Viking Seas,’ ‘Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (2022),’ ‘Mauraders in Jotunheim (2023),’ and  ‘Voyage to Cordova (2024).’ Jay loves history, cycling and hiking, and  good craft beer! A frequent traveler for business and pleasure, Jay has visited all 50 states and all of the continents except Antarctica, and the places he has frequented support his story craft. A father and grandfather, Jay lives on the eastern Delaware shore with his wife where they can kayak, swim in the ocean and eat lots of blue fin crabs! You can learn more about Jay at www.jayvelosobatista.com or on his Facebook Author page.

Author Interview with Jay Veloso Batista

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Unlikely to Tell (A Parker Lake Novel Book 4) by Olivia Sherwood – Review by Whitney Morrison

Unlikely to Tell (A Parker Lake Novel Book 4)Unlikely to Tell by Olivia Sherwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loooved this story! This series is just amazing, and I love the small town romance part of it. Each story is unique in its own way and this one definitely didn’t disappoint. Karen and Brody were perfect for each other and I loved going on their journey with them! If you like small town romance this is the series for you!

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The True Garza (Red Cage Book 3) by S. Ann Cole – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

The True Garza (Red Cage, #3)The True Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The True Garza is about True, a vice president of Red Cage Security Company and London (Lonny), a former agent turned private contractor. Lonny has had a rough year with an assignment gone bad and the death of her father, so she decided to move to LA to live with her sister. However, in LA there is a hot fling she had over a year ago, in her dark time, that she can’t get out of her head, True. Well, she ends up working for his company but wasn’t aware at the beginning because when she knew him he went by a different name. Each had been pining for each other over the last year, however, the biggest problem is True is a big time playboy with commitment issues. The two of them form a really strange, sexual relationship – really an addiction to each other. However, while she is falling for him, he is a commitment phobe, so really where will this go. Will she stay? Will she leave him for a commitment? Do either of them have the willpower to leave this addiction? Only time will tell!

Let me put it this way, I want to go read the first two in the series if it is anything like this one. Where do I begin with all the things I loved about this book? One, I read it in 24 hours! Two, the main characters were amazing. They were playful, tons of banter, and amazing dom-sub smut!! However, Lonny is a badass, takes no shit, defends herself, and is an honest female lead. Granted, she has a submissive weakness for True, but doesn’t everyone have a weakness! While she is addicted to True, she is also very self-aware of that fact, but also stands her ground with him too! True, well you can feel all the angst he is going through over Lonny and I was totally there for it. This was one of my favorite types of books, a good plot with great smut!!

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Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Megan Conley

Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns)Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m such a sucker for a good YA novel. Fantasy has never been a genre that I gravitate toward but what drew me in right away was the amazing cover. I mean…LOOK at it! And once I read the summary, I had to give it a chance. This is a spin-off of another series by Kay L. Moody; however, you don’t need to have read that series to understand what’s going on in this one. I’m sure reading the previous series would give you a deeper/better understanding of some of the events alluded to in this series, but the author does a great job of skimming over the events and filling in any blanks the reader might have. I will definitely be going back and reading the other series by Moody.
I absolutely love how the author completely immerses the reader into not only Chloe’s mortal world, but Quintus and Elora’s fae world. Moody’s descriptions are great and while I would call this book a slow burn, it still kept my attention and I had a hard time putting it down. Moody moves the plot forward at a great pace and I love how she develops her characters.
Chloe isn’t your typical main character heroine. She’s indecisive, reserved, and insecure; HOWEVER, she also has a sharp tongue, is witty, and will fight for what she believes in. Quintus is my favorite type of character…you love to hate him, but deep down inside you really love him. He’s broody, surly, and demanding, but he’s also protective, caring, and smitten with Chloe. I really like the slow, but clean 😉 burn between Chloe and Quintus. There is definitely some history between the two that (unless you’ve read the other series) we aren’t privy to, but I think it adds to the mystery of their relationship.
I can’t wait to see what Book 2 holds because WHEW! that ending! Be prepared to be left on a cliff so steep you’ll wonder how you’re ever going to get off. Overall, I would highly recommend this series!

Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Coyote’s Road Trip by Laura Koerber – Review by Carrie Reed

Coyote's Road TripCoyote’s Road Trip by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 stars

This is not my first book by this author, and it won’t be my last, somehow I am always pulled right into these books. In this story we have Jim going on a journey of finding himself really, and the different people Jim meets along the way. The cast of characters are interesting but Janey and her father stuck out to me the most. The way Jim describes the scene with the two really broke my heart, but it was also sort of beautiful at the same time. Rachel also stood out to me, I like that Jim found his ending for now alongside Rachel. There were moments I found myself chuckling, such as the farting scene and just all around enjoying the journey along with Jim. I look forward to more from this brilliant author.

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The True Garza (Red Cage Book 3) by S. Ann Cole – Review by Terri Jo McAllister

The True Garza (Red Cage Book 3)The True Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

True Garza was the “good one”; the fun-loving, easy-going one of the family. But when he meets the woman from his past that haunts his dreams, everything goes haywire. London Bridges is a woman in a league of her own and she has set her sites on the one man she can’t forget.

I loved this book! True’s story was so intriguing. I really felt the difficulties these two would have with this relationship. Great characters and an intriguing plot make this book one for your TBR list.

Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister
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