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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6) by Aubrey Wynne – Review by Tausha Treadway

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6)Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6) by Aubrey Wynne. I love this author and this series. She has a way with these historical romances where you feel as if you are actually there in that time period. This is the 6th book in the Once Upon a Widow series and its as good if not better than the previous books. Its the story of Lady Helen who finds herself in a mess, she is a widow with a small child. Helen went against her family and married a Irish rebel and now she is widowed. When she goes back home to attend her brother’s wedding she is paired with the Earl of Griffith as her date. He falls in love immediately. Helen has her walls up and insists she is never going to fall in love again or marry but the Earl has other ideas. Conway has been all about his work all his life and serving the people but when he meets Helen he realizes he’s been missing out on love. Will he be able to convince Helen to take a chance on him? Read this amazing book to find out!

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Huff… Puff… Grind! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Bobbi Wagner

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Huff... Puff... Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get SmartHuff… Puff… Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a children’s author that I have enjoyed from the first book I picked up from her. One of the things I enjoy about this author is her ability to make a story engaging and fun for children of all ages. There is an educational aspect to her books as well. This is a story about the three pigs and a wolf who couldn’t blow their houses down. I enjoyed how engaging the characters are and what they brought to the story. It is an interactive story that will keep your child’s attention to the end. A great story that any age child would enjoy. I highly recommend this book and this author.

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Review by @bjwagner

Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6) by Aubrey Wynne – Review by Bobbi

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6)Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an author that I have enjoyed reading her historical romance stories from the first book I picked up. I enjoy her writing skills and her attention to details that give her stories life. This book is no different. It is a well written story that is one of my favorites by this author. A second chance romance story where Lady Helen finds herself a widow. The Earl of Griffith was sent to bring her home. Will they find more than just a journey home? I really enjoyed these characters and what they brought to the story. They pulled me into their world with ease and had me coming back for more. I enjoyed watching their growth as well as their chemistry. What happens you don’t want to miss. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story that I highly recommend.

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Review by @bjwagner

People Safari by Feather Chelle – Review by Tausha Treadway

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

People Safari by Feather Chelle. This is such a beautiful book inside and out. Its the story of animals who go on a journey into the city and their view of human life. Ranger Marco, a raccoon is the leader and he is trying to convince the deer family that it is safe to venture out. He finally talks them into it and they go on an adventure. The fawn learns about neighborhoods, how people live and people in general. When the fawn gets lost the deer family is terrified and decide to never leave the forest again. This is such a fun book about animals take on people and the things they do. Such a fun book and would be a great gift as well. As an adult I enjoyed it very much.

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What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Maikalani Alexander

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What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor)What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A very sweet children’s story to inspire invention and creative thinking. It’s a perfect short story for intermediate readers and a great 10 minute read for little ones. Inspiring your children to play outdoors in the garden or meadow amongst the flowers exploring.

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Lap Baby by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Diane Sennett

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Lap Baby: Emotional Women's FictionLap Baby: Emotional Women’s Fiction by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an incredible story. I was intrigued at the beginning and boy was I taken for an emotional roller coaster ride with the survivors of a plane crash. Each survivor has coped and not always “lived” in the 20 years since the plane went down.
The writing was superbly done. Each character comes to life on the page; you cannot help but to feel their trials and triumphs.
I highly recommend this book!

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Living with Conviction: A True Crime Memoir by Toby Dorr – Review by Kerry Carr

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Living With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering ChoicesLiving With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering Choices by Toby Dorr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really good read. It is the authors Memoir about her life, the decisions she made and the consequences of those decisions. It is a really raw and emotional story. It gives the reader a indepth look into the prison system and how inmates are treated. It also shows us what life is like after a person is released and trying to rebuild their life.
The author’s life sounded pretty normal, she had a good job, a husband, nice lifestyle and kids, however like in a lot of seeming perfect lives the reality isn’t always the picture the outside world sees. When she meets John who is an inmate at the prison she volunteers at the connection is instant. She finds everything she is missing in her life in John and when they make plans for a life together she makes the decision to help him. A decision which will change her life forever.

I could understand Toby’s decision to cling on to and grab the happiness she was missing. But that one decision changes her life so much. In some ways in a really negative way however, as we learn it also gave her the opportunity to really find out who she was as a person. It was interesting to see and read about her growth and development of character as she had to deal with when she was taken out of her safe and comfortable environment and placed somewhere she had never experienced before.
This story was a really inspiring read and seeing Toby’s growth and resilience as she overcome all the obstacles in front of her allows the reader the see that no matter what bad or misguided choices you made you can always change it around and become a more aware and developed person because of it.

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Huff… Puff… Grind! (Science Folktales Series Book #2) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Hayes

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Huff... Puff... Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get SmartHuff… Puff… Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3 Stars

Huff…Puff…Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart is the second in the Science Folktales series by Lois Wickstrom. It is a cute Illustrated children’s fantasy story- a reimagining of the classic fairytale, The Three Little Pigs, with a bit of a twist.
The story encourages problem solving, kindness, negotiation, bargaining, and more…
But again, I really didn’t like the style of illustrations inside the storybook. I really hoped that the internal quality of the illustrations would match the quality of the ‘new’ cover picture- but the internal illustrations are in a very naïve/simplistic style, which just seemed a bit ‘bland’ to me. The illustrations don’t hold your attention like the cover image does, and I felt let down because of it.

The Science Folktales Series contains (so far):
-Chicken Little (Book #1)
-Huff…Puff…Grind! The Three Little Pigs Get Smart (Book #2)
-Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! The Real Magic of the Beans (Book #3)
-Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines (Book #4)
-Little Red, the Detective (Book #5)
-Just One More Egg (Book #6)
-The Dwarves’ Dilemma (Book #7)
-Saving the Gingerbread House (Book #8)

There’s lots to explore in this STEM storybook series- with plenty of adventures to take, and lots of different things to learn along the way.
Looking forward to more from Ms. Wickstrom.
Happy reading…

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Living with Conviction: A True Crime Memoir by Toby Dorr – Review by Angela Hayes

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Living With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering ChoicesLiving With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering Choices by Toby Dorr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

Living With Conviction by Toby Dorr is a fascinating and powerful true crime memoir- an account of how the author came to help a convicted murderer escape from prison, and then end up on the run for nearly two weeks. It also tells of her capture, and time in incarceration, her experience ‘inside’, her relationship with fellow inmates, and so much more.
This is an honest, enlightening, and intriguing tale of risk, danger, drama, choices, consequence, challenges, emotion, resilience, strength, self-discovery, heart break, sisterhood, friendship, healing, redemption, transformation, and hope.
Life inside bars isn’t what any of us who have never been there can truly understand- it isn’t what we see portrayed on television, or in movies. Toby Dorr goes from being outside ‘the system’, to very quickly ‘inside’. She gives us a raw and honest account of her time in incarceration- and how she ended up there- and how she, and her life has irrevocably changed since.
Compelling!
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Toby Dorr!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book #6) by Aubrey Wynne – Review by Angela Hayes

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6)Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

3.5 Stars

 

Earl of Griffith is the sixth book in the Once Upon a Widow series by Aubrey Wynne. I have read quite a few of Ms. Wynn’s books now and can always count on her for an enthralling read. She has a flair for regency and historical romance – weaving stories packed full of authenticity, historical detailing, and engaging characters.
I have really enjoyed diving into her books and following along for all the adventures, angst, and swoony details- so when I saw this had released, I didn’t hesitate to let my one-click finger do its thing.
This is a delightful historical romance (set in the early 1800’s), with a ‘clean’ storyline (having only a few ‘passionate’ kisses), secrets, heartache, pain, insecurities, doubts, drama, angst, a little humour, banter, second chances, friends to lovers, slow-burn, emotion, and finding love unexpectedly.
I really did enjoy this story but then was so torn when it came to rating it. On one hand it is a really sweet and lovely story about taking a chance on love/ having a second chance at love. The characters were well developed and endearing, and the addition of a cute three-year-old who added extra charm with her adorableness and antics, really gave this story an extra element of sweetness. But there really wasn’t too much to ‘sink my teeth into’. Yes, there was a little drama at the beginning which sent out heroine packing back to England and the safety of her family estate. And there was the angsty drama from her insecurities which added a bit of push-pull tension to the whole thing. But overall, I felt that this was just “sweet”- and at times, maybe just a tad on the saccharine side.
I think this book would have been even better with a little more danger, drama, and spice. It also would have been better a s a complete standalone without trying to ‘tie’ it into an established series. Helen is Gideon’s younger sister – we met Gideon in his story Rhapsody and Rebellion (Enduring Legacy Book #7) – and Conway (our MC here) is Gideon’s business associate and friend. Conway is also the brother of Madoc from the previous book in this series- Earl of Brecken (Once Upon A Widow Book #5). There were mentions of other characters from other books/series too- but honestly, a lot of that felt like it was thrown into the story to try and force this book into the series by making ‘connections’ to other established characters. I felt that this book has a completely different feel, so while it is a very charming and enjoyable story- I just felt like it didn’t quite live up to my expectations, as an addition to this series. I hope that makes sense.
But, I am looking forward to reading more of Ms. Wynne’s books, as well as continuing this series.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Aubrey Wynne!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Huff… Puff… Grind! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

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Huff...Puff...Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart: a science folktale (Science Folktales)Huff…Puff…Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 Stars

What a great retelling story of The 3 Little Pigs and definitely fun to read for the young and the young at heart. The illustrations are cute and I love how the little pigs, Stella, Hal and Brad, outsmart the pesky wolf by using their skills to build strong houses made of different materials so they can stay safe.

This is a wonderful retelling and I love the names of the 3 little pigs…its made me smile. Definitely one of my favorite books from this author.

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Huff… Puff… Grind! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Huff...Puff...Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart: a science folktale (Science Folktales)Huff…Puff…Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another fun retelling of a classic fairy tale. The three pigs are master builders and the big bad wolf just couldn’t blow their houses down. The houses were built to withstand the wind. In reading this story to my grandson, we found it to be entertaining and fun. We also learned about house building and windmills. The story also taught a little about cooperation. This is a wonderful addition to our library.

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Seen by Lori Nelson – Review by Tonya Merritt

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SeenSeen by Lori Nelson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Seen is a sci-fi story in a dystopian world. This book was a little out of my normal wheel house of books but I didn’t hate it. Lori Nelson does a great job of engaging you in the story. It’s full of adventure, drama, action, revenge, Everything! It is a pretty fast paced story though with a lot going on.

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Living with Conviction: A True Crime Memoir by Toby Dorr – Review by Tonya Merritt

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Living With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering ChoicesLiving With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering Choices by Toby Dorr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m not sure if I loved this book as much as everyone else will or does. It is well written and of course it tells her own life story which is wonderful but I think my personal feelings got into the way a bit with it. I’m usually pretty open minded. This book had me questioning so much with no room for excuses. I’m not saying it’s a bad book because she did a wonderful job telling her story but sometimes you just don’t mesh with the story whether real or not. I do recommend reading it for yourself so you can see for yourself.

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Huff… Puff… Grind! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tonya Merritt

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Huff... Puff... Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get SmartHuff… Puff… Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lois Wickstrom is a go to at redoing fairy tales. She always does an amazing spin on it to make sure you learn something from it. This story was a great spin of The Three Pigs and I have to say it’s my new favorite version.

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Lap Baby by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Tonya Merritt

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Lap Baby: Emotional Women's FictionLap Baby: Emotional Women’s Fiction by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is an emotional ride. It takes a few pages to really connect and get into it but when you do woah what a turbulence crash filled ride. Such an original story and has a not normally thought of plot. There are three different points of view throughout the book giving you perspective from all the characters. Great read.

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Fireflies (The Physical Collection) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Tracy Greenhalgh

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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/125379544-fireflies” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Fireflies (The Physical Collection)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1680726144l/125379544._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/125379544-fireflies”>Fireflies</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15517905.A_R_Hadley”>A.R. Hadley</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5590739604″>3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
If you are looking for a MMF, polyamory easy read book with lots of heat and emotion then this is certainly the book for you. <br /><br />We meet and follow Dane and Mike who are devoted couple with a semi open relationship, looking to add a female into their family. They have had a failed trio in the past and now looking to finds someone new. Noth find and fall for someone different. <br /><br />Their relationship is sold yet missing something. How do you introduce a third or even forth person to your family without damaging what you have. Soulmates, fireflies, and the inability to leave what you have. <br /><br />We follow their highs and lows and emotional rollercoaster as they meet, settle, and move forward. <br /><br />A fast paced, hot read.
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Huff… Puff… Grind! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom

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🌼 .•°*°•.🌼 BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 🌼 .•°*°•.🌼
Huff… Puff… Grind! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom
Amazon – https://amzn.to/41NIUIs
#ontour #ItsyBitsyBookBits #ItsyBitsyBookBitsTours #ITSYBITSYBOOKBITSPROMOTIONS #BookSpotlightShowcase #HuffPuffGrind #ScienceFolktales #LoisWickstrom #Kids #Family #childrensbooks #kidslit #science #picturebooks
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Kids, Family
Page Count – 24
Cover Designer – Ada Konewki

The 3 Little Pigs have been to Architecture School. They know how to build Wolf-Proof houses

The wolf huffed and he puffed. But the pigs’ houses didn’t fall. The wolf-couldn’t get in. The pigs couldn’t go out. They were all hungry. The pigs knew that a problem can be a solution out-of-place.

Could they make good use of all that huffing and puffing?

~ AMAZON ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for Huff… Puff… Grind! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of Huff… Puff… Grind! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom

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 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.

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, four grandchildren and a dog.

Author Interview with Lois Wickstrom

~ FACEBOOK ~ INSTAGRAM ~ BOOKBUB ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ GOODREADS ~ YOUTUBE ~ NEWSLETTER ~

~ WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOUTUBE ~ INSTAGRAM~ FACEBOOK GROUP ~ TIKTOK ~

Bound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Angela Hayes

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Bound by the HinterlandsBound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

4.5 Stars

 

Bound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski is a wonderfully woven fantasy that had me invested right from the get-go. This isn’t the first book that I have read by Ms. Lewandowski, but it is probably my favourite (so far). Her books just seem to get better with each new release- and this book had all the ingredients I love to find in a captivating fantasy. From drama, family dynamics, mystery, danger, tension, suspense, action, adventure, agendas, plots, bonds, banter, duty + responsibility, an arranged marriage, forced proximity, emotion, romance, and finding love unexpectedly.
I love Ms. Lewandowski’s vivid world-building, her attention to detail and wonderful descriptions really brought her world, and story, to life. From the clothing, to customs, and even the language and phrasing (which at first seemed a little formal and ‘old fashioned’, but actually helped build the atmosphere/feel of the story)- all the components blended together to make this quite an immersive read.
After a lifetime of her father’s controlling, cold, and callous ways Cressida yearns to make her own way in life, and fate finally seems to be on her side. With her father’s failing health, his time is limited, and Cressida can finally see her ‘freedom’- it’s almost within her reach. But, even with death knocking on the door, her father still manages to put a rather large wrench in her plans by arranging (forcing) her marriage to Caravahl Alzeid, Baron of the Hinterlands. And so, her adventure begins. Add some darker tones, a little mysteriousness, sinister intent, drama, discovery, secrets, and danger- and the story takes an even more intriguing turn.
Looking forward to seeing what Ms. Lewandowski has up her sleeve for us next.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Bree M. Lewandowski!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Angela Hayes

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Underneath The WhiskeyUnderneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

3.5 Stars

 

Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren is the first book that I have read by her. It proved to be an interesting New Adult story- an MM romance packed full of emotion, angst, and drama. The story contains some sensitive topics that may be triggering for some readers- subjects such as alcohol abuse/addiction, suicidal thoughts, violence, past conversion therapy + electroshock therapy, mental illness, struggles, challenges, and sexual abuse – so if have issues with any of these topics, then this is probably not the book for you.
I may not have ‘liked’ the behaviour of our MC/s at times, but I understood why they were like that, and I really felt for them and everything they had been through. Having endured what they did, but then living a lie, to deny who they truly are, and then basically forced to live a double life and not being true to themselves- I can fully understand the mental anguish and toll that took on their emotional and mental health, and their downward spiral. So, if you were expecting a light, fluffy, boy meets boy and the birds start singing type story, then you are going to be disappointed- because this is raw, gritty, angsty, thought-provoking, and confronting —— but it is also much more.
Now I am off to see what else I can find of Ms. Lauren’s to explore.

Happy Reading…

Thank you, Chelsea Lauren!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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People Safari by Feather Chelle – Review by Whisper Hymer

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People SafariPeople Safari by Feather Chelle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

People Safari by Feather Chelle was a super cute, kids-oriented look at the human world from an animal perspective. The story is lead by Ranger Marco the Racoon as he teaches the Deer family about humans. The story is perfect for those nights kids want a longer bedtime story. The illustrations by Pandu Permana are an adorable way to bring kids into the story more. Happy reading!

Reviewed by @WhisperHymer

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Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

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Underneath The WhiskeyUnderneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

🌟🌟🌟🌟

This story is raw, gut wrenching and truly a roller coaster of emotion. Overall a really good story that I know hits home.

Emotions are high between Benjamin, Sophia and Caden…trying to navigate life, family and true feelings…sometimes just doing what has to be done day to day. Ben and Sophia are trying to raise their family the best way possible, but Ben also has turmoil within, struggling with his sexuality.
Ben believes that having a successful family after being made to go through torcherous therapy per Sophia is what he has to do. Everything changes when Ben meets Caden…..at first Ben hiring Caden on with his company but it turns into something more. When lies turn into more lies of Ben struggling to be with Sophia and Caden at the same time….the inner emotional turmoil comes to a full boil.

Will Ben be able to overcome and be truthful with both Sophia and Caden about his sexuality and stop hurting all that want to love him back?

This story is a lot of ups and downs, the heartbreaks, lies, abuse…..this was a very good story….

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The Wandering Isles: A Crown of Stones Novella (Soulbound Journeys Book 1) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Ayla Phipps

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The Wandering Isles (The Crown of Stones)The Wandering Isles by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Details. While this is not the first book, I have read by the talented C.L. Schneider, it is the first book about Ian Troy, and the world of A Crown of Stones that I have read. As the synopsis states this book can be either a continuation of the original series or an introduction. Being new to the series this book served as an amazing introduction to the characters of Ian Troy and Jarryd Kane.
Ian Troy was once the Fated savior of the Rellan people during the endless wars with the Langorians. Given nearly infinite power fear led him to give it all away and take on the addiction to magic of his entire race, Shinree. Jarryd Kane is the person, friend, crewmate, that Ian takes with him when he leaves his homeland and all that it represents. Leaving Mirra’kelan was one of Ian’s hardest decisions to make, and to ask Jarryd to leave his son and loved ones behind to follow him. Saving the people, he was a reminder of a history everyone wanted to forget and a savior that was no longer needed. Setting out on the fabled journey of his Shinree ancestors, the first stop was The Wandering Isles, thinking they were abandoned. Finding them they find more than they ever anticipated, they are magical beings but not one that Ian can identify or recognize the magic of. Isuara, their leader and her male attendant Taalman tell them the only way they leave is with a trade. With no choice they are taken from their ship, their clothes changed and thrown into their worst fears. Ian quickly becomes aware but when one moment can’t be contradicted with facts, he is left doubting himself. Jarryd is thrown back in prison, told Ian is dead and no help will ever come. He contradicts the words being said to him with his memories of events only for the hope to slip further away, his half soul left helpless and alone in the darkness. The only way to be free is to do it their way: Endure the process. Claim their bottles. Complete the trade.
Will they be able to endure the process, or will their minds be too broken to finish? Can they find their way back to each other and their ship? Did they make a mistake when they left their homeland? The first book I read by this amazing author was Necrosis, and like that book the level of details leave you sometimes squirming as the visual fills your mind. Her ability to give such a detailed, complete image in everything she describes is incredible. I anxiously await the next book in this series and am already planning to go back and read A Crown of Stones. This world is unlike any other I have ever read, and one little taste is not enough, I need more.

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Fireflies (The Physical Collection) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Fireflies (The Physical Collection)Fireflies by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fireflies is an erotic story that follows bisexual, polyamorous couple Mike and Dane as they navigate changes in their needs and relationship. It’s part of The Physical Collection but these are all standalone stories so you don’t need to read any of the others to enjoy this one!

What drew me to this book is the representation of polyamory. Mike and Dane have been together for seven years and are a more mature couple (in their 40s/50s). Polyamory has meant different things to them over the course of their relationship – from independently hooking up with other people to shared encounters. They have to navigate their different needs and desires, as well as the stigma and assumptions attached to polyamory.

This book is for you if you enjoy M/M and M/M/F erotica. There’s plenty to enjoy there! And it’s interesting to have a story that juxtaposes soulmate-esque themes with one-off hookups, allowing the characters to have multiple and complex romantic and sexual needs. It gets four stars from me, and I’m keen to read more from this author!

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Breathless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 3) by KG Fletcher – Review by Sheri Schrader

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Breathless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #3)Breathless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Breathless Love is the third book in The Bennetts of Langston Falls series. This can be read as a standalone and wholly enjoyed. This book focuses on Hank Bennett, who dreams of a life in country music. Ella Mae is on tour with her brother, Travis, a successful country singer. Will Hank realize his dreams, or will reality crush them?
I was excited to get to read another story about the Bennetts. Hank has been a fun character in previous books and has become the show’s star. I enjoyed Ella Mae and how she shared so much in common with Hank. I was rooting for them to find a happily ever after. This was a lovely story and gave a behind-the-scenes view of musicians on tour. I liked the show of how it is much work and not all fun and glamour. Like the other books in this series, we get reminded that family can have your back through the worst times and that life isn’t always picture-perfect.
I look forward to reading more from this author shortly.

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Living with Conviction: A True Crime Memoir by Toby Dorr – Review by Ashley Mertz

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Living With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering ChoicesLiving With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering Choices by Toby Dorr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Living with Conviction by Toby Dorr is available now in eBook, Audiobook, and Physical Book
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐ Book Review

“Toby Dorr takes full responsibility for the actions that sent her to prison but refuses to let the worst decision of her life determine the rest of her life.” Living with Conviction is so much more than a story of a woman serving a sentence for helping a convicted murderer escape from prison. “She reveals that beneath the reality of her life altering decisions was the innate desire to be loved, have value, worth and significance.” Dorr’s story allows one to realize that redemption is always possible. Her story is emotional, heartbreaking, and honest. Dorr accepted her fate and made the best of it. Developing a sisterhood and standing her ground for what is right in prison. The transparency within will keep you pondering how one could deal with such a decision and its consequences with such positivity. This memoir stole my heart from the very beginning. I have personally worked in a jail and have my own feelings about staff/inmate relationships but reading about Dorr’s personal growth and self-rediscovery has really allowed me to open my mind and see this in a different perspective. Thank you Toby Dorr for sharing your story with the world. May you continue to find happiness in all that you do. I highly recommend Living with Conviction to all readers.

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The Wandering Isles: A Crown of Stones Novella (Soulbound Journeys Book 1) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Julie Johnson

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The Wandering Isles (The Crown of Stones)The Wandering Isles by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a novella that comes after The Crown of Stones series and covers more of the story of Ian and Jarryd. This can be read as a standalone but having the background of the series before it will help certain situations make more sense.

Fantasy lovers will love how this story evolves. There is a bit of mystery in this one too! Anytime Ian and Jarryd are together, adventure is sure to abound. When they come across an island full of mysterious beings, reality starts to blur and neither are sure of what’s really going on.

I do get a little confused as this writer tells the story one perspective at a time. I have a hard time keeping up with who’s telling which side of the story and I have never been a fan of skipping back and forth. This was a little more difficult of a read for me for that reason. However, it was still enjoyable overall.

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Bound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Bound by the HinterlandsBound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cressida’s father is not one for affection. In fact, he is downright abusive. As his health is failing, she begins to see a glimmer of freedom at the end of a very long and stressful tunnel that has been her life for twenty-five years. However, just as she thinks that she will be free of her life of burden, she has the rug pulled out from under her once again. She finds out that she has been betrothed to someone and it is not just anyone either, but the ruler of the neighboring county in the Hinterlands, Baron Caravahl Alzeid. The Hinterlands are known for their strange, creepy woods that surrounds the keep. Stories that are shared of it are ones that give children nightmares, and she is going to live there and help rule.

Once married and on their way, Cressida finds that while the rumors of the Hinterlands are partially true, she is pleasantly surprised to find the Baron is actually a man of honor who loves his county and people dearly. She discovers that she is happy to be his helpmate in preparing for unexpected guests and in all things to help with the county’s residents. As more background about the Hinterlands comes to light, there comes a point where a choice has to be made by the baron. Can he share all things that ruling the county comes with or will Cressida falter and flee in fear? Can they trust each other implicitly with each other’s hearts and break the curse of the land or will they be doomed in the demise of the land?

I enjoyed this read! It was quick and easy to get into and feel like a part of the story. There were sad parts of the story where I just wanted to give Cressida a great big hug and times where I wanted to cheer for her. She’s a spunky character that doesn’t let her upbringing dictate her future. She takes charge, as much as she can at times, and always works for the betterment of others. I feel like the author did a wonderful job of having them fall in love in the right time and not be over the top about it.

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Fireflies (The Physical Collection) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Anastasia Dodson

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Fireflies (The Physical Collection)Fireflies by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book that i have read by this author and i enjoyed it! It is a M/M romance that quickly turns into a MMF romance when the main characters Mike and Dane decide that they want to start a relationship with a woman or rather bring a woman into their relationship. They explore the possibilities and things are complicated but oh sooo good. I enjoyed this story and i am looking forward to more by this author in the future.
Happy Reading!

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What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

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What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor)What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love books by this author as they are always able to make learning fun for kids. This one is a little different, it seems to be more inspirational to follow dreams.

The illustrations are lovely, and the language used is accessible to kids. The science added into the story makes the learning more accessible to kids in a fun way

I’ll continue to look out for books by this author as they have done an amazing job.

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