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Editor Kill Fee (The Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries Book 3) by GG Collins – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

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Editor Kill Fee (Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries #3)Editor Kill Fee by G.G. Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Prior to reading I didn’t realise this was the third book, and although I am going to go back to read the first books for background and to see a more complete picture, this is able to be read as a standalone for the mystery element.

This was a fun mystery with interesting characters and an intriguing plot. There are cats, drama and suspense all rolled together and a little humour on the side. Right up my street – I love a good cosy mystery and I really enjoyed this one.

I particularly enjoyed the descriptions given and the feelings the author created around the Devils Road Forest and the lovable characters

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and have become a fan of the series so will be keeping an eye out for more.

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Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Bobbi Wagner

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

I enjoyed reading this story. This is an author that I enjoyed reading and look forward to seeing what is next for her. I found this book to be well written and hard to put down. It is a story that has characters that pop off the pages and will take you on an emotional roller coaster. This is a story about accepting and living with who you truly are. Ben is a great character that has a secret and honestly just wants to be himself for once. He is my favorite of the story and I enjoyed what he brought to the story. This is a fast paced story where the characters pull you into their world and keep you coming back for more. They made it easy and entertaining to read. They also made it realistic and I had no problems connecting with them. Great chemistry and growth throughout the story. I highly recommend this book and this author.

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Review by @bjwagner

Living with Conviction: A True Crime Memoir by Toby Dorr – Review by Bobbi Wagner

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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 enjoyed reading this true crime story by this author. The story takes on a life of itself as the author tells her experience with the situation. It is a fast paced and hard to put down story. A story that is gripping and heartfelt. It was an emotional roller coaster for me as well. I felt for the author as she is retelling her story. It is a well written story that would satisfy anyone who likes true crime stories. I really enjoyed reading this author. I highly recommend it.

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Review by @bjwagner

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

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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

What a wonderful book by a beloved author! My two kiddos are always so excited when I bring in another Lois Wickstrom book, because we enjoy the stories and illustrations, but they always start an unexpected discussion. I feel that there could have been a little more depth, but my kids loved it. I enjoyed the scientific side of Alex the Inventor exploring different options to help the plants and communicate with them. I highly recommend picking this one up and letting your imagination collide with the little ones in your life!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Ways to Improve BaileyWays to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this YA rom-com. Bailey and Tanner make the cutest couple. The story had me giggling so much that my family kept asking me what was funny. Marnie and her matchmaking was quite hilarious and profound. The characters are well-written for teens. Angsty, anxious with some ADHD tossed in and shake to make some cool teens. I loved the story because it’s relatable even to us old people. The story is refreshing. It’s written with humor and fun. A quick and entertaining read.

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Twisted Proposal (Central Florida Stories Book 3) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Kerry Baker

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Twisted Proposal: Central Florida StoriesTwisted Proposal: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is the third in the series but can be read as a standalone. This book is the very definition of hot and spicy. The chemistry between the characters was palpable from the moment they first met. You could feel it on every page and only seemed to grow stronger. I was pulled into their story and couldn’t stop reading.
The author has created a great story with characters that seem to fill the pages. It is just as good as the others in the series and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I would definitely recommend this, and the series as a whole, to anyone.

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Trapping the Butterfly (Butterflies Fly Free Series Book 1) by Debra Parmley – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Trapping the ButterflyTrapping the Butterfly by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author always delights me with her books set in different time periods and cultures. The Roaring 20’s were a time of change and mafia. Bethany wants some freedom from her aunt and uncle. In the heart of Chicago, she finds Al Capone and his gang. I loved reading and watching Bethany develop into the strong woman she could be. The characters were a delight. The author takes such details that, at times, it feels like you could be there with Bethany. I found the writing stunning and full of delicious detail. I devoured this book in one sitting. I just wish there were more.

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What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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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

What Do the Plants Say? Is another beautifully written, entertaining, imaginative, and fun read by this talented author. When Alex heard the flowers in her garden making noises as they bloomed, she wondered what they were saying. Alex is an Inventor who loves to create things using old, and often discarded items. She decides to invent a machine so that she can listen to the flowers and talk to the plants. Using sound waves, Alex learns that the flowers want to do things like have a party and fly. I love how the author used a mix of science, creativity, imagination, and whimsy in how Alex spoke to and interacted with the flowers in the garden. This was an interesting approach to the idea of talking to plants that will spark imagination in the minds of young children. The illustrations are bright, fun, and really bring this cute story to life.

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The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta – Review by Shelly Kittell

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The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and AwakenThe Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I found these stories to be fascinating. The author truly opened up with his vulnerability in sharing these. You could feel the love coming from the stories. There were several stories in there that just resonated because at times I have felt the same but to open yourself up spiritually to Love is eye opening and so enlightening. The book was just what I need to read. It gives a message of hope and healing. A definite must read.

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

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What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor)What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is another great book by a firm favourite author. Both of my kids are always so excited when we get a new book by her. This book was fun and very entertaining, although not one of the best we have read. This book felt a little more flat compared to the others we have read recently, but that could be just because they were so good. Either way, we still got great enjoyment out of this book. It was engaging and the kids loved to look at the pictures and see what was going on. As usual, we read this book multiple times and I am sure we will read it many times more.

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Editor Kill Fee (The Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries Book 3) by GG Collins – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Editor Kill Fee (Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries #3)Editor Kill Fee by G.G. Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fun story! Yes, it’s a cozy mystery but as Taylor is solving the mystery, there is humor and entertainment with the members of the book club and her two cats. Dangerous back roads and people who aren’t as they seem, sounds like a good murder mystery to me….oh wait, that’s what it is. haha. As Taylor looks for Anita, we see a wonderful cast of characters that make up the fun town of Pecos, The writing is quite entertaining. I don’t think I’ve chuckled this much in a long time. Now I’ll have to go back and read the first two of the series so I can catch up on Taylor’s exploits. A fun mystery romp for the cozy lovers out there.

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People Safari by Feather Chelle – Review by Terri Jo McAllister

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

This is a children’s book that takes the Deer family on a people safari. Led by Racoon, the Deer family set out to see how people live. Buck and Doe are hopeful that Fawn will see the dangers of being seen by Humans, but Fawn is too excited to heed any warning. A very cute story with education sprinkled throughout.

Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister

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Manipulator’s War by Elise Carlson

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Manipulator's War (Ruarnon Trilogy, #1)Manipulator’s War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow there is a LOT that happens with this book! Action packed right from the beginning, there’s not a whole lot I can say that won’t give away too much. The story focuses mainly on Ruarnon and their struggles as a teen when regency is suddenly thrust upon them, but also features detailed supporting characters. Very rich character development. I also liked seeing the similarities between Ruarnon and their opposition… seeing they had very similar struggles but how they handled things were vastly different and therefor the outcomes were as well.
There were definitely some twists and surprises that I didn’t expect, and that always makes for a good read! I just started the second one and am already hooked there as well!

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Truly Unfortunate (Welcome to Knollville Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Valerie Anderson

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Truly Unfortunate (Welcome To Knollville #1)Truly Unfortunate by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A young girl with a troubled past she can’t remember. Truly is working three jobs to pay rent to a sleazy slum lord and pay for a doctor who is trying to help her remember what trauma she faced in her past so she can stop having nightmares and move on with her life. As her doctor attempts to transition her meds, memories start to slowly come back, as do strange events occurring around her.

Nothing is as it seems, and every time you think you have it figured out, another twist is thrown at you from beginning to end. King includes great foreshadowing hinting at what is to come, but nothing is quite how you expected it.

Some psychological twists you see coming and a surprise ending that plays out in a way you don’t quite expect. My emotions were up and down with this roller coaster of a thriller. The ending leaves you with just as many questions as it does answers, wondering who really are the good and bad guys and how you really define good or bad.

Reviewed by  @valerieanderson5121

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

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The Wandering Isles (The Crown of Stones)The Wandering Isles by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is one crazy mind bending story! I never knew what was up and what was down. Between the violence and the sacrificing adventures I was freaked out and ended up skipping pages. This is not my kind of read but I gave it a go as I loved her Dahlia Nite series. Since I have not read the Crown of Stones series this one was very all over the place and I am assuming rehashing things that happened in that collection of stories. Confusing to me but I did want to know about his drink so I kept going. I am not likely to read others in the series as I was unable to connect to the characters.i do like the cover though.

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Living with Conviction: A True Crime Memoir by Toby Dorr – Review by Tausha Treadway

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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: A True Crime Memoir by Toby Dorr. This is a fast paced true story of a prison break. Toby Dorr was a volunteer at the jail assisting with training dogs thru her Safe Harbor Prison Dog Program. Michael was 17 when his life went downhill, he was going to help a friend steal a car and during the car jacking a gun went off and he was charged with murder. Due to a weird law Michael was charged with murder even though he didn’t even touch the gun. He was sentenced to life in prison for a murder he didn’t commit. Toby had a hard upbringing having to raise her siblings and she had a husband and kids at home. She was in all senses of the word, successful. When she meets Michael in the jail she falls hard and fast. When they hatch a plan to break Michael out her life unfolds horribly. They end up crashing and both going to prison. While she is in prison she reflects on how she used busyness to hide her loneliness, heartache and depression. This is such a good memoir and once you pick it up you won’t want to put it down.

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Twisted Proposal (Central Florida Stories Book 3) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Kerry Carr

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Twisted Proposal (Central Florida Stories)Twisted Proposal by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Central Florida Stories series. The good thing about this series is each book is a standalone so you don’t need to read them in order, however once you’ve read one you will definately want to read the others in the series. This is a hot and steamy romance with an BDSM dom/sub relationship.
I loved the characters of Ethan and Siena Both of these characters have things to work through in their lives which make them more deep and interesting.
Ethan is starting to finally embrace his dominant side since the break up of his last relationship which left him hurt and after revenge against his ex and her family.
Hes not managed to find his sub but he is looking.
When a chance meeting with Siena happens it gives him the opportunity to get his revenge and also find a sub.
Siena is the cousin of his ex and her double and when Ethan finds out about her current dire situation he gives her a proposal she can’t refuse. But what happens when Ethan’s plan for revenge back fires and Siena starts to get under his skin.
Will she become more than just a means of revenge? And will Ethan be able to trust Siena after what happened with her cousin?
This is a very dark steamy romance, I loved seeing the progression of the characters as they embrace their roles as Dom/sub and how they both learn to trust again

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Bound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Jennifer Reimer

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

This was a fantastic book. It’s a paranormal romance which kind of isn’t the normal type of book I read. but this book really was impressive. The characters and settings were extremely well written that it makes you feel like you know the characters and seeing everything that everyone else is seeing. The story line or plot really flowed and draws you into the book that you honestly can not get enough of it. the way the story flows and unfolds really made it super easy to follow along and know what was going on and happening. The love between the two characters really grows on you and to each other. This was a really great read.

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People Safari by Feather Chelle – Review by Michelle Mulvey

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

I enjoyed reading people safari. This was a great book where Ranger Marco ( a raccoon ) takes a family Of deer on a field trip
Out of the woods to show them the town and explains about the people wandering around, the houses they live in, the cars that he describes as beasts that do not talk or breathe. The fawn is very curious about everything from how humans walk in their back feet to the clothes they wear and change every day until they get spooked and everyone is separated and the fawn gets lost.

review by @xchellex

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) Audiobook by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Shelly Kittell

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4/5 stars

This is an amazing novella of Desert Flower’s journey. This really is a story that grabs your attention. I was intrigued at how she started off her life and how strong she became. She is a true warrior spirit. The writing is so flowing and relatable that you must continue listening while you work. All of the characters are well-written from Grey Fox to those in the tribe. They all grew to mesh well, as a family should. This is about a young, indigenous girl that becomes a strong young woman. She overcomes a lot and finds her family. It’s a definite must listen to story. I do wish the narrator could have given a little more energy to her voice. It was a tad dry and I fell asleep a few times. I enjoyed the story, not the narrator, so much

Soul Redeemed (War of Destiny Book 5) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Carrie Reed

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Soul Redeemed (War of Destiny #5)Soul Redeemed by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW! Excellent book! I really hope there is more after this, because I need more about Julia’s group and Kali’s group. Julia’s feelings in this book are all over the place and my heart hurts for her. She still feels that sense of unease between her and Samuel, and also with Mary Anne, because of the past, but I think she has proven over and over that she is not that person, that she was, deceived into making those decisions 6 years ago. The showdown with Jonathan was rough, but I am waiting for the battle with Valentino. In the end, I was happy to see her relationships with everyone strengthen, and the new friends she makes in Alicia and Adrian. Something is going on with Julia and her power to sense others in her ka-tet and I can’t wait to find out what that is! Wonderful series thus far!

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Fallen Soul (War of Destiny Book 4) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Carrie Reed

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Fallen Soul (War of Destiny #4)Fallen Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is read from Lane’s point of view, and while I did enjoy seeing everything happen from someone else’s perspective other than Julia’s, it seemed a bit unnecessary. I’m still not 100% sure where Lane stands, whether he wants to be alone like he has been, or join Julia’s group. There is also his relationship with Kali, is it just friends or more? At the end of this book is where there is more, continuing on from the 3rd book and Julia and Kali go through some things, big things. I hope the next book I find Lane back with Julia’s group and they are all together and working out how to get rid of Valentino once and for all.

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Carrie Reed

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny #3)Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another excellent addition to this series! My heart was so broken for Julia with the way everyone is treating her. The way she copes just tears me up, I get why they are mad but also I think they are afraid of what they don’t know. A blast from the past shows up and turns everyone’s world upside down. Relationships mend, and tear apart again, Julia just seems to be thrown left and right. Her and Samual, I know have something between them if they would just talk, I’m so tired of Julia holding everything in and taking everything on her shoulders alone. Bring on the next one!

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Carrie Reed

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great book! This series is wonderful so far. This book broke my heart and made me smile. I am devastated to learn of the group’s losses, but Samuel and Julia become closer and that somewhat makes up for it. This book is set 70 years after Julia first gets turned, I know the timeline of vampires is vast, it really was a bummer to realize that Julia had been without her daughter for that long. Valentino is getting closer to Samuel and his group of resistance and is intent on getting to Julia, to have her join his side. Julie makes terrible decisions, and the way she talks, keeps things from Samuel and tries to handle everything on her own really gets to me. I am hoping for something different from her in the next book

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Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Carrie Reed

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Lost Soul (War of Destiny # 1)Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! I feel like this book falls under the old adage “never judge a book by its cover”. This book blew me away, the story is so well written and just gut punched me. I am just devastated about Julia being married to Greg and all that she endures. I didn’t think there would be any way out for her until Samuel. Their journey, together with the rest of the group and Adam is rough, wondering if Julia will ever be able to tell Adam about her time married, or if her and Samuel have something between them.

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Carrie Reed

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood: Novella One)Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! This book is painfully beautiful. I really enjoy learning and hearing about the Native American people and their culture and traditions. This book had my heart breaking for all the Native American’s from back then and even now. No one deserves the treatment they received and it makes me so angry that although this story was fictional, things like this did happen. I could not stop reading and can’t wait to pick up the next book in the series. I only hope Walks Like Thunder can once again meet with Golden Eagle, and together they can heal from their great loss.

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Carrie Reed

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Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3)Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WHAT?! Amazing! At first, I was really irritated that Skylar didn’t just talk to Gia in the beginning about Damon before they even went to the first party. Then I realized, if she did we wouldn’t have this book. I am so addicted to Skylar and Damon’s story, dare I say I might even like it more than Riley and Cole’s! Gia is so oblivious and weak that she is susceptible to changing the way she acts to fit in with the elites. She wants to be popular so bad, but her best friend, Skylar, has no desire to fit into that clique. The bet Skylar makes with Damon, instantly, I knew it wasn’t going to end well, but they sure do take us on a wild ride. Their chemistry is off the charts, and the ending…. I can’t wait to see what becomes of Skylar, Damon and Gia. This book can be read as a standalone, but the first 2 books introduce us to the characters in this book.

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

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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

Oh, Lady Helen finds herself in a bind. A widow with a small child, she finds herself back home at her brother’s wedding. The Earl of Griffith is her escort to his wedding. The Earl charms his way into their life. This is a sweet 2nd chance romance that made me smile because Helen deserved a second chance at a happy life. There is drama and romance. The characters are lively and kind of fit into the storyline. I found Helen to be quite brave for the time period. I’m not sure I would have made it, if it were me. The storyline was quite fascinating and well-written. Scoundrels and heroes abound. An excellent read if you like historical romance.

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Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Shelly Kittell

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

A dark and kind of depressing story. Unfortunately, this hit a little to close to home, I had a family member go through something similar to this. It is a reminder that there is always hope at the end of the journey when life is hard. The struggle may be rough. It’s a hard story. The issues of addiction, conversion therapy, etc. may be hard for some readers to read. It’s a story worth reading because it is well-written and, though dark, the author gives hope. There is light from addiction, etc. The characters were well-written. The issues were done in such a way as to feel real. It’s a story definitely worth reading. I would just give a tw for some

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Living with Conviction: A True Crime Memoir by Toby Dorr – Review by Jenni Bishop

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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

4.5 stars
Living With Conviction is a gripping true crime memoir. It is also a tale of long overdue self-discovery. Toby Dorr bravely tells her story of aiding a convicted murderer. It is a soul baring, raw, powerful, and frank telling of love and the aftermath of one wrong turn in life’s journey.
It is Toby’s story of her how her life took her from one side of the bars to the other side. We get a riveting and eye-opening view of life inside jail. It is a look as Toby finds bonds and friendships in the most unlikely of places. It takes us on a hard journey of self-awareness to self-growth, worthiness and understanding, of looking deep inside oneself.
It exposes the undertones of prison life that they try to keep under wraps and a broken system that needs to be fixed. It also shows how families and communities’ frown upon the label of being in prison and their treatment thereof.
I am so glad Toby shared her story and that I took a chance to read it.
It is one book that is a must on everyone’s TBR list.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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