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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Kayla Kearney

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a nice easy read for me as I get ready for the upcoming school year! I love the modern-day retelling of fairy tales and this did not disappoint me in the slightest! This book reminds me a lot of the Cinderella Story movies from my childhood, particularly the first one with Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray.

I love the character of Ashley, I particularly admire how strong she stays despite all of the issues she faces in her life. The character of Harry was different from other ‘Prince Charming’ characters I have read in the past, dealing with plenty of his own issues and I loved reading the chapters in his point of view.

I also love how the side characters and villains were written, each character given a good amount of detail into their lives. I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with in the next book in the series!

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Fairly Royal (The Fair Series Book 4) by Grace Grahme – Review by Kayla Kearney

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Fairly Royal (Fair, #4)Fairly Royal by Grace Grahme
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It did not take me long to fall in love with this book! The only thing I didn’t like about reading this was that I had not had the chance to read the three previous books in the series, something I will be fixing soon!

The chemistry between Anna and Phillip was visible instantaneously, I was hoping for a happy ending between the two of them the entire time. The spicy scenes had me wiggling around so much that my boyfriend asked me if I was in pain. It has been a long time since I have read a book so sensually written during those scenes that it felt as if I was Anna. This will definitely be a new favorite author of mine in the coming months!

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Kayla Kearney

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Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another hit by one of my favorite authors! As have been the case with other books in this series, this was an easy and entertaining read for me. The focus on one of the underboss’ this time around was especially intriguing. I hope that future stories also focus on the lives of the ‘less elite’ involved in the mafia.
I enjoyed the dynamic between the couple, but I wish there had been more spiciness and alone time between the two of them as there have been in past books. I was hooked on Mia the moment I met her, hoping that the arrangement she seeks with Nico would end well for her in the midst of her trouble with her family.

Can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

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Enemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Kayla Kearney

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Enemies of DovesEnemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book had me HOOKED from the moment I started it! I had been in the mood for a good mystery novel and this definitely quenched that thirst for me! It was so hard for me to put down this book and continue living life, every time I thought that I was safe to take a break from reading it there was another thing that drew me right back in. I love how the author was able to make such an intricate story through weaving together multiple storylines and character backgrounds. I’m definitely going to read more by this author in the future!

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Murder Most Pemberley (Eliza Darcy Mysteries Book 1) by Jessica Berg – Review by Kayla Kearney

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Murder Most Pemberley (Eliza Darcy Mysteries Book 1)Murder Most Pemberley by Jessica Berg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a huge fan of all things Pride and Prejudice, the moment I stumbled across this book I knew that I needed to read it! It didn’t take me very long to fall in love with Eliza, who the author did a fantastic job of turning into a modern-day mix of Agatha Christie and the lovable Elizabeth ‘Lizzy’ Bennet Darcy of the original book. I loved that the author put time and effort into the other characters, making it obvious to readers of the Pride and Prejudice book which descendants there at the reunion resemble the main characters of the original book. Due to the name of the book, I knew it would be a mystery novel, and the author blew me away with how she was able to develop the mystery while also throwing a bit of romance into the novel. Can’t wait to read the next in the series!

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Let It Be Love (A Mustang Prairie Romance Book 5) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Kayla Kearney

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Let It Be Love (A Mustang Prairie Romance)Let It Be Love by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was the perfect summertime romance to pass the afternoon with! This was a wonderful small town contemporary romance following the story of up-and-coming pop star Kiki Ramirez and her Mayor boyfriend Eric. The story pulls you in from the very beginning as the couple faces a hurdle in the relationship. I loved watching their relationship grow despite it, the realisticness of the story made it that much more enjoyable. I haven’t read any stories by this author before, but she has a fantastic writing style, with great attention to detail and the ability to suck the reader in from the very beginning. I can’t wait to read more by her in the future!

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Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass (Mermaid Science Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kayla Kearney

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The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass (Mermaid Science, #3)The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a cute, educational children’s story! I wish that this book had been around when I was a kid, I was always interested in stories about mermaids and have always had a fascination when it comes to anything related to science. I highly recommend that every parent reads this book to their kid, it definitely teaches you to think differently and might inspire some to become scientists in the future! The book definitely reminds me of the Magic Treehouse series, in that it teaches kids to think differently than a normal children’s book would, even though this is a picture book and the other series is not. I wish that I had kids of my own that I could have read this too, but I did read it to my younger cousin who definitely appeared fascinated by the story. I plan to buy some of the other books for her in the future, and for myself if I am ever to have kids of my own!

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Levi (The Brothers of Creekside Ranch Book 1) by Edith Mackenzie Review by Kayla Kearney

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LeviLevi by Edith Mackenzie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not what I was expecting at all, but a joy to read nonetheless! The story of Bella and Levi is a roller coaster, honking you from the very beginning. Bella, an English aristocrat in hiding, has moved to the country, where the handsome cowboy Levi is charged with keeping her safe. The fact that they are complete opposites make the story hilarious and steamy, making it easy to fall in love with them. I’m definitely excited to read more by this author!

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Love is Worth Fighting for (The Meraki Series Book 3) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Kayla Kearney

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Love is Worth Fighting for (Meraki, #3)Love is Worth Fighting for by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fantastic, just like the other two books in the series. This book focuses on Krystina and Loucas, long time frenemies who have to work together that turn into lovers. Like the other two novels, Krystina has continued to search for their missing grandfather, which I was very happy to get more answers to the mystery behind. It isn’t very often that I read a Frenemies to lovers novel, but this one is definitely one of the best I have ever read. Both Krystina and Loucas are very relatable characters, and I loved watching them grow as both people separately and together as a couple. So far, all this author has done is impressed me with their writing styles, so I’m very excited to continue reading more of their work.

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Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Kayla Kearney

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Love by Design (The Meraki series, #2)Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second book in the series was just as good as the first! Focusing on a new couple, Mia and Nicholas, it was great to see a new authors twist on the forbidden office romance trope, which she excelled at! My favorite thing about this story, like many others, was seeing Nicholas slowly opening up to Mia, as at the beginning of the story he has very firmly closed his heart off to prevent further heartache. I loved watching him learn to trust her with his heart, it very much reminds me of myself, someone else who takes awhile to fully open themselves up to one of the most vulnerable things on the planet, someone else’s love. I also love that they continue one of the side stories in the first novel, trying to figure out what happened to the grandfather of Mia from this book and Kally from the previous. I am hoping to get more answers on the mystery in the next book, which I am ecstatic to read next.

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Love is What You Bake of it (The Meraki Series Book 1) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Kayla Kearney

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Love is What You Bake of it (The Meraki Series #1)Love is What You Bake of it by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a start to the series! When I came across the book initially, I was drawn to it for the name, which I found unique yet intriguing. The book was the exact same way in my eyes. The author did a great job at making relatable characters through Kally and Max, and the love story between the two of them is one of the cutest I’ve seen. I related to Kally a lot, also feeling that I was not worthy of love at some point in my life, but just like me, I love watching her discover that she is after meeting Max and then deciding if he was worth the trouble or not. Even though Max wasn’t the most unique character I’ve read in a romance novel, there were small things about him that I fell in love with, making it easy to understand the feelings that she has for him. I also love the small mystery twist to the novel, surrounding her family and specifically her grandfathers death, it definitely helped me in finishing the book quickly. I’m so glad I read the book, and am excited to read the next one in the series.

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One in A Billion (Pierce Brothers Book 3) by Belinda Williams – Review by Kayla Kearney

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One In A Billion (Pierce Brothers, #3)One In A Billion by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It certainly didn’t take long to fall in love with this book! Another one of my favorite authors has written yet another hit, this time in an unconventional romance in the workplace. Seth and Victoria themselves may not always be the most relatable due to their places in society, but the love story that unfolds in this book is one many people can relate to. As with the other two novels in the Pierce Brothers series, this book was a quick read that I was able to finish in two afternoons. I’m excited to read the next book in the series and also her other upcoming new releases.

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove Book 1) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Kayla Kearney

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove #1)Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The moment I started the book, it was like I was reading a book by Nicholas Sparks taking place in Stars Hollow, the town in Gilmore Girls for those not aware. It did not take long for me to fall in love with the main characters, similar to many characters I’ve read about in other books but with the authors own original twist on things.

As with most romantic suspense novels, it did not take me long at all to finish this book. The author did an amazing job at painting the chemistry between Ellawyn and Beckett, and it didn’t take me long to begin rooting for more to happen between them. That and the additional suspense of Ellawyn’s past life catching up with her made my heart race through the entire book, and the ending certainly didn’t disappoint. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Kayla Kearney

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As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a cute romance to start out the summer! This was the first book I read by the author, I am truly impressed by her writing style and her ability to create relatable and lovable characters.

As many women before her, Bree has been hurt by many men with only one intention: sex. The boundaries she sets for herself are ones I feel many of us have set in the past to keep us from further heartache. She meets Nate and is quick to decide not to date him due to the fact that he is too similar to the other men she has sworn to stay away from. She then meets Steven, who appears to have everything she is looking for, but is he really the one she should be pursuing? Only reading will let you find out! Definitely can’t wait for the next book in the series!

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Kayla Kearney

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Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Definitely not what I was expecting but was hooked from the very beginning! You can tell from the start that Grace has been through a lot in her life but that she hasn’t let it stop her from taking care of those that matter most to her. Her journey to becoming an UFC fighter is inspirational, I love how no matter what is thrown her way she is able to work through it and come out stronger on the other side. The connections she made with people she has met on her journey show that she is loyal to a fault, which becomes an issue for her at times throughout the book but made her that much more admirable. I’m excited to see what comes next in the series, and plan to read it soon!

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Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Kayla Kearney

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

Another hit by one of my favorite authors! I love how in this series she has focused not only on the main members of the mafia but also some of the siblings, which is exactly what she has done in writing about Trey in this book. We met Trey in previous books, but I really enjoyed learning more about him and watching him find love in this book. As always, she has written the story of this couple beautifully, making it easy to see the connection between the two of them from the moment they meet. From what I can see, there isn’t a next book in the series, which makes me sad, so I really hope the series continues!

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

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

Definitely not what I was expecting but a quick read nonetheless! I’ve really been enjoying the Fae story genre lately so this was an easy book to read, but I definitely loved the twist the author put on it by having the main character being mortal and by having her being the person tasked with saving the day for magical creatures.

From the very beginning the author illustrated beautifully the differences between the mortal world and the fae world, making it easy to imagine being whisked away to a beautiful land full of magic and beauty. She draws you in with cliffhangers and surprises at the turn of every page, leaving the reader no choice but to finish the book rather quickly. To say it was easy to read this book in a day is an understatement! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

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The Wish-Eater by Claire Luana – Review by Kayla Kearney

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The Wish-EaterThe Wish-Eater by Claire Luana
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Definitely not what I was expecting but really good nonetheless! This is my first read by this author and I am definitely a huge fan. She is really great at conveying how the characters are feeling throughout the story, so much so I felt like I was right there along with them living their experiences.

As someone with medical issues that may prevent any future pregnancies of mine, I very much related with Elodie in her struggles that pushed her into looking for alternatives, making her pursue the services of the ‘Wish-Eater’ that has mysteriously shown up in her village. As the book continued, I was sucked in further and further, wondering if her desire to have children would come to be as the book made many twists and turns.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. I loved the fantasy aspect of it and how the author managed to modernize it in a way they people would be able to relate to. Will definitely be reading more by them in the future!

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

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

This was an easy choice to read for me to read right now. Most definitely an adult version of Greek Mythology, the chemistry between the characters and the story itself made this a quick read for me. It is obvious that mythology is an interest of the authors, her attention to detail on par with Rick Riordan, author of the bestselling Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.

I loved the twist that she put on the story of Apollo and Zeus, it very much modernized the tales that have been around for centuries. This book was definitely a good intro for me to Apollo’s story, as I am planning to read the series on Apollo by Rick Riordan later this year.

Like I said before, the chemistry between Apollo and Prince Hyacinth makes the book a quick read, but that is the least of it. When the electricity between them is going off, there is a sizzle to the air around you. I’m always a fan of the enemies to lovers trope, but this book is the perfect example as to why everyone should read a story like that.

Needless to say, I am a huge fan of the authors’ writing style, the characters, and the plot line. I was sad the moment that I finished the book, but eagerly await the next one and might read some of her other books in the near future!

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The True Purpose of Vines (The Winemakers Book 1) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Kayla Kearney

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The True Purpose of VinesThe True Purpose of Vines by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have found a new favorite historical romance author! This book was quick for me to devour. I enjoyed how in addition to the romance part we also got to learn a bit about the wine making process.

The author has an amazing writing style. The entire book it was as if I were in the room the characters were in. Her attention to detail allowed me to imagine the room around me, smell the air, hear the characters speak out loud to me. I’m definitely excited to read more by her in the future!

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Finding Melodie and The Wedding Special Boxset by Laura Rossi – Review by Kayla Kearney

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Melodie Boxset (Melodie #1-2)Melodie Boxset by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I previously read a mystery by this author, so was completely blown away by how fantastic of a rom com author she is! She wrote as if I was sitting down next to her and she was talking about how she fell in love with someone. I truly felt in both of her books that I was a fly on the wall, experiencing everything along with the main characters.

I wish that the books had been a bit longer but I definitely loved being able to finish the boxset during one weekend, a busy one at that! It was the perfect books to sit down to read and relax at the end of a long day, let out some laughs and cheers for the couple. I can’t wait to read more by the author!

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Spring’s Showers (Romantically Seasonal Series) by C.A. King – Review by Kayla Kearney

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Spring's Showers: Romantically Seasonal: SpringSpring’s Showers: Romantically Seasonal: Spring by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As someone who has been reading a lot of books centering around mythology lately, this was the perfect book for me. I love the twist that the author has put on the more popular ‘fantasy’ figures in this book.

The first book in the series focuses on Mother Nature after she and other popular mythological figures make a bet that they could do Cupids job without issue. I loved watching Mother Nature impersonate a kind old lady just trying to start a new life, and it was hilarious watching her get used to living in the real world. By the end of the book, I was rooting for Mother Nature to be victorious in her quest, having fallen head over heels in love with her.

This is not my first book by the author and it certainly won’t be the last. I love her writing style, attention to detail, and the many characters she has written up. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

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Ruthless Heir (Mafia Elite Book 5) by Amy McKinley – Review by Kayla Kearney

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Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite, #5)Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book had me hooked from the very beginning, as per usual with this author! She captivated me with character of Summer, who is fleeing from people who have all but put a bounty on her, when she meets Luc and is whisked away to the mafia world in Chicago. As with her other books, the author kept me wondering what would happen next with the end of every chapter, and kept with her tradition of showing the viewpoint from each character.

This book has been my favorite in the series so far because of the characters unique connections to the mafia unlike the characters before them. Summer captivated my interest very early on in the book and kept it the entire time. I was slow to like Luc with his brash and distrusting behavior early on in the book, but the more the story went on and we learned things about his past as well as discover along with him things he never knew, he has definitely grown to be one of my favorite male characters this author has written about. The romance that blossoms between them is also one I will not soon forget, as they both realize throughout the story just how much they have in common and how much each needs the other in their lives.

I absolutely loved seeing the old characters making appearances throughout the book, I’ve always been a huge fan of how she does this in every series she has written. Before finishing the book I discovered she has already started on another book in the series, and needless to say, I’m really excited to read it!

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Return of the Elf Lord (Kingdom of the Elf Lords Book 1) by Heidi Vanlandingham – Review by Kayla Kearney

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Return of the Elf LordReturn of the Elf Lord by Heidi Vanlandingham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Definitely a slow start to the book, but turned out to be a great story in the end! The book was definitely not what I expected, but I really enjoyed the writers twist on history. As a huge history nerd and mythology nerd, I really loved how she incorporates both into the story, to me it reminded me a lot of the Wonder Woman movies but also was in a league of its own. The author has a great attention to detail, plus I loved the work they put into developing all of the characters. I definitely hope to read more of their work in the future!

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Guardians of the Garden by Theresa Pocock – Review by Kayla Kearney

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Guardians of the Garden (Guardians Book I)Guardians of the Garden by Theresa Pocock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was definitely not what I expected! It was a bit slow at first as the story was set up, but by the end of the book I was very excited to read the second book in the series.

The writer has a great attention to detail, not many books I read am I able to fully picture what is going on in the book but this author had such talent that I was able to do so. She did a great job transitioning between the characters throughout the story, I was easily able to see things from each of their points of view. I’m very excited to jump into reading the next book

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Apocalypse (Guardians of the Garden Book 2) by Theresa Pocock – Review by Kayla Kearney

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Apocalypse (Guardians Book II)Apocalypse by Theresa Pocock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Picking up where the last book left off, this was a quick read for me! The writer continues to impress me with her writing skills and great attention to detail.

The book left me wondering what would happen next at the end of every chapter. I was sucked in right from the beginning, making it easy for me to read it quickly.

The book was like the first one in that the points of view were from different characters and she continued to amaze me with her ability to do so eloquently. I am a huge fan of this writer and can’t wait to read future books by her.

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Doctor D’s Orderly Affair (Doctors of Eastport General) by C.A. King – Review by Kayla Kearney

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Doctor D's Orderly AffairDoctor D’s Orderly Affair by C.A. King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Not quite what I was expecting, but a good book nonetheless. The book was slow to draw me in, but I was still able to finish it in one day and enjoyed the writers style of writing. I definitely plan to read the other books of the series soon.

The characters of Desmond and Emily are both relatable, making it feel like you understand what they are going through as the book switches back and forth from their perspectives. The chemistry between them is apparent from the first time they meet in the hallway of the hospital they work at together, and by the end of the story you are rooting for them to have a happy ending.

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Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Kayla Kearney

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Depending On YouDepending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book had me hooked from the very beginning! Cate killed a man twenty years ago and as the case reopens, she knows that she needs her best friend, Patti, back in her life. They haven’t seen each other in five years though, and as much as this book is about Cate trying to remain a free woman, it’s just as much about the friendship that stands to fall apart if they don’t work together.This is my first book by the author, I really enjoyed her unique writing style and her way of making the writer really understand what the characters are going through in the book. It always makes me happy when I can pick up a book and finish it in that same setting, and that is exactly what happened with this one! The author truly has a talent of keeping the writing hooked, whether it be revealing something at the end of the chapter that makes it impossible to put down or the heart-wrenching moments throughout the book. She also did a wonderful job of developing the story throughout the book, making it harder and harder to put it down. Can’t wait to read more by her!

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Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Kayla Kearney

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Divine VintageDivine Vintage by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

You can definitely tell the author has an affinity for vintage fashion in her debut novel! For a new author, she seamlessly is able to go back and forth from past to present, all while keeping the reader on their toes as they wonder what is to be revealed next. She has amazing attention to details and any mystery fanatic will love the writing style she has.

The story of Tess and Trey has me hooked from the beginning. The tension between the two characters made it that much more enjoyable to read, and I was happy with how their romance flourished throughout the book. I definitely look forward to reading more of this author!

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Journeys Through AllCreation (Journeys Through Book 3) by James Talisman – Review by Kayla Kearney

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Journeys Through AllCreation (Journeys Through Book 3)Journeys Through AllCreation by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I heard the last book in the series was being released, I was absolutely ecstatic, and neither the book nor the author failed to meet my expectations! I reread the first two books prior to reading this because it had been awhile and there was a lot of information I had forgotten, so I was very happy I had the insight to do that!

This book was by far my favorite of the three stories! I really enjoyed how he left you guessing right up until the very end what the conclusion of the story would be. I was sad to see the story come to an end, but am happy that I got answers to many questions that I was having. The author did a great job at tying up all of the loose ends left after the second book, as well as make it impossible to put down for very long. This author has definite talent, I’m excited to see what he comes up with next!

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