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Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1) by Michelle Bennington – Review by Kerry Carr

Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1)Dumpster Dying by Michelle Bennington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book 1 in The Hazardous Hoarding Mysteries series. I found this cozy mystery really unique and entertaining. It is the first book that I have read by this author and i am looking forward to reading more in this series.
The author does a great job with the characters. They are all fun and charming and a little eccentric in their own way which is what makes them unique.
In this story we first meet Birdie and her sister Oda Dean. Both of them love a good deal and love looking around for bargains. Birdie considers herself a collecter but to the outside world she would be considered a horder. One of the things Birdie loves is looking inside dumpsters however her favourite past time comes to a horrible end when she discovers the body of a young woman who she considered her friend.
Now she is on a mission along with her sister Oda and her dead husband (in spirit form) to find out who killed her friend and why. As Birdie starts investigating and trying to get to the bottom of things she places a target on her back.
Will she become the next body in a dumpster?

The characters of Birdie and Oda are so well written they literally jump off the page. Their relationship and the humour between them makes this story engaging and a fun read. Add to the mix Birdie’s departed husband and it is a great entertaining mix. There are some deeper issues such as lonelness and the loss of a loved one which are dealt within this story as well.

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 2) by K. L. Small – Review by Kerry Carr

The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series, Book 2)The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in The Brass Ring Series. This book is a magical adventure for children although as an adult I enjoyed reading it to my son as much as he enjoyed hearing it. This is a wonderful magical adventure with a Christmas feel to it. The author does an amazing job of writing a story that is fun and engaging and captivating while also explaining the true meaning for Christmas and introducing children to illness such as Alzheimer’s in a way that allows the children to understand and not be afraid.

We are back with Rusty and his Grandpa. Rusty wants to get his Grandpa a special gift for Christmas after his Grandpa gave him a magical ring in the first book which allowed him to go on adventures. Rusty wants to get his Grandpa a gift just as special in return but with money being tight how can he get his Grandpa the gift he truelly wants.
When he is shopping with his mum for Christmas gifts he spots a Christmas Carousel. Would the magical ring work on this on?
What follows is a magical adventure where Rusty learns the true meaning for Christmas and gift giving all with the help of the animals on the Christmas Carousel.
Will Rusty finally be able to find the perfect gift for his Grandpa?
This was a really magical festive read that was enjoyed by both myself and my son it captured both of us.

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The Ocean in His Veins (The Ocean Series) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Kerry Carr

The Ocean in His Veins (The Ocean Series)The Ocean in His Veins by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in The Ocean series duo. Even though these books can be read as standalone for me personally i should have read this one first before Where The Ocean Meets The Sky.
In this story we follow Cal through his life from the age of 16 to 45. Reading this book really helped me to understand Cal more. To understand why he is the way he is, what happened to him to shape him into the man he has become.
My Heart cried for him through most of the story. I felt that Cal was a man who wanted to love deeply and be loved in return but because he was raised to see feelings and emotion as weakness he closes himself off which makes him seem cold and uncaring.
We follow him through his life as he struggles to find something he can’t explain. He calls it The Lonley and it disappears when he is intimate with someone but it returns after.
He struggles to connect with someone on more than a physical level and the few times feelings have started to develop he runs away. Scared to show weakness and scared of being vulnerable and allowing his true feelings to show.
As his story progresses he struggles more and more to open up and allow someone in until he meets Annie. Is Annie going to be the one to actually see through the cold hard walls and see the vulnerable loving man underneath. Is it finally time for Cal to be scared and risk being hurt to finally keep the woman he wants.
The author’s writing is beautiful, very descriptive and allows the reader to completely feel the emotion.
After reading this I will definately be going back to re-read When The Ocean Meets The Sky.

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Where the Ocean Meets the Sky (The Ocean Series) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Kerry Carr

Where the Ocean Meets the Sky (The Ocean Series)Where the Ocean Meets the Sky by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is part of 2 books in The Ocean series. This book can be read as a standalone thankfully as I’m not sure which way round they are supposed to be read. So I just dived in.
This is a romance where the author has put 3 books into 1 so it is quite a lengthy read. However that being said it doesn’t feel like a long read because you get so invested in the characters and their lives that it flys by. The author’s writing is beautiful, very descriptive and really paints the picture of everything from the characters thoughts and feelings to the view around them.
Both of our main characters are dealing with demons and struggling with life in their own way which is partly what the story is about how they both struggle to overcome their pasts to create a future of love.
At times I wanted to laugh and at others I wanted to cry and on more than one occasion I wanted to shake both of our main characters . However I feel once I read the next book Cals behaviour will make more sense to me.
Overall I loved the story and can’t wait to read the next one.

This is a beautiful story of 2 people who find each other, while having demons to battle which make them question themselves and things around them. As well as a age gap and the fact that they are only going to have the summer together both of them are powerless to stop what their heart desires. Can this new found love help them both heal? What happens when the summer is over?

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Sea of Demons (Blood and Sand Book 5) by Heidi Stark – Review by Kerry Carr

Sea of Demons: A Dark Enemies to Lovers Mafia RomanceSea of Demons: A Dark Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Heidi Stark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book 5 of the Blood and Sand series. I wasn’t aware of this before I started reading so I was a little disappointed, however the author recaps quite well so the story still flows and is understandable. That being said i will be heading back to the beginning and reading the series from the start because I loved this story so much. This book had everything I love from a dark Mafia Romance. It had the hot, protective, dangerous men who will stop at nothing to protect the woman they love, danger around every corner and the constant fight to protect what is theirs.
Once thing I will just say which the author makes you aware of at the start of the story is there are some topics which may trigger some readers and also the fact that some steamy scenes and violence scenes are written in graphic detail. For me personally this wasn’t an issue and made me feel more like i was present at the time of these occurrences however for some reader they maybe too graphic or triggering.
This is a reverse harem story around Devon and her men and Angel and her men. With Devon’s father taken care of Devon hope she can move on with her life with the support of her men. However that isn’t going to be so easy. As they plan to take revenge against the man who brought Devon (full story in pervious books) things don’t go the plan and it puts her in more danger than she was before.
Angel and her guys feel they are finally free of the stalker that was a risk to Angel( previous book), but now with joining forced with Devon and her guys they have found themselves with a new enemy.
This story is full of Suspense, danger, emotion, intensity, love and passion. I couldn’t put this book down and i fell in love with every character. I can’t wait to head to the beginning of this series and get to know every character in a more complete way.

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The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams – Review by Kerry Carr

The Christmas EscapeThe Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an entertaining holiday read. I have read several books by this author and I have always found them enjoyable. Part of the reason I love them is because the characters are so believable we all know someone who is like the character being portrayed in the story. This is a short read but it doesn’t feel like it’s unfinished in anyway. I was just a little disappointed that I flew through it so quick but that is because of the brilliant writing of the author and the fact I was so invested in this story.
Lizzie is having a tough time, she has just been made redundant and with Christmas coming up the last thing she wants to do is spend it with her family. So when an opportunity arises to help her friend by buying her flight to Australia off her Lizzie jumps at the chance. After all its just what she needs a break far away from family and in the sun. What she does expect or plan on is meeting someone.
Jaz is a single father who has his work cut out looking after his kids that romance never enters his mind. That is until his son accidently hits a woman on the beach. Now their paths keep crossing and he finds he likes spending time with her, he even invites her to have Christmas lunch with him. He knows she’s on holiday and will be leaving soon but wheres the harm is a little holiday fling.
Because in Lizzie’s mind that’s all this could ever be right? There’s no way it could progress into something more meaningful is there? Will common sense win or will the magic of Christmas sprinkle just enough magic to grant them a Christmas wish?
I loved it and even though its set in a sunny place the magic of Christmas still came through. This is definately a book to read curled up by the fire with a mug of hot chocolate.

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The Inquisitor (WaterFyre Rising Book 4) by Nadia Han – Review by Kerry Carr

The Inquisitor (WaterFyre Rising, #4)The Inquisitor by Nadia Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 4th book in the WaterFyre Rising series. Even though it is part of a series each book revolves around a different couple so you don’t need to read them in order, however I guarantee once you’ve read 1 you will want to read more. The author’s writing is so captivating that it grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go.
This book has everything I love to read. From a strong protective alpha with dark secrets, danger, lies, passion, intrigue, human trafficking, and twists and turns i just didn’t expect for me it was definately a thrilling page-turner.
This story follows Forrest and Kiera. A chance meeting brings them together and even though the attraction is there they think nothing more of it. Until Kiera is kidnapped and placed up for auction to the highest bidder. Scared and alone she panics until she spots a familiar face in the crowd.
Forrest has his own demons to deal with and he is on a revenge mission to get rid of the people who murdered his family and he will stop at nothing until the last person has gone. When he meets Kiera she is like a Ray of light in his dark world and even though he knows he shouldn’t he can’t help but be drawn to her.
When she sees her at that place he knows he needs to do whatever it takes to protect her but by doing so has he just put an even bigger target on her back from the people he is trying to destroy.
Can he protect Kiera whilst still going after revenge?

This story is so detailed and I love the way it is told from both POV so you can get a complete picture of what each character is thinking and feeling, the turmoil they both go through as they try to navigate the dangerous path in front of them.
Even though it is over 400 pages long I read through it so fast because i couldn’t put it down. I needed to know what would happen and if they would get their happy ever after

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Themes of Kismet by A. Akinosho – Review by Kerry Carr

Themes of KismetThemes of Kismet by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really sweet romance. I loved the whole idea of the main characters meeting at a young age and knowing they would be together even though they had no clue who the other person was or if they would ever see each other again. But fate and destiny had a plan for them and as their paths continue to cross they finally give into fate.
However the path to their happy ever after isn’t a smooth ride there is a lot against them. From them both being from different cultures, to betrayals, danger and secrets that could tear them apart before they have a chance of letting their love grow.

This book is a great read and I couldn’t put it down. I loved how they kept finding their way back to each other despite their circumstances and obstacles in their way. The connection between Noah and Ebun was beautifully written from the first time they met you could feel the affection and the fact that they cared for each other even as strangers.
I also loved the detail that the author puts into describing the culture differences. It was a beautiful insight into another’s culture and gives the reader a greater understanding of a culture they may no little about.

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Secrets at the Café: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Kerry Carr

Secrets at the CafeSecrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an engaging Suspense mystery that keeps you gripped and guessing throughout the story. The twists and turns means you can’t figure out what is going to happen which kept me reading more as I wanted to find out the answers.
Karina Walker has had her life turned upside down when her grandmother passes away leaving her to run the cafe her grandmother has made a success but that’s not all. Her grandmother tells her she needs to read her journal. Karina struggles to carry on her grandmother’s work but when the journal is found by customers and then suddenly goes missing Karina goes on the hunt to find who has taken it and why.
The list of suspects keeps growing and as she searches hidden secrets and rumours start to come to life.
Can she work through her families past to succeed in her future? What secrets does the journal hold that someone obviously wants? And will the secrets when revealed turn Karina life upside down anymore than it already is?
This story is an engaging mystery and a page turning read. I felt in parts sorry for Karina as she gives up everything she knows to fulfill her grandmothers final wish and now she has to struggle with the secrets that come to light as well as coming to terms with all that she has lost.

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The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob – Review by Kerry Carr

The Catford Catastrophe ZoneThe Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting dystopian sci-fi read. The author did an incredible job of turning our future into something completely unrecognisable but not so far out of the realm of being believable especially with the advances in technology we have happening all the time. Who’s to know for certain that humans wouldn’t be able to access apps and entertainment from a chip implanted into them. But with technology like that we also lead ourselves with the danger of being controlled by the same implants used to make our lives easier and better.

We are with Frankie in this book. Frankie desperately wants to become a superhero so she spends her life completing missions to earn her spot on that elite team. This is the mission that will guarantee her that spot. However she needs to take a trip into a world so far away from her protected world. She needs to go into the poverty zone to spy on a possible group of people who are looking to rebel. The problem is Frankie knows that when people go to the poverty zone they don’t return.
As much as she wants to refuse she can’t and so she finds herself in a dark place which is worse than anything she ever imagined. With dangerous creatures and plants the humans inhabiting the space become the least of Frankie’s worries. It is complete madness full of chaos as everyone struggles to survive.
Are the people she’s been sent to spy on really rebels trying to cause trouble or are they just normal people struggling to survive in the dark place they have found themselves?
Will Frankie ever return to her life? And will she finally get the position promised to her?
As she learns more about the people in the area, their stories and their secrets will she be able to survive against all the odds stacked against her.
This was a gripping read that I couldn’t put down. I will definately be looking for more from this author as this is the first book i have read and I really enjoyed it.

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Dark Moon Secrets (The Witch Moon Series Book 1) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Kerry Carr

Dark Moon Secrets (Witch Moon #1)Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Witch Mion Series. This is a great start to the series if you love paranormal stories like i do then this is definately one for you.
This story is full of mystery, secrets from the beginning and twists and turns along the way that keeps you guessing. As well as this there is also the start of a forbidden romance.
Imagine having your whole life turned upside down by a secret you never knew existed. That’s exactly what happens to Tanjie. When her neighbour passes away she is left in charge of her book store. However its not a normal bookstore. It is a cover for people who aren’t human. Suddenly Tanjie is thrown into a world she never knew existed with creatures she never dreamed were real. And so her adventure begins as she comes to terms with the fact she is a witch and trys to find a way to control her powers.
Added to this a forbidden romance emerging between the witch and a werewolf. Do they follow their heart? What would be the consequences if they do? Will their romance risk both of their lives?

This was a great read and I can’t wait to read more in the series to come. This author does an amazing job of bringing the paranormal into reality in a way that the author can actually imagine it really happening.

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The Truth About Myths (The Winemakers Book 3) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Kerry Carr

The Truth About Myths (The Winemakers #3)The Truth About Myths by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 3rd book in The Winemakers Series. Even though it is part of a series it can be read as a standalone, however I feel once you read one you will want to read them all. This is a historical romance, enemies to lovers story. I love the chemistry between our main characters as they seem to play a cat and mouse game with each other. I also love the fire in Isabel, she is a princess but a princess who isn’t afraid to speak her mind which is refreshing for the time period the story is set in.
This story has so many beautiful elements from the characters themselves to the authors amazing writing which transports the reader back in time and describes the places so vividly it feels like you are there.
If you like historical romances full of twists and turns, a little danger, a sense of doing your duty and what is expected of you along with secrets and hidden agendas to uncover this book has something for everyone.

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Almost and Forever by Angela K. Parker – Review by Kerry Carr

Almost and Forever: An Emotional Second Chance at Love RomanceAlmost and Forever: An Emotional Second Chance at Love Romance by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a beautifully written second chance romance. The author covers some topics in this book which maybe hard for some readers such as grief, dealing with grief and the anger and pain that is caused by losing a loved one. This book really tugs at the heart strings and the characters are so well written and developed that you can’t help feeling all the emotions they go through.
As well as being a story about loss it is also a story about hope and healing and how finding the right person can help you through anything life throws at you no matter how big or small.

Hope and Adam meet several times. The first time they were both in relationships but they couldn’t ignore the chemistry between them.
The next time they meet Adam was struggling with the loss of a loved one and Hope was struggling to find the love she has been craving.
Adams loss has left him filled with anger and hurt and he has closed himself off from people but when he sees Hope being harassed by some guy he can’t help but step in.
Both of them realise that something is bringing them together over and over again but are they prepared to take the risk of putting their hearts on the line again?

This is a beautiful story. As you read your heart will break for the characters but as you carry on their story and they start to heal each other you can feel that sense of healing coming through to heal you as well.
I enjoyed this heartfelt emotional story

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Doombringer by Marcel Liemant – Review by Kerry Carr

DoombringerDoombringer by Marcel Liemant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a really enjoyable fantasy adventure. This story was really powerful for me. As a parent myself I can understand Oden’s need to do anything he can to protect his daughter from the reality of how dangerous and dead their world is and also to hide her from the things that happen that would scare an adult never mind a child. Like most parents Oden provides this protection no matter the cost to himself.
But all magic comes at a cost and Oden knows the cost of protecting his daughter in this way will mean losing his life. As the next war is due to start its not just his daughter that Oden has to protect but with his time almost up will he be able to provide the miracle they need to save the remaining people?
This is a story filled with magic, adventure, prophecies, danger, the constant threat of war and one man’s determination to protect his daughter no matter the cost. It is a gripping and moving story which I really enjoyed.

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Finding Your Heart by Nadia Han – Review by Kerry Carr

Finding Your Heart: A Journal for Discovering Your HeartFinding Your Heart: A Journal for Discovering Your Heart by Nadia Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a beautiful journal that was inspiring and thought provoking. It is beautifully written with activities and exercises to help you declutter your mind and spirit. It allows you to explore the dark thoughts and feelings you may experience and allows you to work through them in a safe and methodical way.
The activities and affirmations contained really allow you to explore yourself spiritually and helps you to grow and develop in a more peaceful and spiritual way.
I really enjoyed this journal and I will be sure to use the questions inside it on a frequent basis when I feel the need to reconnect with myself.

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Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes (Hot Flash Hookups Book 1) by Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart – Review by Kerry Carr

Hot Flashes and Hockey SlashesHot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this steamy romantic comedy. It was so well written that I laughed till I cried in parts. The author’s portrayal of Olivia was a really relatable character for me as a woman who is in the beginnings of menopause. I could sympathise with her with the hot flushes and brain fog but she’s an amazing determined woman who doesn’t let it stop her. I also loved Roman. His character was so likeable how he works so hard to make Olivia see what he sees that fact that she is an attractive hot woman no matter her age, weight or what she’s going through.
Olivia’s ex husband invites her to his wedding to show off his new younger bride. Even though Olivia doesn’t want to go she does for her kids. She knows there is no way she can compete with the bride to be and the thought of spending time in her ex’s company fills her with dread.
However her daughter and her friend have a plan. Why not fight fire with fire. And they don’t come hotter than hockey player Roman.
When Roman’s daughter asks him to be a fake date for her friends mum he doesn’t think twice about accepting. After all it’s a favour to his daughter. The plan is simple pretend to date this woman, make her look good in front of her ex and bride and then return to his life. But what happens when he realises that the “fake feelings” and relationship are becoming something more. For once in his life he has found a woman who wants him for him and not his fame or status.
What will happen after the wedding? Will they get the happy ever after they both deserve or will it just be a holiday fling.
I loved this story and I was willing them to succeed. Getting older isn’t fun for anyone but it was refreshing and exciting to read a story about a older couple having such sizzling chemistry and passion.

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Sweet Vengeance (Mission Belles Book 3) by Pamela Gibson – Review by Kerry Carr

Sweet Vengeance (Mission Belles #3)Sweet Vengeance by Pamela Gibson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a interesting historical enemies to lovers historical romance. There are so many elements to this story which make it unique and interesting. Firstly we have our main female character, she is hell bent on revenge for the murder of her brother. She will stop at nothing until the man she blames for his murder is dead. Then we have the man himself who was an American spy turned horse trainer, now his sister is missing and he needs to find her. Was it foul play or has she disappeared for another reason.
All this is going on at the time of the gold rush when strangers are coming from all over to make their fortune.
Elena Santoro has grown up being the boy her father didn’t have so she is skilled in ways no ordinary lady is. When her brother is murdered she vows to not stop until his killer loses his life too. Knowing the person was Sean leaves her with mixed feelings as she had feelings for him but how can she allow herself to fall for her brothers killer.
Sean’s life has moved on, he’s now a horse trainer and is hoping the gold rush will bring him more clients, things were looking up until his sister goes missing. Now he needs to find her but has she left of her own accord or was she taken against her will?
Elena knows if she is to complete her objective she needs to earn Sean’s trust so she offers to help him find his sister.
However the more time they spend together the more their feelings grow.
Will Elena really be able to murder the man she is falling for? And as the truth of what happened to her brother finally comes to light will she find out before its too late.

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Lost and Found (Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Kerry Carr

Lost and Found: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9 (Logan McKenna Series)Lost and Found: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 9th book in The Logan McKenna Mystery series. Even though these books can be read as a standalone I personally recommend reading them from the beginning as we learn so much about Logan as the series progresses and it gives the reader a complete understanding of who she is, what she has gone through, and how she has become the woman she is today. This author’s writing is amazing. Every story is unique and full of so many twists and turns that I’m kept guessing all the way through. I am always gripped by these stories and I can’t put them down until Logan had found out the truth.
This book was no different. Yet again a murder had occurred, and with so many stories and lies and so much deception it is going to take everything Logan has to be able to unravel all these lies to get to the truth. Can she figure out what’s going on before its too late?
With so many characters that are so well written you will be guessing who is to blame all the way through.

This author and this series just keeps going from strength to strength. If you love a good Thriller, with a strong and determined female lead then you will definately enjoy this series. I can’t wait to see what else the author has in store for us.

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Wolfbane (Wolfbane Series Book 1) by Celia Hart – Review by Kerry Carr

Wolfbane (Wolfbane #1)Wolfbane by Celia Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Wolfbane series. It is a paranormal romance which has twists and turns, fated mates, hot sexy alpha and beta werewolves and one girl torn between the two.
This story was a fast paced read and had characters you will love and also hate. It is a story of finding your fated mate but also a story of friendships and how they can go from positive to negative and toxic.
We have four main characters in this story and each on is unique.
Firstly we have Jasmine. She is a firm believer of following the rules set out by her pack and her parents and vows to keep herself for her mate alone that is until temptation is placed in her way in the shape of the new Alpha Blake.

Blake had it all including his mate until she was taken away from him. He now lives life on his terms and is determined to not let another woman close until he meets Jasmine. Something about her draws him to her and even though he knows she isn’t his mate it doesn’t mean he can stop the attraction he feels towards her.

Then we have Luke and Lucy. Lucy is Jasmine’s best friend and unlike Jasmine she doesn’t want to wait for her fated mate. She wants to choose her mate and she chooses Luke.
Luke knows that Lucy isn’t his mate but is happy to go along with it. That is until he finally meets his mate Jasmine.
The lengths Lucy goes to destroy any chance of Luke and Jamaine being together really made me dislike her. She acts like a child who can’t get her own way. Saying that Luke was just as bad thinking with another part of his body instead of his head which leads to problems with Jasmine.

Through all this story my heart goes out to Jasmine and Blake. All Jasmine wanted was to find her mate and for him to have saved himself for her like she has for him and it breaks her heart when she realises who her mate is.
My Heart also broke for Blake. As he got closer to Jasmine his feelings towards her start to change from friendship to something more but with the arrival of her mate he has to face losing someone he cared about again.

This was a gripping story that I couldn’t put down. The author’s writing was great to have 4 characters and to leave me with such strong emotions about each character is unique for me as a reader. I can’t wait to see what else this series brings.

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The Cold Kid Case (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Kerry Carr

Sparky of Bunker Hill and the Cold Kid CaseSparky of Bunker Hill and the Cold Kid Case by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a interesting murder mystery set in the 1930s. The author does an amazing job of researching and writing about era really bringing it to life. I loved the main character of Sparky. She strength and resilience as well as her attitude to let nothing stop her really endeared her to my heart.

Sparky hasn’t had the easiest life. She is an orphan living on the streets struggling to survive. On her birthday she decides to venture to her special place with the treats she has saved. When she arrives she finds a little girl. What she doesn’t realise at first is that the little girl is dead.
In panic she raises the alarm which in turn turns her into the number 1 suspect. Not only is she the suspect of that murder but everything bad that has happened is now placed at her feet. So she is now on the run and with the help of an eccentric actress( who all the children think is scary and dangerous) and her friend from the streets Bobby they need to find out who the murderer is to clear Sparky’s name.

This is a fast paced murder mystery which i really enjoyed. The author’s writing style and descriptive writing really brought this story and characters to life.

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Shadow Bringer (Raven Academy Book 1) by Brandi Elledge – Review by Kerry Carr

Shadow Bringer: Raven AcademyShadow Bringer: Raven Academy by Brandi Elledge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an amazing gripping paranormal adventure. It is the first book in the Raven Academy Series. I loved how the author brought so many elements from vampires and werewolves to witches and Shadow Bringers, this book has so many twists and turns that I was hooked from the first page. I loved the character of Riley. She is a very determined young woman who won’t stand by while someone dictates her life. It was a unique story about Rileys life in the community and at times I was wondering if she was any safer in that community than she would be outside of it.

This book is filled with action, secrets, dangers and its a journey as Riley discovers who she really is.

Riley is 18 and is in her final year of school. Her plan is that once she leaves she plans to leave the community with her friend. The community has been her home forever however the things they are forced to do such as having their magic bound if they have any and being treated so they can’t reproduce. Riley believes she can have a better life in the free world. When new students arrive at the academy from the outside Riley sees them as her opportunity to get a taste of the outside world. 1 person in particular catches her eye and offers to help her for a price. But what Riley doesn’t realise is just how high that price will be and what it will cost her.

This was an amazing story and I can’t wait to read more

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Rise of the Y (The Y Chronicles Book 1) by Angela D. Shelton – Review by Kerry Carr

Rise of the YRise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in The Y Chronicles series. It is a YA young dystopian story that has me completely immersed from the start. The author’s writing really brought the world to life. You can actually picture living in a world where everyone had a place and a purpose but no free will. With one group of people controlling all of human kind and stopping anyone trying to rebel in their tracks.
This is a story about one girls fight to find herself and break free of all the rules places around her. It is a story of love and loss, Rebellion, danger, duty and secrets that slowly come into the light.
Lexi has finally turned 17. She doesn’t want be placed in a role like her parents. To live a life that is uniformed with no free will. She wants the chance to find her own way in the world but How?
When she finds a diary detailing things about a rebel group called Y it sets her on the road of discovering all she can about them. Is this group the thing she needs to break free? Did her mother and grandmother have any knowledge of this group? Were they every a part of it? And what will be the consequences of her joining such a group?
When a young woman is torn between duty and towing the line and finally finding freedom and herself in the process which way will Lexi turn?

I loved this story and can’t wait to see what happens next.

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My Murder Year by Kate Larkindale – Review by Kerry Carr

My Murder YearMy Murder Year by Kate Larkindale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really emotional rollercoaster of a YA read. The author does an incredible job of taking the reader back to their younger self’s and the journey of self discovery we all have to go through as we progress from teenager to adulthood. This story deals with some topics that are sometimes hard to talk about such as the breakup of a parents marriage and losing someone one we love. The author deal with these topics in a compassionate and respectful way as our main character Stas learns to find her way through.

Stas thought her life was running OK, granted her parents had split up but her mother was happy with her new partner and planning a wedding. Apart from her mother obsession with her weight their relationship was good. And with the arrival of a new love interest in the form of Zane, Stas feels her life is on a better track.
That is until she finds her mother murdered in her dance studio. Who could have done it? Who would want her mother dead?
The prime suspect because Stas’s father and with both her parents no longer around she runs the risk of losing the only family she knows. When relatives from her biological parents turn up wanting to take her away from the only other person she knows (her mums partner Momma K and her brother Teddy) she has a fight on her hands to stop herself being take away by supposedly well meaning relatives.
This is a real emotional rollercoaster of a ride filled with love, grief, family angst, murder, and a journey of self discovery of a young girl/woman.
Stas’s character is beautifully written. Her strength and determination as she faces the challenges in her life made me fall in love with her from the beginning.

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Spectral Revelations (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 6) by Ellen Butler – Review by Kerry Carr

Spectral Revelations: A Karina Cardinal Mystery (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 6)Spectral Revelations: A Karina Cardinal Mystery by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 6th story in the Karina Cardinal Mystery series. This book can be read as a standalone however I do recommend reading them all so you get a complete understanding of the characters and can see their growth and development in each story.
This is a cosy paranormal mystery which I loved. It is fast paced and full of secrets that Karina has to discover and solve in order to figure out the case. There as so many twists and turns that the reader is kept guessing all the way through.

When Karina’s Aunt Vera goes missing there is a question over whether this was a genuine disappearance or just Aunt Vera wanting to disappear for a while. After Karina hears about her Aunts disappearance she has a feeling she’s in trouble. After all Karina seems to attract nothing but trouble recently. As she starts her search she gets some help from a unexpected being who holds some of the clues to her aunts disappearance. However it will take all of Karine’s sleuthing skills to be able to unravel the clues as they are twisted and distorted with lies and corruption. Can she solve this case in time? Is Aunt Vera really in danger or just hiding from something?

One things for sure with Karine’s strength and determined character she won’t let anyone stop her from getting to the bottom of this mystery.

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The Men of Eden Cove Manor by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Kerry Carr

The Men of Eden Cove ManorThe Men of Eden Cove Manor by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is another amazing paranormal M/M romance from this author. I have read loads of book and I am never disappointed. The author does an incredible job of making the stories unique and with all the books I’ve read there is never the same story. What I love about this author is their ability to captivate me from the start and surprising me along the way.
This is a quick read which will keep you gripped all the way through. I don’t want to give too much away but this is a story that has it all, danger, secrets, Paranormal activity and of course romance and chemistry.

When Lucifer breaks into the mysterious house that the town thinks is haunted he planned on proving all the gossip wrong. What he didn’t expect was that one decision would change his life in ways he could never expect or imagine. The Men of Eden Cove Manor do hold secrets but will Lucifer embrace this discovery or run away like many have before him?

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Murder at the Wedding (Modern Midwife Mysteries Book 1) by Christine Knapp – Review by Kerry Carr

Murder at the Wedding (Modern Midwife Mysteries #1)Murder at the Wedding by Christine Knapp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this murder mystery. The story line was unique and kept me guessing who was the murderer all the way which kept me turning the pages.
The author does a great job with the characters. Some i immediately fell in love with whereas others i got an instant dislike for.
This story is a murder mystery. When the  Chief Obstetrician falls down dead at his daughters wedding there are some questions that need to be answered. Maeve O’Reilly Kensington is a midwife and it was her boss that suddenly passed away but what was the cause?
With her husband Will being the caterer for the wedding fingers start to point towards him as the culprit. Maeve knows she’s got to find the real killer to prove her husbands innocence.
With the new acting head of Obstetricians trying to do away with the midwife department Maeve professional and private lives collide. She knows she needs to solve this case and get to the bottom of what is happening not only to save her husbands business but also to save her own job. With the aid of her mother, sister and at times reluctant brother Maeve decides both of their futures rest on her shoulders and getting to the bottom of this case.
Was it just a sad untimely death? Did something more sinister play a part in the Chiefs death? Why would someone what to murder the Cheif Obststrician? As the secret and lies start to unravel Maeve starts to uncover things and things start to get dangerous.

This was a great cosy read that I couldn’t put down. I loved Maeves character and her determination to do what’s right no matter where the truth leads her.

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Threads of Time (Toronto Time Agents Series) by C. N. Jackson – Review by Kerry Carr

Threads of Time: A Historical Time Travel Adventure (Toronto Time Agents)Threads of Time: A Historical Time Travel Adventure by C. N. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The is 2nd book in the Toronto Time Agents Series. I do really recommed you read them in order so you get a full understanding of the characters and their roles.It is a travel adventure that is filled with twists and turns and danger around every corner. The author does an amazing job of taking the reader back in time to eras go by and really immersing them in that time period. The author’s research and descriptions of the time periods the characters find themselves in really brings the whole story to life.
This story starts with a bang quite literally when an explosion happens destroying the time machine next door to Wilda’s shop. Not only destroying the machine but every item of historical clothes that Wilda has made for all the time travelling customers.
As a former agent she is used to dealing with terrorist past and present so when she is requested to take her new trainee on a mission the last thing she wants is to be thrown back into the dangers of time travelling to times unknown. With dangers attempting to harm her in the present, a time machine not exactly working as it should, terrorists to stop in the past and a trainee who doesn’t have a clue Wilda certainly has her work cut out to keep the time lines untouched, people safe and the present unaffected in negative ways.

This is truelly a captivating read that will have the reader gripped from the first page. I can’t wait to see what else the author has in store for us.

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Ross (Central Florida Stories Book 4) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Kerry Carr

Ross: Central Florida StoriesRoss: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the fourth book in the Central Florida Series and even though they can be read as standalone reads I feel one you’ve read one you will want to read then all.
This author does an amazing job of opening the world of BDSM up to the reader in a way that goes deeper than just the sexual kinks. The author shows us the actual relationship side to these types of relationships and how loving and protecting they can be. This story is full of angst, danger, steamy chemistry and a connection to the dom/submissive relationship that can’t be denied.
This is Ross and Hadley’s story.

To Ross, Hadley has always been the one who got away. Unable to deal with his feelings he enlisted to get away hoping the time apart would make his feelings less but on his return he finds her planning to go on the run with his brother. As much as he wants to stop her and protect her he knows he has no right to so he let’s her leave.

Fast forward and Ross is moving on but he has never forgotten her and often thinks about her. When Hadley gets in touch with a cry for help Ross knows that this time he will stop her from making a mistake and he will protect her from anything that threatens her.

Hadley has known nothing but pain since leaving all those years ago. Now she finds herself in a unsafe world of a Outlaw MC with her daughter. Knowing she needs to find a way to protect her she reaches out to the only person she knows she can trust. What she didn’t expect was that not only would Ross rescue her daughter but also her as well. Over the years though Hadley had built walls to protect herself and she isn’t so keen to tear them down. The girl Ross fell in love with no longer exists or so she thinks.
As their relationship progresses and Ross’s protective, dominant Daddy side comes out will this be just the antidote that Hadley needs to recover and learn to love again.
With the added danger of the people they escaped trying to find them will Hadley and her daughter ever be safe? And now that Ross finally has her how far will he go to protect the woman who has always held his heart.
This book was a real page turner for me. I loved the characters and the way they complimented each other so well.

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Melt My Heart (North Fork Series Book 3) by Alicia Street – Review by Kerry Carr

Melt My HeartMelt My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book 3 in the North Forks series. This romance is a quick read but completely captivating. The characters are so well written and likeable that you can’t help falling in love with them. And if that wasn’t sweet enough you get the 4 legged little furball that brings them together.

Wynter and Caleb come from 2 very different backgrounds but both have been hurt in the past and are unwilling to risk their hearts again. But neither of them can deny the chemistry and attraction between them.
When they both seem to be connected by a mysterious letter could this be the thing that brings them closer together or that keeps them apart?
This is a really sweet romance containing chemistry, angst, trust issues, and learning to trust and love again. I haven’t read this series in order but I will definately be heading back to read them. If your looking for a sweet easy to read romance then I really recommend this book.

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Unclutter (Inner Voice Book 1) by Winnie D Pagora – Review by Kerry Carr

Unclutter: A Survivor's Story (Inner Voice, #1)Unclutter: A Survivor’s Story by Winnie D. Pagora
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a YA story which has been very well thought out and written. The author deals with subjects in this story that are very sensitive and could trigger some people such as sexual abuse, self harm and the after effects of being a victim of abuse. The author takes us on a journey with Tina Lauren as she struggles to find her way in the world while trying to come to terms with the abuse in her past and the mental scars she has been left with. The author does an amazing job of allowing the reader to feel and experiences emotions that Tina feels. One thing I loved about this book was the fact even though the subject was sensitive and could be a hard read, I loved how determined Tina was and how she was determined to not like her abusers or the abuse she suffered control her forever.
As hard as it was for me to read I was unaware of the way abuse could effect people in ways such as not liking to be touched. Tina knows her boundaries and won’t let anyone cross them no matter the repercussions of her actions cause or people’s opinions of her.

She treads a fine line between caring about what people think of her and being true to herself. When your a young woman being normal and fitting in is all you want and when you can’t have that everything becomes a struggle.
This was an inspiring story which I enjoyed very much.

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