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Flirting with my Enemy (Love is a Mystery Book 1) by Laura Burton – Review by Kimberly Shirah

Flirting with my Enemy: A Sweet Romantic Comedy (Love is a Mystery #1)Flirting with my Enemy: A Sweet Romantic Comedy by Laura Burton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sweet treats and romance is the perfect ingredients in this book by Laura Burton. Flirting with my Enemy is a clean fun read that leaves you wanting more.

This story follows Ella and Zane, two rival bakery owners, one on a completely different financial level though. Zane is rich, and has his sights set on taking over Elle’s bakery. Elle does not plan to give in with out a fight though, as her bakery used to belong to her mother, and she has no intention of giving it up.

While both characters are very different, it is fun to watch them grow, and fall in love. As we all know though, just because we are in love doesn’t mean happy ever after. Can Elle and Zane get past their differences?

This was a quick, fun read that I couldn’t put down. Laura Burton is another new author that I can’t wait to to read again.

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THE GOD (HER THREE IMMORTALS BOOK 2) by HAZEL STORM – Review by Kimberly Shirah

The God (Her Three Immortals, #2)The God by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The God (Her Three Immortals Book Two) is the second book in Hazel Storm’s Immortals is just as good as the first. These books should be read in order. Storm has again swept us up and away into her own little world, or in this case, underworld. With a great cast of characters, you will not go wrong picking this series.

We pick up where we left off with Vanessa Maan and her three gods. Vanessa has given her soul to the Grey, the Don of the Underworld, in exchange for her brother, Piper’s, life. Now she is living in Grey’s apartment in the Underworld. No one knows why the Judges placed her here, but she has made it her mission to find out.

This book was just as fun, quick, and easy to read as the first. It again ends on a cliffhanger, which is not my favorite, but hopefully we will not have to wait too long until we receive the third.

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Journeys Through SpaceTime (Journeys Through Book 1) by James Talisman – Review by Kimberly Shirah

Journeys Through SpaceTimeJourneys Through SpaceTime by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Journeys Through SpaceTime is a complex, multi-layered story. Not a bad one, just hard to get a handle on at first. As I kept reading, it became easier to read and get a handle on the flow of the story. Once that happened I really got in to all of the “worlds” that Tailisman built.

While some parts are a bit wordy, the action adventure, and characters kept me engrossed. Talisman definitely gives each world its own feel with loads of space and time factors, and tons of plots, hidden agendas and conspiracies.

Tailosman definitely left us wanting more, while tieing up a few threads. In a way this book left me feeling like I had just read a spacey J. R. R. Tolkien or “Game of Thrones”.

I will definitely be reading the second in this series.

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AWAKENING THE GODS (RISE OF THE CELTIC GODS) by KRISTIN GLEESON – Review by Kimberly Shirah

Awakening the Gods (Rise of the Celtic Gods #1)Awakening the Gods by Kristin Gleeson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fantasy, myths, and Ireland is a combination that I just couldn’t turn down. I was a little afraid that it might not be as good as I was wanting it to be in my head, but boy was I wrong! It was better. Gleeson captivated me from the very first chapter.

She moved in-between worlds so beautifully that I never wanted to put this book down. The magic that she brings through Soarise as she’s discovering her past life just leaps off the page.

The way she wove music into this was amazingly done. Not to mention the story moved at a fast pace without many lulls at all.

I am anxiously awaiting the sequel so I can dive more into this world that Gleeson has given us. Upon looking her up I have found that she also write historical fiction, I will defiantly be looking into more of Gleeson’s work.

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The Myder Bird Tattoo by Julia Colbourn – Review by Kimberly Shirah

The Myder Bird TattooThe Myder Bird Tattoo by Julia Colbourn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you like fantasy, adventure, and coming of age novels with a dystopian feel then The Myder Bird Tattoo is for you. Julia Colbourn creates an immersive world of Arcadia that you can lose yourself in.

Elfern, an Ellisian, is the youngest daughter of the current queen of Arcadia. She has never wanted to rule and has always had a soft spot for the Cadians, a physically stronger race that the Ellisians keep in check using their special powers, Negaforce. Unfortunately, her mother and sister does not feel the same. They see the Cadians for what they have always used them for: physical laborer’s and nursemaids. Everyone feels the tension beginning to bubble up between the two races.

Arcadia is ruled by woman, all Ellisian males born are sent off to be trained to become the Brethern. They also have the Negaforce ability, though theirs is not as strong as the woman. The Brethern are divided amongst themselves into four sects, each tattooing themselves to define to which they belong.

We follow Elfern as she tries to unravel mysteries of her race and coexistence with the Cadians. After escaping an assassination attempt on herself and finding out that her mother did not escape hers, Elfren starts to think of how things could change. How everyone can live together more harmoniously. Unfortunately she will have to go head to head with her cruel sister to implement her plans.

I sometimes have problems reading Fantasy novels because I get lost in trying to picture the world around them. Thankfully that was not the case thank to Colbourn’s world building. I also like the fact that she ended the book in a way that everything mostly wrapped up. I like that she didn’t leave you in suspense and awaiting a second book that will not come out for months. That being said, I will not say no to reading the next book if this is turned into a series.

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The Halfling’s Court (A Bad-Ass Faerie Tale Book 1) by Danielle Ackley-McPhail – Review by Kimberly Shirah

The Halfling's Court: A Bad-Ass Faerie Tale (Bad-Ass Faerie Tales, #1)The Halfling’s Court: A Bad-Ass Faerie Tale by Danielle Ackley-McPhail
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Halfling’s Court: A Bad-A$$ Faerie Tale is book one in Danielle Ackley- McPhail is the first in her Bad-A$$ Faerie series. This is an interesting take on Faerie and Fae stories.

I’ve never imagined Faeires as big, motorcycle riding, MC leading burley men. Lance Cosain changes that aspect to the very core. No more are they these little Tinklebell fairies we have come to know. If you love motorcycles and the paranormal then this is a book for you.

Ackley- McPhail has created characters that will stick with you in this action packed fantasy she has created. This book is written in a Lance’s perspective, so males should have no problem getting behind this protagonist.

This has been an enjoyable read. If I was to have anything bad to say it would be, it took me awhile to get used to her writing style. While there’s nothing wrong with it, I did not enjoy it. That being said, I can’t wait to read the next in this bad-a** series.

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Competing with the Star (Star Series Book 2) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Kimberly Shirah

Competing with the StarCompeting with the Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in Hagar’s Star series and it is every bit as good as the last.

So Hadley’s life is a lot better off starting out in this book then the first. She’s living in Grand Haven, where she can see her grandparents and favorite aunt whenever she wants. She’s got a great, sweet boyfriend. Unfortunately it’s not all perfect, since her boyfriend is currently being pursued by a former television star; whom he used to have a huge crush on by the way.

Hagar has the kind of writing style that will transform you back into a teenager. From every insecure feeling, to family, friendships and relationships.

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Carnival of Shadows (Black Water Magic Book 2) by Leslie Scott – Review by Kimberly Shirah

Carnival of Shadows (Black Water Magic #2)Carnival of Shadows by Leslie Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Carnival of Shadows by Leslie Scott is the second book in the Black Water Magic series. It should be noted that I did not read the first book, but that did not take anything away from this book. It meshed well and did not make me feel bad for coming into book two. I will be gong back to read book one, if only to get more of a backstory.

Teagan Blackwater is a witch, that much is for sure, but she is so much more. When a paranormal carnival comes to town, Teagan is given a few warning to get out of town. Teagan being the willful independent woman she is, does not heed these warnings. The excitement and story that ensues is one that was not easy to put down.

This book was filled with action, drama and romance. Not to mention all the paranormal that comes. This is a book that will be going on my re-read list for sure.

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Next Door to a Star (The Star Series) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Kimberly Shirah

Next Door to a StarNext Door to a Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Krysten Lindsay Hagar brings Hadley to life with true insecurity and shallowness coming off the pages.

Hadley’s best friends moves before the end of her freshman year leaving her in low spirits and realizing that tying oneself to one friend is not ideal. Throw in a couple of mean girls and Hadley is jumping at the chance to go stay with her grandparents for the summer.

Once there she befriends the girl next door who just happens to be an ex Hollywood star. All of a sudden Hadley is hanging out with the popular crowd and even meets a boy that likes her. Pretty soon it all starts to fall apart. Mean, popular girls will always be mean popular girls.

Hagar brings the characters in her book to life with all the real emotions, insecurities, and feelings that all teenagers experience. I’m not sure, since Hager is a new author to me, if this is her first book or not. Some parts were a bit slow and there seemed to be parts that led nowhere, so I don’t know why they seemed to be in the book.

All in all this was a fun, YA read. While it didn’t sweep me away as some, I am excited to read the next installment in Hadley’s life.

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MORNIN THE SUPER BIRD – FINDS A WAY TO FIGHT EXTINCTION by JULES HEARTLY – Review by Kimberly Shirah

Mornin The Super Bird : Mornin Finds a Way to Stop ExtinctionMornin The Super Bird : Mornin Finds a Way to Stop Extinction by Jules Heartly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mornin the Super Bird by Jules Heartly was a fun quick read. I think this will make a great addition to any children’s classroom as a way to teach about the environment and extinction. The illustration and colors are vivid and exciting.

The way Mornin works to get his friends and message out is cute and very modern. I can easily see kids of today doing the same thing.

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Bound by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops Series Book 2) by Amy McKinley – Review by Kimberly Shirah

Bound by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops, #2)Bound by Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first time reading this author and it will not be my last! Amy McKinley sucks you into a world of romance and suspense.

Kayla and Jaxon have always held feelings for one other, especially since sharing a night together years ago. Unfortunately, this night together is where it started to fall apart, since Jaxon was supposed to be with Kayla’s brother the night they were together. Kayla’s brother passes away that same night leaving Kayla feeling eternally guilty.

Flash-forward years later and Kayla and Jaxon reunite when Kayla returns home running away from an abusive relationship. Jaxon, always having feelings for Kayla, takes her in. Him being former military definitely helps protect her from her abusive ex.

This book was a great, fun, romantic read. The suspense kept me reading longer than I intended every time I started reading.

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The Don (Her Three Immortals Book 1) by Hazel Storm – Review by Kimberly Shirah

The DonThe Don by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a quick and easy read. It kept me very entertained and if it wasn’t for life I would’ve finished this book in one day. It definitely left me want more. This book ends on a huge cliff hanger and I cannot wait for the second in this series.

Vanessa is a hairdresser that seems to bring out the inner beauty in her clients leaving them with a glow. This book is centered around her and the love she has for her little brother Piper, whom is terminally ill.

We also have the three half brothers Grey, Raif, and Azoz. Grey is the first brother we meet in this book. He is a hard type A person. Next we run into Raif. Raif and Grey have a lot of similarities. Enough that Vanessa’s dreams start to get a little fuzzy. Azoz is the only brother that we get to meet but Vanessa has yet to. The adult scenes were a little mild and fast.

All in all this was a fun read.

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Travels Through Aqua, Green, and Blue: A Memoir by Mary E. Gregory – Review by Kimberly Shirah

Travels Through Aqua, Green, and Blue: A MemoirTravels Through Aqua, Green, and Blue: A Memoir by Mary E. Gregory
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Travels Through Aqua, Green, and Blue: A Memoir by Mary A. Gregory is an intensely readable book. While sometimes the writing style can obsess over small details, other times the style is hauntingly poetic. Mary takes us through her life, letting us see all the struggles that she faced at such an early age. This story also touches on mental illness and the effects that it has on the ones close to it.

This is a very powerful, inspiring story. I laughed, I cried, and I got angry throughout certain parts of this book. All in all, this book touched my heart, as I’m sure it will others. It should be noted that while I experienced all this throughout the book, you may not. There are some dry, long parts that, at times, are hard to get through, and sometimes not everyone will like the end result. I know I did though.

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Dirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes (Kiss Me Series Book 1) by Danielle Jacks – Review by Kimberly Shirah

Dirty Kisses and Conflicting WishesDirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First off, this book is intended for 18+ so if you have a problem with “mature” scenes this book my may not be for you. This is not Erotica but there are some mature scenes throughout. Second, this book was written in British English, meaning British phrases and spellings was used throughout. Third, this book is the first in Jacks “Kiss Me” series, but it is a stand alone novel.

Dirty Kisses and conflicting wishes by Danielle Jacks was a very entertaining read. The first night I started this book, I planned on reading one chapter before bed. Before I knew it I was five chapters in. If it wasn’t for the need of sleep for work I would have read this book in one sitting it was so good.

Jacks brought Zoe Merrill and Damien Chukes sizzling relationship to life with such force that their chemistry jumps of the page, or screen since I read this one on my kindle. What starts as a fake relationship benefiting them both quickly turns into a sticky, emotionally complicated mess of feelings. I have to say, I enjoyed the character building journey that Jacks took us on in this novel.

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The Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Kimberly Shirah

The Earl's Scandalous WagerThe Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Historical Fiction has always been a favorite of mine. Wareeze Woodson wrote an amazingly sweet novel with great historical detail and that lets you sink into the story. I could hardly put it down.

Emily Riventon is used as collateral for her stepbrother’s wager. Unfortunately for Emily, her step brother loses, the game of chance and we start our story with Phillip Beckely Benton, the Earl of Lenbridge. From here the story starts to get real good. This book kept me entertained and I couldn’t stay away.

I enjoyed the characters that Woodson brought to life. Sometimes when we are in the Earl’s point of view, to me the flow was a little unsettled at times. Although, not enough that I would rate it any less stars.

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Bake Believe by Cori Cooper – Review by Kimberly Shirah

Bake BelieveBake Believe by Cori Cooper

Bake Believe by Cori Cooper was an adorable and fun book to read. Cat Anderson is your stereotypical teenager, obsessed with clothes, appearances, friendships and her newest crush. When she ends up in a cooking class the story starts to get a little wild and hilarious. Baking and magic are two of my favorite things and Cooper entwines them both so entertainingly. I think one of my favorite things about this book is the recipes that she includes throughout the book. This is a great YA book that Cooper left open ended, perfectly ready for a sequel. Which I can’t wait for!

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Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare: A Children’s Book about New Experiences, Friendship, Stress Relief, and Kindness (Jake the Growling Dog) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Kimberly Shirah

Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy DaycareJake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare is an adorable children’s book, perfect for ages 3-7. This book follows Jake and his best friend Neet, as he leaves home and stays in a doggy daycare for the first time. Shannon’s book touches a wide range of emotions throughout this book with Jake, and also includes helpful tips included in the back of the book. Written in couplets, this book a fun and easy read, and will instill a love of poetry in children at a young age. If you work in pre-k though first grade, this book would be perfect for your class.

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