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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Kristan Anderson

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Time Around by Jane Suen was a very fast read and sweet story. Katie finds herself without a date to a high school friends wedding. The bride has a date for her, after breaking up ten years prior, Katie is pushed back into the life of her ex, Chase. I thought there would be more to the wedding instead of them just jumping back into familiar territory but it seemed to work. I was hoping to find out why Katie broke it off but it didn’t seem as though there was a good explanation. The story was good but for some reason it felt lacking in something, maybe it was heat. The spark between the characters was there, or it was supposed to be, but it could have been elaborated better at some times, with less internalized thinking by the characters. The ending felt rushed, while I’m happy Katie finally is doing what she wanted in life, it just seemed as though the story tried hard for the happy ending and it was as of there was no backbone in it. I did not feel connected to any of the characters.

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Something About Aimee (Girls from the Street Book 1) by S.E. Smith – Review by Kristan Anderson

Something About Aimee (Girls from the Street Book 1)Something About Aimee by S.E. Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Something About Aimee by S.E. Smith is book one in their Girls From the Streets series. Aimee and Qadir couldn’t be any more different. One grew up with what many would consider a rough childhood with a lot of street smarts. And one grew up in a palace, surrounded by luxury and security. When the pair unexpectedly meet, sparks immediately fly. I have to say, I had high hopes for the story but things seemed to happen almost too fast. The instant attraction was understandable but the quick love and almost overwhelming infatuation was a bit strange. Aimee seems to throw herself into danger and being wealthy and of status Qadir seems to bring it. The story could have used a little more heat and spice over danger. That said, overall the story was good. Just felt as though some things could have been a little better.

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Taylor’s Law by Jennifer Raines – Review by Kristan Anderson

Taylor's LawTaylor’s Law by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Taylor’s Law is a standalone novel by Jennifer Raines. This is the first book that i have read of hers and I have to say I really enjoyed it. The plot was original – I have not read another book like it. Though maybe a little predictable, I enjoyed the twists and turns that happened throughout. Ella only wants the best for her niece. After losing her sister, Ella will do anything to keep her niece safe and with her. However, Jake has received word that his cousin is the baby’s father. Meaning it is likely going to be a fight for the baby. Will Ella be able to stand her ground? Or will Jake be the best of the best to win the case? Or will mutual attraction make this situation incredibly messy?! I think you get the idea. This was a fast read and a great book.

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The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent – Review by Kristan Anderson

The Lie That BindsThe Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Lie that Binds by Amy Argent was honestly so good. At first I won’t lie it took me a few chapters to be okay with a high school romance because of the age and things that happened but the characters were easily likable. It also totally made me think of my own high school love. Holly is the new girl in town and tries to fit in with the popular kids but it doesn’t go as planned. Nathan IS the popular kid, the jerk because he has to be, because he has secret to hide from basically everyone in his life. But Holly finds out by mistake… and Nathan is forced to make a huge decision. Let her tell the school or pretend to like her to keep her quiet. I loved the story line, it was different, quick and easy to read. It was a perfect story with the natural ebb and flow of young love. I’d love to read about Holly and Nathan’s friends, most especially the Gothlet – which I cracked up at every single time!!

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Undeniable (Central Florida Stories Book 2) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Kristan Anderson

Undeniable (Central Florida Stories, #2)Undeniable by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Undeniable is book two in Victoria Saccenti’s Central Florida Stories. To be honest, I was initially drawn to this book because of the simple fact that I, too, live in central Florida. But I was quickly and pleasantly surprised at the way it held my interest. The book absolutely touches on topics that will not be suitable to all readers, mainly dom/sub relationships. But it is well written and has a lot of twists and turns throughout. You definitely can’t get too comfortable in this book, something is bound to happen. Arley and Kurt have known one another for years. As many people do, they lost touch after Kurt graduated and led incredibly different lives. The story felt a little rushed at times, in the sense that there was so much back story and necessary explanation that for it to play out it needed to be fast. It also seemed as though there may have been too much going on as it didn’t feel realistic but that is completely personal Not for the faint of heart or closed minded. Super steamy little thriller! I would be interested in going back to the first book for sure and looking forward to others!

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Levi (The Brothers of Creekside Ranch Book 1) by Edith Mackenzie Review by Kristan Anderson

LeviLevi by Edith Mackenzie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Levi: A clean and wholesome wounded hero cowboy romance is book one in Edith MacKenzie’s The Brothers of Creekside Ranch series. This was my first book by this author and overall, the book was good. I did find the beginning a little slow and the ending a little rushed. I also would have liked to see any type of character development from Levi. He was so stoic and serious (as many military men can be) and then randomly at the end showed emotion. It simply felt as though he could have grown a little more throughout the book. As the title stated, it is a very clean read, it almost felt like there was no relationship brewing between the pair. However, Bella seemed to sweet talk her way into Levi’s stubborn heart. After the emotional turmoil Bella went through in her last relationship, Levi and his brothers making her feel safe was absolutely everything. I definitely would like to read about the brothers and their lives in the future.

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The Mastermind (WaterFyre Rising Book 1) by Nadia Han – Review by Kristan Anderson

The Mastermind (WaterFyre Rising, #1)The Mastermind by Nadia Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Mastermind is book one in Waterfyre Rising by Nadia Han. Audri is his best friends little sister, meaning she’s off limits. Or is she? They are both adults and both unable to deny their attraction anymore. Remi is the insanely intelligent billionaire who turns into her boss who turns into someone she needs in her life. This pair plays with danger but not always knowingly or purposefully. Remi has been caught up in something for years and Audri has a guilt stricken past. You definitely fooled me in thinking Nadia had been writing forever, this just so happened to be her debut book. It was suspenseful, well written and kept my attention throughout. I enjoyed the twists and turns of the plot unraveling. I hope future books in this series circle back a little because I’d like to see how these characters get along in the future.

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

Love is Worth Fighting forLove is Worth Fighting for by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Love is Worth Fighting for by Effie Kammenou is book three in the Meraki series. Book three follows Krystina who we have seen totally being annoyed by Loukas throughout books one and two so definitely read in order. I have been waiting for these two to figure out what the deal is and I’m so happy with how it ended. We finally get some answers from the family secret too and let me just tell you how heart wrenching that was. But it really was great that the youngest sister was able to figure it out. This one was such a quick read as I was so invested in the characters lives by this point. I love how loyal Loukas is dispute his personal life. And although Krystina can hold a grudge forever, she eventually comes around as she’s missed her best friend. I really hope book four follows their brother, Theo!

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Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Kristan Anderson

Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2)Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Love by Design by Effie Kammenou is book two in the Meraki series. Book two follows Mia who we didn’t see much in book one but oh boy is she funny and relatable. I quite enjoyed the flow of this book and thought it was easier to follow than the first. Although I admit it was a little hard to like Nicholas. The point, maybe. And having a past as he did would make anyone harden. Working together at a news magazine, Mia and Nicholas have to learn to navigate their love – hate relationship with one another. I am immensely jealous of the beautiful locations they went to for the magazine. I was quite pleased that the family secret was carried into the second book but I am hoping for a resolution here soon with book 3!

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Love is What you Bake of it (The Meraki Series Book 1) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Kristan Anderson

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

Love is What You Bake of It by Effie Kammenou is book one in the Meraki series. I knew that it was going to have a different vibe and at first I wasn’t sure if I liked it. However by the end, I was enjoying the book a lot. There were a few different views in the story as well as different years. Not terribly difficult to follow but sometimes confusing. I admit though I was definitely thrown for a loop. Just as I thought the story was about to end I realized I was only a little over halfway. Kally and Max have each had a rough past and are trying to move on from them. I really enjoyed the Greek culture in the book, I had to look a few things up – it wasn’t necessary, I just liked to learn the words – but it wasn’t difficult to follow. I am very curious about one particular character and I am hoping to figure that out further into the series!

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Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 1) by CJ Cartwright – Review by Kristan Anderson

Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder #1)Power Play by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Power Play by CJ Cartwright is a second chance hockey romance. It is book one in the Astoria Bay Thunder hockey series. I know almost nothing about hockey but I definitely wish I did now! Brynn is recently newly divorced and looking to start over, new town, new life, new romance…. Or old? Levi is a professional hockey player who isn’t sure what he wants. Until he sees her and realizes who she is. Light hearted, cute, fun and flirty. Man what I wouldn’t do to be snowed in with a hockey team. The love, the heartbreak, the history, the story, it is all so perfectly written, I loved it. I couldn’t read the book fast enough to see how it ended. Super pumped for book two but I also neeeeeeed more of this couple!

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Body Checked (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 2) by CJ Cartwright – Review by Kristan Anderson

Body Checked (Astoria Bay Thunder #2)Body Checked by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Body Checked by CJ Cartwright is book two in the Astoria Bay Thunder hockey series. Though part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone but I PROMISE you that you’ll want to read the first!! This story follows Tia and Bridger. Let me tell you, this book was hot and delicious. Tia had some rough teen years that are coming around to bite her at every good thing that happens. Bridger is a playboy famous hockey star who needs to clean up his act. After what should have been just one spicy weekend together, the pair cannot deny their attraction and it turns into a give and take game of should we, shouldn’t we. Let me help, THEY SHOULD. Hands down an awesome pair to read about, so fun and flirty with relatable attitude. I’m itching for a book 3 to find out who will be next. Send some thunder my way!

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Deadly Sommer (Nora Sommer Caribbean Suspense Book 1) by Nicholas Harvey – Review by Kristan Anderson

Deadly Sommer (Nora Sommer #1)Deadly Sommer by Nicholas Harvey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Deadly Sommer by Nicholas Harvey is book one in the Nora Sommer Caribbean Suspense series. Overall, I am so happy that I took a chance on this new to me author. The book was fantastic and suspenseful. Nora is a police officer in the Royal Cayman Islands. She is 19, has had a rough go at life already, and brand new to the force. The story is in first person which is such a great perspective and there is not really a romantic aspect which was refreshing. With as relaxed as the islands are, this type of crime was the furthest thing from anyone’s mind. And Nora was the lucky chosen one. I definitely recommend this book and I am so excited to read more in this series!

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Fatal Legislation: A Novel: Karina Cardinal Mystery book 2 by Ellen Butler – Review by Kristan Anderson

Fatal Legislation: A Novel: Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 2Fatal Legislation: A Novel: Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 2 by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fatal Legislation by Ellen Butler is book two in the Karina Cardinal Mystery series. It’s seems as though Karina is never in the right place at the right time. She always tends to find herself in the mist of some sort of crazy scene. Though a different twist than book one, this story is more political but just as interesting. A run in with the senator and uncovering a few murders, just a day in the life. I was nervous for Karina and her boyfriends relationship. Mikes character was very well put together and I enjoyed the two of them. I recommend this series, read in order as there are some tie ins from the first book.

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It Ends Tonight Bayou Devils MC book 4 by AM Myers – Review by Kristan Anderson

It Ends Tonight (Bayou Devils MC Book 4)It Ends Tonight by A.M. Myers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It ends tonight by AM Myers is Bayou Devils MC Book four. I have to say that this was probably the best of the series thus far. It really grabbed your attention from the beginning. I loved Lucas from the beginning. He loves the club, he loves his brother and he loves to help out when he knows it’s right. He is so protective and just perfect. Quinn only has two people left, everyone else has already died. She’s made a great life for herself and now just struggles with letting her past go. With both of them having a crazy past and meeting by chance, it’s a great story to follow as they figure out each other. I loved this story and didn’t want it to end. I hope we are able to see more of them in the future.

Reviewed by @kmerrie

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Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler – Review by Kristan Anderson

Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler is book one in the Karina Cardinal Mystery series. The plot was very interesting. A mystery without murders is so different. Karina finds herself in quite the mess after discovering a rare and missing painting in the home of her boyfriends parents. Will she be able to return it to its rightful place? Or will she simply just put herself in more danger. The book was fast paced although I found myself skimming at times. There was a lot of mundane detail, I found. Though historical fiction is not what I’d normally pick up, it was a different type of story and refreshingly pleasant. The story was based on true life and I found myself wanting to know more about the story it was based on. As the first piece I’ve read by this author, I can say I would like to read more into Karinas story and the stories of the other characters.

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Ring Tru (Thick as Thieves Series book 1) by Janice Whiteaker – Review by Kristan Anderson

Ring Tru (Thick as Theives Book 1)Ring Tru by Janice M. Whiteaker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ring Tru by Janice Whiteaker is book one in the Thick as Thieves series. The story grabbed me in from the very beginning. Although I was confused a little bit as to what Gertrude was doing but it all became clear when Will was brought back into the picture. Will has left her high and dry in the past, being her ex-husband and all. And now she’s not so quick to trust him. But unfortunately for the both of them, they have to learn to get along. The connection between them jumped off the page no matter the push back they were giving. This was an easy and fast read. The emotion between the characters makes you feel like you are right in the story. This was the first book by this author and I am excited to read more in this series

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Who: A Stalker Series Novel by Megan Mitcham – Review by Kristan Anderson

Who (Stalker, #1)Who by Megan Mitcham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Who: A Stalker Series Novel by Megan Mitcham was an interesting story. I had quite the time getting into the story but pressed on because I knew it had great potential. There were parts that were confusing and I had to reread simply based on my own questions. There was… a lot of intimate scenes. Many of which I found unnecessary and did not do anything for the storyline. The story has a lot of twists which keep your attention after you pass the confusion. Larkin is a self-made business woman who does rather well for herself, although she is having to face a crazy amount of issues due to someone leaking information. Though she’s tough she has a hard time sticking up for herself when it actually matters. This was my first story by this author and I would give another of her stories a try but maybe not this series. I personally did not connect with the characters like I normally do in books. But I have to say I did pretty good at figuring out WHO it was!

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Hard as Steel (Surviving Series Book Four) by Virginia Wine – Review by Kristan Anderson

Hard as Steel: Book four (Hard as Steel: Book four by Virginia Wine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hard as Steel by Virginia Wine is book four in the Surviving Series. This is the first book I have read by this author and though it read alright as a stand alone, I would have like to have read the others as there were many characters that Steel seemed to have know for years. The characters are incredibly complex, like Nicole for example. She doesn’t talk much about anything when it comes to feelings. She’s very head strong and concerned with her work, it’s important to her. Romance isn’t exactly on the top of her lists. The plot twists are perfect and just enough to keep you needing more. I’m definitely going to have to go back for those other books. I cannot wait to read more from this author.

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Do Not Open Until Halloween by C.A. King – Review by Kristan Anderson

Do Not Open Until HalloweenDo Not Open Until Halloween by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Do Not Open Until Halloween by C.A. King was an interesting story. The story is about fairies and magic. Though it does not go too in-depth on magic, it is about a fantasy world. I have to say based on the cover and title of this story I was thrown off, anticipating a scarier type of novel. But that was not the case at all. Caitlin once believed in magic as a child, as so many do. Her Aunt promised to write her the stories she told and becomes an author to do so. When the stories become truth to Caitlin she has a choice, to help or to ignore. The story was fast paced and did not take me very long to read. There were a few parts that were confusing but that is because it was the other realm and magic can be sort of tricky. I liked the plot and the flow of the story. The author knows how to tell a great story and keeps your attention throughout. The genera is not something I typically go for, but that did not throw me off from the book. I have read a few other stories by this author and know that though it’s not my typical taste, I will always come back for another bite.

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Our Unexpected Hope by Michelle Sullivan – Review by Kristan Anderson

Our Unexpected HopeOur Unexpected Hope by Michelle Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Our Unexpected Hope by Michelle Sullivan is every girls dream. Or at least it’s my dream. To find someone who loves you so much, and wants nothing but you and to make you happy. This story is a stand-alone but there is a book Our Next Chapter which is the story of Quinn’s parents that you should absolutely read. I was insanely jealous of Noah and Quinn’s relationship. The love they had for each other was so obvious it practically screamed it from the rooftops on page. The tragedy that they went through broke my heart, I cried. I have experienced their pain and I wish that on no one. I adored Quinn’s hopelessly romantic attitude toward life and how strong she was and how she had hope that things would be better. Though I have not experienced the whole “when you know, you know” situation, I was thrilled that they found theirs. Noah was the epitome of gentleman and he was just absolutely drool worthy and swoon worthy. I appreciated Michelle’s writing style, how her characters swore and loved everything whole heartily. This was truly the best happily ever after story.

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The Nearness of You by K.G. Fletcher – Review by Kristan Anderson

The Nearness of YouThe Nearness of You by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Nearness of You by K.G. Fletcher was so adorable. At first I kept thinking that it was a little far fetched that a regular plain Jane would meet a male model, but the story was beautifully written. It was like a fairytale movie and I was obsessed. David was thee perfect guy, thoughtful, caring, romantic and BRITISH! I really wish I had Lauren’s taste in clothing and music. Her old soul fit in perfectly with the story. The attention to the details of her dress, of the environments, of both characters was breathtaking. The author does an amazing job with her descriptions and making the reader feel like they are in the stories. I throughly enjoyed reading their love grow, they had an amazing connection. The story was a smooth and fast read. I read it in a day needing to know what would happen. I would love to read more about these characters or even of David’s sister and brother in law!

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Transformations by Cari Schaeffer (The Shifter Series Volume 1) – Review by Kristan Anderson

Transformations (The Shifter Series, Volume One)Transformations by Cari Schaeffer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Transformations by Cari Schaeffer is book one in the Shifter Series. I am not huge on paranormal books but this one did not really have that “fake” vibe that some have. I actually really liked this book and will definitely be reading the rest of the series. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. I liked that Kat really just wanted a sense of normality. She did not want to be like the rest of her family. But once she found out she was super special and got a hold of her abilities she had a slight change of heart. It was great to see the type of family that the Wolff’s were. Even though it was out of necessity. There were a lot of characters, a lot of family members and just random people who I cannot say that I remember. Some did not seem important but some helped the story. The story was a fast read and kept my attention the whole time. It was never boring. I just can’t wait to see what happens next!!!

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Our Next Chapter by Michelle Sullivan – Review by Kristan Anderson

Our Next ChapterOur Next Chapter by Michelle Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED this story. I want soooo much more. Our Next Chapter by Michelle Sullivan was a beautiful story. Karalyn was a great character. She was a strong and relatable woman and a great mom. Dez was kind of a jerk after Karalyn was forced away from him when they were teens. Sometimes young love dies and sometimes it can be rekindled. But of course this love story is complicated. A baby, a ruthless family, some secrets and some grudges all keep these two apart for too many years. The story has all the good stuff packed into it: friendship, heartbreak, romance, forgiveness. I was happy to have read this book. It read fast and kept my attention the whole time. I cannot wait to read the next story as I must know what happens with these characters and with Quinn!!!!

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Addicted to Love (Bayou Devils MC #2) by AM Myers – Review by Kristan Anderson

Addicted to Love (Bayou Devils MC #2)Addicted to Love by A.M. Myers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Addicted to Love by AM Myers is book two in the Bayou Devils MC series. Though there is some insight from the first story in the series I believe this book could be a standalone, but in order is always best! Carly is very good with pushing people away and keeping them at a distance. She’s more into casual encounters rather than relationships and makes it know. But sometimes you just can’t shake a bad boy. Chance may be that bad boy but he sure knows just when Carly needs a pick me up. He knows how to read her and break through those castle walls she’s built. I loved their story. They compliment one another well and take it slow when they need to. They are steamy and fun! I liked this story much better than the first in the series. It seemed to flow better and cleaner. Can’t wait to continue reading about these bad, but sweet, fellas!

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Every Breath You Take (Bayou Devils MC 3) by AM Myers – Review by Kristan Anderson

Every Breath You Take (Bayou Devils MC 3)Every Breath You Take by A.M. Myers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Every Breath You Take is book three in the Bayou Devils series by AM Myers. This book can be read as a stand-alone but most supporting characters are in the other stories and it’s always nice to see their updated stories. I have to say I have enjoyed this series, this story was was steamy and crazy. Lincoln has had a crazy life, a lot of things have gone wrong for him but he still manages to love with this whole being. Tatum is a strong and independent woman who makes no true stability in her life. Both have lost someone. Will they be the piece the other needs? The story reads easy, though there is one part that could have used some warning but aside from that it flows well. I like the authors style and am looking forward to the rest of the guys in the series!

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Hopelessly Devoted (Bayou Devils MC 1) by AM Myers – Review by Kristan Anderson

Hopelessly Devoted (Bayou Devils MC 1)Hopelessly Devoted by A.M. Myers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Woah baby, this story was something else, that’s for sure. Hopelessly Devoted by AM Myers is book one in Bayou Devils MC. The story definitely grips you from the first page, I was flying through it trying to figure out what happened. Storm is a ‘dark and twisty’ mess of a man with a motorcycle. He doesn’t speak of his past and no one asks of it either. Ali hasn’t exactly had the best time with relationships. She has been cheated on but that hasn’t completely dimmed her personality. She is intrigued by the owner of the dog that nearly trampled her. The pair have an instant connection but something is keeping the two apart. While I liked Storms character, I was dying to know what messed him up so badly but glad that he found someone who may bring him out of the darkness. I think my favorite character is Izzy, Ali’s best friend. She was truly hilarious. With this being the first book I have read by this author, I have to say I like their style. I would recommend and cannot wait to read more!

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