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Forbidden Moon (The Shadow Chronicles Book 3) by CR Robertson – Review by La Toya Lewis

Forbidden MoonForbidden Moon by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While I still enjoyed this last installment of the series, I, unfortunately, did not enjoy it as much as the first 2 books. I feel that Tasha’s character had started to become a little too perfect and even less interesting. A lot of her developments and strengths over other characters just didn’t make sense. I, once again found myself wishing that there was more Levi. Even though he has a good amount of chapters, he brings balance. He is a much more mature character. Tasha is exactly the same as her book 1 young adult self. Despite being a mother and older she only grows in abilities but not maturity.

There were also plot points that seemed important but then dropped. I also feel like a lot of what balanced Tasha and Levi was lost with the development of the characters in the end. I get what the author was trying to do but there is a beauty to the characters remaining what they are and being different from one another. They had already incorporated quite a bit of each other’s abilities in themselves, which was great. It felt like it negated the whole idea that they were the only ones who accepted each other for who they were. On the other hand, I was surprised at how I liked the witches. I also absolutely loved seeing more Dominic. I hope that the author gives him a series of his own. It would be awesome to see a romance with Charlotte and have Levi and Tasha come back as supporting characters in that one. All of that being said, I still enjoyed this book a lot.

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Forbidden Mate (The Shadow Chronicles Book 2) by CR Robertson – Review by La Toya Lewis

Forbidden MateForbidden Mate by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow! Forbidden Mate is even better than book 1! This book sees Tasha and Levi’s fight against their detractors continue. There’s more of everything. More action and more sweetness and love between Tasha and Levi. I love that they are an unquestionable unit here. They have faith in each other and their love. Tasha’s story with Castus takes center stage and it’s a doozy. I felt all of Tasha’s anguish and fear as well as her relief and love. I loved getting to see her parents, especially her dad, step up to protect her. Caine made me stand up and cheer. I am so glad there was more to him than Tasha initially thought. I loved the resolve to her saga with Castus. It was very cathartic. I especially enjoyed seeing Levi’s protection, love, and worry. I can’t get enough of this series.

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Forbidden Wolf(The Shadow Chronicles Book 1) by CR Robertson – Review by La Toya Lewis

Forbidden WolfForbidden Wolf by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Forbidden Wolf is the first book in The Shadow Chronicles series and it is a homerun! From the first page, I was hooked. I absolutely adore Levi! I would have actually loved more focus on Levi. I feel that he is a more interesting character. I love a good wolf story and this book does not disappoint. The action scenes as well as the whole book are very well written. I found myself unable to put it down. The romance is on point and I found myself caring not only for the main characters but their loved ones as well. The plot is well done and it makes you want to jump right into book 2.

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Exiled South by Harriet Cannon – Review by La Toya Lewis

Exiled SouthExiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Exiled South by Harriet Cannon is a story about Lizbeth Gordon, a high school counselor that loses her husband in an accident and decides to take a trip to find out what happened to her long-lost family members as a way of distracting herself. The story has a great setting in South Carolina where Lizbeth is originally from. I loved all the mentions of southern cuisine and locations. The book really excels during the second part that takes place in the past. I could read an entire book just about the civil war era Gordan family; especially Laurette. Like Lizabeth, I really bonded with her. I liked the strong bond between Lizabeth and Charlotte. It would have been good to see some character development with Lizabeth. I was left feeling like she didn’t really learn anything and there was plenty for her to learn. I also loved all the historical information. All in all an engaging story.

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Unlikely to Stay (Parker Lake) by Olivia Sherwood – Review by La Toya Lewis

Unlikely to Stay (A Parker Lake Novel Book 3)Unlikely to Stay by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Unlikely to Stay, continues the theme of strong characters and small-town charm that I have come to expect from these books. CC and Brant are a magical pair. These two were so different yet balanced each other so beautifully. It was a joy to watch these two be constantly pulled to one another. You can read this book with the others in the series or as a stand-alone. Either way would be very enjoyable. The story flows easily and you get to enjoy following the story of the last of these three ladies from this small town.

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Unlikely to Love (Parker Lake) by Olivia Sherwood – Review by La Toya Lewis

Unlikely in Love (A Parker Lake Novel Book 1)Unlikely in Love by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Unlikely In Love was a very enjoyable book. I absolutely love the small-town setting. This book is funny, romantic, and relatable. Having just lost my grandmother also, I could relate to the character’s sadness at missing the only person she loved dearly. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Anna and Wyatt and seeing their love story unfold. Seeing the bond of friendship and family was very inspiring. I look forward to seeing what the next book holds!

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Unlikely to Fit (Parker Lake) by Olivia Sherwood – Review by La Toya Lewis

Unlikely to Fit (A Parker Lake Novel Book 2)Unlikely to Fit by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Unlikely to Fit is just as good as the first book! I love second chance tropes, especially second chances at love. Two people that are no strangers to loss find each other and build something beautiful. The romance and humor from the first book are present here also. I loved the strong and independent Breckin. I can definitely relate to her journey. I loved how sweet Griff is and how much chemistry he and Breckin shared. It was wonderful to watch these two characters find each other. Another winner!

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The Traveler (The Traveler, Book 1) by Deborah Dugan – Review by La Toya Lewis

The TravelerThe Traveler by Deborah Dugan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Traveler (The Traveler, Book 1) by Deborah Dugan really surprised me. When I started the book, I didn’t know what I’d gotten myself into. I felt much like Tristen did when he first saw Harry and I didn’t know how I was going to get through this book. By the time I was done, I loved Harry like an old friend. Who knew that I could love a book whose main character is a spider of all things?! Well written with lovable, relatable characters; I recommend this book to Sci-Fi lovers everywhere. This story is a refreshing take on finding friendship in the most unlikely places. Clever and witty, this book left me in tears. Definitely a wonderful book to start the new year off!

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Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite Book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by La Toya Lewis

Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite, #3)Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Born In Darkness is the third book in the Mafia Elite series and the first book that I have read in this series. Even though I had not read the previous books, I had no problem following along. I liked the strong theme of family and the way the author contrasted the families in the book. There is also a nice portrayal of strong women and friendship. It is a quick read and though I am not usually a fan of alternating character points of view, I found that this book flowed very nicely and I did not at all mind the alternating points of view. If you enjoy forbidden romance and/or mafia-themed books then you should give this book a read.

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The Heart of a Hussar (The Winged Warrior Series Book 1) by Griffin Brady – Review by La Toya Lewis

The Heart of a Hussar (The Winged Warrior, #1)The Heart of a Hussar by Griffin Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Heart of a Hussar is a very well-written and engaging historical fiction. The characters are well-written and engaging and the action sequences are amazing. There is plenty of growth and character development. The author does a great job of putting you in the character’s shoes so that you experience all of the love, frustration, anger, sadness, and excitement that they feel. There were parts that actually reduced me to tears. I would have loved a little more interaction between the lead couple after the first quarter of the book but all in all, I enjoyed the book immensely. There is a second book in the series that I will certainly be picking up. I cannot wait to read the continuation of Oliwia and Jacek’s journey.

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Black Canvas by Laura Rossi – Review by La Toya Lewis

Black CanvasBlack Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Black Canvas by Laura Rossi is one of the best books I have read this year. I love a good psychological thriller and this book absolutely delivers! Being in the mind of the main character Aria is a little frustrating at times. I wanted more and better for her than she was accepting for herself, but I couldn’t help but love her and root for her. There are so many great twists and turns and an ending that did not suspect. I was surprised at how satisfied I was with this ending because it was one I would never normally accept but I loved it. Looking forward to reading more from this author!

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King of Pain (Interstellar Rescue Series Book 5) by Donna S. Frelick – Review by La Toya Lewis

King of Pain (Interstellar Rescue Series Book 5)King of Pain by Donna S. Frelick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Though her first book is my favorite, King of Pain is a wonderful addition to the Interstellar Rescue Series. I truly did not know what to expect with this enemies to lovers (one of my favorite tropes) type sci-fi romance. I jumped right in and was hooked immediately, just like with all the other books in this series. I loved seeing old characters pop up so that the stories are all tied together. It was heartbreaking from the start and adventurous to boot. I hope to read more books in this series.

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Holiday Hope (Holiday Express Book 1) by Shanna Hatfield – Review by La Toya Lewis

Holiday Hope (Holiday Express Book 1)Holiday Hope by Shanna Hatfield
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holiday Hope by Shanna Hatfield is a sweet holiday romance. This first book of the Holiday Express series, this book leaves you ready to devour the entire series. The book reminds me of a feel-good Hallmark movie that draws you in right from the start. The characters are loveable and well written. I could not stop smiling at how adorable they were and you start to care deeply for them. You root for their happiness and are sad when the book ends. I could read a whole series just surrounding the main two characters. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series.

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