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Oscar and Emmy Weather a Hurricane (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by La Toya Lewis

Oscar and Emmy Weather a HurricaneOscar and Emmy Weather a Hurricane by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oscar and Emmy Weather a Hurricane by Terri Sabol is a children’s book about preparedness for pets. Poor Oscar and Emmy and their family are expecting a hurricane. The pets sit and watch as their family prepares kits to provide everything they may need while staying safe during the hurricane. This book is very thorough in teaching children and adults alike how ro prepare pets for emergencies. It also gives an idea of how to weather the storm in your home. This is a very informative and sweet story.

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Opposite Day for Dinopotamus (Dinopotamus Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by La Toya Lewis

Opposite Day for DinopotamusOpposite Day for Dinopotamus by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Opposite Day for Dinopotamus is a children’s book by Lois Wickstrom. While Dinopotamus is at school, his teacher informs the class that it is Opposite Day. Whatever the teacher says, the class must do the opposite. This book is a fun way to teach children about opposites. Plenty of fun examples show children examples of doing the opposite of what is said. There are also plenty of fun illustrations to enjoy.

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The Handshake Agreement (Book 1) by A. Akinosho – Review by La Toya Lewis

The Handshake AgreementThe Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho is a contemporary romance book. After graduation, Declan makes a deal with his father to marry although he has no interest in marriage. After 8 years, he meets 18-year-old Anne and his feelings change. Declan soon chooses to leave Anne. This story is an age-gap, second-chance romance. The story has an interesting premise. There is a lot of possessiveness on Declan’s part. I got the feeling he was supposed to be an alpha-type. People who like age-gap and second-chance romance may want to give this a chance.

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Flying at Recess by Lois Wickstrom – Review by La Toya Lewis

Flying at RecessFlying at Recess by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Flying at Recess is a fantasy children’s book by Lois Wickstrom. Soara is a young lady who likes to fly. We get to go along with Soara as she flies high over the trees and hangs with the butterflies. The only rule is that Sora can only fly at recess. This book is sweet and easy to follow. It shows how you can do anything if you use your imagination. It also shows the benefit of boundaries, so you don’t miss out on important things like school and time with your friends. The book will allow children to use their imaginations like Soara. The illustrations are bright and beautiful.

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Ten Little Sandpipers by Kim Ann – Review by La Toya Lewis

Ten Little SandpipersTen Little Sandpipers by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ten Little Sandpipers is a children’s book by Kim Ann that explores counting through animals. We get to go along with the sandpipers as they go about their day. We count them while they are having fun on the beach. Children get to see the things sandpipers get into while learning to count. The illustrations are beautiful. Children will love reciting the rhymes. Parents will appreciate all the facts that their little ones are learning.

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Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by La Toya Lewis

Ten Little Starfish: Ocean and Marine Life Books for Children (Marine Life Counting Collection)Ten Little Starfish: Ocean and Marine Life Books for Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ten Little Starfish is the second book in the Marine Life Counting Collection series by Kim Ann. This book takes you on an adventure while counting starfish. The colorful illustrations will grab your child’s attention. The rhyming will help them to have fun while learning all about starfish. There are even more facts in the back of the book. This is a creative and fun way for children to learn to count while developing a love for ocean life. I think that this book and series will be read over and over.

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Ten Little Sea Turtles (A Counting Collection) by Kim Ann – Review by La Toya Lewis

Ten Little Sea Turtles: Ocean and Marine Life Books for Children (Marine Life Counting Collection)Ten Little Sea Turtles: Ocean and Marine Life Books for Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ten Little Sea Turtles is a children’s book by Kim Ann. This is the third book in the Marine Life Counting Collection. We go from one to ten, following the appropriate number of sea turtles while they go about their day. The book has cute rhymes that children can follow while learning about what a sea turtle would do during its day. The illustrations are fun. This is a great book to start teaching your children about counting and the habits of sea turtles/the ocean.

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Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Byrd Nash – Review by La Toya Lewis

Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #2)Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I adore Elinor! We are now in book 2 of the Madame Chalamet Mysteries series, Delicious Death. When Elinor attends the King’s Winter Feast, someone makes an attempt on the King’s life. Elinor, Dr. Charlotte, and Tristan try to find the culprit. This book has the same wit and fun as the first book. We get to see more of the friendship between Dr. Charlotte and Elinor. We also see more of the slow-burn romance between Tristan and Elinor and the issues that their class difference may cause. This is a well-written continuation of the series and can be read as a stand-alone story.

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Percy’s Brides (A Double Trouble Romance) by Ivy Hart – Review by La Toya Lewis

Percy's Brides: A Double Trouble RomancePercy’s Brides: A Double Trouble Romance by Ivy Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Percy’s Brides by Ivy Hart is a western romance. In the town of Eldorado Creek, Percy Sutton has his hardware store, family, and faith. Percy’s mother and sister are concerned that he won’t find someone to go through life with. They have the idea for Percy to advertise for a mail-order bride, but Percy doesn’t know if it is right for him. This was a sweet and inspirational story about having faith. The characters were strong and honorable. The plot was well-written and believable. The author is creative in how events happen and are resolved. I loved the relationship between Percy and his mother and sister. They cared so much about each other and it made me smile. The ending was perfect.

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Make Me Want to Love You (Love in Emerald Creek) by N.D. Jackson – Review by La Toya Lewis

Make Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald CreekMake Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald Creek by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Make Me Want to Love You by N.D. Jackson is the second book in the Love in Emerald Creek series. This book can be read as a stand-alone, as the author does a great job filling in the blanks if you have yet to read the first book. Shayna is a divorced, single mom of 2 children. She is learning how to juggle all the hats she must wear. She has a great support system with her best friend Dre and Burke, Dre’s business partner and best friend. Shayna and Burke are attracted to each other but of course, Shayna tries to fight it. Shayna is a relatable character. We watch her struggle with her feelings of inadequacy as a mother. We also see her desire for Burke war with her desire to keep safe. I enjoyed Burke’s POV as well. He is a great guy and we get to see his depths. There were quite a few moments that made me smile. The chemistry between Burke and Shayna was great. This was a nice romance/ found family story. It makes you feel good.

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A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman – Review by La Toya Lewis

A Patriot's TaleA Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Patriot’s Tale is a Historical Fiction by Nicole Pierman. We follow Lily Thompson as she searches for a family to make her their ward so that she may join the rebels during the Revolutionary War. Lily meets the Turner family and they set out to Bamburgh to join the rebels. This was an adventurous story with many great details about the war and battles. I liked the variety of characters given to us. Lily is a character who makes a great effort to protect the ones she cares for. I greatly enjoyed the Turner children. Mary and Eric, in particular, were delightful. The story would have benefited from more even writing and doing more showing than telling. This story is fun for those who enjoy determined female leads and historical fiction.

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Dinopotamus Goes to School (Dinopotamus Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by La Toya Lewis

Dinopotamus Goes to SchoolDinopotamus Goes to School by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dinopotamus Goes to School is a part of the Dinopotamus Series by Lois Wickstrom. This is such a cute story about Dinopotamus. He watches the other children daily and does what they do. As they go to school he goes to school too. We get to see how fun it is for Dinopotamus to learn and he handles doing things even though he is different. This is such a great way to show children how fun learning is. It also teaches a great lesson on how to adapt to various situations. The illustrations are wonderful. They remind you of something you would be able to learn how to do yourself. This is another fun book by Lois Wickstrom.

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Meal Time at the Zoo: PB&J Café by James Williamson – Review by La Toya Lewis

Mealtime at the Zoo: PB&J CaféMealtime at the Zoo: PB&J Café by James Williamson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Meal Time at the Zoo: PB&J Cafe’ is a fun kids book by James Williamson. We follow James the monkey butler at the zoo, as he delivers an array of peanut butter sandwiches to the zoo’s residents. Who knew there were so many ways to have a peanut butter sandwich? This book helps children to see the variety in life. All the characters enjoy variations of peanut butter sandwiches with various characters. It is fun to see the types of sandwiches different animals would probably have. This is a fun and original story that small children will enjoy.

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Can I Keep Her? (Kingdom of Mir Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by La Toya Lewis

Can I Keep Her?: 2nd book in the Kingdom of Mir seriesCan I Keep Her?: 2nd book in the Kingdom of Mir series by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Can I Keep Her from the Kingdom of Mir Series is a children’s book by Lois Wickstrom. When Wynnie finds a strange egg, she is excited to see what will hatch. The Wise Old Woman tells Wynnie that it is a dragon’s egg and that they should run away, but Wynnie disagrees. This book teaches a great lesson about not prejudging and the importance of showing love. Wynnie shows that if you give grace, kindness, and understanding, you can make a great difference in any situation’s outcome. She shows adults how to show patience and understanding to a misunderstood creature. This book is short and sweet. The illustrations are fun and the lesson is easy for children to understand.

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Come Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson – Review by La Toya Lewis

Come Home to DeathCome Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Come Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson is a romantic suspense book. When Erica Parker is found and questioned by two terrifying men about her husband Terry, she is terrified and confused. She has only been married for 9 months and knows little about her husband’s work. Erica soon finds herself in a nightmare turned reality as she finds herself in a very tangled web and does not know who she can trust. This story had a good premise. There are plenty of twists and turns. Watching Erica try to figure out who was targeting her was interesting. I liked her aunts and felt they meant well. There was a very good use of vocabulary, which also helped keep the writing interesting. Lovers of suspense should give this book a read.

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The Ghostly Diva (Divine Vintage Series) by Sandra L. Young – Review by La Toya Lewis

The Ghostly Diva (Divine Vintage)The Ghostly Diva by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Ghostly Diva is the third book in the Divine Vintage series. In this installment, Assistant Museum Director Justine Saunders is tapped to help screenwriter Jackson Maddox offload the vintage clothing of his semi-famous actress mother, Liza Maddox. Jackson is handsome but surly and initially gives Justine a run for her money. As the two find themselves in an unexpected situation, the ice thaws and Jackson starts showing Justine a better side of himself. Justine finds herself drawn in closer to Jackson as she helps him solve the mystery of his paternity. As difficult as Jackson tried to be, I found myself with a lot of empathy for him. Justine was the perfect balance for him and helped to navigate his complex feelings regarding his paternity. These two were very sweet together. I enjoyed the way they balanced each other out. The mystery was intriguing but satisfying. This book was a great ending to this series.
I look forward to whatever direction Ms. Young may take us next.

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The Better Man (A Silver Buckle Romance Series) by Laurie Lewis – Review by La Toya Lewis

The Better Man (Silver Buckle Brides, #2)The Better Man by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Better Man by Laurie Lewis is the second book in the A Silver Buckle Romance Series. When Laramee Stone’s family is in danger of losing their family’s ranch, she returns home. While there she meets Jamie Cannon. Laramee and Jamie have a rough start but grow closer as time passes. Laramee and Jamie find themselves falling for each other but an ex-fiance comes back around. I enjoyed this book. Jamie and Laramee’s relationship is so healing, wholesome, and sweet. These characters are wonderful together. They really make you believe in a second chance at love. There is so much fun dialogue. I found myself drawn into this world. It was a wonderful escape.

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Finding Cheer (Magical Emerald Hollow Series) by Heather Schneider – Review by La Toya Lewis

Finding Cheer (Magical Emerald Hollow #2)Finding Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Finding Cheer by Heather Schneider is the second book in the Magical Emerald Hollow Series. This book focuses on Sofia, a side character in Chasing Cheer. Sofia meets a man named Isaiah who has lost his memories. Sofia is wary because she has been hurt before, and they do not start easily. Of course, this is a romance so we get to see them warm up to each other. I enjoyed their chemistry and fun dialogue. The story keeps you engaged with Isaiah’s mystery and a few twists that maybe you didn’t expect. The setting is as lovely as the first book and the narrative is emotional and authentic. This was a fun and endearing return to Emerald Hollow.

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Stop that Lion (Kingdom of Mir Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by La Toya Lewis

Stop That Lion: A Tale of Friendship Love and Peace (Kingdom of Mir)Stop That Lion: A Tale of Friendship Love and Peace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stop That Lion by Lois Wickstrom is a fun children’s book highlighting problem-solving. The Kingdom of Mir keeps having its sheep eaten by a lion from the Kingdom of Sher. The king tasks the kingdom to devise solutions to stop the lion. As everyone keeps failing, a cold named Wynnie comes to the rescue. The writing in this book has a lovely flow. It does a great job of showing children how to go about problem-solving and critical thinking. The illustrations were also fun and unique.

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Unicorn, Don’t Do That! by Lois Wickstrom – Review by La Toya Lewis

Unicorn, Don't Do That!: It's okay if a Unicorn poops on your doorstepUnicorn, Don’t Do That!: It’s okay if a Unicorn poops on your doorstep by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Unicorn, Don’t Do That is a fun kids book by Lois Wickstrom. Stega has been invited to her friend Benny’s house-wetting party. As she goes about finding different gifts for Benny she keeps eating them. As she gets to Benny’s she can’t hold it and poops outside his door. This book was entertaining. My son got a kick out of Stega pooping outside Benny’s door. We got to see Benny embrace Stega’s “handmade gift” and my son did not like Ada’s telling on Stega. The illustrations were wonderful. This book got quite a few laughs from us both. This is a great addition to our book collection.

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Fay’s Kindness Parade (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by La Toya Lewis

Fay's Kindness Parade (The Adventures of Cray)Fay’s Kindness Parade by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fay’s Kindness Parade is the fifth book in The Adventures of Cray series by G Pa Rhymes. In this book, Turtle Fay is moving to warmer waters and invites Cray to go with her while showing kindness as they go. As they make their way, they run into plenty of friends to help and show kindness to. This lovely story shows children how easy and rewarding it is to provide acts of kindness. There are many examples of kindness and the recipients showing kindness to others in return. The book has G Pa Rhymes’ trademark catchy rhymes and beautiful illustrations for children to enjoy. This is a great book to show the importance of kindness to children and a great reminder for adults.

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Porter and Midge: Paws and Responsibilities: A Kid’s Guide to Welcoming a New Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by La Toya Lewis

Porter and Midge: Paws and Responsibilities: A Kid's Guide to Welcoming a New Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws and Responsibilities: A Kid’s Guide to Welcoming a New Dog by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Porter and Midge: Paws and Responsibilities by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada is the fourth book in the Porter and Midge series. We get to see Lora and CJ prepare themselves for getting a pet before they meet Porter and Midge. Once again kids get a thorough lesson while also having fun. The book takes you step by step into what to know before getting a pet. There are also plenty of great illustrations. This is the perfect book for the kiddos to learn about the responsibility of being a pet owner.

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Before I Let You Go by Kellie Wallace – Review by La Toya Lewis

Before I Let You GoBefore I Let You Go by Kellie Wallace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Before I Let You Go is a paranormal/suspense/romance by Kellie Wallace. We follow Elsbeth, who is having a pretty trying time in her life. When her aunt leaves her a house, she sees this as an opportunity for a fresh start. Soon she finds herself dealing with a shady man trying to get her property. Elsbeth meets the handsome Bishop and finds herself needing to solve a new mystery. This was a great story. This book keeps you engaged with a well-written plot and plenty of twists. The story was wonderfully unpredictable. I loved Elsbeth and found myself able to relate to her easily. The chemistry between Bishop and Elsbeth was great. I look forward to more from this author.

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Mistaken Identity (London Detective Agency Series) by Stephanie R. Caffrey – Review by La Toya Lewis

Mistaken Identity (London Detective Agency Book 1)Mistaken Identity by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mistaken Identity is the debut novel by Stephanie R. Caffrey. This book is the first in the London Detective Agency series. This book is a thriller/romance about graduate student Evelyn Stevenson. When Stephanie encounters a stranger at the airport, she finds herself in trouble with a notorious crime boss. She meets Patrick Miller who protects her to bring down the crime boss. This story has a great plot and tons of action. This is a truly engaging story. There is a great dynamic between Evelyn and Patrick. I found myself rooting for them. This story keeps you on the edge of your seat.

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Family Ties Family Lies by Jacqueline Boulden – Review by La Toya Lewis

Family Ties Family LiesFamily Ties Family Lies by Jacqueline Boulden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Family Ties Family Lies by Jacqueline Boulden is an emotional mystery. Rose Webster is a photojournalist on the mend after being injured at a rally. She is summoned back home to care for her ailing mother and discovers a whole new mystery. This book was a tear-jerker. I enjoyed getting pulled into Rose’s investigation. I also liked the small-town setting. Reading about the relationship between Rose and her mother tugged at my heart. It reminded me of my mom and grandmother as she cared for her in her final months. This is a very engaging story that you will struggle to put down.

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Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series) by Mavery Ellscott – Review by La Toya Lewis

Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Book 3)Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shadowed Deception is the third book in the Shadow Defense Security Series. In this story, Finlay Giammarino is an investigative journalist tracking a human trafficking ring hoping to find a lead on her sister. When she comes to a dead end she turns to former Navy Seal Drake Reeves. Drake doesn’t like journalists but Finlay is desperate. By now the trademark adventure and intensity should be expected. Again, the chemistry is fun and palpable. This is a stand-alone book but you do get past characters that pop up and they are fun to see. Another page-turner.

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Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series) by Mavery Ellscott – Review by La Toya Lewis

Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series Book 2)Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shadowed Agenda is the second book in the Shadow Defense Security Series. This book is a stand-alone that doesn’t require you to have read the first book. In this book, we have an enemies-to-lovers story between Regan Christenson and Pavlo Barislov. These two are attracted to each other but cannot stand each other but when Regan and her daughter are threatened, Pavlo can’t turn away. This book is another fast-paced, on-the-edge-of-your-seat type story. The chemistry between Pavlo and Regan is amazing. The author packs this book with adventure. This was another thrilling ride.

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Shadowed Obsession (Shadow Defense Security Series Book 1) by Mavery Ellscott – Review by La Toya Lewis

Shadowed Obsession: An Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series Book 1)Shadowed Obsession: An Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shadowed Obsession by Mavery Ellscott is the first book in the Shadow Defense Security Series. Kiera O’Ryan is a beautiful PR rep who has a stalker. Cade Hartford is her private military contractor neighbor who jumps at the chance to help catch Kiera’s stalker when the Montana police can’t. These two are attracted to each other but try to keep it business only because they cannot afford to be distracted by each other. The chemistry between Cade and Kiera was fun. I liked both of these characters. I love that they are comfortable together. This was a well-written and intense romance/suspense story. It is a fast-paced story with plenty of action that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend this book.

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The Complete Echo Series: A Heartfelt Romance Collection (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by La Toya Lewis

The Complete Echo Series (Echo #1-4)The Complete Echo Series by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Echoing Hearts is the first book in The Echo Series by C. R. Alam. Rae Allen is a woman who has vowed never to fall in love after watching her mother deteriorate after having her heart broken. Dean Rowland has sworn off women after being left at the altar by his fiancee. When the two inevitably meet, sparks fly. This was a very well-written story. The characters are real and relatable. The chemistry between Rae and Dean is amazing. I enjoyed watching them build and navigate their relationship. I highly recommend this book.

His Forever Muse is book two of The Echo Series by C. R. Alam. Brandon and Calliope have known each other since they were young and reconnected after many years. Calliope is trying to rebuild her life but her past keeps coming back to haunt her. I enjoyed the story of Brandon and Calliope. I loved Brandon as Rae’s best friend from Book 1. He and Calliope are awesome together. Their chemistry is nice and steamy. They are really enjoyable together. Once again the characters are relatable and well-written. The plot is well-paced and keeps you hooked. Another great book.

This is another sizzling romance story! Unexpected Entanglement is the third book in The Echo Series by C. R. Alam. Chris Sullens and Rowen Kelly are a really fun and steamy couple. Chris is a handsome and wealthy hotelier who finds himself entangled in a fake romance with sassy, beautiful Rowena who now runs the family inn. These two were so great together. I loved the witty banter and the passion between these two. Another plot that has you on the edge of your seat. Although I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series, this one was my favorite!

Dangerous Rhythm by C. R. Alam is a romance with a reverse protector angle. Lina Cheung has to protect Curtis Bissett from someone who wants him dead. The only problem is that Curtis is someone that she cannot get past. They have a history and now she has to try to put that aside to keep him safe. I am an old-fashioned girl but I enjoyed this story’s reverse roles. I enjoyed how both characters are written. The plot is not new but refreshing in the way it is presented. This is an invigorating and entertaining read.

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The Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu – Review by La Toya Lewis

The Missing Red EnvelopesThe Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu is a sweet story about two sisters, Lorie and Weina, who are excited about the upcoming Lunar New Year. They are looking forward to the parade, food, and collecting lucky red envelopes that contain surprises. When Weina realizes that she has lost all of her red envelopes their celebrations turn into an adventure/mystery. I thought that this was such a cute and fun story. It is a great introduction to chapter books. The adventure with the sisters engages kids easily. I highly recommend this book.

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