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States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller-Review by Lauren West

States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grace was such a great character and very relatable. She pushed every edge and boundary but in the best way possible. She experienced many harsh realities and darkness set in many times, but she overcame giving as good as she got. She dealt with many personal battles struggles, but still had so many people on her side. This book was so hard to put down because the storyline was everything needed in a good book to draw you in. There were so many great elements surrounding this story, and its a big miss if you do not pick it up to read.

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Blindsided by T. Christensen – Review by Lauren West

Blindsided: A Contemporary Sports RomanceBlindsided: A Contemporary Sports Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I went into this book unsure what to expect, and I came out overjoyed that I picked it up. Its a book that showcases jealousy, teenage angst, bullying, and a sheep like mentality. There was soo much in this book that brought out emotions as a mom and then also as the teenager I once was.
Kirsa and Brock were best friends since the dawn of time practically and when Victoria moved in she became that 3rd part of the group. When a misunderstanding takes place it puts Kirsa on the outside of that friendship and leads to intense bullying and harassment. Brock and Victoria become that King of Queen of mean making Kirsa’s life miserable. When new boy Rylan arrives he and Kirsa bond, and things that were unsaid come to light regarding her past friendships.
Its a very emotional read, but such a good one. Kirsa was braver than she knew, and she made it through those tough years and eventually truly stood up for herself. A lot of people say love and hate regarding Brock, but I feel he was a boy being lead astray. All in all this was a great story and it will definitely bring out something in you once you read it.

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Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel AUDIO BOOK by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra- Review by Lauren West

I dreaded every moment I had to pause listening to get back to my everyday existence. This was a story that was good to read, but amazing to hear. The narrator had the perfect voice to fuel your imagination of a detective on the hunt. I was enraptured with this book, and felt transformed into the story itself the more I read. The mystery, romance, suspense, and dramatic intensity only help to draw you in more. As the story unfolds you see Detective Larson become more entangled in the complexities of the suicide case, handling issues with his lady love, and becoming a man pushed to the limits. Can he solve this puzzle and will it be in time?

Limbo by Laura Koerber- Review by Lauren West

LimboLimbo by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Limbo was original and thought provoking. It takes you to that questionable void between heaven and hell. We are introduced to the main character Alyse who died of Cancer, and is only seventeen. The very start of of her life cut short, and she is unhappy to be dead and stuck in that place. The story is told in multiple POV, and you get a bit of insight as we meet each character and get a bit of their backstory. Our characters ask the question of what could have been done differently, was this punishment or salvation,, what does this existence hold and mean, etc.
This book truly makes you think about life, and what the after life may truly hold.

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Master Trentino (Masters of the Consulate Book 3) by Sylvia Black- Review by Lauren West

Master TrentinoMaster Trentino by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author never disappoints, and this series only continues to get better each book! Sexy, dark, dangerous, and intense can sum up a few things about this book! As we encounter the new characters and the old ones you cannot help but feel giddy for what’s about to come. We are now introduced to our 3rd couple we are drawn more into the dark Vampire world and its hidden secrets.

You could feel every emotion, action, and word spoken between Master Trentino and Angel. Events that lead Trentino to saving Angel’s life by turning her change them both forever. Angel was raised to believe Vampires were the enemy, and as she begins her transformation there are many mixed emotions. As she comes into her new self she must learn to accept her new world and also try to fight her feelings and cravings for Master Trentino.
Trentino and Angel have much to learn from one another, and as they intertwine their life and love they find a way through the chaos together.

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Black Canvas by Laura Rossi- Review by Lauren West

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

I have not read a psychological thriller like this in a very long time! Complex at its best! This story is detailed and intricate, and every chapter draws you in further making you not want to miss a single word. This author has taken us deep inside each characters mind, and its a very wild ride. You question every person, every motive, what’s real and what’s not, and what’s fueling everything that’s lead to this path for each character encountered. This book was soo great, and one that will leave you deep in thought as well as completely speechless…

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Ember’s Secret (Solstice Quartet Book 1) by Catherine Peace – Review by Lauren West

Ember's Secret (Solstice Quartet #1)Ember’s Secret by Catherine Peace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Food, love, and culture all entwined in one! This author has spoken to my heart and I can’t wait for what’s more to come! Austin and Ember were perfect together and their journey to a HEA was beautiful. This fantasy weaves together a love of family, adventure, and getting out of your shell! The romantic paranormal twist made me love the story even more.

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The Traveler (The Traveler, Book 1) By Deborah Dugan- Review by Lauren West

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

This book was very different on all levels. You felt this story, and you vividly experienced the journey as it was told. Harry was a great story teller, and his journey was detailed from start to finish.
This story was Science Fiction at its finest, and purely intricate and imaginative. Harry and Tristan were great characters and as they learn from each other you see a long lasting friendship in the making.

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Thief of Magic (Shadowed Minds Book 1) by Bree Moore- Review by Lauren West

Thief of Magic (Shadowed Minds, #1)Thief of Magic by Bree Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I continue to fall more and more in love with world of magic and fantasy each series I am introduced to. There is so much talent out there and I am finding so many original series to enjoy. This happens to now be one of them! Urban fantasy is an amazing genre all its own.
This book takes us in in the world of fantasy, danger, mystery, magic of course, and many delightful characters who bring their good and bad to these fantastical pages.
Lee was a character you truly fell in love with and rooted for. You could understand the things she did to survive, and appreciate her plight. This story was one of a kind and I am eager for book 2!

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Murder off Route 82 (Eve Sawyer Mystery Book 3) by Jane Suen- Review by Lauren West

Murder off Route 82 (Eve Sawyer Mystery, #3)Murder off Route 82 by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of the best reads I have picked up in awhile! Its my 2nd time reading a book by this author, but as always she delivers something very much worthwhile! It is book 3 in the series so I must play catch up, but I know I will have fun along the way.

The main character is Eve, and she is on the hunt to solve this mystery of a missing girl, and her boyfriend. Eve herself is a student and quite a phenomenon in general. This story had many twists and unexpected turns, and each time I felt close I ended up right back where I started. This mystery will keep you on your toes, and keep you with the book open until you get to the end!

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Kissing Darkness (Dark Spell Series Book 5) by Isra Sravenheart- Review by Lauren West

Kissing Darkness (Dark Spell #5)Kissing Darkness by Isra Sravenheart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I could not put this book down! As always I’m starting backwards, but I am very eager to read the books 1-4 and play catch up. We encounter magic, witches, deception, and the age old dilemma of good versus evil.

This book guides us through the dark and the light. Isra who has given herself to the dark side is now preparing herself for the battle at hand. There are many critical forces at play, and Isra is a crucial part of it all. As we watch the story unfold it will be many twists you did not see coming

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Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite Book 3) by Amy Mckinley- Review by Lauren West

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

Stefano and Emiliana took my breath away. They were that forbidden love that was soo strong, and truly a couple you held hope would end up being together. Stefano was an underboss and Emiliana a gorgeous Mafia Princess. Each felt the other was the one, but they lived in dark worlds that kept them apart. They have fought for too long to continue without the other, and thus the story truly begins. The journey they go through to be together is emotional, suspenseful, and full of darkness.

This series continues to leave me wanting more at the end of each book. It is absolutely suspenseful and amazing, and soo difficult to put down. We now reach book 3, and its just as enrapturing as the first 2 books. Talk about a story told well!

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Strega – Magic: The Spirit Never Dies by Lynne Russell-Review by Lauren West

Strega - Magic: The Spirit Never DiesStrega – Magic: The Spirit Never Dies by Lynne Russell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book we are introduced to Annie. A strega or “witch” in Italian. She is aiming to become a doctor and with her loving fiancée by her side…only she isn’t sure that this doctor thing is her passion, and her fiancée turns out to not be that great as well.
Annie soon embarks on a journey to find her calling and her true self. It becomes a eye opening journey that is taken with Annie and the gifts she finds and the strength she gains speak to who she is as well as the connection to women generations before her.

This book was such a great read! Witches and powerful women all entwined in one. The way the story provided past and present combined with a vast family history made it all the more fascinating. This is a first read for me by this author but the way she tells stories I can guarantee its not the last.

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Red’s Peril Part 2: The Prez’s Old Lady (Satan’s Devils MC Vegas Chapter #2) by Manda Mellett- Review by Lauren West

Red's Peril Part 2: The Prez's Old Lady (Satan's Devils MC Vegas #2)Red’s Peril Part 2: The Prez’s Old Lady by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought I loved book 1, but book 2 absolutely blew me a way! Red has made me want him to be my newest book boyfriend by far! This author makes her MC men flawless and irresistible, and each book only gets better. You can’t read just one book, and once you start you do not stop until its finished. Such a fan of hers!
In book 2 we get the story of Red and Cher. They have a past together, but most importantly they share something important that can’t be ignored. This is a tale of second chance love, and acceptance of the unknown. Red was a great guy, and he deserved a happy ending. Together Red and Cher’s story is emotional, steamy, and unforgettable.

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King Bastard (A Dark Sparrow Novel Book 6) by India Kells- Review by Lauren West

King Bastard (Dark Sparrow, #6)King Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The last book in the series and it was spectacular! I could not put it down, and when it ended I was sooo disappointed that this was the last one. I fell in love with every brother in this series, but Lazarus King stole my heart!
Lazarus is the oldest brother, and he was determined to end things with his father once and for all. With his brothers settled he vowed to protect them, and to keep this battle out of their reach. When Dr. Sasha Landry lands in his sights again she becomes his ally, and also the women he loves. With an even more fierce determination he now must protect his brothers and the women he loves, and he is ready to do what needs to be done at any cost.
Prepare for steam, suspense, action, and a love like no other.

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Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade- Review by Lauren West

Fall to PiecesFall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Detective Alexandra Danvers is on a mission to find a child killer. Dealing with her husbands death, hostility to others, depression, and being ostracized by her department she has the odds against her. When she is newly partnered with Detective Xavier Knight things turn a bit romantic but are also fueled with suspense. Xavier is there to determined Lexi’s ability to effectively do her job, but he also ends up helping her with this case. As these 2 team up together they are risking life and limb to solve this case, but also finding that there is more to their relationship along the way.

This book was a great thriller. There were many twists and turns that you could not, and did not see coming in this story. There were also a lot of emotions attached to this book. Both main characters had a lot to overcome and you could feel a lot of the sadness from both ends.

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Priscida Finds Greatness by Constance Mays- Review by Lauren West

Priscida Finds Greatness: In Herself and in OthersPriscida Finds Greatness: In Herself and in Others by Constance Mays
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was absolutely adorable! Priscida was a smart kitty with great insight and big ideas. From an alley cat who taught herself to read to being adopted by a loving family. She teaches the importance of values, family, and never giving up. She talks about everything she does with her family to what she herself would like to do one day to be her best self. This is a great moral story for children, and its also a fun read.

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The Web of Humanity by Maria Turchin- Review by Lauren West

The Web of Humanity: A NovelThe Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was amazing, and it really makes you think about history and the world we once lived in. This story had so many elements attached to it, but not once did I find myself lost or disinterested. The characters and the storyline were well developed and as you span through the generations and the history attached to it you could feel a connection to the character and her journey.

We are introduced to Anna and she presents the story as she explores her family history dating back to WWII . Anna’s tale uncovers secrets and unpleasant events, and leads to more questions than answers. As we follow her journey we get to see the bonds of a human connection, a family connection, and ones person connection to their selves

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price AUDIO BOOK by C.L. Schneider- Review by Lauren West

I absolutely love audio books like this! The narrator truly brought these characters to life, and I easily imagined every chapter vividly.
Fantasy stories were made for the audiobook world, and they are soo fun to listen to.

This story Ian Troy who is a Shinree. A race enslaved and abused due to their magic addiction. When I can take the drugging and forced combat he defies his queen by using the Crown of Stones.
He ends a war but unleashes something terrible. The story takes us through Ian’s journey to overcome the downfall of his people and to embrace his true self. Will Ian overcome his fear, or will he be the reason for his own downfall.

Broken Chains by Karina Kantas – Review by Lauren West

Broken ChainsBroken Chains by Karina Kantas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I truly love dark mafia romance, and I always have to prepare myself for how dark It can get. This author is new to me, and I enjoyed the journey she took my imagination on. The suspense, action, drama, intrigue and overall intensity of the story was great. The twists continuously took you into the unknown.

We meet Liz and everything she goes through is unexpected, and it’s quite dark. She goes from her mundane existence to meeting Alex who is an MI5 Agent and from there she begins her spiraling descent into the unthinkable. Her curiosity leads her on some uncharted and dark roads. She endures the unthinkable time and time over, but her strength never wanes. It’s a question of will she break thru or be broken.

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Conveniently Yours (Titans Of Manhattan Book 1) by Anise Storm- Review by Lauren West

Conveniently Yours (Titans Of Manhattan #1)Conveniently Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story has started off with a bang!
Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes, and this was another one of those amazing stories.
Caspian and Paisley were a sweet couple, and it took time for them to get that HEA, but they got there. Caspian is devoted to his work and in order to secure his CEO position must find a wife. In comes his childhood friend Paisley. What starts of light soon becomes pure fire, and they are quite the couple. Paisley becomes exactly what he needed and vice versa. This was a great book and great start to this series.

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The Box (Her Three Immortals Book 4) by Hazel Storm- Review by Lauren West

The Box: A Greek Gods Urban Fantasy Romance (Her Three Immortals Book 4)The Box: A Greek Gods Urban Fantasy Romance by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The series has come to and end and its very bittersweet. I feel so invested in all the characters and the journey until this point. Such a beautiful story and such an epic end to it all. If you have not read the first 3 then you must!!
Vanessa and her 3 Gods finally found their HEA, and it was dramatic, steamy, and worth every obstacle along the way. This has to be my favorite book of all.

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Christmas Cookies on a Cruise Ship (The Perfect Pairings Series Book 1) by Parker Fairchild- Review by Lauren West

Christmas Cookies on a Cruise Ship (The Perfect Pairings Series Book 1)Christmas Cookies on a Cruise Ship by Parker Fairchild
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a beautiful story! It gave you all the romantic Hallmark Christmas vibes, and kept you smiling. Still a bit early, but this book does help you get in the mood for Christmas!

Dr. Olivia was a wonderful character, and it was a delight to watch her fall in love. Jace was perfectly sweet and lovable. He and Olivia together was a lot of fun, and the chemistry was there from the start. We had wonderful older characters, and were even visited by the amazing Mr. and Mrs. Claus. This book was sweet and a feel good read all around.

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Surprise Baby for Mr. Fischer (Curvy Ever After Book 2) by Stephanie Harrell- Review by Lauren West

Surprise Baby for Mr. Fischer (Curvy Ever After, #2)Surprise Baby for Mr. Fischer by Stephanie Harrell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lincoln and Harper have an unforgettable one night stand. Complete strangers with off the charts chemistry in bed. Down the line Harper finds herself pregnant and a second chance run in with Lincoln he finds out he is going to be a father. Both want the best, and of course both want each other, but they have some demons to slay to get to that happy place. As things progress they find that they are a great team in bed and out of it, and that together there is nothing that they can’t overcome.

The One Night Stand/Surprise Pregnancy trope is truly one of my favorites. You never know how things will turn out , and you always hope for the best. This story is one of those feel good stories where Lincoln and Harper came together for a reason, and it was truly meant to be.

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Luke (Default Distraction #4) by A.S. Roberts- Review by Lauren West

Luke (Default Distraction #4)Luke by A.S. Roberts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I fell in love with Luke and Nikki. Their story was full of passion, love, drama, and of course secrets that could make or break everything. Each one is trying to better their lives for themselves and those they love. As you watch them come together you will want to fight for their love as much as you want them to fight for it.
Luke plays bass for Default Distraction and is currently in need of a nanny for his daughter Brie. Already having gone through so much he wants to make sure its someone who is loving and can connect with him and his daughter. When Nikki comes along everything points to her being the one for the job..and possibly even for him. Together they must go through many ups and downs to find the common ground they need to be together with nothing but love and truth between them.
Its a great story!

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Check In (Bobbins Sisters Series Book 2) by Debra Parmley- Review by Lauren West

Check InCheck In by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 2 of the Bobbins Sisters series, and I enjoyed it. It had a great flow to it, and Leann was a sweet girl. First book gave her kind of a wild feel, and this book we really get to see her in another light.
The book reflects Leann starting a new job at a bank, and coincidently dating a gorgeous police officer. She tends to be more in tune to her surroundings, and her new bf is attentive and checks in consistently. When a robbery takes place at her new job things really become intense and we get to see all Leann has learned and get a glimpse of her man in blue in action.
This book was light and fun, but still had the drama and suspense.

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Twilight’s Curse (Twilight Realm Series Book 1) by K.M. Wray- Review by Lauren West

Twilight's CurseTwilight’s Curse by K.M. Wray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Any world with Elves in it is where I want to be!! K.M. Wray has captured full attention with this wonderful story, and its truly fantasy written at its finest. The author created this unique realm inhabited by the most amazing magical beings that made you feel as if you were there on the adventure with them.

Zoe and Nix are the main characters and they are entangled together by a dark and dramatic set of events. Nix who is actually Prince Phoenix had to endure watching his parents be murdered as they sacrificed their lives for him and his sister. Zoe’s parents are the ones who killed the King and Queen and doing everything they can to bring her into the darkness.
Zoe and Nix must come together to save the realm and stop her parents from their plans. As the story progresses we get the full back story of their lives, and a glimpse of the foreseeable future that is prophesized.
The story is full of action, suspense, and dramatic twists that only enhance the story more.

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The Elements of the Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Lauren West

The Elements of the Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria, #1)The Elements of the Crown by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kay L. Moody has given us a story that is original and amazing. The characters are so well connected and personalized that you can feel the life and depth that each brings to the story. You can clearly imagine the vivid imagery of this world created and picture each scene as it takes place.

Talise is like no character I have experienced before. A citizen of Storm she is given the opportunity to leave the criminal planet and attend the academy as a means to better her life. Having the ability to yield all 4 elements she is already at the top of the game and on her way to her dream profession of a Master Shaper.
Aaden who is a her rival and biggest competitor shares a complicated history with Talise, but also one where hate rivals their love. A very unpredictable and exciting piece of Talise’s puzzle that you leads to more twists and turns. This fantasy book will not allow you to stop reading until the end, and every moment is worth it.

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Spoilsport (Pierce Brothers Book 2) by Belinda Williams- Review by Lauren West

Spoilsport (Pierce Brothers, #2)Spoilsport by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 2 in the Pierce Brothers series, and we get to watch another brother fall hard. Belinda Williams knows her way around romantic comedy, and this book will definitely having you smiling, laughing, and cheering through to the end.

Nadia was unexpected. You truly feel for her and the emotional baggage she holds regarding her parents toxic marriage and messy divorce. She was very jaded about love and relationships with a determination to never let that sentimental 4 letter word break her. She was a hard character to love and connect with in a sense. However there were many times I adored her, wanted to yell at her, shake her, or just hug her with the way she had my emotions going lol. Eventually I warmed up to her character, and I was rooting for her. Luke was sweet, lovable, and a great father. He saw past Nadia’s cold exterior, and saw the beautiful and amazing woman she was.
When Nadia and Luke reconnect because her house is in dire need of a little TLC it becomes Luke’s chance to get his girl. Opposites truly attract as he pushes her outside her comfort zone and we are pulled into their many cheesy moments adorned with playful banter. Nadia is determined to keep her heart and distance from Luke even with the daily close encounters. The miscommunication and the tension runs high, but deep down they are both aware that the one night stand they had would never ben enough. Luke wants his next love story to be the works, and he wants it with Nadia. A dream home is not truly a house without a family, and this story really brings you home.

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The Mating Call (Long Claw Pride Book 1) by Brooke May- Review by Lauren West

The Mating CallThe Mating Call by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cheyenne and Lane were fated mates and found each other unexpectedly. Both were stricken with less than desirable pasts, but driven by the strength to overcome. Unable to ignore the pull of the bond they come together to find the love they have been missing with plenty of drama, action, and romance along the way. The story truly displays the beauty of fated mates and the support of a strong pack.
This book captured my attention from the start! The first book in the Long Claw Pride series, and it makes you excited knowing that there is more. The story itself and the characters were well developed and original. You cannot help but fall in love and get excited when you find a good paranormal series, and this is definitely one.

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