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SPOUSE TRAP: Madeline Dawkins Mysteries (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 1) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Lianne Probert

Spouse Trap (Madeline Dawkins, #1)Spouse Trap by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Spouse Trap is the first book in the Madeline Dawkins series, and I think the author got off to a flying start.
The story starts with Madeline in a hotel room, unable to remember how or why she is there. After photographs surface Madelines world begins to crumble, she not only doubts herself but she can no longer trust anyone. Determined to find out the truth Madeline searches for answers.
You really feel for Madeline, especially at the start when there is so much hurt and confusion. The book is packed with emotion throughout and you are really rooting for Madeline that she gets the outcome she deserves.
I really enjoyed this book, the author let’s you know from the beginning where the story is leading, but there are plenty of twists throughout to keep you hooked. I really enjoyed the pace of the writing. Books with lots of action can often leave me behind, but the author packs in lots of description and scene setting which I love.
I would recommend this book, I haven’t read anything by Cynthia Hamilton before, but I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

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Life’s a Witch (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 3) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Lianne Probert

Life's a Witch (New Orleans Nocturnes, #3)Life’s a Witch by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Life’s a witch is the third instalment in the series from Carrie Pulkinen. You could enjoy this as a stand alone read, but there are characters from the first two books so I find it more enjoyable having already read those. It just helps me set the scene better, plus I already like the characters.
The story picks up with Crimson, who we met in book two. Crimson is a witch who gets herself into trouble. And to be honest, she’s pretty rubbish at casting spells.
Mike Cortez (who sounds dreamy from the second you meet him) is a demon who currently has a pact with the devil. He’s attracted to Crimson but accidentally sells her soul to the devil. In the words of the author Mike wants to ‘date her, not damn her’, so he needs to fix this.
This series gets better with every book. It’s a fun, action packed and flirty read. Just what we all need at the minute. It’s refreshing to read a book in this genre that is funny and bright…and sexy! The characters are far from perfect, but all full of personality, both the women and the men are strong and sexy, you can’t help but like them
I would definitely recommend it.

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Bargaining (Hero High Book 3) by Mina Chara – Review by Lianne Probert

Bargaining (Hero High, #3)Bargaining by Mina Chara
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bargaining is the third in the series of Mina Charas Hero High Series.
The book starts with a very brief intro and a flashback to the end of the second book, but I really would recommend starting from book one if you haven’t already, for me it’s not the type of series you can start reading at any point.
Book three continues to follow Friday Fitzsimmons. Friday is still battling enemies, but she also has internal struggles to battle. She knows what makes a good superhero, so why doesn’t she feel like one? I love the way you see Fridays character develop and grow throughout the series of books, she is strong yet insecure and vulnerable, which makes her very easy to relate to, she isn’t your run of the mill main character, which I really enjoy.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but if you’ve loved the books so far then this is a must read. It’s a short story but as usual it’s action packed, with a few surprises along the way!

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Holding Out for You by Anna Paige – Review by Lianne Probert

Holding Out for YouHolding Out for You by Anna Paige
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holding Out For You is a fantastic ‘brothers bff’ romance that will have you hooked.
The story revolves around Blair, her best friend Charli, her brother Beck and his best friend Ashton.
Blair and Beck have a sibling relationship that is stronger than most, after a childhood illness made Beck realise what it would be like to lose his little sister, and he has gone to great lengths to protect her ever since. Ashton has a completely different type of relationship with her, and they are constantly bickering and fighting. But as she’s going to find out, he’s just as protective as her big brother.
One night at a beach party things take an horrific turn when Blair’s blind date ends badly, but from this awful situation come new relationships and bonds as Blair and Ashton finally admit their feelings. Of course these things never run smoothly and there are a series of twists and turns ahead of them, and unfortunately a face from the past turns up to potentially cause more hurt.
The story is well written and kept me hooked from the start. I love the relationship between Blair and Ashton, but also the potential for a story between Charli and Beck. I would definitely love to hear more from these guys.
This was the first time reading a book by Anna Paige, but I’d look out for more in the future.

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All The Wrong Reasons (Serendipity Falls Novel Book 1) by Erin Bevan – Review by Lianne Probert

All The Wrong ReasonsAll The Wrong Reasons by Erin Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

All The Wrong Reasons is the first in the Serendipity Falls series by Erin Bevan. If you are a fan of sweet romances, or just need a nice, light hearted, easy read then I would definitely recommend this story.
Alex and Max are best friends. They have a wonderful relationship which is easy to feel through the writing. When Alex goes on a night out she hooks up with a guy, hoping to help her move on from her last relationship. Waking up the next day she soon regrets her choice and calls on her best friend to rescue her.
A few weeks later Alex finds out she is pregnant, as a teacher in a christian school she knows that the job she loves is now in jeopardy.
Max has an obvious solution, to get married to him.
The story follows Alex and Max as they negotiate new feelings, and realise that their friendship alone might not be enough to see them through this.
I love the way Max treats Alex. It seems to me that he is very much a gentleman, despite his reputation as a ladies man.
This is my first book by this author, but I will definitely look out for others in the future

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Shift Happens: A Paranormal Romantic Comedy (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 2) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Lianne Probert

Shift Happens (New Orleans Nocturnes, #2)Shift Happens by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shift Happens is book two of the New Orleans Nocturnes. It can definitely be read as a stand alone story, but in my opinion it’s more enjoyable if you have read book one. I like the familiarity of knowing the characters and already having the scene set for me.
Book two follows Sophie. Sophie is desperate to release her inner witch. It runs in her family, and she’s been told more than once that she has the power too.
By day Sophie is a dog walker, she loves animals and she daydreams about having a hunky werewolf boyfriend. What she didn’t dream about was being bitten by one and then accused of crimes she didn’t commit.
Wolf shifter Trace bites Sophie, she’s the main suspect when a member of his pack goes missing and he needs to keep tabs on her.
The chemistry between Sophie and Trace grows, and when they finally hook up it’s all pretty hot! But they still have a mystery to solve and a pack member to hunt down.
Shift Happens is a funny, steamy, paranormal romance. It’s much more light hearted than similar stories in this genre making it an enjoyable and easy read.

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Anger (Hero High Book 2) by Mina Chara – Review by Lianne Probert

  1. Anger (Hero High, #2)Anger by Mina Chara
    My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Anger is the second book in the Hero High series. This story follows on from where book one finishes, so I would definitely recommend reading that first.
The story continues to follow Friday Fitzsimmons as she begins her second year at Hero High. Hero High is a school for superheroes in training, but also a reality TV show. This story sees many recurring characters from book one, which I always enjoy, and some new faces too.
I love the character of Friday, and this second instalment helps you get to know her even better. She is strong and fierce, yet vulnerable enough to make her extremely relatable. When Friday finds herself battling unknown bad guys and threats, she doesn’t know who she can trust or turn to. She must rely on her own judgements to solve this mystery.
If you are a fan of Young Adult, superhero or futuristic books then this will definitely tick those boxes.

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License to Bite: A Paranormal Romantic Comedy (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 1) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Lianne Probert

License to Bite (New Orleans Nocturnes, #1)License to Bite by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

License to kill is a paranormal romance, but has a very different, and more current feeling, to others I have read in the same genre.
Jane is a travel blogger and is visiting New Orleans during Mardi Gras, with her best friend Sophie, to experience everything there is to offer and document it in her blog. The girls find themselves slightly worse for wear and end up being rescued by dashing, yet brooding, vampire Ethan. The following day, still thinking about Ethan, Jane is fatally wounded in an accident and Ethan is forced to bite her in order to save her, but there is more behind his decision than first thought.
I really enjoyed the fast pace of the story, it fitted well with the Mardi Gras setting. And the characters are fun and flirty, not your usual vampire story types, which made it even more enjoyable.

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The Bar Next Door (Barflies Book 1) by Katia Rose – Review by Lianne Probert

The Bar Next Door (Barflies, #1)The Bar Next Door by Katia Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As soon as I finished this book I wanted to read it again. I wasn’t ready for it to end, that’s how I know I loved a book!
As a manager in a struggling bar, Monroe is devastated to find out that the new owner of the next door property is planning to open a hip new lounge. But Monroe can’t just give up, and sets out to save the bar she loves. Once she meets Julien, the owner of next door, things get complicated, and go in a whole new direction.
I absolutely loved both of these characters, it’s a slow burn romance but definitely worth investing the time in. Julien is hot, and has a sexy accent to make it even better. Monroe is a strong, sexy female lead who you are really hoping gets her happy ending.
Neither of them planned to fall in love, and sparks fly throughout as they uncover each other’s secrets.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but I can’t wait to read more.

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How Could I Forget (Plentiful in Love Book 1) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Lianne Probert

How Could I ForgetHow Could I Forget by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

How could I forget is the first story in a brand new series by this author.
Kayla and Dan have a rocky start to their relationship, and when they reunite years later Dan is very surprised to find out he is a father. The story follows the pair as they get to know each other again and find the best way to parent together.
The main characters are really likeable and you are really rooting for them throughout to rekindle their romance. It isn’t all smooth sailing, they face personal and professional challenges along the way, but this just makes the story even more believable. The highlight for me though was Aunt Tilly, the older lady has so much attitude and life about her, I’d love to see her pop up in future books.

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Lisa: Coming Of Age (Book 1 of The Guardian Shifters) by KM Lowe – Review by Lianne Probert

Lisa: Coming Of Age (The Guardian Shifters, #1)Lisa: Coming Of Age by K.M. Lowe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have always been a fan of paranormal romance, and this book did not disappoint.
The story starts with best friends Lisa and Markus, whose bond goes much deeper than they realise.
As far as Lisa knows, she was abandoned on the hospital steps when she was a baby. She was brought up by her loving adoptive parents, but she knows nothing about where she came from. As past secrets force their way to the forefront, Lisa must deal with the fact that she is a shifter, something she has trouble believing. Luckily Lisa has a great support system in Markus, Jasper and other shifters we meet throughout. They help her come to terms with who she is, and to get ready for the biggest battle of her life.
I was completely sucked into this story and can’t wait to read the rest of the series. I loved the relationship between Lisa and Markus, but I think my favourite character was Jasper so I can’t wait to find out more about him as the series goes on.
I would definitely recommend this book.

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TWO HEARTS UNLIKELY HEROES (Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Book 9) by Tamara Ferguson – Review by- Lianne Probert

Two Hearts Unlikely Heroes (Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance #9)Two Hearts Unlikely Heroes by Tamara Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read from Tamara Ferguson’s Two hearts series, I can’t wait to go back and read the rest.
The story starts with Samantha, who is on a mission that soon goes wrong. After her captain is killed Sam was now in charge, after her and her team fight back Sam is badly injured. Ben Nash witnesses an explosion and when they come to help he finds and rescues Sam, but he is also injured in the process.
Two years later they are reunited in unlikely circumstances, and the story follows the pair as they become closer and look to be finding their happy ever after ending. But the past catches up to them and they find themselves in danger once again.
A must read, I loved it. The characters are so easy to like and I love how Ben breaks through Sam’s initially frost persona. Despite being part of a well established series, this can definitely be read as a stand-alone book. Once I got started reading I found this book hard to put down.

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A KISS BENEATH A STRAWBERRY MOON (Daydreams & Dragonflies Rock ‘N Sweet Romance 3) By Tamara Ferguson – Review By Lianne Probert

A KISS BENEATH A STRAWBERRY MOON (Daydreams & Dragonflies Rock 'N Sweet Romance 3)A KISS BENEATH A STRAWBERRY MOON by Tamara Ferguson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a lovely story to read. The book follows Drew and Marielle, a song writer and a singer. They first meet at music camp, and spend the summer falling in love. When summer is over Drew has to make some difficult choices after a family argument and ends up enlisting in the airforce. The couple make a pact, to wait for each other until they can be reunited. After Drew is sent to Iraq it becomes more difficult to stay in touch.
Kisses beneath a strawberry moon is a sweet story, it’s easy to read and a perfect story to get cosy and while away an afternoon with.

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Rockin’ It Home: a Lawson Family Novel by Tracey Cramer-Kelly – Review by Lianne Probert

Rockin' It Home (Lawson Family #3)Rockin’ It Home by Tracey Cramer-Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Benjamin Lawson is a rockstar. He loves to perform, but faces many battles away from the stage. He is a recovering alcoholic who just wants to keep his visitation rights to see his daughter.
Danielle is set the task of ‘babysitting’ Ben, keeping him away from trouble and alcohol.
The main characters in this story are full of depth. The author really takes the time to help the reader get to know them. I really appreciate this as it helps me become even more invested. The story is a slow burner romance wise, and by the end you are really rooting for these guys!
I will definitely read the other books in the Lawson Family series.

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2am Secrets by M. Piper – Review by Lianne Probert

2am Secrets2am Secrets by M. Piper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really fell in love with this story! It has you laughing one minute and crying the next.
The book follows the love story between Archer and Sadie, who have to hide their blossoming romance from Sadies overprotective twin brother Sam.
Archer and Sadie have amazing chemistry…….oh boy are they hot! But there are a lot of heartfelt emotions that go along with it.
Archer and Sadie are both strong lead characters which, for me, makes this book even more enjoyable. Both had their ups and downs, but they were there to support each other.
This was my first time reading anything by this author, but definitely not the last. I am very much hoping for a sequel to follow the story of Archer, Sadie and Sam.

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Moonlit Mirage: A Cook Islands Romance (Moonlit Destination Series) by Amy McKinley – Review by Lianne Probert

Moonlit Mirage - A Cook Islands Romance (Moonlit Destination Series)Moonlit Mirage – A Cook Islands Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After a car accident forces Cade off a bridge, underwater angel Nadia saves his life. When Nadia disappears after the rescue Cade fears he won’t find her again.
Moonlit Mirage is an exciting story that kept me hooked from the very start. The author packs a lot into this short story, and I absolutely loved the characters of Cade and Nadia, they have a strong connection from the very beginning. There are some unexpected twists and turns throughout which make you want to keep on reading.
I would love a follow up book to explore the characters more as they both have much more to give.
If you are looking for a short story to devour in one sitting , I would definitely recommend this.

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Out Of The Shadows by Theresa Sederholt – Review by Lianne Probert

Out Of The ShadowsOut Of The Shadows by Theresa Sederholt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first time reading anything by Theresa Sederholt, but I would definitely choose more books by this author in the future.
The book delves into the sensitive and heartbreaking topic of domestic abuse, and does a fantastic job of highlighting the fact that men are often victims of this too.
The book was mostly written from the perspective of husband Dane and son Brady, and to be honest I would have loved even more time to get to know these characters. Though the book is harrowing at times you can always feel the love that Dane has for his son.
At the start of the book the author warns of the story containing triggers for victims of domestic violence, so this book isn’t suitable for everyone. Of course this book is difficult to read at times, but the author handles it with extreme care, and throughout the story the message for me is that you are not alone.

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