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Lies Come True (The Avery Hart Trilogy Book 1) by Emerald O’Brien – Review by Lisa Brydalski

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Lies Come True (Avery Hart Trilogy, #1)Lies Come True by Emerald O’Brien
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lies Come True is the first book in the Avery Hart series by author Emerald O’Brien. As a fourteen-year-old girl, new student at a new high school, Avery Hart is attacked on her walk home from school. For the past ten years Avery has struggled to get over what happened in the past. Nobody believed her story when she was young, now the attacker is back and coming for her.
I enjoyed this story for the most part although I did struggle from time to time. The story got disjointed at times making it kind of hard to follow. The storyline was a good one and I didn’t see the twist at the end coming so now I look forward to reading the next book to see what happens next. Hopefully book 2 doesn’t leave me confused, ties up some loose ends and flows better than the first.

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Hate to Love You (Baker’s Bunch Book 1) by Lily Ryan – Review by Lisa Brydalski

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Hate to Love You (Baker's Bunch Book 1)Hate to Love You by Lily Ryan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hate to Love You is the first book in the Bakers Bunch Series by author Lily Ryan. Samantha Stone has had a thing for her big brother’s best friend, Cole Andrews, since she was a pre-teen. After an incident forces the two together for one night, they decide they want each other but don’t know how their relationship would affect those around them. Do they take a chance or go back to the place they have always held in each other’s lives?
This was a pretty good story; I did definitely prefer Cole’s character over Samantha’s though. Samantha was definitely a young, naïve and at times highly annoying. Fortunately for the story she does redeem herself. This was my first book by Ms. Ryan but it probably won’t be my last.

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Spar by Randi Perrin – Review by Lisa Brydalski

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SparSpar by Randi Perrin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Spar by Randi Perrin is the story of Chloe Darue and Locke Headley and is the first book I have ever read by this author. Honestly, when I picked up this story, I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I got was a really good story about two individuals broken by people who should have been all about support and love. There were parts that weren’t easy to read but the characters of Chloe and Locke made it worth pushing through. I highly recommend this book and I know I will be looking into reading more from this new to me author.

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The Reason Why by Izzibella Beau – Review by Lisa Brydalski

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The Reason Why: Breathless SeriesThe Reason Why: Breathless Series by Izzibella Beau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Reason Why by author Izzibella Beau is the story of Alabama, an eighteen-year-old girl who hasn’t had the best early years. Her mother would definitely not be winning any mother of the year awards and because of this Alabama ends up going to live with her mother’s one-time best friend and her children. Alabama is unprepared for her new life, she has spent the past eighteen years pretty much being neglected, as a wanted member of a “normal” family. She is also not prepared for Joshua and Hunter and the feelings she possesses for the brothers.
This is the first book I have read by Izzibella Beau and I can honestly say that I hope it won’t be the last. I enjoyed her writing style and was quickly drawn into the story. I laughed many times and I am not afraid to say that there may have been a tear or two were shed. Throughout the book I rooted for Alabama to be given a shot on a life she deserved; I wish she was real so I could give her a hug! So, in conclusion I would like to say, good job Ms. Beau, you just found yourself a new fan!!

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Little Miss Eyes of Blue by Holly Tierney-Bedord – Review by Lisa Brydalski

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Little Miss Eyes of BlueLittle Miss Eyes of Blue by Holly Tierney-Bedord
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Little Miss Eyes of Blue is the prequel to The Woman America Loves a Latte by author Holly Tierney-Bedord. I can honestly say that I read “The Woman…Latte” first and I am glad I did because Little Miss Eyes of Blue filled in a lot of the backstory of Veloura’s early life. This was a little tough to read, I felt so bad for Veloura throughout this. You know the saying that some people should not have kids, well Paul and Marla are two fictional characters that should not have had kids.
Even though it was a little hard at times I am glad that I read this book. It truly shows how some people struggle to live their best lives, as Veloura did. While other people take the selfish route and only think of themselves, as Paul and Marla do throughout. Nobody really cared about the child in this book and she’s pretty much on her own from the age of four. That being said I do recommend this story, either before or after reading The Woman America Loves a Latte.

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The Woman America Loves a Latte by Holly Tierney-Bedord – Review by Lisa Brydalski

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The Woman America Loves a LatteThe Woman America Loves a Latte by Holly Tierney-Bedord
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Take a ride with the spokesperson for Caprice Cappuccino, Veloura Merkowerowitz, aka Vienna Merriweather, aka The Woman America Loves a Latte as she travels cross country. In this novel by author Holly Tierney Bedord our leading lady Veloura is on the run from a fiancé who wants her gone, a stalker who wants her hurt and a man who wants her, period.
When I first started this story, I thought to myself, what the heck is going on? But the more I read the more I was drawn in. I felt sorry for Veloura, a girl who couldn’t find her happiness. Abandoned at a young age she longs for family and love and ends up just getting more loneliness. I got a good chuckle over Thunder and Ricky Dwayne and their big “plans” and a little creeped out over Eugene. This was a quick paced story and you can’t help cheering on Veloura until the bitter end.

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Flirty Dancing: A Spicy Romantic Comedy About the Afterlife (The Green Room Chronicles Book 3) by J.D. Frettier – Review by Lisa Brydalski

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Flirty DancingFlirty Dancing by J.D. Frettier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Flirty Dancing is the third book in the Green Room Chronicles by JD Frettier. Ever wonder what happens at the end? In Flirty Dancing, JD Frettier brings an enchanting answer to that question. When Kitty finds herself in the “Green Room” she doesn’t know what has happened to her. Where is her husband? Where are her kids? Who are these women and why are they helping her?
A cute story about the afterlife! I enjoyed seeing what would happen after Kitty wakes up in the green room. I loved the tongue in cheek humor regarding the inhabitants of purgatory and plan on looking into the remaining novellas in this series.

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Knights Who Won My Heart (Knights Series Book 4) by Sonya Jesus – Review by Lisa Brydalski

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Knights Who Won My Heart (Knights, #4)Knights Who Won My Heart by Sonya Jesus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Knights Who Won My Heart is the fourth and final book in the Knights series by Sonya Jesus. Ms. Jesus definitely pulls out all the stops and ends this series with a bang. Just when you think you know what is going to happen Ms. Jesus throws out a curve ball and leaves the reader clinging to the edge of their seat.
Throughout the series we watch Amelia make tough choices and grow up along the way to become one of the strongest characters I personally have read in a while. Add in a manipulative serial killer who is the only person that knows his endgame as well as a group of “Soccer Gods” and you have the makings of a wild ride. The Knights series is one that catches your attention from the first book all the way to the last page of the last book. It is a different and refreshing read and I recommend it to any reader interested in something a little different.

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Vantage Point (A Gray Ghost Novel, book 4) by Amy McKinley – Review by Lisa Brydalski

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Vantage Point (Gray Ghost #4)Vantage Point by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Vantage Point is the fourth book in the Gray Ghost series by author Amy McKinley and if you’ve been waiting for Hawk’s story, like I have, then your wait is finally over. Hawk Ares is the quiet, loner and the sharpshooter for the Gray Ghost team. Stella Klein is the fiery haired and fiery temper waitress neighbor who becomes Hawk’s love interest.
While working on a case Hawk overhears his neighbor, “Red”, arguing with a man and takes it upon himself to protect her. Hawk has been infatuated with Red since his first glimpse of her and after a terrible childhood Hawk will do whatever it takes to protect an innocent. What he doesn’t count on is his past coming back to haunt him.
I love this series and with every book I fall more and more in love. Hawk has been an enigma since his first appearance and his story does not disappoint. I enjoyed his and Stella’s romance immensely. Stella’s backstory was fascinating with the look into her grandmother’s escape from the Nazis in World War II. Hawk’s past was sad and I found myself tearing up at times and glad that he was able to build his own family. If you are looking for action, adventure, suspense and romance this book hits all the marks.

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The Protector: MAC (Cover Six Security, Book 1) by Lisa B. Kamps – Review by Lisa Brydalski

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The Protector: MACThe Protector: MAC by Lisa B. Kamps
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Protector: Mac is the first book in the Cover Six Security series by author Lisa B. Kamps. I probably would have given this book a fifth star had I known that there was a prequel to it. While it can be read as a standalone the first couple chapters left me feeling like I was missing a good chunk of the storyline.
Once I got past that point though I genuinely was sucked into the story. Tabitha (TR) is a reporter working on a little story for her paper when all of a sudden inexplainable things start happening to her. Gordon “Mac” Macgregor is former military and part of Cover Six Security Company and he’s vowed to protect TR no matter what.
This story packs a punch and has a little bit of everything that makes a good book…action, intrigue, romance…now if I had only known about the prequel. I will have to check it out while I wait for the next installment of the series.

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Immortal Desires Anthology by Various Authors – Review by Lisa Brydalski

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Immortal DesiresImmortal Desires by Melanie James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An anthology is a great way to experience new authors and if you are looking for a sneak peek at some really good paranormal romance then Immortal Desires is the way to go. Off the top of my head two stories stand out, Flirty Dancing and Artemis’s Hunt. Flirty Dancing tells the story of “Kitty” and her adventures in the Green Room. Artemis’s Hunt is steeped in Greek mythology and shows what happens when a goddess is wronged and the lengths, she must go to in order to fix her life.
The stories featured in this anthology are a pleasant surprise and bring with them hours of entertainment. If you like ghosts, vampires, mythology, etc. there is something for everyone. So, grab a drink and snacks, and settle in for some good reading.

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The Light at Dawn by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Lisa Brydalski

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The Light at DawnThe Light at Dawn by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Light at Dawn by K.L. Montgomery is one of those books that are real, a work of fiction that uses today’s headlines and delves into what is happening in our world today. This is the story of Angelia White, a wife and mother, a woman who must navigate through a situation that no parent should ever have to experience. It is also the story of Mark Lyon and his journey through the darkest of days. These two tragic characters learn that no matter what your opinion may be, there is always someone going through the same or similar situation believing differently. Nobody is wrong and nobody is right you just need to learn to see things through another’s eyes and maybe compromise along the way.
I won’t lie and say this was an easy book to read. There were many instances where I had to stop and breathe. Ms. Montgomery paints a very poignant picture at times and makes the reader think “How would I react? What are my views? What is right? What is wrong?” No matter how or when you lose someone there are always questions not to mention those feelings of things never getting better. This author did a terrific job of showing that no matter how bad things are there is always a reason behind them. Read this and cheer for Angelia and Mark to get their light at dawn.

Reviewed by @lisabrydalski

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A Cold Dark Place (Cold Justice Book 1) by Toni Anderson – Review by Lisa Brydalski

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A Cold Dark Place (Cold Justice, #1)A Cold Dark Place by Toni Anderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Cold Dark Place is the first book in the Cold Justice series by author Toni Anderson. Mallory Rooney is a newbie Special Agent with the FBI and the twin sister to a kidnapping victim missing since they were nine years old. Mallory has made it her mission to find out what happened to her sister eighteen years ago and she won’t stop until she finds out who took Payton and why. Along the way Mallory finds herself searching for a vigilante who has been murdering suspected kidnappers and pedophiles before the FBI can uphold justice. The search leads to Mallory realizing that maybe there is more going on behind the scenes than she ever expected. Now Mallory must find out what is going on, who is behind the vigilante and when will her sister’s abductor strike again?
Wow! I can’t believe I have never read this author! I am a huge fan of romantic suspense and psychological thrillers and Ms. Anderson certainly gave me an excellent one! From the first page this book had my attention, the author did a great job peaking my interest and holding my attention. This story had me on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. At one point I thought I had the killer figured out, but no, the author pulled a quick one. There were several twists and turns within the story I couldn’t tell what was going to happen next, truly a mark of a good author and I look forward to ready the rest of this series.

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Coming Home: The Sequel to Flowers in December by Jane Suen – Review by Lisa Brydalski

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COMING HOME (Flowers in December, #2)COMING HOME by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Coming Home is the sequel to Flowers in December by author Jane Suen and takes place four months after the ending of the previous story. This is a story of finding yourself and knowing sometimes what you really need is what you have left behind. Set over the Christmas holiday, Connor Norton decides to honor his mother’s memory and embrace his memories as well as his hometown. Along the way Connor re-familiarizes himself with old friends, possible new love and family tabby, Tom.
This was a sweet story continuing Connor’s journey of grief and growth following his mom’s passing. It was a unique way of showing that yes, you really can go home, not to mention that in order to make amends sometimes you need to be the person to make the first move, swallow your pride and just admit that you were wrong. Things may not go quite like you planned but just because one path has ended does not mean that another is not opening for you. I enjoyed this story and hope that Ms. Suen continues Connor’s journey.

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Claimed (The Torzial Affair Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Lisa Brydalski

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CLAIMED (The Torzial Affair Book 3)CLAIMED by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Claimed is the third and final book in the Torzial Affair Series by author Via Mari. This is the culmination of Jenny Torzial and Brian Carrington’s relationship and begins where Bound left off, in the courthouse with the verdict of Jenny’s trial. But just because the verdict is in doesn’t mean that the danger is over for Jenny or Brian. Someone wants Jenny silenced and Brian is willing to do anything for that not to happen.
The first half of this book was centered around the D/s relationship that Jenny and Brian are building which at times became a little redundant. Watch out for that halfway point though because that is where the nail-biting action takes off. There were so many twists and turns that I was on the edge of my seat, turning the page as fast as I could, because I needed to know what was going to happen next, who exactly were the bad guys, and would Brian be able to protect his love. By the end of the story I needed a drink it was that good of an ending. I will say, the author leaves you wondering though about certain characters (Jenny’s niece, brother and bodyguard) and whether they will get stories of their own. Hopefully they will and I will be one reader looking forward to reading about them. Thank you, Ms. Mari, for several hours of entertainment!

Reviewed by @lisabrydalski

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Bound (The Torzial Affair Book 2) by Via Mari – Review by Lisa Brydalski

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Bound (The Torzial Affair Book 2)Bound by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bound, the second book in the Torzial Affair series by Via Mari picks up right where Shattered left off. This installment ramped up the action to the point that my heart was racing from the first page to the very last page. Where I felt a little like I was missing part of the story with Shattered, Bound definitely made up for that as it was definitely easier to follow. Jenny’s past is still haunting her in this book and she can’t seem to escape, but where she only had to worry about one person’s deviousness, she now has a big target on her back from another, worse entity.
I definitely enjoyed this story over the first book, maybe due to the fact that it didn’t dwell on what had happened in the author’s previous series but centered around Jenny and Brian and what they were dealing with. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series now especially since this one just seemed to end at an integral part of the storyline.

Reviewed by @lisabrydalski

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The Future Memoir of Ann Jones: A Time Travel Romance with a Splash of Magic by Alex Bailey – Review by Lisa Brydalski

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The Future Memoir of Ann Jones: A Time Travel Romance with a Splash of MagicThe Future Memoir of Ann Jones: A Time Travel Romance with a Splash of Magic by Alex Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I started reading The Future Memoir of Ann Jones: A Time Travel Romance with a Splash of Magic by author Alex Bailey I thought I was getting a light hearted rom-com. In reality what I found was a little gem of a story about a middle-aged woman with a “vision”. In this vision Ann Jones finds herself a widowed empty nester who has moved cross country to start her life over. She’s gotten herself a new house, has found a possible new romantic interest and has joined a knitting club in an effort to make new friends. I enjoyed Ann’s sense of humor and overall spunk throughout the story, I enjoyed all the secondary characters as well as the mystery of the knitting club and its members. Overall this was a different kind of storyline that was refreshing in a world of rote ideas and writing.

Reviewed by @lisabrydalski

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Shattered (The Torzial Affair Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Lisa Brydalski

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Shattered (The Torzial Affair Book 1)Shattered by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shattered is the first book in the Torzial Affair series by author Via Mari. The Torzial series is a spin-off of the Prestian series by Ms. Mari and while it can be read as a standalone, I have to admit that I felt like I was tossed into the middle of a scene since I did not read the first series. This book follows Jenny Torzial, the owner of a successful consulting firm as she navigates her life following a devastating personal experience. Jenny meets Brian at her best friend’s wedding and feels a deep attraction to the mysterious stranger. Circumstances beyond their control continue to throw the two together and sinister characters want nothing more than to hurt Jenny but Jenny’s new love interest wants nothing more than to protect her.
There is so much that goes on in this story that at times it got confusing (I need to read the Prestial series) but as I continued reading, I got a better understanding of what had happened to the characters in the previous series. I liked Jenny and Brian together and I especially liked the way the author didn’t write Jenny’s character as being weak or whiny. Jenny was dealing with a lot yet still managed to have a backbone, these are my favorite type of characters and I will be reading the next book just to see how Jenny grows.

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Beneath the Surface (Gray Ghost #3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Lisa Brydalski

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Beneath the Surface (Gray Ghost #3)Beneath the Surface by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beneath the Surface is the third installment in the Gray Ghost series by author Amy McKinley. This story centers on Russian sleeper agent Hannah Miller and Gray Ghost member Jack Davis. Hannah finds herself activated while on a secret mission with an American intelligence agency, her plane has been hijacked and the Gray Ghost team, with Hannah’s ex, Jack, are on their way to rescue the crash survivors. Not everything is as it seems and Hannah along with Jack need to find out what is really going on.
I’ll start by saying that I read the first book but not the second in this excellent series and while I didn’t feel lost, I will be going back to read Chris’s story. Onward now…I LOVED this book! I LOVE this series! This series has everything from edge of your seat adventure to steamy romance. It will keep you guessing until the very last chapter and rooting for these two characters who have such sad baggage that you can’t help feeling for everything they go through. The author does a good job filling in the back stories on Hannah and Jack through use of flashbacks that do not hinder the flow of the story. Amy McKinley is quickly becoming a must-read author for me and I am looking forward to more stories in the Gray Ghost universe.

Reviewed by @lisabrydalski

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Not So Broken (Love Grows Series Book One) by Renee Regent – Review by Lisa Brydalski

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Not So Broken (Love Grows Series, # 1)Not So Broken by Renee Regent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not So Broken is the first book in the Love Grows Series by author Renee Regent and tells the story of Gibson Colebank and Sacha Rowan. After suffering a terrible blow to his personal life Gibson moves to the tiny town of Tilly, Georgia. A broken man Gibson longs to start a new life away from his family, friends and wealthy lifestyle. He finds that as a handy man in Tilly until he meets Sacha one night and once again his life changes. Sacha has a purpose in life, to remain independent and never to be hurt again as she was by her ex-husband and she now has a plan she is working toward that she refuses to give up but things change once she meets Gibson on a work trip.
This was a sweet story focused on two very strong characters who have struggled in their pasts and carry a lot of baggage. They take a journey to find what is truly important to them. I can honestly say that of the two main characters Gibson was my favorite and I wish there were more men like him in real life. Sacha struck me as a little too harsh at times almost like she was trying too hard to be tough when she needed to listen and maybe even show a little more empathy. With that being said I look forward to reading the next in the series.

Reviewed by @lisabrydalski

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