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Date Night by KM Lowe – Review by Lisa Helmick

Date NightDate Night by K.M. Lowe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a lovely little holiday tale. The story is fun, flirty and has wonderful characters. The two MC both are uneasy about relationships and love. Both are successful and have an instant connection. I enjoyed the secondary characters almost as much as the main. Jesse and Peter are wonderful friends to Hannah. They bring a lot to the table for her. Jiles and even Col (who was a surprise) are great guys on Kyles side and helpful as well as kind.

Overall I enjoyed reading this. The characters are a dream. All easy to love and care for. The story is a nice light hearted read.

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Key West Dead (Jake Wolfe Book 6) by Mark Nolan – Review by Lisa Helmick

Key West DeadKey West Dead by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another stellar story by Mark Nolan! In here we visit Key West with Jake, Cody and Sarah. I enjoy reading these stories to see what happens but also to read about the how and the why of Jake. How his brain works and of course I love watching…well err reading about Cody working and even not working.

This story has a lot of action, suspense and food. We get a lot more time with Sarah and Alicia and watch more on the interaction of Jake and Sarah. There are a few pesky bombs and ransoms to deal with as well as all the issues Jake and Cody have with other LEO’s. Which are not a few but always enjoyable as a reader.

After reading the back (it’s almost my favorite part) to see what was made up and what was true. I am amazed at how even the briefest mention of an item and it is mentioned in the back as true. Very detailed of this author. I loved that Jake goes to Key West! I have always wanted to go and it’s great to get some ideas of places to see and visit.

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Jinxed (Hell on Heels Book 2) by Maggie Adams – Review by Lisa Helmick

Jinxed (Hell on Heels, #2)Jinxed by Maggie Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a good story. It took me on a ride and answered all the questions I had. It’s a shorter story so everything moves at a quick pace. This more of a mystery than a romance. Sadie Is having problems..she thinks she is going crazy. But her delightful friends help her and we have Mitchell arrive to give her a hand. I didn’t love this one as much as I did the first one. It seemed a bit more serious. I do love that cover though! Looks like Chloe is up next.

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In Plain Sight ( The Broken Bow Book 3) by Ashley A Quinn – Review by Lisa Helmick

In Plain Sight (Broken Bow Book #3)In Plain Sight by Ashley A Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is another exceptional book in this series. While it handle a tough subject the author did it with grace and blended it into the story nicely. I enjoyed getting back to the Archers group and seeing how things would work out between Rayna and Thomas. They had some excitement, danger and a wonderful stranger to help them along and to re-open their hearts.

I loved getting to see how the families work together on a problem. Plus catch up with Tara and Jace. That Tara is a handful. Rayna and Thomas have a second or third chance here. Each have grown and matured but the advice of someone gives them the nudge they need

Overall this is a captivating story. I struggled to put it down and am already wondering if there will be another.

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Savage (Ash Park Series Book 10) by Meghan O’Flynn – Review by Lisa Helmick

Savage: An Ash Park Novel (Volume 10)Savage: An Ash Park Novel by Meghan O’Flynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While I was shocked and filled with sorrow over this story I struggled at times. Too much depth into Petrosky’s psyche..over and over. If you have read any of these books you will know he feels guilt. I got tired of his self flaggulation over everything. Maybe it’s a cops remorse I don’t know. With that being said I still enjoyed this look into the past. Those were my favorite books. When Petrosky was just a grumpy drunk who still had fire and Morrison just a kid. Now Petrosky seems to have just become barely living and swimming in self doubt and guilt. Hopefully after this book he will become a little lighter.

Overall this is a good one. Brought tears to my eyes and an ache to my heart. It kinda put closure on the past. I’m hoping his future is brighter.

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The SEAL’s Temptation (Wounded Hearts Book 7) by Jacquie Biggar – Review by Lisa Helmick

The SEAL's Temptation (Wounded Hearts #7)The SEAL’s Temptation by Jacquie Biggar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fast placed story. I have not read the others in this series and I was easily able to follow along. This isn’t just a story about Maggie and Frank. It really encompasses her team with overlaps into his team how they all work together against one common goal. Did one character stand out over the others? No I didn’t connect with any One particular.

There is some fluff( in my opinion) in here that seemed more like it was to fill pages instead of being any part of the stories. Maybe it wouldn’t have bothered me if I had read the previous ones about the kids abduction.

Overall this is a good story. It does flow well and the author does a good job of thing all the strings together near the end.

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Electric Temptation (The Protectors Series Book 5) by Toya Richardson – Review by Lisa Helmick

Electric Temptation (The Protectors, #5)Electric Temptation by Toya Richardson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the fifth book in this series. Another couple gets their happy ever after but that’s not all. The bad guys are continuing to enlist evil to help them win the war. We see a lot of the characters from past books in her as they band together to fight to save everyone. This is action, suspense and drama of the supernatural kind.

Overall I enjoyed watching Mason and Delilah find each other. This is a nice read that catches me up in everyone’s lives plus the danger to the main character and others.

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Two Hearts, One Stone by Leslie Scott – Review by Lisa Helmick

Two Hearts, One Stone (Boots and Babies)Two Hearts, One Stone by Leslie Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really really enjoyed this little story! It has all the feel good moments that make me smile while reading. I couldn’t stop laughing at Tara and Naomi! Those two cracked me up. While I liked Emmersyn(great name Btw) I really loved watching Stone evolve. We see him at his worst and frazzled and then he moves on to his best. I love love love that Stone knew and admitted what he wanted from Emmy. Nothing is sexier than a man who knows what he wants and goes after it. Relationship aside he really became a stand-up guy and I loved all his little ah-ha moments.

Overall this is a story to be enjoyed over and over. It’s a quick read for those times when I just want a little something but fulfilling in all the right places. I highly recommend this!

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Twisted Throttle (Satan’s Devils MC Second Generation #3) by Manda Mellett – Review by Lisa Helmick

Twisted Throttle (Satan's Devils MC Second Generation #3)Twisted Throttle by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of my favorites for the second Generation kids. Throttle is Pegs boy. Grown up and now the enforcer for the club. I enjoyed getting to know him and his views. Watching him and Blade bounce ideas and such off each other was a delight. This also give a different look at Peg and Darcy….as parents. At times it threw me for a loop but I recovered as did they.

In here as in every book is one of the reasons I keep coming back to this group. Yeah they are bad…yeah they are tough…yeah they have sex..a lot. But my favorite thing is the family/friend camaraderie between these boys. Oh the girls have it too but those boys? They tease each other..pick on each other and goof around. Their age doesn’t matter when it come to have fun at someone else’s expense. The trip and the fun that Blade and Truck have together in here just reminds me of the good old days. Then that whole thing with Hawk and how that went down…I was sitting her smiling so so Big. Those FOG’s…you never know what they are up to when they are bunched together.

Overall this is quite an enjoyable book. Filled with fun, danger and all the Devils you can handle.

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Sons of Sindicato (Sons of Sindicato ) by Cam Johns & Sonya Jesus – Review by Lisa Helmick

Sons of Sindicato (Sons of Sindicato #0)Sons of Sindicato by Cam Johns
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a super quick read. While I enjoy these shorter romps I always find myself want more information. I didn’t feel too much of a connection between Seth and Shaw. They are already in a secret relationship when we meet them. This does have some action and possible triggers for some. Being it’s shorter everything moves as a faster pace. We do get to meet his siblings and father. Gia is a wonder to me. Dane seems harsher than Seth. But what is done for family and in the name of love astounds me.

Overall this one is almost too short for me. I wanted more info on the two main players.

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Love Between the Lines by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Lisa Helmick

Love Between the LinesLove Between the Lines by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked the idea of this story. The model and the writer. The writing flowed nicely and the characters held my interest. The story is relatively low key. My major issue is the friends drama really overpowered the main story. It’s was too much information about them and their predicaments. The girls night would have been good with just touches of Iris and Lucy and keeping the focus on Marlow and Heath. I did enjoy the character of Iris very much. She added some fun to the story.

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Forged by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops, book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Lisa Helmick

Forged by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops, #3)Forged by Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While this started off a little confusing for me (Timeframe). It actually got better as the book went on. I enjoyed getting to know Malina (whose name I love) and even Tyler. The best thing about Tyler is his mindset about Malina. He is fun and flirty and definitely possessive of her. I also enjoyed hanging out with his brothers and their women. One of my fav scenes with them is the Top Gun scene. Just made me smile and smile!

Overall this might be my favorite of the series. And that cover? It add to the delight!

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THE ISTANBUL HEIST (CODE RAVEN SERIES Book 8) by LYNDA FILLER – Review by Lisa Helmick

THE ISTANBUL HEIST: Code Raven 8THE ISTANBUL HEIST: Code Raven 8 by Lynda Filler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fast paced story! It’s one of the things I enjoy about this series. Tons of action, wonderful friends and always a secret comes to light. This story revolves mostly around Luke, Samaar (his wife) and child Alice. Years have gone by and Alice is a teenager now but appears more mature. That isn’t the only storyline David and Rachel run Across an issue that the team is trying to figure out.

Overall this is a good solid story. Its I retesting to see how far and where these characters have spread their wings to.

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The World Beyond the Walls: epic dystopian eco-fantasy (Natural Forces Book 3) by Jean Gill – Review by Lisa Helmick

The World Beyond the WallsThe World Beyond the Walls by Jean Gill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in this series. The story holds true to the other two. I would recommend reading them to follow along more easily in here. The characters are lively and there seems to be a lot of movement between the Citadel and the Forest.
I did struggle with this one a bit. There is a lot of looking into the scenes and not a lot of dialogue. That is the type of story I am not a huge fan of. I enjoyed the discussions the characters had as the story unfolded. I got their meanings and felt their feelings. Panic, fear, loyalty and friendship.
Overall while the story is good it’s not my favorite of the series.

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The Executive’s Decision (The Keller Family Series Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Lisa Helmick

The Executive's Decision (Keller Family, #1)The Executive’s Decision by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Office Romances are one of my favorite go-to genre. So when I saw this book it was a no brainer. I am so glad because this book is amazing. It has thrills and chills, fun and sun with delightful characters who come into their own.

I love how determined Zach is to get her to date him. Their first meet was inspiring and that first date was adorable! Zach is an ideal guy..hard in the office and a big softie out. Regan didn’t want to fall into the same trap she had once before. She is involved but always holding Zach at arms length. I loved her business savvy. Their story is one of my favorites…a definite reread.

The Keller’s are quite a different family. I loved their uniqueness and how they stand together! Zach’s mom is fun and delightful. Always pushing but she never seems over the top. I look forward to the next in this series but I’m thinking this office romance will be my fav.

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Secure Her (The Chase Security Series Book 4) by R.L. Dunn – Review by Lisa Helmick

Secure Her (Chase Security #4)Secure Her by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Do you want a story that makes you not want to put it down? How about stay up reading late into the night? THIS is that book! It took me on a ride of ALL of my emotions and I loved the charcTers for all their difference and strengths. Every once in a while a book comes along that just touches me..this is it.

I was hesitant at first because of the whole Dom/sub storyline. That is not something I care to read about. I was wrong. This author did an outstanding job of showing part of this lifestyle. The rest of the book has suspense, drama and action

Zack! You are one of a kind! Devoted, smart and sexy. I loved everything about you! You impressed me with you heart and soul. I could really *feel* the connection you and your treasure. While at times I hated what you both went through..the connection between you gives everyone hope.

Saoirse…Dang Girl! You are strong and resilient! I hated but loved reading your story.

Overall this is my favorite book I have read by this author. She had great follow through on all storylines and characters. I was impressed by this book and it left me feeling happy.

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Hacker (The Mercenaries Series) by Nadine Travers – Review by Lisa Helmick

Hacker (The Mercenaries, #2)Hacker by Raven White
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second in the series. In here we meet Hacker and Marie. There is a ton of action and some crazy times. I wanted to love this but Hacker seems flat. Some working background would be wonderful. See him at his job and bonding with the team. He is deemed a computer expert but nothing is shown in here to that aspect other than at the gunfight he seems to want to “talk” the others down. Marie is a mafia princess treated like dirt. About to be sold off for marriage she asks for help from Hacker. She wants to fight for her rights and does show some moxy later in the book. Her personality does a 180 deg turn that threw me off. Then the ending confused me as to why they both are doing nothing.

Overall this has some good points and is a quick story. It covers the action well and throw in mafia mentality. It moves along at a fast pace that easily keeps my interest. I wish the characters were more well developed so that I could *like and feel* them.

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Witness (Ash Park Series Book 9) by Meghan O’Flynn – Review by Lisa Helmick

Witness: An Ash Park Novel (Volume 9)Witness: An Ash Park Novel by Meghan O’Flynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is one ride I didn’t want to get it off. The story is one of this authors most twisted. It filled me with sadness but it’s quite a mystery/thriller. We follow Ed Petrosky as he navigates a kidnapping gone wrong. It quickly turns into murders and cults. We get to see Shannon again but not really in the capacity I expected. A case from their past (both Ed and Shannon) can bring them together to tear them apart.

The epilogue was something I didn’t expect. I think I read it a couple times to understand it. I feel like we will be going back again to the past.

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10 Days by KJ Holliday – Review by Lisa Helmick

10 Days10 Days by KJ Holliday
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This beginning of this book was great! I enjoyed the inner dialogue of Alex and his stress of going camping. I was really getting to *feel* for the characters. Then something happened. It just stopped…well maybe dwindled away. The story became hyper focused on teaching him camping and the discovery of love. The ending picked back up and became the fun loving story. The dynamic between the three was good. Problem was half the time I couldn’t remember they are older characters because their antics seemed like teenagers. I liked the insight into Penny’s character.

Overall this started with a huge promise of a wonderful story. It lost its way but found it again in the end.

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Price of a Rose: a Beauty and Beast tale (Historical Fantasy Fairytale Retellings Book 2) by Byrd Nash – Review by Lisa Helmick

Price of a Rose: A Beauty & Beast Tale (Historical Fantasy Fairytale Retellings Book 2)Price of a Rose: A Beauty & Beast Tale by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! I enjoyed this retelling of Beauty and the Beast. The book is perfect and the writing is fluid. The story really touched my curious side. The world that was built is set back in time but that some magical elements to it. That house! I would love to wander around and open doors just to see what would happen.

The characters are fantastic and The real fun starts upon meeting them. They come in all shapes and forms and each one added to the story. Some are gruff, delightful or devious. I was held in awe as each one was introduced. Wondering who they are and what they can do.

Overall this is simply outstanding and I loved it. It left me with a smile of my face and lightness in my heart. The author did a great job with the world and the characters. This is my favorite of hers yet!

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Slash & Burn (Nite Fire Book 4) by C. L. Schneider – Review by – Review by Lisa Helmick

Slash & Burn (Nite Fire, #4)Slash & Burn by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is quite the story. I love reading more about Dahlia and her escapades. There is a lot that happens and it really kept me on my toes. Even re-reading passages to make sure I am understanding the flow of the story. Do you like action? Well this one has it in spades! Deceit, trickery and strong friendships all Fall into line within the story.

We meet new characters and say hello to some old ones. Each on add some spice and fire to the story. Dahlia has been fighting for her life, her friends and even sometimes her enemies. She is strong if mind and body as she struggles to understand what is happening to her and her town. Evans is still a great side kick and they have a few comedic moments. Creed is up in the air and not really sure which side he is landing on.

Overall this is a nice add to her series. The characters all come to life in their roles. The story has many ups and downs so be prepared. It looks like this might not be the end for her but we will see.

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Vengeance (The Sundown Series Book 5) by Courtney Konstantin – Review by Lisa Helmick

VengeanceVengeance by Courtney Konstantin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Duncan’s just ROCK! I can’t help but be impressed by this group. They are living in a difficult world now but have become stronger as the days go by. This story kept me reading and on the edge of my seat. Never knowing what was going to happen next unless it involved the infected (then…I knew). The emotions and thought process I went through while reading was enormous! Fright, worry, tears (yes I teared up!), happiness as well as wondering how I would do as one of these Characters…pretty sure the answer is not well.

The characters are simply Bad to the Bone! They all have little issues but they each have wondrous strengths that complement each other. Alex is the leader/mother type figure. But don’t cross her because she will go “Mamma Bear” on you! Rafe and all his knives… he just impresses me! He is a physically and mentally strong one. Max is on another level than these two. She speaks her mind, has one goal and loves her family. I loved watching how these and the others band together and fall apart.

This is an interesting series. I have only read a couple books in here. Each book explains what has happened or is happening to everyone so they are basically stand alones. I loved reading this and look forward to the last in the Sundown Series!

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Third Time’s a Ghost (Haunted Ever After Book 3) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Lisa Helmick

Third Time's a Ghost: A Ghostly Paranormal Romance (Haunted Ever After, #3)Third Time’s a Ghost: A Ghostly Paranormal Romance by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the last of this series. While I liked Gage and wanted his ever after…I can’t say I loved this book. It’s a second chance romance with some ghost issues. The story just didn’t call to me but it could others. I didn’t feel connected to either character other than the evilness from the mirror. It was easy (for me) to figure out how this one would go. The characters seemed indifferent. While Gage is a good secondary character he needs more to hold his own as a lead. His sisters did not really add to the picture.

So overall I usually enjoy this authors imagination but this one fell flat for me. It just didn’t grip me and make me not want to put it down. The evilness in here made this one a little dark. Not my cup of tea but it could be yours.

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Second Chance Spirit (Haunted Ever After Book 2) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Lisa Helmick

Second Chance Spirit: A Ghostly Paranormal Romance (Haunted Ever After #2)Second Chance Spirit: A Ghostly Paranormal Romance by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This takes a bit of a scarier tactic on the ghost side. There were times I thought there might be black shadows in my corner and it creeped me out. This also has romance which is hot and steamy between a couple characters we met in book 1. I met and liked them. Tina is smart and sassy. She owns her sexuality and doesn’t apologize for it. Trent is a cool as a cucumber womanizer. He works had and loves to play. He does have a few secrets that show up in here. The story flows nicely but it has the edgier feel to it. Like I stated before it takes a little turn and is mostly a haunted ghostly story with a side of romance.

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Love at First Haunt (Haunted Ever After Book 1) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Lisa Helmick

Love at First Haunt: A Ghostly Paranormal Romance (Haunted Ever After Book 1)Love at First Haunt: A Ghostly Paranormal Romance by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an enjoyable read. The writing made me wonder what was going to happen next. All of the characters are solid. Each has a secret and they worry that the other will not like what they learn. I enjoyed them meeting and everything that came after.

The secondary characters were wonderful. They are interesting and fun and add to the story. I hope we get to see more of them in the future.

Overall I Enjoyed this and zipped through it fairly quickly. I look forward to reading more.

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Nobody Knows (Razes Hell Book 1) by Kyra Lennon – Review by Lisa Helmick

Nobody KnowsNobody Knows by Kyra Lennon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one story that really drew me in! The writing flowed so nicely that I couldn’t help but get involved with these characters. The author did a good job of having me live in the present while periodically taking me on a trip down memory lane. That made me love and care about these three friends. This triangle they have is a tough one. Ellie seems to be in the push and pull between the boys no matter how hard she tries to not be there. It’s a tough spot to be in. She cares for both but hurts one when she pays attention to the other. This is quite a journey for her as well.

Overall I loved it. Getting to know these three is as easy as hanging out with my bestie. The story is a short portion of their lives but yet I feel like I have known them their whole lives. This is a great story and I look forward to more.

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Bound by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops Series Book 2) by Amy McKinley – Review by Lisa Helmick

Bound by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops, #2)Bound by Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The beginning I had a few problems with while reading. There is issue between Kayla and her ex seemed weird and not natural. Four months isn’t long and their whole situation just didn’t flow or fit. Maybe more time spent on that would have made it and her fear more believable. Second hugging and all up in Jax’s business at the first meeting?? I mean ten years is a long time and they had one night together…that just seemed rushed as well.

Otherwise it’s a good story. I liked getting to know Kayla and her troubles (not current). While I empathized with Kayla she is all over the map emotionally. Too much. Jaxon is a strait forward guy who has held secrets for years.
This has some surprising moments. I was shocked over some and expected others. It was artfully done to make everything difficult to figure out.

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At All (The Adams Brothers Book 3) by Mindy McKinley – Review by Lisa Helmick

At All: Adams Brothers: Book 3At All: Adams Brothers: Book 3 by Mindy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just can’t believe how much I loved this story. I really was looking forward to Seb’s and I was worried it might be too dark. I was bothered for no reason. I was concerned he would be self centered but nope…Seb is just the nicest, sweetest guy. I enjoyed getting to know a bit more about him. Maelie is exactly what he needs. I could see it coming about as they got to know each other. I really could feel the connection between these two.

I love love LOVED all the great scenes with his brothers and family. The fun and teasing makes me just smile fondly and I just soak it up. I have a few fun passages highlighted just as a reminder how thankful I was to get to know this family.

This author does a good job of making me enjoy the book as well as fall for these characters. The is a last book of a wonderful series. It you want a light hearted story and leaves you with the feel-good fuzzies….pick this or this series up.

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Capturing Fate by Abbie Roads – Review by Lisa Helmick

Capturing Fate (Fatal Truth, #2)Capturing Fate by Abbie Roads
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author does it again! She WOWed me and I became obsessed with this book! I couldn’t believe what was happening…with just about every swipe of the page! Envision….eyes bugging out of head and mouth dropped open! I kept repeating what…the WHAT?

Shocking and surprising are the two words I would say describe this story. I couldn’t stop the expressions flitting across my face or the stuttering of words coming out of my mouth. (See above 😉)

This book is closely intertwined with the first book in the series. A lot of the same characters with the two main ones telling a story of their own. I have no words to say about them other than devotion and stunned! Figure that out!

While the story might be crazy, fascinating and MIND BLOWING it ends on a happy note with me ginning my face off. (A great epilogue always does me in!)

If you have read this far….just one click already!

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Titanian’s Phoenix: Titanian Chronicles by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Lisa Helmick

Titanian's Phoenix: Titanian ChroniclesTitanian’s Phoenix: Titanian Chronicles by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well this author just smashed this book out of the park! I am impressed with the world building, characters and story line. I just couldn’t get enough. I enjoyed watching Maya take her journey and find her way. She is a smart gal and that just help enhance her in her new life. Soren is a protective, possessive guy! He is all about making sure she is safe while he leads the other enforcers.

The secondary characters are plentiful and delightful. The author does a good job not overwhelming us with a bunch of characters all at once. They are slowly introduced which helps build their characters as well as the connection to the main ones.

Overall this is excellent. The story took me on a journey and the characters kept me interested. There is lively conversations. I eagerly look forward to more!

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