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Daddy’s Girl (Freshwater Book 3) by Belinda Williams – Review by Lisa Helmick

Daddy's Girl (Freshwater Book 3)Daddy’s Girl by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story just really pulled at my heart strings. At first it’s all sassy and fun then the serious stuff hits. It’s weird for the male lead to be the one thinking they are unworthy. But Joel does and it plays out full of heartache and strength of character. As you can tell I enjoyed this story. It has depth, hope and strength. This drew me in with the fun and I became fully involved with the storyline.

I loved the spunk and fire of Em. She knows her self worth and doesn’t let others think less. She is kind, thoughtful and smart. Joel is surprised by Em. She is not what he was expecting…she is better. They have ups and downs to conquer and Work, family, friends and the past to all figure out how end up together …or apart.

Over all this is a story that affects my heart. It was filled with joy, sorrow and relief. I love it all! It was great to chat here u with the characters from the previous books.

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At Once (The Adams Brothers Book 2) by Mindy McKinley – Review by Lisa Helmick

At Once (Adams Brothers, #2)At Once by Mindy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have looked forward to this book ever since I read book 1. This is another nice read from this author. I enjoyed how Mason was thrown completely off kilter in dealing with Gabi. He starts off very loose with his morals but once he see Gabi he really starts to come into his own. Gabi..I didn’t love her character. She is a great friend, artistic but she has a weird past with an ex and she is very hush-hush about it and him. I feel this didn’t get explained or resolved to the reader very well. Changing numbers and blocking calls…I don’t know this just didn’t feel right to me

It was lovely to Dom and Lu as well as Seb and their Mom again. They all have wonderful interactions with each other. Kylie is a super BFF and business partner of Gabi. I loved seeing these girls looking out for each other.

I look forward to Seb’s story.

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Black Dog Rising by Kat Caulberg – Review by Lisa Helmick

Black Dog RisingBlack Dog Rising by Kat Caulberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story really keeps my on my toes. One minute I can’t wait to figure out who everyone is. Then the next I feel like I have been slammed against a wall and I have no idea what it going on. Each of the characters is filled with mystery but they each have a purpose. Some of them conflict and others they coincide.

With all that being said…I still could not wait to get back to this book every day. If you love the Fae and all their trickery, then You will enjoy this foray with the Unseelies.

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Murder at Lolly Beach (Eve Sawyer mystery series Book 2) by Jane Suen – Review by Lisa Helmick

Murder at Lolly Beach (Eve Sawyer #2)Murder at Lolly Beach by Jane Suen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a nice mystery that moves along at a quick pace. I like that this author uses short chapters to move the story along in a quick fashion. The story is good and even though this is the second in the series it can be read as a stand alone. The characters are choppy and they leave holes. But this seems to be part of the quick pace. Fully fleshed characters are not needed. Just read until the end to get all the answers.

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Twisted Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops Book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Lisa Helmick

Twisted SecretsTwisted Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I normally enjoy this authors work. This one I struggled to connect with the characters and the story just didn’t do anything for me. Well the mystery side of thing did surprise me. Not sure what the problem really was with the rest, Just that I felt bored while reading at times.

The idea for the story is a good one and throw in a little mystery and BAM an nice read. The characters each have their own lives before he “hears her voice” and they come together. I did like the honesty that Riley had and used frequently.

Overall this is an okay read but just not for me.

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Dance of Hearts: a Cinderella Regency Romance Retelling (Historical Fantasy Fairytale Retellings Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Lisa Helmick

Dance of Hearts: a Cinderella Regency Romance Retelling (Historical Fantasy Fairytale Retellings Book 1)Dance of Hearts: a Cinderella Regency Romance Retelling by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a quick read that encompasses a wonderful faery tale. It is easy to read and enjoyable. It’s been a while since I’ve read a historical romance. I was delighted in being taken back to a different time. The story moves at a fast pace. The character easily drew me in. While I didn’t connect much with the Davenports, the two guys seemed fun and I liked their camaraderie.

Overall for a sweet, fun read..this is your book! Who doesn’t love a little faery tale?

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The Longest Run: a Ski Patrol Rescue Romance (Lawson Family #4) by Tracey Cramer-Kelly – Review by Lisa Helmick

The Longest RunThe Longest Run by Tracey Cramer-Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The beginning of this book starts out with a BANG! It literally gave me chills! I loved reading this! Reading about a ski patrol job is as interesting as it probably is exhausting. I enjoyed all the little details and joy that came with Carly’s job.

I was excited to get Carly’s story. And Chris? He is a total surprise and shock. I enjoyed his tenacity and strength. He was a winner in my book already even before getting together with Carly.

It is nice to see her brothers, wives and kids. Catching up is alway fun with them. I want to give a shout out to Taylor. He is a friend of Chris’ but he goes above and beyond his duties. He is the Best kind of friend there is.

Overall this is a wonderful story. I don’t feel Carly’s issue was as big as her brothers stories. But still a problem for her. Chris really stole the show for me.

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Matching Miriam by Mya O’Malley – Review by Lisa Helmick

Matching MiriamMatching Miriam by Mya O’Malley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well this is a surprise! I enjoyed this and read it in one setting. No I’m not a speed reader..this is just good. The characters are fun and the story just kept me busy. I was trying to figure out who is the murderer. Guess what? I didn’t do it. I was suspicious but I didn’t guess right. Kudos to the author!

Overall it’s a good mystery with some romance. It’s nice to meet new characters and see some old ones. This author always keeps me on my toes and this book is no exception.

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Crave (Clark Family Series) by Evelyn Sola – Review by Lisa Helmick

Crave (Clark Family Series Book 1)Crave by Evelyn Sola
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! I really enjoyed this book! It is family drama that makes you question a few things. Something that is never thought about. When certain family members are fighting how does it affect everyone else? Choosing sides? Ignoring? Or just never visit? This story took me on a journey. It involves a family that has been broken apart and a girl who could be the answer everyone seeks.

This story just would not let go of me! I wanted answers and I couldn’t put this down until I had them all. The characters are misguided, flawed and all looking for something. They are all simply delightful from the two MC to their respective families. I want to give a shout out to Sandra’s mother. She brought some joy to this and made me smile whenever she encountered those boys.

That epilogue!!! OMG I cracked up! Such a great ending plus setting up another book. Perfect!

I just really loved this and look forward to more from this series or this author.

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Stormy’s Thunder (Satan’s Devils MC Utah #2) by Manda Mellett – Review by Lisa Helmick

Stormy's Thunder (Satan's Devils MC Utah #2)Stormy’s Thunder by Manda Mellett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow the Utah chapter surprises me time and time again. I just never really know what is going to happen in the story when they are involved. While stating that I really enjoyed the story. It’s not a favorite but there are many areas in here that I loved and others I just tolerated. Besides that this is greatly written and I loved seeing more with Swift and the guys from the mother chapter.

Stormy has always been a character you either hated or loved. He is argumentative, bossy and doesn’t care for anyone…brothers included. He makes changes in here and becomes a nicer guy who isn’t out For only himself. I never saw him or expected him to find someone he could care about. I think that surprised me the most.

Overall this is a good story. Not my fav but still strong and worthy. These Utah boys are always a surprise.

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Heartbeats and Roses (Hartwood Holiday Romance) by Jae Dawson – Review by Lisa Helmick

Heartbeats and Roses: A Small Town Valentine's Day Romance (A Hartwood Holiday Romance)Heartbeats and Roses: A Small Town Valentine’s Day Romance by Jae Dawson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This story crushed me. I really wanted it to continue the vibe from the last book and it did to an extent. But then the wording got in the way. I struggled many times with the words or phrases the author used. They either didn’t fit the situation or they were waaay to advanced for me and I had to look them up. I get what she is trying to do but it made it hard for me (the reader) to keep following along with the flow of the story. Which made it hard for me to connect to the characters.

I like the idea of the story but just didn’t flow for me. The characters are cute but I only *felt* their friendship not love. Rose is delightful at times. That whole “pain meter” thing she did is pure imagination. It put a smile on my face. I loved the idea of the secret Valentines too. Again I felt something here but wanted to know more about how the it worked and the people connection. I did feel Rose spent a bit too much time in her head..going off on dreams and thinking about the past, future etc. some of that is okay but she had way too much.

The Epilogue just threw me for a loop. I was wishing it would have said “One Year Later” before I started reading.

Overall this is an okay read. I liked some things but the dislikes I had outweighed them.

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Jordan’s Justice: A New Adult Sport Romance (Tessa and Jordan Book 2) by T. Christensen – Review by Lisa Helmick

Jordan's Justice: A New Adult Sport Romance (Tessa and Jordan Book 2)Jordan’s Justice: A New Adult Sport Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

EEEK! This BOOK! I was frustrated upon beginning reading. So much anger and resentment from him as well as her. Then all of a sudden I was sucked in and read the rest late into the night. Wow! I really needed to see how this would all play out.

Jordan throws me off all the time. I can never tell if he is just doing all this to only acquire Jordis or to appeal to Tessa. There is so much up and down. I feel like I am reading with a frown because of all the seriousness and unknown.

Poor Tessa. She is between a rock and a hard place. I can’t believe she doesn’t have an ulcer with all her stress and worrying. I get it! She is trying to not rock the boat and just be peaceful for Jordis’ sake….but at times it’s nice to see her backbone show up.

Overall this is an enticing second book. It had me cheering and jeering. When it all comes down to it…who would you believe or trust? And how much devastation would you allow to rule your life? How important are those “three little words”?

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Wildfire (The Broken Bow Book 2) by Ashley A Quinn – Review by Lisa Helmick

Wildfire (The Broken Bow Book #2)Wildfire by Ashley A Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a good story. This is a romantic suspense book. I liked following along with the characters lives as they struggle to get over the past. Jace is a wonderful character. He has a lot of nice traits that appeal to readers as well as Tara. Tara is a struggle at times I’m not sure if she is over her husband or not. Anyway their first meeting is sweet as well as their first kiss.

The family is awesome! I enjoyed each of them and I will like watching them get their own stories. I didn’t know much about the family since I haven’t read book one. I didn’t feel lost as certain events were described nicely for me to comfortably follow along.

I read the sneak peek at the end of the book and look forward to reading the next in the series.

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Flipping the Bird: A Paranormal Chick Lit Novel (Shift Creek book 1) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Lisa Helmick

Flipping the Bird (Shift Creek, #1)Flipping the Bird by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fun paranormal story! It really took me on an adventure and I couldn’t be happier. I really couldn’t figure out an answer to their problem until near the end. I loved that little mystery aspect. The characters are wonderful. Watching Alice and Megan goof around it’s easy to see why they are besties. Then there is Donovan Drake…that name alone just inspires me. He is an interesting character and I loved his story. His little sidekick is annoying, helpful and a perfect fit for the story.

For a good time while reading enjoy this little beauty! I look forward to more!

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Moonlit Whisper: An Irish Romance (Moonlit Destination Series) by Amy McKinley – Review by Lisa Helmick

Moonlit Whisper (An Irish Romance)Moonlit Whisper by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Boy Oh Boy did I enjoy this one! My only complaint would be I wanted more! The story is a fraction in their lives. With a couple perfect flashbacks. I was made to feel hurt, anger, sorrow and giddiness all in the span of these few pages. The characters are memorable ones and I really can’t get enough of those Irish swear words! (Smiling like an idiot). Fiona and Connor are a sweet couple while Lachlan seems hotheaded.
I enjoyed this immensely and could only ask for more.

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Fighting for Us (Love is Worth Fighting For Book 1) by Bella Emy – Review by Lisa Helmick

Fighting for Us (Love is Worth Fighting For #1)Fighting for Us by Bella Emy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a good story. I didn’t love it like I expected. There just seemed something off. At first I was frustrated at how long it took the two main characters to even meet or talk to each other. Then once they got together I was more invested. Then when they were near the end and discussing issues? It just seemed too rushed….the wording didn’t seem to fit with the flow of the story.

I loved that he is an MMA fighter and that’s what led me to read this book. I enjoyed his brother and sister. In fact her story I would be interested in. Gianna is cute but there was not much time spent with her and the couple.

So while it’s a good story and I really wanted to love it..I just couldn’t. Sorry.

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Fake Fiancé (A Second Chance Office Romance) by Amy McKinley – Review by Lisa Helmick

Fake Fiancé: A Second Chance Office RomanceFake Fiancé: A Second Chance Office Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This isn’t what I expected when I grabbed this one. A simple office romance that takes place in Italy. Well that does happen with the additive of a few odd things. At first I was confused when these visions were happening. Maybe something stating the character was dreaming or having a vision in some way. As the story progresses it becomes more intriguing on how things were going to end.

The characters were fun to watch. Especially Adeline. She is a Savvy business woman. I was impressed with her at her job. She is firm and a complete opposite when not working. The book is worth read just to feel her fierceness when dealing with employees. Pretty sure she is my favorite.

Overall this is a good read. At time the flow is a bit choppy but it all smooths out nicely in the end. The characters are some nice growth and how they interpret their visions was a delight.

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Sweets and Santa (The Matchmaking Baker Book 2) by Rosie Pease – Review by Lisa Helmick

Sweets and Santa (The Matchmaking Baker, #2)Sweets and Santa by Rosie Pease
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a nice holiday mystery. It’s the second book in the series. I have not read the first book and didn’t struggle following along with this at all. We see Joanie setting up and getting her bakery going. There is the problem of missing items around town the the fun gnomes. Joanie also is the town matchmaker so we get to see her in action doing this as well

I enjoy reading Christmas books this time of year. This is a fun story but at times I seemed to zone out mostly during the baking session. I didn’t need all the details to understand what was going on. The characters/townfolk are interesting but the gnome idea stoke the show.

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Secure Boxed Set: Chase Security Series Books 1-3 by R.L. Dunn – Review by Lisa Helmick

Secure Boxed Set (Chase Security #1-3)Secure Boxed Set by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a good series! They are full of action, suspense and romance. I enjoyed how fast paced they are. I easily read late just turning pages after page waiting for the action to pass. We meet a lot of different characters but the series revolves around the Chase Security team. Each book we get more in-depth Information about a member as they find romance and danger.

Overall this is a good box set. If you want danger, drama and brotherhood it’s around every corner in these books. The romance is just an extra to sweeten the deal. Enjoy

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Santa Got Run Over by a Vampire: A Paranormal Romantic Comedy (New Orleans Nocturnes Book 4) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Lisa Helmick

Santa Got Run Over by a Vampire (New Orleans Nocturnes, #3.5)Santa Got Run Over by a Vampire by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED this little look into Jane and Ethan’s life! The holiday aspect added to the story and I stayed up late reading….wondering what was up with Santa. The story moves along at a jolly good pace and easily put me in the holiday spirit. It is full of Santa-isms, puns and Jane’s crazy swear words. Jane is still a spirited gal Who takes all her accidents in stride. This isn’t her biggest but to me it’s the most fun one. I mean who doesn’t want to take a ride on Blitzen??

Overall I enjoyed this look back into Ethan, Gaston and Jane’s undead lives. They are still the same snarky, full of dry humor characters. We even get to see a few others from the series. The story is well written and really put me in the holiday spirit. It is full of holiday laughs and fun. I would highly recommend and not necessary but read License to Bite first since it’s how these characters meet.

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Urban Justice (A Chicago Vigilantes Novel Book 2) by India Kells – Review by Lisa Helmick

Urban Justice (A Chicago Vigilantes Novel #2)Urban Justice by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second in the series and it stands up to the same standard as the first. It’s fast paced, filled with characters that make me want to know them better and is quite the page turner.

To say I loved it is an understatement. The story moves along. It is filled with action and suspense. I have all the characters in Noctem in a list. Each one has different qualifications and skills. I can’t wait to learn about them all. This one is Sloane. She is an ex cop and runs as the vigilante. She has had some difficult past and it’s nerve wracking watching her trying to change. She goes through some ups an downs in dealing with the past and self doubt.

Overall I enjoyed this one as much as I did the first. It isn’t necessary to read book 1 before reading this. It might enrich your enjoyment but not necessary.

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Lies That Bind (Logan McKenna Series Book 6) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Lisa Helmick

Lies That Bind (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 6)Lies That Bind by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a twisty story that reminds me of a soap opera. It’s not my favorite of this series but still good. Logan wants to spend time with her half sister, Olivia. But murders occur and somehow Logan gets involved. Not really sure how she did that and became the focus of the killer. That to me was weird. I really didn’t see much relationship building either.

The story flows nicely and the characters are good. It’s a nice little murder mystery. This is entertaining and nicely done.

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Dead Lawyers Don’t Lie: A Gripping Thriller (Jake Wolfe Book 1) by Mark Nolan – Review by Lisa Helmick

Dead Lawyers Don't Lie (Jake Wolfe, #1)Dead Lawyers Don’t Lie by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the book that started it all. It starts with action and easily kept my interest throughout. I loved seeing the meet ups of Tyrell and Cody and others(I have read all the other books before this one). I still enjoyed it other than at times it’s wordy. The flow is nice and of course I love these characters. I could really see the relationship built between Jake and these others.

Overall I am glad I finally read this. It’s a bit long but still a good lead off.

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The Sound of Silence by Dakota Willink – Review by Lisa Helmick

The Sound of SilenceThe Sound of Silence by Dakota Willink
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Talk about one twisted story! It’s a dark romance with suspense built right in. I love reading stories like this. They keep me on the edge of my seat. Rooting for the characters to overcome themselves and others to survive.

The storyline is fan-freaking-tastic! It’s up and down and had me looking for hope in her story. I ran through a gambit of emotions and near the end? I could feel and hope right along with the main character.
I AM

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Starvation by Molly Fennig – Review by Lisa Helmick

StarvationStarvation by Molly Fennig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a compelling story! I couldn’t stop reading until I figured out what was at the end of this book. I have read stories before about anorexia but being inside Wes’ head is eye opening. His thoughts about himself and the reasons just flabbergasted me. His relationship or non relationship with food and family surprised me. It was interesting watching the dynamics of the family and his friends change throughout the book. This is one I won’t be forgetting soon. It really makes me think.

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Gianluca (Marini Family Romance Book 1) by Isabella Cassazza – Review by Lisa Helmick

Gianluca (Marini Family #1)Gianluca by Isabella Cassazza
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a story! I loved this! Couldn’t put it down! The story is enthralling! I mean a main character that’s easy to hate/love and has so much growth potential. Plus he speaks Italian? YES Please! Actually I love all these characters. Some we get to really know. Others we get a smidgen of knowledge. A few are past characters (Ice Tigers Book 1). All are intriguing, sassy and simply wonderful. Callie is a sweet character that is the complete opposite of Gianluca. That makes for some great banter and sexual tension. I don’t want to give any of this wonderful story away other than I highly recommend. Just read it!

I really can’t wait for more in this series. All the characters fill my heart with happiness. The storyline is not all rainbows and sunshine bit has some darker times too. It draws the reader in with the exciting characters and a strong, fun story.

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HUNTED (HUNTED series Book 1) by Sarah Biglow & Molly Zenk – Review by Lisa Helmick

HuntedHunted by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a different look on vampires. Well a few of them anyway. The characters are plentiful and Edith is not a typical vampire. She lost her fiancée and has always kept an eye out for his family. Years later she gets a chance…an unbelievable chance but will she take it. It means doing something she never thought she would do. Darren has lost his parents to vampires. He dislikes them and became a Hunter. I think he was shocked meeting Edith and it left him feeling strange.

There is a lot of movement and action. But sadly there isn’t an ending. So there must be a second book in the works. It might be a soft conclusion but not a happy ever after. In fact, in the epilogue is where the title came from.

Overall it’s an okay story. It’s just not what I was expecting. I liked Edith and Darren. They are complete opposites. I just didn’t get any *feelings* from them. Or really any other characters.

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At Last (The Adams Brothers BOOK 1) by Mindy McKinley – Review by Lisa Helmick

At Last (Adams Brothers, #1)At Last by Mindy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This one surprises the heck out of me. There are many lovely, sensual and seductive moments in here. These two are OFF THE CHARTS! They are intoxicating! I couldn’t turn pages fast enough. Normally I favor the male character but in here they both rise to the top! I laughed, cried and got chills while taking this trip with these two. Completely Worth It!

Dominic is a great character. He has charisma and knows it. This man could meIt my heart/ears with his seductive words and kindness. I loved watching him change his tune about Lula and relationships. Lula is a dream! I can only picture her voice but man I would love to hear her sing! I think she feels like most women when it comes to men..not good looking enough. I loved watching her blossom.

Secondary characters are outstanding. They push, help and antagonize Dom and Lula! I enjoyed meeting the Adams boys/family and eagerly look forward to their stories.

Overall this is excellent and is a new favorite of mine. The characters are fun, sassy and entertaining. The story is sweet, sexy and romantic. I loved everything about this book!

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The Bullet Theory (Dr. Nolan Mills Book 1) by Sonya Jesus – Review by Lisa Helmick

The Bullet Theory (Dr. Nolan Mills, #1)The Bullet Theory by Sonya Jesus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Talk about a page turner! I read this in about 3.5 hours. I couldn’t stop! The story drew me in. It’s dark and twisty…perfect thing to me up into the night. The characters are equally evil and complex. Did I laugh or cry at this? no but my eyes stayed glued to the pages anyway.

While this is the Nolan Mills series…Elle completely captivated me. We learn more about her as the story progresses. She comes of flakey but she is strong and impressively smart. Kacey I am not overly impressed with. He would be one that could be left behind. I know…I know they have a shared history. Yeah wrong choices and all that but not sure that forgiveness is the key with them.

I did enjoy the tasks that Dr Nolan gave them to work on. Great idea! I do look forward to more in this series. This is a twisty romantic thriller.

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High Heels And Mistletoe (Kisses Under The Mistletoe) by C.A. King, USA Today Bestselling Author – Review by Lisa Helmick

High Heels And MistletoeHigh Heels And Mistletoe by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an okay read. I really wanted to love it as I enjoy all things Christmas….especially the books. This just seems to hit me wrong on a couple different areas. Luke seemed like an over eager puppy instead of a playboy or more mature. Maybe some insight to his thoughts in the beginning would have helped me with that. I really didn’t really *feel* anything for the characters.

Overall the story rolls along nicely. His grand gesture is simply wonderful. The cute romance story is a different Christmas idea. Julietta is a sassy character with a great family history and a little problem with mistletoe.

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