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Grave Digger Academy III (Grave Digger Academy Series) by C.A. King – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Grave Digger Academy IIIGrave Digger Academy III by C.A. King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This covers year three of Makayla’s school year. It’s a good story and easily kept my interest. It was nice seeing all the characters and seeing what and where they are now at. Makayla runs into a bump in the road and has to figure out how to compensate. The ending is a surprise and makes me wonder what will happen in the next book.

I like the covers of these books! Really drew my eye! I feel the author could really expand on the story if so desired. There are so many ways that this could be taken. I almost felt the story was good up to a point then it was a quick abrupt ending.

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Quick Affirmations for Children (Quick Affirmations Series) by Kim Ann & Yobe Qiu – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Quick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days - Positive Affirmations for Happy ChildrenQuick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days – Positive Affirmations for Happy Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a fun positive read! It is easy to read and using the alphabet to put these positive thoughts out there. I could see using one a day. There also are cute pictures with correlate with the affirmations. I can see kids of all ages enjoying reading this alone or having it read to them and discussed. Happy I stumbled across this one!

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Lost and Found (Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Lost and Found: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9 (Logan McKenna Series)Lost and Found: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Good twisty story! I enjoyed this one because it doesn’t hide too much but still is intriguing and kept me turning pages to find out exactly how everything went down. The author does an excellent job telling this one. It is told from different characters POV so its not all about Logan.

I really liked the content in here. Crabbing and boating is interesting to me and the author does a wonderful job keeping my interest. I feel this is the best in the series and can be read as a stand alone.

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In Plain Sight (Logan McKenna Mystery Series Book 8) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Lisa Helmick

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In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a good story that held my interest. I enjoyed the characters and the whole “who dunnit”. I did struggle a bit near the end as either it slowed or I just became distracted. I did like the whole raptor center parts of the story. Very cool! I look forward to the next in the series.

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Secrets at the Café: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Secrets at the CafeSecrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a little mystery that revolves around a little red journal. It is a nice “who dunnit” story. I had suspicions but the author does a good job of throwing the reader off track. There is a slew of characters that grace the pages. All of them involved or suspect in this case. The story started off good but then seemed to drag a bit for me. The characters had a hard time holding my interest as the book moved along. I could easily flip several pages and still be in the same conversation between characters so I really didn’t miss anything. I have read books by this author before. One I loved and another was okay. So I figured I would give her another try. This one just did not work for me.

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Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes (Hot Flash Hookups Book 1) by Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Hot Flashes and Hockey SlashesHot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a cute story! It’s very enjoyable and made me laugh a time or two. I have to say that as an older woman I appreciated all the humor and comments on menopausal ailments. The characters are fun! They really have a great build of different personalities in here. Very enchanting! Not only the two main but a lot of the secondary just cracked me up.

Overall this one moves along at a good pace. Easy and quick read! I look forward to the next in the series.

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The Inquisitor (WaterFyre Rising Book 4) by Nadia Han – Review by Lisa Helmick

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The Inquisitor (WaterFyre Rising, #4)The Inquisitor by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

These two!!! Wow do they have chemistry! It is literally leaping off the pages! That helped entrance me into the story and then I really just went along for the ride! This is the fourth book in the series and it is my second favorite. Forrest and Kiera are both amazing. Each one has their own thing going on and when they are together its fire! He has the whole vendetta going on then he gets involved with Kiera and maybe that vendetta is not as important as it once was. The many changes he goes through during this action packed story are wonderful. That epilogue was perfect and actually even before that (maybe the previous chapter) so sweet! Kiera really gets Forrest!

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The Inquisitor (WaterFyre Rising Book 4) by Nadia Han – Review by Lisa Helmick

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The Inquisitor (WaterFyre Rising, #4)The Inquisitor by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

These two!!! Wow do they have chemistry! It is literally leaping off the pages! That helped entrance me into the story and then I really just went along for the ride! This is the fourth book in the series and it is my second favorite. Forrest and Kiera are both amazing. Each one has their own thing going on and when they are together its fire! He has the whole vendetta going on then he gets involved with Kiera and maybe that vendetta is not as important as it once was. The many changes he goes through during this action packed story are wonderful. That epilogue was perfect and actually even before that (maybe the previous chapter) so sweet! Kiera really gets Forrest!

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The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams – Review by Lisa Helmick

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The Christmas EscapeThe Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cute holiday story! I enjoyed meeting these two main characters. Their meet cute was delightful and they both had some hidden secrets. I like the analogy he came up with about life from his career. Turns out he is a wonderful guy! Oh and the grand gesture…I loved it! Overall a quick read that made me want to head to the beach!

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Mission Target (Jake Wolfe Thrillers Book 7) by Mark Nolan – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Mission Target (Jake Wolfe, # 7)Mission Target by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While this is a good book I just didn’t love it as much as the previous stories. I hate to say this but it really seemed like non stop action(usually a good thing right?). He literally ends one and gets a call to go to another location for another assignment. I mean very little down time to spend time relaxing. There are too many govt agencies initials and explanations thrown at us for every little thing. I ended up just skimming those. Last issue was the girls. I am sure he is a hottie and has that great dog but not every woman he comes in contact with is after him(sexually) especially after stating he has a girlfriend and they know her. What Agent Green did..just weird…possible future stalker.
Anyhow I enjoyed seeing all the characters and meeting new ones. We get to see a whole gambit of people from Mafia to secret service. Watching Cody “work” and figure things out plus Jake..he is one smart cookie.
As always I look forward to reading these stories. This one really took us on a journey from the first incident to the last. The author did a good job winding it all together.

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Fractured Hearts-Prospect (Grimm Wolves MC Book 7) by D.M. Earl – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Fractured Hearts-Prospect (Grimm Wolves MC Book 7)Fractured Hearts-Prospect by D.M. Earl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a nice addition to the series. The beginning confused me a little since I didn’t know why the couple was on the run already. It worked itself out but was a few chapters into the story. I enjoyed getting to know Dingo since he hasn’t been a huge character in past books. His lady was a surprise but worked out well. They have had difficult pasts they are working in overcoming.
It is nice to see past characters and a few from the authors other series. I lije seeing where they are now and what is going on in their life. Emmie and Brick surprised me the most even though they had a small part in here. The other three (I wont mention their names) always add a different element to the story.
Overall this is a good solid seventh book in the series. There are some changes and growth to the story and characters. Oh and beware…This one does have a gruesome factor near the end with a couple characters showing off their work.

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Reckless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 4) by KG Fletcher – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Reckless Love: A Small Town Slow-Burn Forbidden Love Romance (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book #4)Reckless Love: A Small Town Slow-Burn Forbidden Love Romance by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a nice addition to the series. It covers villain redemption which at times seemed difficult to swallow. He has been horrible in the first couple books and the author does a good job making the reader feel and change thoughts about Glen. This has a lot about guilt and forgiveness but what connected with me most was the addiction recovery. He has thoughts, feelings and learning new habits that were realistic and I felt the author did a good job. The story seems to drag a bit for me a couple different times. I thought it was a little flowery with the thoughts but other times the author does a cute job with her wording when thinking about the opposite character.
Overall this is a good one but not my favorite of the series. I look forward to James’ story.

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Porter and Midge (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid's Guide to Safe Dog Interactions (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid’s Guide to Safe Dog Interactions by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful learning book. The authors do a great job incorporating learning important dog rules with rhyming. There is also good illustrations showing how to act and how not to act. I like how the information is broken into sections to move the book along.

Overall this story would be great for kids and some adults who have never owned a family dog. I would call it a must read before getting one.

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Tracker (The Talisman Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Tracker (The Talisman Series)Tracker by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a delightful read! I really enjoyed every second this one! I did not know anything about this series and the author does a good job explaining it in here. It intrigued me to want to see more about Riley’s brothers because they have a wonderful camaraderie. The action suspense and drama held me to the story but the fantasy aspect kept me there. I was husy trying to figure out what these characters are or did and why. I really thought the talisman was an item not a person so…interesting. I eagerly look forward to more in this series.

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House of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis – Review by Lisa Helmick

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House of Blood and WhispersHouse of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Good Story! It is eye catching at the beginning and only gets better from there. The story just pulled me in with the action and suspense that is filtered in throughout. Not to mention the snappy dialogue from the characters. A couple characters really have some verbal sass going on. So good!

I always enjoy this authors fantasy stories. She does a good job creating the world and her characters are not perfect and but always have room for wonderful growth. It is a pleasure to read these stories.

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The Mating Call (Long Claw Pride Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Lisa Helmick

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The Mating Call (Long Claw Pride #1)The Mating Call by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a good story. I love reading about shifters so this was an easy pick. The is interesting and held my attention up to a point. After that there was some skimming and just a push to finish. I like Cheyenne and her family is a hoot. Each sister completely different personalities. The future stories should be fun The male lead has such a calming attitude. A perfect addition to this wild bunch! Overall it is a cute story

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The Mating Haze (Long Claw Pride) by Brooke May – Review by Lisa Helmick

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The Mating HazeThe Mating Haze by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is nicely done! While it is a stand alone there is an interconnected story running through the series. I highly suggest starting off with the Mating Call which is book 1. Trigger was an enigma to me. But once the story rolled along I really started to like him and actually felt sorry for him. While the mating is a part of the story it is not the main one. So we have a lot of other stuff going on as well. I look forward to the next the series and seeing what will happen next.

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Beautiful Dangerous (Philly Heat Series Book 4) by Becky Flade – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Beautiful Dangerous (Philly Heat series, #4)Beautiful Dangerous by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an amazing thrilling story! I loved this and sped through it like a demon. The book is filled with many tense times and action/suspense filled moments. I did struggle figuring out who is behind this mess so that even adds more excitement to the story for me. All of the characters are well done and they surprise than excite me as the story progresses. I do have a favorite moment and it’s during a fight between Hannah and Doyle. I won’t say what was said and done but I loved that whole scene.

I did read this out of order for the series. It can be read as a standalone as I had no problem following along. I think the other books characters were filtered in but they are placed as minor characters. I would love to read more in the series.

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Beautiful Dangerous (Philly Heat Series Book 4) by Becky Flade – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Beautiful Dangerous (Philly Heat series, #4)Beautiful Dangerous by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an amazing thrilling story! I loved this and sped through it like a demon. The book is filled with many tense times and action/suspense filled moments. I did struggle figuring out who is behind this mess so that even adds more excitement to the story for me. All of the characters are well done and they surprise than excite me as the story progresses. I do have a favorite moment and it’s during a fight between Hannah and Doyle. I won’t say what was said and done but I loved that whole scene.

I did read this out of order for the series. It can be read as a standalone as I had no problem following along. I think the other books characters were filtered in but they are placed as minor characters. I would love to read more in the series.

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Cruel Truths (Tessa and Jordan Book 3) by T. Christensen – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Cruel Truths (Tessa and Jordan #3)Cruel Truths by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this story. Grumpy boss and enemies to lovers tropes are one of my favorites and this one covered all those bases. So many times I was angry, frustrated or irritated at the male lead. He drove me crazy just like he did Lindy. In fact, a couple times I really didn’t understand why she stayed. I really liked Lindy. She is determined, smart, sassy and doesn’t put up with his guff. I don’t know how she did it day after day and time after time dealing with him, but kudos to her. I suppose it could be the intense sexual attraction that they have with each other. I mean OFF the Charts!

The story is amazing in the respect of the dreams, the hopes and the desires that are played out. It has many ups and downs and drama filled moments that filled my heart or made it go pitter-pat. This is one that can be reread and enjoyed.

This is the third in the series, but it can be read as a standalone. There is mention of characters and situations that we see from the first two books, but it doesn’t really interfere with this story. So grab it and enjoy

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You and Me Equals Love by Marina Hanna – Review by Lisa Helmick

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You and Me Equals LoveYou and Me Equals Love by Marina Hanna
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the story of both one but two women and their men. This is a case of best friends, dating best friends. I can’t even say whose story I like better as they were both equally well done. Well, the story is good but I wasn’t a huge fan of the execution. It does a lot of bouncing around from past to present. I think the story would’ve been as equally powerful, just starting in the past and working your way to the present and current situations. I have read this author’s stories before, and always enjoy them. This one just seems to be a one off for me. Overall, it’s an entertaining story about a couple girls who find their guy and hopefully a forever after.

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Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls Book 4) by Libby Kay – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Faking the Fall: A Buckeye Falls NovelFaking the Fall: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another wonderful story in this series! I did not realize who Alice was until I started reading this one. She is a misfit within her family. She doesn’t fit their mold and that is fine with her. No marriage, no grandkids until she see the elusive artist in town. Then she starts thinking and seeing a different future for herself. Watching Alice change and grow and delightful to observe. James is a fun guy who looks at life differently from others. I enjoyed their path to get together.

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Vixen: (Devil’s Handmaidens MC: Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter) by D.M. Earl – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Vixen: (Devil's Handmaidens MC: Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter)Vixen: by D.M. Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great read but intense! This really brings out emotions for these characters. Mostly Vixen! This girl has been through the wringer and just when she is feeling comfortable….WOOSH! There goes the rug from under her feet. Thank goodness she belongs to the Handmaidens as they always seem to have their ladies backs. Mix in people from a couple other groups and this becomes a full roster.

This also covers suspense, action and drama pretty well. Somehow with serious subject and the posturing of characters the author seems to be able to drop in humor as well. Nicely Done!

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Chasing Cheer (Emerald Hollow Book 1) by Heather Schneider – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Chasing CheerChasing Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a super cool atory. I like when an author pulls out all the stops in creating the world. Everything is perfectly holiday. From the thoughts to the swearing. I was impressed at the cleverness that was put into this holiday story.

I did feel it was overly long as I got the point or idea long before we got there in the story. That is my only complaint. It is a cute light hearted and delightful story. I devoured every word.

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Heart’s Rescue (Fallen Hearts) by Meredith Hart – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Heart's Rescue (Hearts Below, #1)Heart’s Rescue by Meredith Hart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was very excited for this one after reading the synopsis and seeing that amazing cover. Sadly I did not love it. I liked the idea of the story and these worlds but it was way too vague. The information was just touched on and hinted at with little confirmation. The below and above worlds are a great idea but maybe expand on them a bit more. The characters were easily likable but again unknown and different powers that don’t get explained for a long time in the story. That being said, all the characters are very likable and real. They are really the best part in my opinion.

This is an okay story in my opinion. I am sad because I love fantasy books.

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LIES-TRUTH-LOVE by Marina Hanna – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Lies - Truth - LoveLies – Truth – Love by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! Loving this one! It flows so nicely! I really sped right along and before I knew it I was half way through. I see how the author wrote the story so it goes along with the title but it does seem to slow down a bit as the female lead can’t seem to get past the lies. I did get a little tired of her actions during that time period she almost seemed mean towards him.

There are some good secondary characters that add some insight to these two main personalities. Very helpful to them and I liked the advice!

Overall this is a cute, fun story. I did enjoy many different things about this one. The job that she has is something that interests me. Bringing joy and completion to many people. Anyway I like the flow and how the author grabbed me and kept me entertained.

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Wild For Me (The Balefire Series Book 3) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Wild For Me (Balefire, #3)Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVE this one! It easily kept me reading late into the night! The story entertained me and the characters are wonderfully done. Watching Annabelle and Dakota come together is phenomenal! Dakota is a rock star with a large sexual appetite as expected but when he is with Annabelle we really see a different side of him. His nickname(s) for her are beautiful and not run of the mill. Watching him with her family is so fun! Annabelle is a previous groupie who now has a job with the band. She is as smart as she is sexy and fits him and his wildness to a T. Again her families response to him was awesome!

Most favorite scene:
I love the way the author describes the band members coming out on stage for their concert! I was in awe! I absolutely felt like I was there! Not with the throwing of panties and bras but giving me chills because I could feel the excitement just like the characters! Well Done!

There were a few touched on moments near the end that I wish as the reader they would have been shown to us and not just heard snippets from another character. Maybe a few less tour show explanations could have replaced with those scenes. I fell that would have closed out that storyline (Garrett).

It definitely will be going on my re-read pile as it is delicious! I really loved every second and eagerly look forward to Tron’s story.

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Russian and Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Russian and Royally ComplicatedRussian and Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is quite the story! Full of passion, drama and suspense. I enjoyed meeting all of these characters. They made me laugh, be shocked and…I had a few surprises. I did not read the first book in the series and had no problems following along with this one. I have read one author before but not the other. The story moves along at a quicker pace and is easy to read.

I did not like that there are secrets in here that seemed to be mentioned (a lot) but they never told me (the reader), mentioned it in their thoughts (other then “the secret”) or told the other character. I got tired of that and by the end when it finally came out..I did mot care what it was. I think because it was mentioned too much with no explanation.

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Dead Keen (Things Unseen Book 2) by Anise Eden – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Dead Keen (Things Unseen #2)Dead Keen by Anise Eden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a story! Wow! The action, drama and suspense is filling all the pages. I enjoyed getting to know Neve and Con and watching their relationship grow. They also have excellent sleuthing skills which they put to good use in here.

I have not read the previous story. This is a listed as a stand alone and zi had no problem following along with the characters. References were made and explained which really helped out.

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Master Campania (Masters of the Consulate Book 7) by Sylvia Black – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Master Campania: Dark Vampire Romance (Masters of the Consulate Book 7)Master Campania: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This one really goes on a ride! I enjoy Willow and the path she takes. I am mot a fan of witches as they are usually so sneaky. Willow surprised me. She seemed weak but shockingly she has a backbone. Campania is a master vampire with some pretty impressive powers. He seems a little cold and one sided until “it” happens. You know. That moment when he realizes he would do ANYTHING for her. That changed my mind about him. It was nice to see the characters from the previous stories. Their sass still reminds me of their stories and fun times. Overall another good installment to this series

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