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Fire Meets Fire (Wretched Soulz MC #2) by Manda Mellett – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Fire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MCFire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so happy to this MC book! I enjoy this author’s stories and it had been a bit since I have had the pleasure of reading one. She always does an excellent job on plot and the in depth characters. In here is no different. I really fell for these two and the plight they both were put in. Helo is a definite surprise as she has issues but a strong backbone and mad skills! The more I learned about her the more she became perfect for the Prez. He did something in her that literally shocked me! (I think himself as well) I was not sure he would be able to come back from his faux pas. Getting to meet n greet a whole new MC is always exciting!

This one took me on a ride! I was thrilled to be back in this MC world where not everything is black or white. It was nice to see the humor the brothers share amongst each other. The story kept me engaged and I read it in a couple days. I eagerly look forward getting to know more of the boys in the MC.

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Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Byrd Nash – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #2)Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another wonderful story in this series. I was thoroughly enthralled with the trip this one took me on. Trying to keep my wits about me so I could figure it all out. The characters are plentiful. We get a large number we already know with some new additions. Some of them surprised me others I had figured out. We do get to see Madame Chalamet stretch her powers of deduction along with her ghost talking ones. I enjoyed getting more insight into a few of the personalities.

Overall this is another good story in this series. While I was not a hundred percent agreeable with the ending it still is satisfactory. Although a few things happen at the end that I can not wait to see more of in the next book.

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Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Summer of MudSummer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an interesting story. I liked the suspense and drama that follow these two along. This pulls on the ol’heart strings for a couple reasons. None that I will mention because of spoilers but believe me they are there. I really kept tuned into these two main character’s, which are kids. I felt sorry for them and was very suspicious of RC more than once. This is told from Scoob’s point of view and while she is a twelve year old she seems much older at times. In the end it shows the strength, endurance and love can help some prosper. I loved all the Dad sayings and thoughts that ran through Scoob’s head on repeat.

Overall this is a wonderful story that kept me turning pages so I could figure RC out. The ending is good and had me feeling complete with a little wonder. Thanks for letting me come along on your trip.

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Just Ducky (Weird Shifters Series) by C.A. King – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Just Ducky (Weird Shifters)Just Ducky by C.A. King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Eh its okay. I liked the thought of weird shifters. I struggled with the flow of the story and romance part. I felt for Ducky and her loneliness but I am not sure about the third form. That was different. I personally was unliking of that element of the story but see how it helped move the story another way. The ending was abrupt in the relationship area but came to a conclusion in the secondary story

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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #1)Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The way this story is told is so different. I kept waiting for the “story” to start but little did I know the author smoothly snuck the story in while I was waiting. Next thing I knew I was half way through the book. I became so interested in what Madame Chalamet was doing and how she does what she does. I enjoyed the secondary characters especially that Archambeau.

This has a really nice flow to the story making it easy to read. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this one and look forward to the next one. I am curious what other powers she has as well as how and why she is doing this for a living.

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Toasted (Love Burns Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Toasted (Love Burns Series Book 1)Toasted by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved so much about this story! It started with the dedication! Then the whole meet-cute!?! Adorable and very funny! Add in a determined and dedicated firefighter who has a killer smile. Some sizzling chemistry too. Secondary characters that are “the Bomb”! The author setting us up for the next couple books….I can’t wait for more!

This is the perfect sized book. It’s funny, honest and has delightful moments between the two MC. It is relatively low on drama although I figured more would have happened with the whole ranch thing. It has a nice build of characters who are easy to like. As I said I look forward to more especially seeing how one pair has such fire between them.

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Troy: A Crown of Stones Origin Story by C. L. Schneider – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Troy: A Crown of Stones Origin StoryTroy: A Crown of Stones Origin Story by C. L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is quite an interesting story. I liked the world built here by the author. We have the different lands, tools and then we have the characters. Whoa! Those characters are so diverse! At times I really felt sorry for Troy then he would turn around and surprise me with his actions. I love the crew who went on the mission. Then there is that Queen?! Man I am impressed with her leadership but also appalled by it.

This is a wonderful story. I have not read any other in the series and since this is a origin story I had no problem following along. It makes me eager to grab the rest of the series.

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Master Oradea (Masters of the Consulate Book 10) by Sylvia Black – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Master Oradea (Masters of the Consulate #10)Master Oradea by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another good story in this series. There is a new element added in here by the way of Natalia family. She unwittingly becomes involved in the hunt for Lucas. She seems to be a stand up girl who is tired of always being treated like a baby by her brothers. Oradea is another vampire trying to protect his legacy and property. He meets and unexpectedly falls for the princess of the Benzini family. He is honorable in that respect as he tries to resist her in favor of relations between the Vampires and Syndicate. This all leads to some sexy times as well as action scenes. We see a lot of the past Masters and their mates when they come to town. Things are getting heated on the Rogue side and I look forward to the next installment.

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A Song of Salt and Secrets (Mythic Academy Collection) by Amanda Marin – Review by Lisa Helmick

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A Song of Salt and Secrets (Mythic Academy Collection)A Song of Salt and Secrets by Amanda Marin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story thrilled me! It has action, suspense and young romance. I liked the subject matter since I have not read much about them. We actually get to see/hear and feel their thoughts and emotions pertaining to “singing and the sea”. Corisande is ever curious about herself, the curse and normal people. She is good at heart even though she carries the curse. I did not read book 1 in the series and had no problem following along. So can easily be read as a stand along.

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The Strategist (WaterFyre Rising Book 5) by Nadia Han – Review by Lisa Helmick

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

What another wonderful book in this series! The story is very intricate! I love all the criss cross story lines and characters. I struggled to out this intriguing one down. While Arrow is great I really love Vivian. She is one strong, smart and a woman who takes no bull. Yes she has had a hard life but she has grown and changed from it. Her resilience is what all women aspire for. I really enjoyed her story. We meet some new characters and see older ones.

I thought this would be the last book but nope! So I look forward to the next!

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda's Story, An Echo series novellaHealing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story, An Echo series novella by C. R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a prequel to the Echo Series. This is a story with a bit of a puzzle that needs to be put together. Amanda works very hard to figure it out. At first I thought she was over the top with worry but as the story moves along I realize it is just her personality. Gene is a guy who is looking for something different. He possibly has a chance at something new but he just needs to overcome a hardhead. Overall I felt this was okay. I struggled to connect to them and their relationship did not wow me. The story is different in the respect that the suspenseful parts did not happen to main character.

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Mood Swings and Hockey Flings (Hot Flash Hookups Series) by Sylvie Stewart and Marika Ray – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Mood Swings and Hockey Flings (Hot Flash Hookups #2)Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This second book in the series is just as good as or better than the first! I LOVED this one!! It is exciting, funny and has glorious sarcasm. The story held me captivated until the last page! The characters have a wonderful love/hate relationship with high sexual chemistry. I laughed with them and just delighted with their banter! They are both very witty! Secondary characters are wonderful! I liked how they moved the story forward but still held a memorable quality.

This writing team is a dynamic duo! They pour just the right amount of snark, laughs, heat and hockey into their stories. They had these characters go from like to extreme dislike to slowly coming around then lust then friends then lovers. What a ride! I loved every second and look forward to more!

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Will You (Pretend) Marry Me (Swan Cove Series) by Christi Barth – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Will You Pretend Marry MeWill You Pretend Marry Me by Christi Barth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this from the beginning! That scone stealing scene was great! What made it even better was the group of friends she met knew all about it and said “ oh you’re the scone stealer” when being introduced. Just perfect!

The theme of this was interesting to me. We have a international Pop star who has a double life. I loved a sneek peek into her Pop stat lifestyle. The concerts, the Stalkers, the clothes changes, the different teams and large amount of employees make me okay with not being in that life. When she becomes a music teacher she sheds a-lot of that and tries to blend to the normal side.

Each of these two MC have past issues that get dealt with along the way. Filled in with laughs and eye opening discussions. The friendship group they have are the best! I really enjoyed meeting them as they amped up the level of the story. The interventions they come up with are awesome. Just trying to help out a couple who should be together.

This is the first book I read in this series and was saddened to find out it is the last. I was looking forward to Wyatt’s story as well as a few others. The bight side is I can grab them to read now.

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Finders Keepers, Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Finders Keepers, Cowboy (Match Made in Montana #1)Finders Keepers, Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really wanted to like this one but it just is too much of a struggle. It starts out great as we meet the characters and find out the situation but as the story moves along it got so slow. There is way too much “thinking in their head” and it became confusing at times and interrupted conversations between the two MC. The conversations are very stilted and a lot of times I am not sure what the purpose is and where it is going. Even at the end I just did not understand what Ryan’s issue was with not speaking to Meg. I did not really *feel* the connection between the two even though I assumed they would end up together.

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Finding Cheer (Magical Emerald Hollow Series) by Heather Schneider – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Finding Cheer (Magical Emerald Hollow #2)Finding Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another cute story in this series. we have some magic and a little mystery with some romance to top it all off. I enjoyed the story and the characters. While this one is about Sofia and her amnesia man we also get to see old friends from the last story. I like that I get to see how everyone is doing from the last book.
I wonder why the tulips bloomed there? I must have missed the explanation for why there and elsewhere still had snow. Maybe it’s just a magical place.

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Secrets of the Moon (Chronicles of the Lost Child Series) by Kristy Centeno – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Secrets of the Moon (Chronicles of the Lost Child)Secrets of the Moon by Kristy Centeno
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

So I grabbed this because I have read other stories by this author and loved them. This was sadly did not fall into that category for me. It is long..like really long and gives daily details that are somewhat unnecessary to the overall storyline.

The story is told in a way that keeps the reader as well as the main female lead in the dark. Doling out bits n pieces here and there but not really answering questions and always falling back into the relationship between the three. Even when the story is told from Kyran side nothing is revealed as he keeps secrets very well and not even his inner thoughts tell on him. The last half of the book we get a lot of action and movement from all the characters which is exciting but that ending just smashed it for me.

Overall this one reminds me a lot of Twilight series. Set in a college atmosphere, her family leaves her alone, back and forth interest between 3 parties and a werewolf clan who moved in to town. The beginning easily drew me in and the last portion is thrilling. There is a definite connection between the three that is as confusing to me as it is to them. Then after almost 500 pages there is no conclusion…very frustrating.

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Fay’s Kindness Parade (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Fay's Kindness Parade (The Adventures of Cray)Fay’s Kindness Parade by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another enjoyable story from this author. Cray goes on a new adventure with Fay. They meet new friends and help other animals along the way. The story is very cute and helps making to discuss being kind with the littles. The illustration in here is rock solid! Good colors that will draw the eye of readers. I always look forward to more in the delightful series.

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The Closer (The Hustlers Trilogy) by Rowan Rossler – Review by Lisa Helmick

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The Closer: An enemies to lovers dark romance (The Hustlers Series Book 3)The Closer: An enemies to lovers dark romance by Rowan Rossler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Whoa! Did that just happen? What a shock! This writing in here just drew me in. I loved all the bantering/bickering between Dallas and June (Enemies to Loves is a favorite trope of mine). As well as how the author told us of a past between them but never really got to the nitty gritty of it until later in the story (nail-biting at times). June stayed pretty true to form through most of the book but Dallas was ever changing and ended up in a different place than when he started. I really liked the build up between these two and as the story unfolded. At times I wasn’t sure if they should be together or let them go their own way.

Secondary characters are wonderful! We met her friends and their companions in the last couple books. They did not disappoint and held true to form as they all helped June through this debacle she found herself in. Then there is that pesky dark unknown guy who was so difficult to figure out. He embodies the darker side of the story but I was in a quandary about him as much as June. He played his part well but I wonder…….

As usual the author wrote an amazing story. Well built characters that surprised me. I held on as we traversed the ups and downs on their business side as well as these twos personal lives. The suspense and deeply emotional parts left me baffled at times. Overall a good ending for these three friends.

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The Glow in Loretta’s Garden (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Lisa Helmick

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The Glow in Loretta's Garden (Loretta's Insects)The Glow in Loretta’s Garden by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I read this book fairly quickly. Personally I think it needs something . I was Intruiged with the idea to learn a little something about fireflys. I feel that was not accomplished until I read some small print at the back instead of filtered through the story.

I have read other books by this author that seem well done but for me this one does not qualify. It is an okay read but I wanted more information. The illustrations are loose but the cover is well done and also what drew me to the story

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Make Me Burn (North Fork Series) by Alicia Street – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Make Me Burn (North Fork Series Book 9)Make Me Burn by Alicia Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Good Story! I liked Jinx. She went after what she wanted and has a cool job. She really made this whole story happen. I thought it was a little slow at first but then picked up. I liked the interaction between these two. It seems like it would be a good series. Although I am not so sure about Victors fiancee but we will see.

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A Girl, Stuck (Found Families Series) by Kelly Elizabeth Huston – Review by Lisa Helmick

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A Girl, StuckA Girl, Stuck by Kelly Elizabeth Huston
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

So I enjoyed parts of this story and others not so much. I liked a lot at times because of the Interaction between her and Trey but the other times was a lot of descriptive paragraphs and to me..filler. There is something to be said for setting a scene but overdoing it just leads to boredom.

The tension and suspense perpetuated between these two in intense and has that “hook” appeal. That is what keeps the pages turning. When will they see each other again? Or what will happen if they do? Seeing them together is what makes the story go…..well also Leo.

Overall it is an okay read. I could easily put it down and had to force myself a time or two to get back to it. Once I started skimming the descriptive pages it went much faster. I feel the story needs more. I did not feel for the characters when injured or worry about them when in tense situations. The title fits in here nicely.

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Planting Seeds: Growing Mindful Children Though Yoga by Janice Pratt and Lenora Degen – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Planting Seeds: Growing Mindful Children Through YogaPlanting Seeds: Growing Mindful Children Through Yoga by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this! I like how the author makes a connection between yoga and plants. Very cool! I loved reading the lesson plans. The author puts ideas for different ages and details everything very well. I could easily picture it all in my head. This shows how to have a 6 week class for kids.

There are great affermations and breathing techniques throughout. Plus games and songs! I am enjoying this as its is giving me all kinds of ideas to do with the grandkids.

My only issue is that I wish they had included pictures of all the different yoga poses they suggest. Some are self explanatory (like the frog) but others like mountain, fish, star and windmill are unknown to me. I have only done a few yoga poses do I will have to look them up.

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Fearless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, Book 5) by KG Fletcher – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Fearless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #5)Fearless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was not as a huge fan of this one as I have been of the others in the series. I just didn’t like how James was portrayed. He has had a solid gf through most of the series but in here he falls for a completely different girl. His antics and thought process just was not favorable to me. I fid like the whole way that Sara and James officially met. She surprised me with her “momma bear” attitude in her employers home. But anyway the there was plenty of stuff that kept me reading as well. I always love time being spent with the Bennetts. Seeing where everyone is at in their relationships and lives. Sadly this is the last in the series. I know that every series needs to end and I look forward to seeing what this author comes up with next.

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The Mating Chance (Long Claw Pride Series Book 3 and LumberCats Series Book 2) by Brooke May – Review by Lisa Helmick

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

These stories always bring me joy. I enjoy the storyline and the characters all have their quirks. In here I was frustrated at the female lead more than once over her negative attitude towards mating. Life throws curveballs..just embrace them. I did get irritated while reading since frequently things were repeated. Usually either in the same paragraph or the next one. That leads to me skipping areas here and there. I have read this author multiple times. Usually I either really love the book or struggled with it. This time I felt about half way between the two. It isn’t great but not horrible either in my opinion. I do enjoy this series and am looking forward to Sheridan’s mating call.

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Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series) by Mavery Ellscott – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Book 3)Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! I just LOVE these stories! This was just as thrilling as the previous in the series have been. I read this in a couple days. The story is action packed with a suspenseful side. This just Wowed me! I loved how we dive right in and the story really entranced me. The main characters are nothing short of extraordinary. Finlay is so confident and strong! She won’t let another push her around or treat her poorly. She is not afraid to stand up for herself and the way she finagles her way in and out of tight spots is impressive. Drake is one of the team we learn a bit about in here. He basically has one job to do but does not realize who he is up against. Then he has to reassess the whole situation.

Secondary characters are plentiful. They all had a purpose and they served it well. My only issue is it seemed that once they were off-page they disappeared to either never be heard from again or until their purpose was served. I get the main storyline is about whats going on between the MC but a line stating they made it to safety or something would have sufficed.

Overall this is an exciting and thrilling adventure we tag along on. I look forward to more in this series!

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Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray)Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another superb story from this series. Cray goes on an adventure that would be unknown to him if he had not befriended Hay. Leaving the beach he sets off for the woods. This one covers how one can be brave and asking for help as both animals need to learn to utilize that in here. There are great tips for building courage in the back of the book.

As always I want to mention the illustration in here. Between the wonderful story and the brilliant illustration this is a winner for kids and adults! I look forward to more adventures with Cray.

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Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story (A Better Man, Book 1) by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story (A Better Man Book 1)Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is an okay story. I really wanted to like it as I love a workplace romance. This one moves along very slowly and honestly I found myself flipping pages and did not miss anything. Bailey is an intricate character as she has had a difficult past and had kind of become a new woman. I liked the connection between them but again there is a lot of thought processing in their heads thats the author is using to connect the characters to the reader. I am not a fan of too much of that. So this one was a struggle for me. Others might enjoy but to me its just okay. I fo love the cover though!

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Out of Bounds (Game Time Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Out of Bounds (Game Time)Out of Bounds by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

These two! O MG could they be any cuter! They each have a background story but Piper’s is a little heavier. Not sure I could forgive and forget for any of her family. I feel she reacted exactly how she needed to and her feelings are validated. Bax is the fun side of the story. He made me smile. I did love how his friends called her his “unicorn”. The razzing that Bax gets from his friends made me laugh. It is nice seeing all the boys from the team interact through the series. I look forward to the next in the series.

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Perfect Office Pact (Perfect Romance Series) by Maria Jane – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Perfect Office PactPerfect Office Pact by Maria Jane
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This one is was rough for me. Mostly because I did not care for the actions of both characters throughout most of the book. She is very combative and he seems restrictive and obviously has some sort of issue. Just their interaction through a large portion of the book was off putting. Him secretly wanting her and she is basically clueless for years. Too many breakdowns and tantrums for the story. There is very little romance and when they do she always has her foot half way out the door. Arg! I really felt for Declan numerous times. Just with his attitude and struggles he has to go through daily but he offers hope because never seems to give up trying.

Overall this is just an okay story for me. I think I wanted more pleasant interaction as time went on between them and it just doesn’t really happen.

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Beach Ball Blunder (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Beach Ball Blunder (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)Beach Ball Blunder by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This one made me smile! The rhyming was done much better so the story flowed along. We meet another new friend of Cray’s who lies so he won’t get into trouble. The meaning behind the cute story in here is clear. I can’t say enough good things about the illustrations! Each page is a delight to look at. I look forward to more adventures and life lessons from Cray.

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