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The Slip Series Collection by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Liz Vrchota

The Slip Series CollectionThe Slip Series Collection by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely adore anything with Gwyn McNamee’s name on it, so I am naturally biased I will confess that up front and center, but this is such a fantastic steal you just have to grab this, I know I did and I got a few extra for some fun gifts for a few gal friends. I have read Dick Slip and Beaver Blunder and laughed so hard I nearly peed myself (no shame I have had c-section LOL) they were that good, so when I went to grab the third and saw the box set well hell yes I will take three LOL! I included my reviews that I did post of the other two books. I will have to come back and update some more when I get through Nip Slip but I am sure it will be just as hilarious and fantastic! Can’t wait to see what will come next from the ever fabulous Gwyn McNamee! Happy reading!

DICK SLIP

“Double facepalm. This calls for two.”

This was such a lighthearted and hilarious novella. Obviously, the laughs start just by reading the title, so imagine how much fun can be had between the front cover and those magical words… The End. In fact, I will say the only downside to this story would have to be the length, simply because I had fallen in love with the characters so much I wanted more from them. It is a standalone so that is another positive, but if you enjoy this book I would also recommend checking out the rest of Gwyn McNamee’s novels as they are all great.

Rafe was there for the charity, this was supposed to be a fun basketball game between him and a bunch of other celebrities. Unfortunately for him, fate had a different idea in mind. One little wardrobe malfunction and suddenly he is in the middle of fighting for his career and having to show up at his boss’s office to answer for this incident.

“Wide-eyes and gaping mouths- that’s all I see from the 15,000 plus spectators who came here to enjoy a basketball game played by celebrities.”

“And instead of playing a friendly game of basketball and raising money for the sick kids, I just shot down my career with a scud missile.”

Then the next twist of fate lies in the hands of his new boss, Andy Mason, who turns out to be a woman, a hot and kind woman. The kind that can lead to troubles. It is literally only the second day on the job for Andy, and not only is she dealing with a major crisis, but she has to prove her worth for the job she was hired to do.

“On my second day? For the love of all that is holy, why does it have to happen now?”

“Sexy and formidable. She has me almost believing my job is as safe as she says it is.”

“She is sex on a stick. There’s just something about a powerful woman who takes control and knows what she wants that does something to me, and Andy is precisely all those things.”

Turns out Andy thinks that Rafe is pretty attractive too. Only problem is it can never happen right? Because she is the boss, and the boss can’t date the employees.

“Yeah, being the boss sucks sometimes, because that can never happen. Nothing ever can.”

Will she risk everything to save his job? Will they be able to address their feelings for each other, or are they destined to be twisted by fate just a little bit more?

BEAVER BLUNDER

“Just keep your legs crossed, Madeline. Keep ‘em crossed.”

Beaver Blunder is the third novel in Gwyn McNamee’s Scandalous Slip series. I have laughed till I had tears running down my face. I have yelled at my kindle, and the characters as if they were right in front of me. This novel, as well as the other two before it, completely overtook my life for a few hours and I loved every minute of it.

“Of all days to run out of clean underwear… It’s only the biggest trial of my career.”

The concept is we are humans. And in being humans we make mistakes. The most brutal ones often come with some hilarious moments and memories that will forever be with us, or haunt us, depending on how you look at it lol. In Beaver Blunder we meet Madeline. On the most important day of her career she just happens to be fresh out of clean underwear. No problem as long as she has a little grace right? Yeah, she doesn’t have any grace, what-so-ever!

“Slipped.”

“Fell.”

“Skirt up.”

“No underwear.”

“Vagina.”

“So embarrassing.”

Madeline never thought she would see Owen Grant, a fellow attorney who just happens to witness her most embarrassing moment of her life. Problem is, Owen is thinking about the beautiful Madeline long after that initial meet up. Owen has a personality that promises to set off Madeline in all the ways that would normally turn her off of a guy. But fate has different plans for the two. It is a hot and steamy, and HILARIOUS, story of how they get from this one embarrassing moment to the very end of the book. I can’t wait to see what is to come next from Gwyn!

“Lord Almighty, it’s positively sinful.”

Review by @lizaileen
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Broken Sand Dollar (The Sand Dollar Series Book 3) by J.D. Boudreaux – Review by Liz Vrchota

Broken Sand DollarBroken Sand Dollar by J.D. Boudreaux
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

JD Boudreaux really has rounded this series out beautifully with ‘Broken Sand Dollar.’ I am sad to see these characters and their stories end but when an author writes it so well you are at a peace with it that you really can’t complain, a rarity that you will find from us bratty readers! {lol it’s NEVER enough} So, kudos really for doing so well with that here. I would highly recommend that you read both books one and two and in order before you start this one for the maximum enjoyment of the series and the book, and well so things just plain make sense.

Broken Sand Dollar really threw me for a loop when it came to Alex. I had expected things to turn out way differently for him than they did, and I am actually glad they went this way. Everything made such perfect flawless sense in the end, much like life often does, even though we never really understand it in the moment. I can’t wait to see what will come next from JD Boudreaux. I am positive it will be just as outstanding as her Sand Dollar series, if not better! Happy reading!

Review by @lizaileen
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Trouble’s Wedding Caper (Familiar Legacy Book 8) by Jen Talty – Review by Liz Vrchota

Trouble's Wedding CaperTrouble’s Wedding Caper by Jen Talty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have had the chance to get a bit of a taste of Jen Talty’s work in various anthologies here and there and really have enjoyed each story so it was quite a no-brainer for me when I saw the cute cat detective story pop up on my fee for a quick afternoon read. I was a tad cautious, although open-minded, going in because this is book eight of the Familiar Legacy books. I had absolutely no issues picking up right here though, just discovered a sweet series of shorts that I will get to go back and enjoy in the near future. I will say this isn’t a meaty story. It is what I like to classify as a light and fluffy book, something to break up the serious full series reads maybe, so that would be a note for myself and probably a reason for a four star rating as well for me personally.

In Trouble’s Wedding Caper we follow the feline detective and his caretaker Annabel on quite the mysterious little rendezvous. Annable finds herself at a storage auction and with a unit of unknown items. Even cannier is the previous owner really wants them back. Throw in that the local cop she enlists for help ust happens to be a old friend and crush. What will she do about that? Grab a copy today and dive in to find out for yourself. You won’t be disappointed that you did! Thanks for the great little read Ms. Talty.

Review by @lizaileenjj
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Rules of Engagement: A Single Dad Romance (Platonically Complicated Book 3) by Mika Jolie ~ Review by Liz Vrchota

Rules of EngagementRules of Engagement by Mika Jolie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mika Jolie hit this one out of the ballpark! I could not put it down until I had devoured every single word from beginning to end, and I loved every single uninterrupted moment of it! (Such a rare mommy occurrence LOL!) I have read several of her works before, but none of the Platonically Complicated Books and I am sad that I haven’t now, but bonus is I now have some to go devour while I wait for the next book to come out in the series.

Rules of Engagement is all about Lucas and Kate. Might I just say I absolutely adore Lucas! He is the perfect book boyfriend material ladies!! Step back I think I have claimed this one as my favorite of 2019 so far!! (Granted we are only in February LOL) He has a bit of it all! Including the hot swoony single dad vibes, gets me every time!

Both Lucas and Kate are best of friends. Their friendship has managed to stay platonic and the thoughts of more has been kept within the confines of their fantasies. Everything is about to change though when a plan to help out Lucas with his ex wife from hades starts to complicate things in all the right ways! These two were absolutely dynamite together! So much fun to read and I just couldn’t get enough! Definitely one to add to the re-read list! Can’t wait to find out what will come next! Thanks for such a fantastic read Ms. Jolie!!

Review by @lizaileen
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Not So Broken (Love Grows Series Book 1) by Renee Regent – Review by Liz Vrchota

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

Not So Broken is the many firsts for me. The first is new series, by a new author to me, and a new favorite for sure! Never having read anything by Renee Regent before this I was going in blind simply with the enticement of the blurb and the eye catching cover. I am super excited that there will be more to come in this series and that I now have a new author to stalk! In Not So Broken we get the story of Gibson and Sacha. Both of them have extremely painful and dark pasts that haunt them to this day. Neither of them expected to have anything but the mundane lives they had settled for before they meet that night in Tilly Georgia. Will they be able to lay their pasts behind them to have a better future together? Or will they be forever broken?

Review by @lizailee
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Luke (Dark Water Security Series Book 1) by Madison Quinn – Review by Liz Vrchota

Luke (Dark Water Security #1)Luke by Madison Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was quite the introduction to a new author for me. I love a good dark romance. Often if it will hint at it in the blurb I won’t even read the whole synopsis I will just dive in and find out how it was later. I just have a thing for a tragic story with a glimmer of love shining through. Now, Luke was a bit of a different array. I will say it had a lot of the things that I would want and do look for in a dark and twisty read, it just so very often they fell short. The thing is the storyline was catchy and unique, it had you on the edge of your seat having to know what was going to happen regardless of how non climatic it got. Thus I found myself needing to finish the book and would be back to find out what will come next in the series. I do think there is room to grow in the writing as well so I look forward to seeing if that is present as well.

The catch that had me is this was like reading an episode of 20/20. Luke was abducted and tortured as young boy. What fans of this genre here want are merely teased I believe which is where this book fell short, but then he is later in life met again with the girl he was was held captive with comes into his life as and adult again. Things are of course set for some intense drama and storylines. Like I said I look forward to seeing what will come in the next book that should be out here shortly actually, March of 2019. I think I will even go give this one a re-read and see if I missed a thing or two before then!

Review by @lizaileen
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Crime Lord’s Captive (Crime Lord Series Book 1) by Mia Knight – Review by Liz Vrchota

Crime Lord's Captive (Crime Lord, #1)Crime Lord’s Captive by Mia Knight
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have to say I am kicking myself majorly for not finding the very talented Mia Knight sooner than just now. Crime Lord’s Captive is my first time reading anything of hers but I can tell you since I have finished the last pages I have added all of her other works available to my TBR list and purchased everything for this series! (MEGA bonus for this novel’s cliffhanger! It’ll take a tiny bit of that sting out of the pain 😉 ) Now, just a small heads up this does tackle some sensitive subjects of abuse and if that isn’t your thing or it is a easy trigger point maybe don’t read this, but I can tell you that Mia does a fantastic job of writing about the subject with class and couth. Everything had a place and a reason, never written strictly for that shock value and I loved that, So maybe that will help you in making your final decision about whether you could handle the subject matter. To me this was completely worth it!

This seems to cover a lot in one book, but not enough in the same time, hence why there is more and a cliffhanger warning lol. I love how we are completely given the entire picture here of the dynamic from an outside point of view. We see how Gavin is the ultimate Alpha male and stalker, obsessed with his love and determined to have her no matter the cost or danger (even to her) but we also see how it affects and plays on Lyla’s life and where she is. I love that in these type of psychological twisty novels. This is a master cat and mouse game between Gavin and Lyla, and I freaking loved every single deep dark and twisted moment of it. I can’t wait to get my claws into the next one and find out how that cliffy turns out! Thank you for this fantastic read Ms. Knight!

Review by @lizaileen
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Infamy (Feisty Lawyers Book 2) by Seelie Kay – Review by Liz Vrchota

Infamy (Feisty Lawyers, #2)Infamy by Seelie Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Seelie Kay is back at it with another saucy short and sweet installment in her Feisty Lawyers series. I loved the first one, Snatching Diana, and even though it is said these could be read as stand alones I would highly recommend that you read them in order and completely. They are short enough and fantastic so why not? Once again I felt as if I was in one of my favorite primetime crime shows, swept into the daring and dangerous drama that comes up with fighting terrorists and more. I won’t divulge much more than that because it would spoil all the good parts, so for that you will have to one-click this gem and devour it yourself! You won’t be disappointed that you did! I can’t wait to find out what will come next in the Feisty Lawyers series. Thanks for another great read Ms. Seelie!

Review by @lizaileen
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MOVIE STAR (21st Century Courtesan Book 2) by Pamela Dumond – Review by Liz Vrchota

Movie Star (21st Century Courtesan, #2)Movie Star by Pamela DuMond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I could not get my hands on MOVIE STAR fast enough! I didn’t even need the tease of the gorgeous cover that graces it, or the sultry blurb that promises seduction, intrigue and pleasures of the flesh to be told, I was hooked merely with Evie and her story carrying on from the very first book, The Player. Here is where I will highly recommend that you read these books in order so you can get the full experience and understanding of what is going on here. I have fallen in love with Evie’s character so much and really enjoyed following her on this journey so far. MOVIE STAR was just another wonderful addition to that where we got to see her mature into her womanhood more.

In MOVIE STAR Jake Keller is Evie’s special client. He has shut down and things around him are suffering, major things. Evie is determined to help him but he isn’t going to go down without a bit of a struggle. Will she be able to break through to him and help him? Then there is the side mystery storyline of the mystery fan. There is not a lot divulged just yet here but still enough to keep me on the edge of my seat wondering what next? And but who?? I can’t wait to see what will take Evie’s life by storm next! Thanks for the fantastic read Ms. DuMond!

Review by @lizaileen
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The Light at Dawn by K.L. Montgomery ~ Review by Liz Vrchota

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

I would like to say that there is enough warning out there to prepare you for the emotional rollercoaster ride that this book will take you on, but quite frankly that just isn’t the case with The Light as Dawn. K.L. Montgomery is normally a one-click author for me so it was a no-brainer to pre-order this beauty the moment I set my eyes on it and heard she had a sad book for us to devour. I had expected a rom-com with a bit more of the heavy sad here and there, more along the lines of what we would see from K.L. Montgomery in the past, and this is quite not what we got. I loved it though! Every stinking gut wrenching, tear inducing, kindle throwing, yelling, and kicking, screaming, bit of it! There was never a safe moment in my reading, just when I found my footing and would settle in, Montgomery would throw another curveball that would have me on my knees in tears and asking how and why all over again.

Now for details I won’t go into. They need to be kept to themselves because they are critical to the storyline and that I won’t ruin. But you will meet Angelina and Mark in their darkest hours, moments I am not sure I would even be able to survive, and how they are able to despite the pain and the sacrifices it requires of them. These two really made my heart swell, I just fell for them completely and I think it will be hard to top these two as favorite leads for 2019 reads. I really loved how Montgomery was able to take something that is a heated and conflicting topic that is constant and on our minds every day in one way or another no matter your age, gun violence, and build a productive story without choosing a side so to speak. It was really about the story that needed to be told, the characters and what they needed to relate. Much kudos for that! I will definitely be putting this one on my TBR reread list and snagging a hard copy for the shelf asap! Thank you so much for this beautiful story and reminder of hope Ms. Montgomery!

Review by @lizaileen
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Rainy Day Lovers (The Rocklyns Book 3) by Alicia Street ~ Review by Liz Vrchota

Rainy Day Lovers (The Rocklyns Book 3)Rainy Day Lovers by Alicia Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was the first time I have picked up a full length novel from Alicia Street on its own. I have only read stuff from her in an anthology before. I have enjoyed her writing in those settings so when I saw the eye catching cover and who it was by I went in blind not knowing what to expect. Now this is book three in a series, The Rocklyns, but I didn’t struggle to terribly reading it as a standalone. I would like to go back and read the other two though to get a better understanding of the supporting characters etc.

I adored our main characters though and they really were the shining stars of this novel. Raina and Roman, what is there to not love about these two. They are perfect for each other too. Ugh. Anyways… This is one contemporary romance that I just couldn’t get enough of, in fact that would be m only complaint! I felt this was so short! I could have had just a tad more, but it was fantastic nonetheless. Thanks for a fantastic read Ms. Street. Off to read books one and two of The Rocklyns!

Review by @lizaileen
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Salvation: An Ash Park Prequel Novella by Meghan O’Flynn ~ Review by Liz Vrchota

Salvation: An Ash Park Prequel Novella (Ash Park, #0.5)Salvation: An Ash Park Prequel Novella by Meghan O’Flynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reading the Ash Park novels throughout 2018 was the favorite times of my dark twisted little thriller heart. Each and every one was a dirty little secret desire that I devoured and enjoyed way too much. In fact, all of Megan O’ Flynn’s novels do that to me actually. I can always count on her when I need a good twisty dark read.

Now with every book Of her Ash Park series I have left a glowing review saying how flabbergasted I was this woman could top the crazy and the great that was the book before it, but she delivered time and time again, and I was heartbroken when I thought it may have come to an end for the Ash Park stories. So to say I was excited when I saw Salvation pop up on my feed would simply be an understatement. I devoured this packed full 161 page novella in just a few short hours and was left dying for a reread of the the series again! LOL! If you haven’t gone and read them yet, do so, you won’t be disappointed!!

Salvation gives us the up close and personal, the nitty gritty, on Detective Edward Petrosky. He was always a favorite of mine throughout the series but seemed to leave a lot of unanswered questions about why he was the way he was… Well no more questions yall. O’Flynn gives and gives and twists the knife ever so perfectly. Of course I am not going to give to juicy gory details, for those you will have to one-click and devour this gem for yourself. You will fall in love I am sure and find yourself hooked! Thank you for this fantastic series Ms. O’Flynn! I can’t wait to see what will come next from you!!

Review by @lizaileen
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The Future Memoir of Ann Jones: A Time Travel Romance with a Splash of Magic by Alex Bailey – Review by Liz Vrchota

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

I have read several of Alex Bailey’s other novels before and enjoyed them so when I saw the bright cover for The Future Memoir of Ann Jones: A Time Travel Romance with a Splash of Magic, I was a bit hesitant at the title but intrigued nonetheless. To me I am not usually for the time travel or kitchy magic stuff, and the blurb with the kitting club didn’t sell me any more so. I however am glad that I didn’t discount the entire novel before I even gave it a chance based solely on a cover and a few blurbs. This really dabbled in quite a few things, mystery and drama, a bit of suspense and romance with that sprinkle of promised magic… never too much, muchly appreciated, it kept it cute and quirky not overdone and cheesy. I enjoyed the moments of humor and the knitting club set things up perfectly and made sense in the end. I would even be back for more if there were to be more in the future. I can’t wait to see what else Alex Bailey has in store for us in the future!

Review by @lizaileen
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Pandora’s Poison (Hart & Cole book 2) by Sacha T. Y. Fortuné – Review by Liz Vrchota

Pandora's Poison (Hart & Cole Book 2)Pandora’s Poison by Sacha T. Y. Fortuné
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I must preface this review with my absolute warning that you can’t truly appreciate this novel for all its glory if you haven’t read the first book in the Hart & Cole series, Climbing The Walls. Now here is why… Have you ever wanted to know what was going on in the minds of your friends or neighbors that were falling apart or going through a difficult time? (Or heck let’s just be honest, we can all be a bit snoopy sometimes and just want to know the juicy details because our lives get boring right?) Well Sacha T.Y. Fortune gives you a front row seat to this in her Hart and Cole books. Climbing The Walls hooked me and I have been addicted since. That was a debut novel!!

Fortune can really pour emotion onto a page, I felt it drip off the words as I read them, and often was right there with the characters. I loved every moment from the good to the bad and back again. Of course things continue to be interesting and there are more twists and turns than I had anticipated yet. I am highly anticipating book three, Pandora’s Price! I know I will be first in line to add it to my collection! Thanks for another great escape Ms. Fortune!

Review by @lizaileen
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Less You Know: gripping suspense (Ashes to Ashes Book 2) by Rowena Holloway ~ Review by Liz Vrchota

Less You Know (Ashes to Ashes #2)Less You Know by Rowena Holloway
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was not so sure when I picked up the first book in the Ashes to Ashes, Bad Things Happen, but once I finished it I knew I would be back for the rest of the books in the series. I was so excited when I saw the cover of Less You Know pop up on my new reads list that I dived in first and asked questions later… who am I kidding, the only question I asked is why did that end and when is the next one coming!?!? Rowena Holloway stuns us once again with a fantastic and true to title gripping suspenseful read. I felt as if I was on an up down ride of emotions that I couldn’t make much sense of from one moment to the next. Of course, this is a good thing when you go to get lost in a suspenseful thrilling book. Once again, Charlotte and her friend are the center of this story and we see them much as we did in the first book. Only this time we learn much more about their secrets and all that people tend to be hiding. Even when we think we know them the best. I absolutely loved it and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book! Thanks for the great read Ms. Holloway!

Review by @lizaileen
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Beneath the Surface (A Gray Ghost Novel Book 3) by Amy McKinley ~ Review by Liz Vrchota

Beneath the Surface (Gray Ghost #3)Beneath the Surface by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Let me just start by saying please go back and start with book one, Broken Circle, before you start right on into this book. For one, these are great books and you are missing out if you haven’t had a chance to devour the complete storyline, and two you will be able to truly enjoy the characters and what they are all doing much better. It is said they can be read as standalones but personally for me I wouldn’t recommend it. In this one we get the story of Hannah and Jack. Hannah is on a simple enough task to get a special weapon to its destination. Everything simple about it is thrown out the window when the plane that is carrying her and the weapon is shot down. Now she is tasked to not only save the day but doing so while dealing with her annoying ex, Jack. Things get well, complicated… making for some great reading and a whirlwind of emotions while doing so. I personally was most disappointed when it ended. I can’t wait to find out what will come next in the Gray Ghost series.

Review by @lizaileen
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A Tendency Dark and Dangerous by Emmalyn Danvers ~ Review by Liz Vrchota

A Tendency Dark and DangerousA Tendency Dark and Dangerous by Emmalyn Danvers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow… this was a melodious and poetic tale. I truly loved every moment of it from start to finish. Emmalyn Danvers was a completely new author to me when I first picked up A Tendency Dark and Dangerous, but I can tell you this will not be my last foray into her writing mind. I absolutely can’t say enough how much I enjoyed the out of the box writing style that she used. Now I will preface it with I am a huge fan of poetry, and this book read to me like a sonnet, a poem of love and life. I was grasped by the emotion I felt just with the way this story was portrayed in the writing itself. Then to have such a wonderful story to be told by it as well? Well lets just say this was an easy five star read and review for me.

Evangeline would appear to have it all. The perfect job, great friends that she can count on and loves, and the perfect boyfriend that she adores. Life is finally perfect, and she damn well deserves it after the past she has endured. Then one day Landon Kelly walks into her life and everything is about to be turned on its head. Everything Evangeline thought she knew will be thoroughly evaluated and tested… and this makes for some juicy reading. I won’t divulge much more, for that you will have to scoop up this gem for yourself and clear a few hours of your evening. I know I needed it, I finished this in one sitting and could have easily gone back for more! Thank you for such a wonderful story and I can’t wait to see what will come next from you Ms. Danvers!

Review by @lizaileen
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Nite Fire: Chain Reaction by C.L. Schneider ~ Review by Liz Vrchota

Chain ReactionChain Reaction by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nite Fire: Chain Reaction is the second book of CL Schneider’s Nite Fire series. I would highly recommend that you go and read the first one, Nite Fire:Flashpoint, before you jump right into this one. That one really sets up the world that you are going to step in to. And it is a vivid one at that. I really enjoy the way that CL Schneider can bring to life the scene of the story so much so that I feel as if I am right there with the characters experiencing things firsthand. This is what brings me into these books and keeps me coming back, well that and the story is good too… That being said, I normally am not a shifter person. They are hard for me to get into because I just can’t see it as a feasible thing in my mind, even if I make believe. However, just as with the first one, Schneider manages to make the characters so realistic and relatable that you don’t really notice the shifter aspect as much and I was able to buy it.

In Chain Reaction we follow Dahlia as she and her partner work their way through a troubling case. Dead bodies are piling up and so are the questions, with no answers in sight, and the city is in disarray over it reasonably so. What will await her in the shadows as she sets out to figure out what is going on and how to put an end to it? It will be an adventure with many ups and downs to keep you on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what will possibly come next. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series! Thanks for another great read CL Schneider!

Review by @lizaileen
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Building Storm (A Hawke Family Novel) (The Hawke Family Book 4) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Liz Vrchota

Building Storm: (A Hawke Family Novel) (The Hawke Family Book 4)Building Storm: (A Hawke Family Novel) by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“I have learned that grief is another name for love.” ~ Unknown

It is hard for me, yet again, to come up with the words to properly describe how wonderful of a novel Gwyn McNamee has penned with Building Storm. Truly and utterly stunning… I was left lost in my thoughts for a few days before I could come to this review. I have been anticipating this book for some time now as it is the fourth novel in McNamee’s Hawke Family Series. I highly suggest you read the other books in the series and in order before you read this book. This is not a standalone novel! I knew to expect a book that would give me some feels and some steamy sass that we just can’t find anywhere else but with Gwyn McNamee but wow, I had no idea this was coming. It was absolutely beyond expectations! As for plot details and info… you won’t find that here… you will have to scoop this up for yourself. Thank you so much for this wonderful series, and this wonderful book Ms. McNamee!

Review by @lizaileen
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Full Glasses and Burju Shoes by Blake Blessing – Review by Liz Vrchota

Full Glasses and Burju ShoesFull Glasses and Burju Shoes by Blake Blessing
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yes PLEASE! Give me more books like this Blake Blessing! I’m a true hardcore fan! This book took me from one emotion to the next in two point two seconds. I adored every second of it and I couldn’t get enough. Blessing has only given us two novels and I have had the pleasure of reading both, and the breadth of the genres can only attest more to her skill to weave a multifaceted story.

Full Glasses and Burju Shoes was an emotional read with strong and emotional characters. Both, Emil and Perrin shine but for different reasons. It is this balance in their characteristics that make them work so well together in the book. These two just heal one another, and the process in raw, real, provocative, and adventurous. Most of all I really took away the reminder to live life with ‘full glasses.’ Thanks for the fabulous read Ms. Blessing. I can’t wait to see what will come next!

Review by @lizaileen
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Bad Things Happen: Gripping Psychological Suspense (Ashes to Ashes Book 1) by Rowena Holloway ~ Review by Liz Vrchota

Bad Things Happen (Ashes to Ashes, #1)Bad Things Happen by Rowena Holloway
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have really had a fantastic streak of luck with finding some wonderful new authors this new year! Rowena Holloway just made this list with Bad Things Happen: Gripping Psychological Suspense (Ashes to Ashes #1). I had no idea what to expect going into this but I knew I would love it once I saw the cover and read the excerpt. It had me just with that. What I found inside was quite the story and I felt like I took a little getaway to London for the afternoon! It was a great escape for the snowy day.

Charlotte Ashe is sick of being the the weather girl. She wants so much more and dreams of covering the big stories one day. An opportunity blows her way in the name of Joey Baptiste, and it may not be the golden story she bargained for all along. In fact it could actually put her and his life in danger! The twists and turns were hard to predict, something I enjoy when it comes to these types of novels. I thought it was quirky which helped with the one part that I did find a bit off, which is the jumps in the timelines. It made the story flow well in the long run. Overall, a great read and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one in the series!

Review by @lizaileen
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The Lies We Tell by Brittany Butler ~ Review by Liz Vrchota

The Lies We TellThe Lies We Tell by Brittany Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have not had the pleasure of reading anything by Brittany Butler before The Lies We Tell, but once I saw that catching cover and the luring blurbs I knew I had to give it a go. I am glad that I did. This was a different bit of a read for me. I knew that I wouldn’t really get along with or connect with the main character very much but still the concept was gripping. Natalie is a liar, and she has no problems admitting it. For me that would drive me nuts. She also has some serious communication issues but that may just be a personal opinion too I am not positive. So we follow the life of a liar, and it is pretty messy and entertaining. My only complaint would have to be the major time jumps. Several were just darn confusing as a reader to piece together. Otherwise I really enjoyed this and look forward to seeing what else is out there by Brittany Butler!

Review by @lizaileen
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Written in the Stars (Fallen Eagles MC Series Book 2) by T. Birmingham ~ Review by Liz Vrchota

Written in the Stars (Fallen Eagles MC Book 2)Written in the Stars by T. Birmingham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was hooked on the Fallen Eagles MC series by T. Birmingham with the very first look at book one, ‘A Terrible Beauty,’ and I have been stalking… watching like a well mannered fan, all things by T. Birmingham since! ‘Written in the Stars’ is the second book in the series and I would highly recommend that you read them in order for that full understanding and enjoyment. The characters do have some crossovers and I had a few a’ha moments that were because of reading the first book as well.

This book has a lot going on! Birmingham has a way of doing that. I wasn’t quite used to it with the first book but by now I am. She writes multi-level stories. While there is plenty of mystery and intrigue to keep you well in your toes from beginning to end, woven throughout is a tale of love and and the drama that life also spins into it. Reading one of Birmingham’s novels always promises to be something like a trip to the cinema in my mind, and this one did not disappoint at all!

I really enjoyed Eagle and Winter as the main characters. These two were a great balance for one another and it just worked. It wasn’t a contrived romance either, something I found rather refreshing! I absolutely can’t wait to find out what we will get with the next book in the series!

Review by @lizaileen
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Shadow’s Keep: A Novel by Meghan O’Flynn ~ Review by Liz Vrchota

Shadow's Keep: A NovelShadow’s Keep: A Novel by Meghan O’Flynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is always a great and exciting adventure to take whilst reading a novel of Megan O’Flynn’s. There isn’t a book of her’s that I haven’t devoured yet so when I saw the new release blitz for this one I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it! The countdown was one of great anticipation, and Ms. O’Flynn did not disappoint. If you are new to Megan O’Flynn’s work then you are in for a super mind-bending and blood-tingling story that will keep you entertained from the very first words to the epic and unexpected ending. (Something that Megan seems to be superb as writing!)

Meeting Deputy Sheriff William Shannahan was quite the experience. I truly enjoyed his character. He is determined to keep his quiet and quaint town just that When a killer is on the loose he has to step up his game, especially when the beautiful Cassie Parker, and her kid, are seemingly in the path of danger too.

The details are raw and rich, so much so that you feel as if you are right there with the cast of characters experiencing the book as it happens. This is actually one of my favorite things about the way that Megan O’Flynn writes. She really has the knack for bringing these worlds to life, it is quite unsettling, and in turn makes for a fantastic thriller novel. I personally can not wait to see what will come next from her. All I know is I will be the first in line! Thanks for another great thrill read Ms. O’Flynn!

Review by @lizaileen
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Heart of a Hunk: A Limited-Edition Collection of Bad Boy, Billionaire and Hunky Romance – Review by Tracy Wilkin

Heart of a Hunk: A Limited-Edition Collection of Bad Boy, Billionaire and Hunky Romance HeroesHeart of a Hunk: A Limited-Edition Collection of Bad Boy, Billionaire and Hunky Romance Heroes by Nicole Morgan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Heart of a Hunk: A Limited-Edition Collection of Bad Boy, Billionaire and Hunky Romance. The collection includes 24 stories, and the titles of the stories I am reviewing are Foxxy Christmas by Allyson R. Abbott and  A Kiss Under A Blue Christmas Moon by Tamara Ferguson

Foxxy Christmas is a quirky story about the darker, more sinister side of life, and no matter your beginning, the rest of your life can be better and more beautiful. The characters are deadly and mysterious, and kept me dangling and crazy intrigued. The authors writing was engaging, energetic, and attractive to the adrenaline junkie. Set during the festive season, Foxxy Christmas is a perfect way to disappear from reality for a while and escape into the story. 5 stars.

A Kiss Under A Blue Christmas Moon is yet another intensely good story by Tamara Ferguson. This author is special to me, in the way I am taken to another realm when reading these stories. The storyline is so captivating, I escape into it, blissfully unaware of anything but the characters. This story is no different. I loved the characters. I loved the way their love sustained distance and others trying to keep them apart. Their love stayed stronger than ever, with distance no opponent. Their love was sweet and deep, and I could not help being enamoured by them. A beautiful Christmas tale that I would recommend to all lovers of a heartfelt romance. 5 stars.

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Nite Fire: Flash Point by C.L. Schneider ~ Review by Liz Vrchota

Flash Point (Nite Fire, #1)Flash Point by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Flashpoint is the first of the Nite Fire Series books from C.L. Schneider. I have not had a chance to read anything from C.L. Schneider before and so this was a new foray into her worlds and I was pretty impressed. She has a knack for scene building. I often felt as if I could say I was there myself. If I almost experienced first hand the adventures that Dahlia faced along her journey. This kept me on my toes and intrigued when I was a bit dragging in the story line area. Don’t get me wrong, this is a good novel, with a strong storyline. I just had a difficult time keeping everything in order at times and felt as if it was a bit much going on for me in one book. Otherwise, I really enjoyed it and look forward to seeing what the other books bring in the series, as well as if they will be a bit more stretched out. I feel as if Schneider can take as long as she wants with this series. Its that great, I’d rather have more books spread out than complicated stuffed books.

Meanwhile in Flashpoint we meet and learn all about Dahlia Nite. She herself is a shapeshifting assassin and she is currently in a prickly situation. Hiding from people who want her dead she is in the human realm and hopping from town to town using her special skills to protect the people the way she knows how. There are murders and secrets, mysteries and monsters, magical realms and details that will be sure to haunt your thoughts long after you finish the last page. I can’t begin to tell you how dimensional this story gets. So strap in and prepare for quite the ride. I can’t wait to see what will come next in book two, Chain Reaction! Thanks so much for a great escape Ms. Schneider!

Review by @lizaileen
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Tapped (The Night Moves Book 3) by Tarrah Anders ~ Review by Liz Vrchota

TappedTapped by Tarrah Anders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First, I should preface this review with my confession that I may be a bit biased with Tarrah Anders. She just happens to be one of my top five fave contemporary romance authors. So it is automatic for me to one-click anything that she puts out, quite often before I even know what the book is going to be about. I don’t care, I know whatever adventure awaits within those pages will be a great one. Tapped is nothing short of great either.

Book three, and the conclusion, of The Night Moves series this still can be read as a complete standalone novel. You will want to go back and catch the rest of the gang’s stories though as they are equally fantastic! We get the story of Janae and Kai. Theirs is one full of second chances and new beginnings. Nothing really ever comes easy and that is what makes the novels glorious to get lost in. I especially enjoy how I felt as if I was vacationing in Las Vegas the entire time I was reading Tapped. All the lights, glitz and glam, and the sultry steam that goes with it was excluded in the writing so well. My only complaint with this was that it ended! I can’t wait to see what will come next from Tarrah Anders! Thanks so much for this amazing read!

Review by @lizaileen
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Heart of a Hunk: A Limited-Edition Collection of Bad Boy, Billionaire and Hunky Romance Heroes by, Nicole Morgan ,Jocelyn Dex ,Krista Ames ,Stephanie Morris ,Esme Wild ,Kris Jayne ,Stephanie Queen ,Donna R. Mercer ,Candace Sams ,Marie Mason ,Allyson R. Abbott ,Livia Quinn ,Helen Scott ,Devon McKay ,Harper Kincaid ,Rebecca Fairfax ,Sharon Coady ,Christi Barth ,Jane Blythe ,Suzanne Jenkins ,Tamara Ferguson ,Annie Nicholas ,Joann Baker & Patricia Mason ,Deelylah Mullin ~ Review by Liz Vrchota

Heart of a Hunk: A Limited-Edition Collection of Bad Boy, Billionaire and Hunky Romance HeroesHeart of a Hunk: A Limited-Edition Collection of Bad Boy, Billionaire and Hunky Romance Heroes by Nicole Morgan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This wonderful collection of romance novels couldn’t be a better deal! When I saw that a bunch of my favorite authors had come together with some new ones to bring 23 stories in one complete package, I had no problem one-clicking it. I am so glad that I got it just as the weather started getting chilly too, because these pages warmed my heart and my kindle many a cold night. I had the pleasure of reading some favorites like, Tamara Ferguson, Allyson R. Abbott and, Suzanne Jenkins. However, one of the best parts of this collection is that there were so many new authors that I found and am now such a huge fan of! Such as Harper Kincaid, author of my favorite book in the anthology, ‘Running Through Wonderland.’ I can’t wait to go back and re-read some of these gems. I would love to leave a big review on each of these fantastic stories but that would be just too much because I would brag all day! For the goods you will just have to take my word for it and snag a copy for yourself. You will be finding all of these great stories and their authors inside!

*Nicole Morgan
*Jocelyn Dex
*Krista Ames
*Stephanie Morris
*Esme Wild
*Kris Jayne
*Stephanie Queen
*Donna R. Mercer
*Candace Sams
*Marie Mason
*Allyson R. Abbott
*Livia Quinn
*Helen Scott
*Devon McKay
*Harper Kincaid
*Rebecca Fairfax
*Sharon Coady
*Christi Barth
*Jane Blythe
*Suzanne Jenkins
*Tamara Ferguson
*Annie Nicholas
*Joann Baker & Patricia Mason
*Deelylah Mullin

Review by @lizaileen
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A Terrible Beauty (Fallen Eagles MC Series Book 1) by T. Birmingham ~ Review by Liz Vrchota

A Terrible Beauty (Fallen Eagles MC Book 1)A Terrible Beauty by T. Birmingham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have to start with the gorgeous cover of this book first and foremost. Sometimes the most simplestated covers are the ones that stand out the most. The contrast of the bright purple flower against the black background grabbed my attention, along with the title, and had me hooked into buying this book without even knowing what it was about. I am glad that I went in blind and was treated to a new and delicious new treat. Not only was T. Birmingham a new author, so I have a new author to add to my TBR list, but I also now have a new series to follow as this is the first book of the Fallen Eagles MC Series. There was so much packed into this short and well crafted second chance romance that it is hard to believe that it was just a mere 154 pages. I felt the gambit of emotions, from knee buckling sadness to giddy joy, and that is everything you could ever want in a romance novel. I can’t wait to see what will come next for this series and in the other novels available from T. Birmingham.

Review by @lizaileen
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Untrainable by Jamie Schlosser ~ Review by Liz Vrchota

UntrainableUntrainable by Jamie Schlosser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While Jamie Schlosser isn’t a completely new author to me, this is only the third book of hers that I have read yet, very much so my absolute favorite. This was a perfect little afternoon read. I felt as if I had stepped onto the set of a ideal Hallmark movie. Bonus being it had the dash of holiday flair to put it in the category if you wish. I really wouldn’t limit to a holiday read though.

Untrainable really thought outside the box of typical rom-coms. Our MC’s do meet up under a funny and awkward situation and overtly find themselves tasked to work together against some unforeseen obstacle yes, but this had just enough of the more to make it grab you and keep you hooked from beginning to end.

So ‘fetch’ a copy today of Untrainable and laugh your afternoon away as you fall in love all over again with Hadley and Theo- dog. I can promise it will be one that you won’t forget for a long time to come! I can’t wait to see what else comes next from Ms. Schlosser.

Review by @lizaileen
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