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Lies That Bind (Logan McKenna Series Book 6) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Lucy Machard

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

This was definitely an interesting read. I would recommend reading the previous books as well, just to get a better grasp on Logan’s character. The author did a really good job of tying the characters together, and while there are time jumps from the Great Depression era up to 2020, it was done well in a way that made sense and tied together. At the start of the book, I wasn’t sure how I felt about it, but as I got more and more into the book, I found myself intrigued and wanting more. If you like crime and psychological thrillers, then you’d like this!

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The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel) by Brittany Tucker – Review by Lucy Machard

The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel)The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was definitely a well thought out book. Just like any first book, there’s a lot of world building it in and background to get the feel for the lore behind the series. It was detailed perfectly, well paced, and honestly very very creative. Definitely an original work of fantasy that isn’t generic fae, vampires, etc. the characters were well thought out and given a lot of depth. I did think it was a very slow start though, and for me it didn’t pick up until the last 15% of the book. But I did like it, and if you like pirates and magic, give it a shot!

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ALTERATIONS TRILOGY: Alterations, Game Changer, Primal Will by Jane Suen – Review by Lucy Machard

Alterations / Game Changer / Primal Will (Alterations #1-3)Alterations / Game Changer / Primal Will by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was definitely a trip and a half. I would 100% classify it as a psychological thriller, and every page had me guessing as to what would happen next. I did like the book, but as someone who isn’t much of a PT reader, it wasn’t as much as my speed as I was expecting. If you’re someone who enjoys sci-fi and psychological thrillers, then I think you’ll like this book.

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Lucy Machard

Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite #6)Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: this author is so freaking talented and amazing! I absolutely DEVOURED this book, and after everything the characters went through, I’m so happy that they got their happy ending. Seeing Phoenix grow after everything that happened made me so happy. All I wish is that we got more time with the characters, but I can’t wait for Shane’s book!!

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Heart’s Rescue (Fallen Hearts) by Meredith Hart – Review by Lucy Machard

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

This book was absolutely awesome. I devoured it, on the edge of my seat until I got to the end. I absolutely loved Rowan’s humor and Arryn’s spitfire attitude as she came out of her shell. I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for the next book! It’s the first book I’ve read by this author, and I can say for sure that they don’t disappoint! I def recommend and am looking forward to book 2!!

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Magic-Price (The Crown of Stones Book 1) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Lucy Machard

Magic-Price (The Crown of Stones, #1)Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is absolutely amazing! This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and they do not disappoint! The MMC reminds me a lot of Geralt of Rivia, but with major distinctions as well (duh). I’m not much of an audiobook reader, but I gave that a shot for this book because work has been INSANE lately and I wanted more ways to read and get my books in without needing to devote all of my attention to it. I spent a lot of mornings getting ready for work absolutely riveted to the spot by this book. Everything is so well thought out with the world building, the writing, the characters, everything! I highly recommend, and I’ll be giving the other books in the series either a read or a listen!

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The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics by Paul McCarthy – Review by Lucy Machard

The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics - A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind's Most Dangerous GameThe Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics – A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind’s Most Dangerous Game by Paul McCarthy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So I’ve always had a love for the Manhattan project for WWII, and I JUMPED at the chance to read this book when I saw it. It’s obvious the author knows what he’s talking about and he’s very clear and concise about everything that he writes. It is a crash course in the physics and the department of nuclear research and energy sources, but the way it’s written makes a lot of sense to me. I very much enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to checking out some more of his works!

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Killer Smile by Allan Evans – Review by Lucy Machard

Killer SmileKiller Smile by Allan Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So, we’re back with Cade, but this time he’s running a task force. This book is a little bit more detailed and can be a little bit more heavy than the first book, but I gotta say that the humor mixed in with it reminded me a lot of Hotch and Morgan from the show Criminal Minds. I did love this book as well, as a second time reader of this author, I was very impressed with the book and the series. I really hope that there’s a third book, because I definitely want more from Cade!

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Killer Blonde by Allan Evans – Review by Lucy Machard

Killer BlondeKiller Blonde by Allan Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I normally don’t read a lot of murder-mystery, but this author did such a fantastic job! I was sucked in right from the get go! The detail in this book had me on the edge of my seat! I was very impressed1 with the research that the author did on the book as well, and I’m looking forward to the second book! The way all of the characters, main or side characters included, were written so well and I have nothing but extreme respect for the author that wrote it. There’s only a select few of investigation type books that I’ve read that I really enjoyed this much, and this was definitely one of them!

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Conversations with the Tarot by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Lucy Machard

Conversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the CardsConversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the Cards by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an interesting read! I thought that the insights she gave to the cards were very well thought out, and it’s clear just how much she connects with the meta world around her. Honestly, it takes a lot of vulnerability to put things like that into the world around you, let alone into a book that lots of people are going to read. I know I’m going to be musing through this book multiple times, and I recommend it to anyone struggling to understand their cards and just starting their journey!

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Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Lucy Machard

Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite #5)Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author never fails to write a fantastic story. I’m normally not someone who reads the whole pregnancy trope, but the fake dating, while they fight their feelings, and try to navigate this part of their lives. I still have a major soft spot for Damon, but damn is Phoenix quickly becoming second place over Cole. Also, what the hell was that ending? I don’t want to wait until the 28th to get the rest of the story! I need to know what happens! I do love though how we get more insight into the family dynamic of the Savage/Bennet family, and I just know some sh*t is going to go down in the next book with both the Bennets and the Reids. Overall, fantastic book, highly recommend, and don’t talk to me on the 28th, cause ya girl is gonna be busy reading book 6!

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As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist – Review by Lucy Machard

As Though You Were MineAs Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book had me hook, line, and sinker from the first sentence. It’s a book full of healing, coping, determination, with a sprinkle of love and a huge helping of pure tenacity from the main character. Julie really did face a lot of odds in this book, and I think what I loved about it so much was how raw and real the writing felt. It’s a book with the perfect fall aesthetic, and i just know I’m going to be re-reading it again. Highly recommend!

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A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Lucy Machard

A Forever Kind of ThingA Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is freaking PHENOMENAL. It’s a gorgeous teen romance, with a beautiful HEA. The character growth from both main characters is so well written, and I loved every single minute of it. I actually read a decent chunk of it while getting a tattoo, which I don’t recommend if you’re getting a bunch of line work, because I had to hold myself back from laughing. Wes is such a beautiful soul, and he must be protected at all costs. Also the shade thrown in this book between the characters is so creative, and I do now have some choice phrases that I’m probably going to use to tease my friends. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book by these fantastic authors, but I’m definitely going to be looking at their works because this one is absolutely on par with more known authors from my childhood. I highly, highly recommend, and I’m for sure adding this to my “favorites” stack!

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Fortune’s Favorite (Soulbound Journeys Book 2) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Lucy Machard

Fortune's Favorite (Soulbound Journeys #2)Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book had me on the edge of my seat for a majority of it. A good writer’s tip I’ve heard is “Make the leader learn something new every paragraph.” This author is a PRO at it feeling like there’s something new at almost every single sentence. The book flows so well, and the plot is amazing. I’m definitely going to be reading the rest of their books. From other reviews and researching I’ve done on the author and their books, I do believe the reading order is to start with Cursed Stones, and then move on to this series. Another great book, and a recommendation I’ll be passing on to my friends and family!

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The Wandering Isles (Soulbound Journeys Book 1) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Lucy Machard

The Wandering Isles: A Crown of Stones Novella (Soulbound Journeys #1)The Wandering Isles: A Crown of Stones Novella by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is intense!! There’s something new with each chapter that hits, and I found myself needing to slow down so I could fully drink things in. I’m not sure if this is a prequel or if it’s a postquel though, cause there were some things in it that didn’t quite make sense plot wise, but I’m sure as I keep reading the rest of the series they will. It’s listed as a novella, but I think the description says it takes place after the initial books in the series. I’m definitely enraptured by the author and the book, and I’ll for sure be reading the next book, as well as putting the rest on my TBR. It’s a fantastic fantasy with lots of details and by reading it you can tell the author poured a lot of prep and knowledge into the book. It’s also one of those books you love the first time you read it, but read multiple times to catch the small details on it where everything ties together. Highly recommend!

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Cruel King by K.M. Scott – Review by Lucy Machard

Cruel KingCruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a trip and a half. The story starts out with the FMC and MMC absolutely hating each other, and then they get stuck in a blizzard together, and become separated for 5 years. There is a miscommunication trope in it, and they’re reunited again, but hating each other, again. There’s a HUGE plot twist thrown into the book, and honestly I spent a good 6 chapters just sobbing over everything. It’s a fantastic book, and I highly recommend. Guaranteed HEA.

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Flowers of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Lucy Machard

Flowers of Evil (Hani's Daughter Mysteries Book 1)Flowers of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first book by this author, and I gotta say, I’m impressed. The amount of details she poured into this book is phenomenal. This book is a clear labor of love, and it was a very good book as well. I loved the story line of it all, and I also really enjoyed the ending and the book as a whole. It’s a shorter book to my standards, which is fine, but the writing on it is so detailed that I still had to take my time with it and observe everything the author wrote. If you love history and mystery, I highly recommend!

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The Sisterhood of Secrets (The Gods’ Scion Book 4) by Winnifred Tataw – Review by Lucy Machard

The Sisterhood of SecretsThe Sisterhood of Secrets by Winnifred Tataw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book takes us back to the world of Arcelia and Rodrick, as they go through their adult life and manage their relationship with the politics of their families. I very much enjoyed this book, it was a quick read that I disappeared into after a day out on the river. With the way it ended, it wouldn’t surprise me if it was a final book in the series, but I would like to see another book pop up. Overall, a good book and a good series to try out!

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The Lone Star Child (The Gods’ Scion Book 3) by Winnifred Tataw – Review by Lucy Machard

The Lone Star ChildThe Lone Star Child by Winnifred Tataw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I definitely liked this book a lot better than the sequel in the series. I really enjoyed how it followed a different character, and the book definitely kept me engaged. Sometimes I feel like I get slammed with character after character, and I feel like there could be more to the story, just a couple more details here and there. The plot was a fantastic plot, and it I enjoy seeing the writer grow as the series grows. Catch you at book four!

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Descendants of Time and Death (The Gods’ Scion Book 2) by Winnifred Tataw – Review by Lucy Machard

Descendants of Time and Death (The Gods' Scion, #2)Descendants of Time and Death by Winnifred Tataw
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The book seemed to drag on a little bit through the beginning and middle. It goes over a lot of politics for a good half of the book, which does tie in to the plot, but also can be a bit tedious. After the first books ending with Roderick and Arcelia, I was expecting a bit more romance, but of course nothing comes as easy as we think with books. I do enjoy the plot the author gives out, but the writing style can be a bit confusing. There’s a lot of POV jumps from character to character, and half the time I didn’t know what character was telling the story until about halfway through it. Make sure you’re reading the series in order, since the first book goes over the lore and background of the world and society set up. Over all, a book I did like, and I’m curious to see what the author does next.

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The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Lucy Machard

The Misery House (The House on the Hill #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book sucked me in right from the start. I typically don’t read soft horror or paranormal psychological thrillers, but I could not put this damn book down! It’s so good! It’s told from the perspective of the Woods family in split POVs, with a couple third person chapters thrown in there too. I’ve never read anything by this author before, but he’s definitely one of my new go-tos. The only thing about this book that upset me was the ending, since it ends in a cliffhanger because it’s part of a trilogy. However, the writing style is immaculate. It’s a very quick and easy read: Under 300 pages. Y’all, do not wait on this book. It’s absolutely fantastic and 100% worth the read. And for the author, thank you. And hurry up with book 2!!

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Tempting Fate (Black Shamrocks MC: Australia Book 1) by Bella Faust – Review by Lucy Machard

Tempting Fate: a dark and angsty love triangle romance (Black Shamrocks MC: Australia Book 1)Tempting Fate: a dark and angsty love triangle romance by Bella Faust
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is an absolute thick piece of an enticing romance full of love, betrayal, tenacity, and hope. It is a very graphic book, so please check trigger warnings and keep your mind safe as you read through this, because it does have detailed descriptions of SA and physical abuse. However, it absolutely sucked me and kept my attention as I started to delve into the Shamrock MC. I loved Lily, and the evolution of her character was fantastic. As I said, this is a very thick book, and while some parts are a little slower, the pace is set very well. The writing is a little different from what I’m used to, but it didn’t deter me from falling in love with the book or the characters. Highly recommend, and I’ll be waiting for book 2!

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The Finding (Berrycreek Heights Series Book 1) by A. M. Porto – Review by Lucy Machard

The Finding (Berrycreek Heights Series Book 1)The Finding by A.M. Porto
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

CONTAINS SPOILERS/CONTENT WARNING

This book definitely was interesting. It follows the story of Victoria; and tells about the countless abuse she suffered at the hands of her stepfather. There are detailed descriptions of child abuse in this novel, and honestly I did find myself needing to take a bit of a break here and there from the story because of some of the details of abuse. Her stepfather also goes along and ends up selling her to a cartel, where she does end up getting SA’d by the cartel leader. The SA doesn’t go in to detail, for those that might struggle with reading things like that.

The writing style of the author to me seemed to be full of dialog, and a little low on actual action. Don’t get me wrong, I love a book full of dialog, but I feel like I personally missed a lot of opportunities to connect with the characters and connect more with the story due to the way we don’t get to see a range of emotions that can connect readers with characters. This isn’t me saying there are *no* emotions, but honestly there’s only about three- love, rage, and determination. The idea and the plot was absolutely fantastic, but I personally feel like the writing style could have been a little more detailed when it comes to the actions of the characters. This isn’t a dig to the author; I really did like this book, it’s just the writing style wasn’t for me, but it could be perfectly fine for you.

As I said, I do love the plot, and I love the basis surrounding the book. I think this author has a phenomenal amount of potential as a writer and as she develops more into her craft, and I look forward to seeing what else she puts out into the world and to watch her grow!

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Bared. (Green St. Girls Series) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Lucy Machard

Bared.: A Green St. Girls RomanceBared.: A Green St. Girls Romance by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book had me hook line and sinker from the very beginning! I was so enthralled with it, which made it the perfect distraction while I waited on my husband to get out of surgery. I absolutely loved Athena’s tenacity, and honestly, I think my favorite character was Tru’s mom in the beginning. Athena’s growth throughout the book was something I applaud the author for. This is the first book I’ve ever read by this author, and I absolutely loved it! I read it on Kindle, but good lord I know I’m going to end up purchasing the physical copy as well. This book is phenomenal, and I’m so excited to get started on book 2!!!

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Broken. (Green St. Girls Series) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Lucy Machard

Broken.: A Green St. Girls RomanceBroken.: A Green St. Girls Romance by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought I loved Tru, but holy hell, Indigo and Gideon are my new favorites. These can be read as a stand alone, but flow better if you read the books together in the series. This book was absolutely fantstic, with amazing characters and a delicious slow burn friends to lovers romance plot. Ended on an HEA, for all of the girlies who love those endings. I absolutely love this author, and I love her books. Please check out the first book in the series and give this one a shot as well! It’s a gorgeous, detailed contemporary romance with the perfect plot to spice ratio!

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Lucy Machard

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I will say this, there is one thing about this author i dislike, and it’s the freaking cliff hangers. But at the same time, I love the cliff hangers, because it makes the next book so much better! What a wild start into Phoenix and Aspen’s story! This book is a super short read, but it’s packed full of detail. I absolutely loved it, and I’ll be waiting for the next one on pins and needles!

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Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Lucy Machard

Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite #4)Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yet ANOTHER fantastic book written by one of my favorite contemporary authors. As always, HEA guaranteed with the second half of the Duet for the series, but the way Damon just kept showing up for Sky made my whole heart melt. I’m so in love with these two, and honestly I think I like them better than I like Riley and Cole. Start with the Savage Duet, then work your way through the Brutal Duet yall, and give this series a go! You won’t regret it!

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The Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Lucy Machard

The Master of DemiseThe Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holy smokes. What a read! The entire time, I was convinced the main character was just a narcissistic, psychopathic, insane and twisted character, and while he was a bit of a narcissist, the freaking plot twist at the end had me reeling! I’m not really someone who reads thrillers, but this one was 100% worth it! The writing was immaculate and detailed. I couldn’t get enough of it! It’s a relatively quick read too!

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6) by Aubrey Wynne – Review by Lucy Machard

Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6)Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a good sweet book! It’s a little on the shorter side (at least compared to what I normally read) but it’s so good! The steady patience that Conway has for Helen is so sweet and pure! I couldn’t get enough of these two! It can be read as stand alone novel, and it’s absolutely worth the read! A very, very short and sweet romance. Give it a read!

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Lucy Machard

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3)Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am officially ADDICTED to this series. As always, the author leaves us with a MASSIVE cliffhanger and an insane amount of audacity at the end of this book. This is the 3 book in HVE, but the first book in the duet for Damon and Skylar. You could read this as a stand alone duet, but it makes more sense to read all 3 books for the series, considering that the characters all tie together some way. I cannot WAIT for the next book in the series/duet, because I have got to know what happens after that cliffhanger. June 22nd can’t get here fast enough!!

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