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Night Sweats and Hockey Nets (Hot Flash Hookups Series) by Sylvie Stewart and Marika Ray – Review by M Policicchio

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Night Sweats and Hockey Nets (Hot Flash Hookups #3)Night Sweats and Hockey Nets by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is wonderful, hilarious, fantastic!! These authors hit us with another tale of love the 2nd time around. Having characters in their forties is super relatable. We can’t all be 20-somethings anymore. 😁

Chloe is still grieving the husband she lost to cancer but is ready to reclaim her life. Being 42 isn’t old. When Chloe kisses a stranger in a bar, she knows it could never be more than that random stupid moment.

Nikolai is a dedicated goalie facing the end of his career. He is embroiled in a nasty custody battle for his young daughter. Nikolai also supports his family back at home. He has no time for relationships, especially if they would put his custody in danger. Not even for that raven-haired beauty he kissed in the bar. When she turns up unexpectedly at his coach’s house, Nikolai must find a way to avoid the biggest distraction he has ever met.

When Chloe makes an offer to help Nikolai out as a temporary nanny to help his custody battle, Nikolai refuses. When the professional nanny he found doesn’t work, Nikolai is stuck and asks Chloe to help. After some initial flirting, Nikolai and Chloe agree to keep it platonic and be friends. That only worked for so long. They gave into the heat, the sparks, the chemistry between them.

Nikolai and Chloe have some hurdles to overcome but the biggest ones seem to be themselves. They just can’t believe that they deserve to be loved and/or happy. Will they figure it out??

Loving this series!!

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A Tale of Two Crushes by Cori Cooper – Review by M Policicchio

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A Tale of Two CrushesA Tale of Two Crushes by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A sweet, YA tale of the new girl getting caught in a difficult situation. Holland just moved to Prescott. It is the first day of school and she meets a dream. He is tall, extremely attractive and super nice. Holland crushes hard on Asher immediately. A couple of days later after having a fight with her locker, Chandler helps Holland out and teaches her how to open the stubborn metal box. Chandler is tall, Hollywood handsome, cocky and for some reason interested in her.

After Chandler invites Holland to a family picnic, she discovers that Chandler and Asher are fraternal twins that have been competing against each other for years. Holland is totally crushing on both brothers but doesn’t want to be just another casualty in the longline of competitions between the Whittaker twins. After a disastrous event, Holland and the twins come to an agreement that she will go out on three dates with each twin and then they would get together to decide the next steps.

The first date with Asher was a perfect wreck with stuff like their picnic getting flooded, their car getting towed, and a lost phone. The first date with Chandler was nice…but he ordered a rare steak for her without asking, paid attention to the scores on his phone during dinner, and was more focused on him than her. The second date with Chandler almost happened but didn’t. Then Holland hd some serious family stuff going on so the dates got postponed.

Holland does figure out which twin is better for her. But I will let you read the book to find out. This author writes sweet, adorable tales of growing up. This is another one.

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Mr. Lucky (Trentbridge Crime Series Book 1) by Lee Wood – Review by M Policicchio

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Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales #1)Mr Lucky by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book definitely keeps moving fast. There is a large cast of characters that somehow manage to fit and work and make sense. The big mystery was easy to figure out about halfway through the book, if you are paying attention. There are some unnecessary losses along the way.

Dave and James start out in different places, come from different backgrounds, and take different paths to get where they are. Unknowingly, their paths cross multiple times. Each time having a drastic outcome. Now they are on one final collision course.

Read this short-chaptered thrill ride to find out who makes it out on top.

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Forever to Fall (Buckeye Falls Book 5) by Libby Kay – Review by M Policicchio

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Forever to Fall (Buckeye Falls, #5)Forever to Fall by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mallory got her own book!! Okay, so Mallory has been in love with one boy since forever. She can’t remember a time when she didn’t love him in some way. At first, when they were kids, it was in a friend/brother way. Then somewhere along the way, it became more. Her favorite childhood memory is fake marrying Beckett Fox when she was 13. This memory has everything. Her brother, Beckett, her grandma’s ring, and her first kiss after they said “I do”.

Beckett just lost his grandfather. Two years before that, his grandmother. They have been everything to him since his parent’s divorce when he was 8. His mom went to Boston to start a new life with her new husband, and eventually new family. His dad went west to California. Beckett’s grandparents were everything. Now, he is kinda lost. There are two things he is thankful for in this world, that his job is remote which allows him to travel and find what he is looking for, and the Lawsons. Evan Lawson has been his best friend since practically the crib. Then there is Mallory.

Beckett and Mallory have been friends. They have tried to be more than friends. Beckett can’t work up the nerve to tell Evan that he loves Mallory. Everytime Evan thinks Beckett needs to go to the city to meet some girls, Beckett follows along because he can’t hurt his best friend, leaving Mallory hurt in the wake. Beckett has moved to Buckeye Falls to be close to Evan and because it hurts too much to be out at the family farm without his grandfather. That means that he will see Mallory, be around Mallory, have to interact with Mallory. Neither Beckett or Mallory is ready for that.

The only roadblock standing in their way is Beckett’s inability to tell Evan. Evan is so blissfully in love with CeCe and doesn’t see what everyone else sees, that Mallory and Beckett are in love. Evan is focused on his proposal and then engagement and wedding. Beckett fights himself to keep his found family while fighting for the love of his life. Will Evan ever be able to accept Beckett and Mallory together?

I still love these characters. The sibling banter between Evan, Mallory and Emily is sooooo very true to life. I swear I have said something similar to my sisters at some point, especially when I am right. 😂 I don’t know who else in the town needs to find love, but I hope there is someone because I don’t know if I am ready to say goodbye to these characters. They are just wonderful and awesome. You don’t have to read the entire series, but read about Mallory and Beckett. I totally encourage you to read the series. It rocks.

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Forbiddenly Yours (Titans of Chicago Series) by Anise Storm – Review by M Policicchio

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Forbiddenly Yours (Titans of Chicago, #2)Forbiddenly Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you know anything about this series, you know that these are high drama, high steam, anxiety-filled stories of love and lust. This one is no different.

These ‘Titans’ are powerful, influential men of business. Maybe they have gotten that way by working hard and establishing themselves as men to be revered in their field that have built something out of nothing over time. Maybe they are the sons or grandson of these powerful men that have grown up knowing what is expected of them. This is Callum Meyers’ story. He is a legacy Titan, growing up knowing that he was watched and things were expected of him.

Callum didn’t want to pursue business, so he turned to education. He was the youngest professor in UChicago’s history. As Callum prepared for the upcoming semester, he vacationed at the family home in Costa Rica. On a whim and with a friend, Callum went to a retreat where you were supposed to be able to do some soul-searching. While there, Callum met a beautiful woman. After the retreat, he invited her to a party at his house.

Nicole usually did everything that was expected of her. But this one time, she wanted to do something different, something unexpected. Nicole went to the soul-searching retreat. Nicole accepted the invitation from the strange man to his party. When she got there, Nicole was entranced by Callum. They talked. He overwhelmed her senses. They had an ONS that would keep Nicole warm with vivid memories for years to come.

When Nicole’s parents decided that it was time for her to go to Chicago to study for her senior year of college, Nicole was delighted. She had only been asking for several years. Nicole found out that her parents finally gave in so that she would be far away during her mother’s cancer treatments. She almost decided not to go. When she started class, her first class on the first day, the professor just happened to be the man she had the ONS with in Costa Rica. OMG!!!

Nicole and Callum acknowledge that any relationship is forbidden and unethical, as she is now his student. They stay away from each other, except the verbal sparring in class, for weeks. Until the chemistry becomes too much and explodes all over his office in a heated exchange. Nicole and Callum keep their relationship secret for months until the pressure from that and Nicole’s mother’s declining health become too much for Nicole. She walks away from Callum.

Nicole had developed a friendship with a fellow student, Travis. I have to say that I didn’t like Travis from the beginning. I always thought he was suss, the way he just popped up. Naw, don’t trust him. Travis was there for Nicole in the aftermath of her relationship. I can’t say much more without saying too much. Ugh. Don’t grow attached to Travis. He so shady.

Minus some repetitive explanations, this book is amazing. The spice. The drama. The emotions. I am not sure I will forgive the author for that big emotion. I was not expecting it. I was not ready. A stellar addition to the Titans series. If you haven’t started reading about the Titans, you should. Start here. Start now.

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Offsides (Game Time Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by M Policicchio

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Offsides: Game Time SeriesOffsides: Game Time Series by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love Baxter’s t-shirts. They are wonderful. They are fantastic. They are marvelous. The one about how he makes decisions. “Here I am” is all Baxter needed to advertise! 😂😂

I do believe the way these interconnected standalones overlap but don’t retell the story is wonderful. It helps a reader stay connected to the story and to the characters.

Okay…so Chessly and Finn. Chess wants nothing to do with Finn and his habit of giving into the jersey chasers that hang around. Every time Finn is winning points with Chessly, a jersey chaser or three interrupts and breaks the moment, sending Finn back to square one. For Finn, there is just something about Chessly that keeps him trying to impress her.

As Finn and Chessly battle around the bumps in their relationship, old foes keep popping up. An ex brings Finn to his knees in an instant causing him to lash out. Chessly’s nemesis tries to break up Finn and Chessly by having one of her friends say her pregnancy is Finn’s (it is not!). So many obstacles. But, all their friends are rooting for them and hoping for the best. Will Chessly and Finn be able to overcome any obstacle?

This series does not have a bad play. So far, each addition has been a winner. I can’t wait for Danny’s story. And Saylor’s!! This author knocks it out of the park (i know, wrong sport) with each story. You can’t go wrong with this series. Love it!

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The Human Mating Site, Complete Series (The Human Mating Site Series) by B.L. Wilde – Review by M Policicchio

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The Human Mating Site, Complete Series : A Steamy, Dating Humour RomanceThe Human Mating Site, Complete Series : A Steamy, Dating Humour Romance by B.L. Wilde
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Where does one start with this series? It was funny. It was maddening. It was heartbreaking. It was warm and wonderful. It was steamy and spicy!!

Let’s set the scene. Bella found out that her husband is cheating on her with someone that looks extremely similar to her but has more money. So, Bella dumps him, divorces him, and is determined to get back all the confidence that the cheater stripped from her over the years they were together. Some of Bella’s confidence is earned back by dressing how she likes, exercising the way she wants and remembering who she was. Bella struggles with her bedroom confidence. She doesn’t know how she will get this one back.

A local barkeep and player takes a shine to Bella. He convinces her to let him “coach her” through a few dates and possibly more. Bella has also signed up for a dating site. As Bella dates different men, she gains her confidence back and even has a few new experiences along the way. When Bella meets the guy she can’t get out of her head, she discovers that he is already in a relationship. As Bella continues her self-discovery journey, she and Mr. Almost Perfect manage to orbit in each other’s circles and lives. Each feeling a growing connection but since he is in a relationship, Bella won’t be the one to interfere with it.

Mr. Smooth helps Bella learn to enjoy smeggytimes again. Mr. Kinky shows Bella that she can experience new things and like them. Mr. Heartless plays on all Bella’s insecurities and does horrible things. Mr. Rockstar is a brief interlude of fun. And, we can’t forget, Mr. Almost Perfect that maybe turns out to be exactly what Bella has needed. There are several more men that play a role in Bella’s journey but to find out about them you will have to read the series.

Each different story is short and fun (well, mostly fun). Bella and her female friends are a riot! This series is worth every minute you spend reading it. Jump in and enjoy!

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Back in the Ring (The Predator Series) by Brooke May – Review by M Policicchio

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Back in the Ring (The Predator #4)Back in the Ring by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bijou is a widowed mom trying to keep her husband’s dream of a Youth Center alive but struggling to keep it and her family afloat. Bijou and her daughter Claire work hard everyday. But living in small town Georgia trying to keep the Youth Center open while dodging developers and costly repairs to the building is driving Bijou to the brink.

Noah is trying to heal after the devastating loss of his wife to a drunk driver. Noah is also trying to manage being a full-time father. Not that he hasn’t had the last year without his wife to get used to it but now he needs to focus on living again. Noah moves to a small town in the middle of nowhere in hopes of getting lost in the crowd, knowing that someday his past will surface.

Noah is attempting small town life as a handyman. When he crosses paths with Bijou, Noah realizes that there might still be room in his life for more than just his son. Bijou also fights the idea that she can move on with her life even after 6 without her husband. As Noah and Bijou rediscover love, they slowly rediscover themselves. Despite a few hiccups along the way, their love blossoms.

This was a heart-wrenching but warming addition to this series.

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Wildfire Knockout (The Predator Series) by Brooke May – Review by M Policicchio

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Wildfire Knockout (The Predator #3)Wildfire Knockout by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you are following this series you understand that this story is all about Beth and Scott. If you are not following this series, you should first stop, step back and read Predator parts 1 and 2 to figure out who all the characters are. This novella about Scott and Beth is so emotional and filled with growth and laughter and second chances. It is beautiful.

Beth is following her dream of becoming a professional boxer under Chamberlain’s guidance and team. When K.C. gets pregnant, Chamberlain decides to take the season (not something I realized that boxers have) off and stay at home with K.C.. Scott and Beth head out on the road for the season and her fights. Between the bouts and the training and just the close proximity, Beth and Scott start to become frenemies. That eventually leads to them not hating each other and a friendship.

Through this time with Scott, Beth is slowly healing the wounds that needed to be healed on the inside so that she could figure out that she could, in fact, love again. Scott’s patience helps get Beth there. One night Beth opens up about everything, all the horrible-ness of her past and why she has been keeping Scott at arm’s length. Scott tries to help Beth understand that none of it matters. That he can love all the broken pieces of her until she is whole or put back together again.

Some big stuff happens (can’t tell you what, you’ll have to read the book for that). Beth finally tells K.C. all the dark and horrible-ness from her past. K.C. tells her that she loves her and that she is her sister because Beth loved her when K.C. didn’t love herself. It was a tearfilled moment.

Not sure where this series goes next but I am here for it. Love these characters. Not sure about everyone. I still don’t trust that everyone has the best intentions but we will see. Oh….If I hadn’t already said it, read this book. It is really good!

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Casting Vows (Hearts of Gold Series) by Ariella Talix – Review by M Policicchio

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Casting Vows (Hearts of Gold Book 3)Casting Vows by Ariella Talix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nicolo, Nico to friends and family, is the youngest son from Issac, Walter, and Suzette (the trio from Fiddle and Fire). The family has relocated to Los Angeles and is flourishing. Nico has a best friend, Matty, who is in a difficult situation. Matty’s mother died when he was young. Ever since Matty’s father’s drinking problems have increased. Matty has now officially become his father’s punching bag. Matty never fights back.

When Matty shows up at Nico’s window after a brutal beating, Nico and his parents conspire with the local doctor to keep Matty. However, one evening as the family is enjoying dinner with friends, Matty’s father breaks into their home and steals Matty back. When Nico’s fathers take the cops to Matty’s house so that Matty’s father can be arrested for assault and brandishing a weapon, the adults step in and make a decision. Matty can’t stay with his father. A friend and local parish priest, Father Andrew, agrees to help Matty escape but doesn’t tell anyone where Matty goes.

Four years after Matty left, Nico was in the process of completing his final year of med school in San Francisco when he met Eden, a nursing student. Eden and Nico fall in love, despite part of Nico’s heart always belonging to Matty. After a courtship and romance, Eden and Nico get engaged and head home to LA. Nico will be learning to run a medical clinic. Eden has the option to work as a nurse in the clinic. Nico realizes that Eden is with child. When they go to their local church to talk to Father Andrew about marrying them, Eden and Nico find Matty.

Matty is just weeks away from taking his final vows to become a priest. Now I don’t want to spoil anything but there was some tomfoolery and shenanigans that led to this. The love Matty and Nico once had for each other is not dead. Matty and Eden feel an instant connection but there are sooooo many obstacles standing in the way. One huge one being the looming vows awaiting Matty. Secrets and sins are revealed. Decisions are made. Some other good stuff happens. There is a twist or two in there. Don’t for the spice.

Period romance is not my go to, but a decent read. If you like a historical romance with some heat, this series and story is for you!! This one reads fast and moves fast. So hang on!!

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Wild King (King Brothers Series) by K.M. Scott – Review by M Policicchio

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Wild King (King Brothers Book 2)Wild King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I don’t know what is with these King Brothers. They are some stubborn, hard-headed j3rks. I get it. Kellen is so mired in his own grief that he can’t see. But, the way he treats Salem when is doing nothing but trying to help him is sooooo wrong.

So this book picks up about 6, maybe 8, months after the end of the Cruel King. Kellen is trying to be someone he is not. His brothers are growing frustrated and weary. Kellen takes off for a long weekend. On his weekend vacation, Kellen meets a mystery woman. He is immediately taken with her but she wants to remain anonymous. What started as an ONS becomes a supposed weekend of passion and fun. When Kellen receives a phone call from his brother demanding he return to NYC or the brother is going to cut him off and fire him, Kellen does something so phenomenally stupid that children 30 years from now will be saying, “Don’t pull a Kellen!”

When Kellen returns to the city his problems explode and his brothers demand that a fixer is hired to assist Kellen with his issue. When his fixer walks through the door, it is Kellen’s mystery lady. Now because of the couple of days they spent together, the fixer has to take a different approach with Kellen. Kellen, at least, knows her name now, Salem. Kellen angrily rebuffs all of Salem’s efforts to assist with his problems. Kellen yells, screams, stomps, kicks, calls names, and tantrums like a 2-year-old, but doesn’t get his way. Salem will remain his fixer.

As one can imagine, things heat up. Salem tries to do her job. Kellen blocks her path whenever possible. Then, Kellen tries a different tactic and actually talks to Salem. A friendship develops. When an emergency strikes in unusual circumstances, Kellen and Salem have to learn to work together. This opens a whole new avenue in their relationship.

This is an emotional read. This a fast read for the number of pages. This is another fantastic read in the series. This read a little spice, some LOL moments, some cry your eyes out moments, and much more. Jump in now before you are too many brothers behind!! 😁

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The Predator Part Two (The Predator Series) by Brooke May – Review by M Policicchio

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The Predator Part TwoThe Predator Part Two by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We pick up with Katie and Chamberlain’s story 4 years later. Katie is settled and living in Denver with her aunt and her aunt’s partner. Katie has just graduated college with a teaching degree but is currently working as a server in “gentleman’s club”. Katie finally gives in to her friend Beth about going out. Beth takes Katie to a fight that her boyfriend is promoting.

To Katie’s complete horror, Chamberlain is fighting that night. She sees him. He sees her. She can’t believe her luck. Of all the fighters in the world, why did it have to be him? Chamberlain can’t believe his luck. He has been searching for Katie for four long, torturous years. Now, she is there watching him, close to him, and from the look on her face angry with him. Chamberlain isn’t going to give up searching for her, especially since he knows where she is now. He is going to find her.

I was all about the reunion. With the way things went down, I was devastated that Katie got shipped off without being able to at least talk to Chamberlain and find out what really went down. If he felt anything for Gwen (which, of course, he did not because it was completely obvi that he was all in on Katie, but what do 19 year olds know?). I do think he should have had to grovel a little more, be sweet a little more, beg a little more. But Katie was also withholding a great big secret from him. So, I guess maybe he groveled enough?? I loved the way Chamberlain was all in from the moment he realized. There was no doubt in his mind.

I don’t want to give away the big stuff in this story so I will just say that I was super happy with the way it all went down. Chamberlain did it right (on sooooo many levels, on soooooo many things). Great read. Totally worth the time and emotional investment. I love Marissa. She is by far my favorite. Big 💙for her!

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Blurring the Lines & Extras (The Blind Rebels Series) by Amy Kaybach – Review by M Policicchio

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Blurring the Lines & Extras (The Blind Rebels)Blurring the Lines & Extras by Amy Kaybach
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This collection of cutscenes and the novella gives you a deeper, richer view into this series. The anger I felt when Becka did all the dirty things she did!! Oh my! And she stopped taking her meds!!! I might not have liked Dom, but he was right about her.

This was a great small collection! I actually like this type of thing, when authors give you the extras you can’t get on the DVD. 😂

The novella was phenomenal. Add the extras were a blast. If you love this series, you will love this bonus! However, read with caution because you just might want to unalive/hurt/ma!m Becka. I know I did.

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The Predator Part One (The Predator Series) by Brooke May – Review by M Policicchio

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The Predator Part OneThe Predator Part One by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Okay…I know Chamberlain was K.C.’s first boyfriend, first everything, practically first friend but I hope that in the years separating them, K.C. grew up a little. There are big fat giant reasons she should have but that doesn’t mean that she did. Don’t even get me started on what Gwen did. That was wrong on soooooo many levels.

K.C. grew up on the right side of Boston. Connected parents that expected to play a role in their political aspirations and to “honor” the family name. This wasn’t who K.C. was. K.C. loved to dance and didn’t want the education path that her parents laid out for her. She didn’t want to be the trophy wife waiting at home for her philandering husband wondering where he was. K.C. needed to break away from her parents and after meeting Chamberlain, K.C. found the strength.

Chamberlain wasn’t anything that K.C. was. His father was a firefighter that was killed in the line when Chamberlain was 13. His mother died three years later, leaving him without family or anyone at 16. Luckily, Chamberlain was able to crash with Scott, a dear friend since elementary school. Chamberlain was working towards his goal of becoming a professional boxer. And he was close.

Chamberlain and K.C. were instant fire from the moment they met. Chamberlain gave K.C. the real world experiences she missed by growing up to fit the trophy wife mold. He took her to the zoo, he took her to a carnival and rode the ferris wheel, he took her go-cart riding, he took her to a movie. With Chamberlain, K.C. got the chance to be a person. The only problem was that there were others that thought of Chamberlain as theirs and kept trying to step in between Chamberlain and K.C., including his childhood friend Gwen. Yeah, she was going to be a big problem.

When one of Gwen’s schemes appears to have worked, K.C.’s life blows up. Can Chamberlain fix what Gwen broke? Will K.C.’s family have the final say about her life? Did Scott do it on purpose? When does Part Two come out? Why must we be tortured like this??

I am hooked. I have to know. If you want a kinda spicy tale that will rip your heart out while making you laugh, then pick this one up, but hold on because it is only just beginning!!!

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Love Rinkside (The Playmakers Series) Audiobook by G. K. Brady – Review by M Policicchio

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Drew didn’t want to be at this Halloween party.  He especially didn’t want to be at this Halloween party dressed as a banana slug.  But there he was, at least he found a nice place to hide and it had a stash of decent beverages.  Then when she came crashing into his quiet, Drew wasn’t sure what or who she was but he was instantaneously intrigued by her.  

 

Katie knew she wasn’t ready, if she ever was going to be ready, for a new relationship after that last one.  He was a complete jerk.  It was fine, Katie was very happy living in Singledom.  She even told that to the giant banana slug.  He was good with it.  He felt the same.  When Katie and “Sammy the Slug” decided they had enough of the party and wanted to escape, they did so only knowing the fake names they had given to each other.  All the fun they were having on their grand adventure escaping the dreaded party came to a screeching halt when the red and blue lights flashed. 

 

When Katie and Drew found out who the other was, they realized that they had been in each other’s orbits for several years but never quite made any connections.  Drew and Katie tried to be friends.  But the chemistry was too much.  They both knew what each wanted out of this situationship.  They had both said it the night of the Halloween party, happy in Singleville, not looking to move.  Giving into their desires, they lit it up.  

 

The problem with thinking that you know what another person wants is that you really don’t know.  As Katie and Drew fought their feelings for each other, fought the pull to find out if the other one wanted more than just casual, fought their own insecurities and ghosts, trouble brewed.  When the trouble bubbled over, there were broken hearts all over.  When Drew figures out that he can’t live without Katie, can an over the top grand gesture heal what was broken by some careless words?  

 

Plug your headphones in (or charge them) and listen to this captivating story!!  Laugh, love, and get covered in dog hair along with these engaging characters!!  Highly recommended for all the hockey lovers out there. 

The Music That Ties Us (Love Ties Us Series) by Nicolette Terry – Review by M Policicchio

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The Music That Ties Us: A Rockstar Romance (Love Ties Us)The Music That Ties Us: A Rockstar Romance by Nicolette Terry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this heartwarming tale of love, forgiveness, and redemption, Cadence is stuck in a relationship that makes her miserable. Cadence realizes that after years of trying to be what her boyfriend’s family thinks she should be, Cadence will never fit into their box. It is not who she is. When her boyfriend guilts Cadence into not going to a friend’s funeral by threatening her job, Cadence discovers that she doesn’t like the person she has allowed herself to get whittled into.

Cadence’s stepsister, Jade, convinces Cadence to accompany her to a live music show one night. Cadence feels an immediate connection with the lead singer, Damien. Since Cadence is still in a relationship, she and Damien become friends. Damien is happy to have any part of her since he can’t have it all.

Damien has ghosts and scars of his own. One is that he is caring for his sister who is currently undergoing cancer treatments and her children. The fear of losing his sister is a weight that Damien can’t escape. Damien is fighting for his dream of becoming a rockstar while the responsibility of family pulls him in a different direction.

Once Cadence breaks away from her jerk boyfriend, she follows her heart to Damien. Then it all falls apart. He stops calling, texting, and communicating. She doesn’t know why. When Damien finally tries to explain, Cadence doesn’t want to hear his excuses. Damien fights his way back to Cadence. At a surprise concert, Damien puts everything on the line for Cadence.

Although we find out what happens with Cadence and Damien, this book ends on a small cliffy. Find the rhythm of this series and join in!

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Discovering Desire (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn – Review by M Policicchio

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Discovering Desire (Shattered Embrace #3)Discovering Desire by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As the family continues to deal with the baddie Lucian’s threats and evil behavior, Derek decides that he is ready to take over the family biz and oust Lucian. This is a shock to everyone, especially Zach, who begrudgingly accepts Derek’s pan since it will keep him and his mischief safe.

During all this, Derek has been doing his brother a favor by mentoring a new sub who has been around awhile, observing but has decided to take the sub training course to get a closer look at what the lifestyle entails. Justine, is a grad student that has been observing at Shattered Embrace as research for her Doctoral thesis. Justine seems drawn towards Derek, despite her fear of his dominance.

After Derek accidentally heard Justine moan his name during one self-love session, Derek has a growing curiosity about this little grad student. One night during sub class, he demonstrates the fun of wax play. Justine asks for more. Derek and a long-time play partner, Jordan, provide a deeper demonstration with Justine’s participation. This interaction leads to all kinds of questions, including if Jordan is more than who she has been.

One night Justine races after Derek to talk to him, only to be accidentally shot in the parking lot. Derek scoops up Justine and heads for the hills and safer ground. Derek has everyone else on lock down. As Derek tries to sort out his feelings for Justine, she proves to be quite the help in his current situation with Lucian. In fact, Justine offers herself as bait to help capture Lucian. It works, mostly. Lucian is no longer an issue.

Derek and Justine figure out their connection. Jordan decides to give herself a chance in a new role. A couple of new characters are introduced to our core group. How will they play into the story? Only the next book will tell. Now that Lucian isn’t a threat, who will be? So many questions to be answered in the next in the series.

There is something for everyone in this series. A little steam, a little mystery, family loyalty, found family bonds, and friendship. Get in now! Worth the read.

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Irresistible Bond (Central Florida Stories Book 5) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by M Policicchio

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Irresistible Bond: Central Florida StoriesIrresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A beautiful story about second chances at love and undeniable bonds. Storm, Marcus, and Barrington were friends since they were little. They always had an unusual bond. Most didn’t understand it. Storm decided to pursue her dream of becoming a DEA agent after a regrettable incident with Barrington’s family.

Leaving everything she knew behind, Storm realized that she had a lot of growing up to do. It was more than harsh words that had her running from the only men she ever loved. During her service, Storm was taken hostage by some really bad guys. After spending 11 months in captivity and another year in recovery, Storm found her way home. Marcus and Barrington found their way to her.

Marcus and Barrington kept tabs on Storm and her career because they always knew there would be a time when she would come back to them. Marcus and Barrington have made up their minds that Storm is theirs and will be coming home with them. Will Storm accept them and the life they have planned for her, them? When a shadow out of Storm’s past pops out and threatens her, Marcus and Barrington know that they can protect her.

When Marcus and Barrington tell Storm that no matter what happened to her, no matter the scars on her skin that they will love and protect her, Storm is willing to give them and a relationship with both of them a chance. When the bad guys come for Storm, everything is put on the line.

With the fast paced action, this book moves you steadily through the reunion to the drama to the steam. A good read, as usual. Nicely written!

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Stout of My League (Love on Tap Series) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by M Policicchio

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Stout of My League (Love on Tap #4)Stout of My League by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don’t know if this was the best one out of the series, but it was reeeeeeeaaaaaaalllllllly close. I loved Lynn and Joey. Their banter was fun. Joey’s openness about his feelings was fantastic. I am super happy the family got Larry back. Jeremy was always a little too slimy for my tastes.

Lynn is the youngest Brooks sibling. She is strong, intelligent, independent, and hates the way her over-protective, overbearing brothers still treat her like a kid. When Lynn takes a job in concessions at the local major league baseball field, it is so that she can find a way to meet the physical therapy and athletic training squad. That is her passion, her drive, her goal. To be a physical therapist for a major league club.

Joey had a bad morning and entered through a different gate. He just happened to catch the scene where a fan had a heart attack. A startlingly beautiful woman jumped the counter at the concession stand and started performing CPR, saving the guy’s life. Joey fell almost instantly. Joey then encountered his mystery woman at a local brewpub. He made a mistake. When this mistake costs him his chance with Lynn, he tries to win her back but winds up making it worse.

One year later, Lynn is back from school and has an internship with the AT/PT department with the team. Now she just has to stay away from Joey. That doesn’t work. She and Joey are still attracted to each other. They try to be friends. When that doesn’t work because the chemistry is too strong, they try being together. Then there is some stuff about Larry (I don’t wanna spoil it).

This fabulous series has all the feels. Laughing, crying, angry at siblings, love for Mango and Ginny, heck, even Duke deserves some love, and the way the siblings try to take care of each other but fail at their overbearing efforts reminds me of my sisters. It is sweet and wonderful and amazing and fantastic and delightful and endearing and a bunch of other stuff. Lynn & Joey’s story was another in that line of adjectives. I hope this is not the last we hear from the Brooks siblings.

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Double Delight (Double Delight Series) by Julie Castle – Review by M Policicchio

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Double DelightDouble Delight by Julie Castle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow! I was not expecting the heat, the steam, the fire from the beginning. This author stepped on the gas from the beginning and did not let up. The characters are strong and loveable. The women have been burned by men and are cautious but are all in when they find their one. The teddy bear men can go Alpha when needed. I love the kink play and exploration.

If the entire series is this delightful and sinful, there is no reason not to read it. Just have a fan for you and your device because the heat is on!!!!

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Bad Enough (The Deadman’s Tribe Series Book 2) by Nicole Craig – Review by M Policicchio

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Bad Enough (The Deadman's Tribe, #2)Bad Enough by Nicole Craig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

DAAAAAAANNNNNNGGGGGG! This one nearly melted my phone!!! Where do I start….6’ 7”, ripped, warm eyes, deep growly voice, a DOMinating personality! I was hooked from the beginning. The comical bonus of Sylvan’s non-swearing swearing combined with Kai’s brilliant use of actual swear words had me chuckling out loud, getting looks from the husband. I was hooked on this series with Kai and Waters. Now, there is no tearing me away. Plus Nemo’s story next??!! Oh, yeah! I am forever Tribe.

TB knew his life was never going to be the same after a suicide bomber took the lives of his parents when he was 7. He had to fight to stay alive until he turned 18. The military offered him a chance at a family, a team, belonging. But even that didn’t turn out the way he expected it to when his abilities got him pulled into special teams services, away from his found family. Now, he understands that he is cold, sadistic, cruel, and mostly devoid of any humanity whatsoever. That is just who he is.

Sylvan is not like everyone else. She didn’t grow up like everyone else. Sylvan broke away from her past and never wants to revisit it. But it wants her back. A demon from her past has resurfaced and now she is in danger. Sylvan just also happens to be Kai “Kubrick” Serrano’s best friend. So, Kubrick calls in Waters which leads back to Tribe. Well, that is not the only link back to Tribe but that hasn’t come out yet.

When TB gets a call to come to the office for a favor for Kubric, he knows it is going to get messy but he didn’t expect this. Walking next to Kubrick is TB’s secret, Sylvan. TB isn’t sure how to handle his ‘personal’ life intermingling with his professional life. All he knows is that he will protect Sylvan with everything he has. Even if it costs him Sylvan. As the danger mounts, TB and Sylvan must each deal with their pasts and how they affect the here and now.

As new players enter the field, they bring news and clues about missing friends. Can they be trusted? Only time will tell. The members of Tribe show different sides of themselves and truly become the family anyone needs. If you are not already Tribe, don’t hesitate! Jump in now. Read TB and Sylvan’s story. Go back and find out about Kai and Waters. Then reread TB and Sylvan’s story. Things will click more. Then hold on to your hats for the next one. There can only be so much steam before your device melts. And, this author will take it there!! WOW!!!

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Fire Meets Fire (Wretched Soulz MC #2) by Manda Mellett – Review by M Policicchio

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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 don’t know how the author manages to continuously write about big, gruff bikers that melt your heart. Chaz is just another example. He is a hard-nosed president of a 1% MC and all he does is make the ticker gooey.

Chaz has to be everything to everyone as president. So far, he believes he has been good at it. Chaz has led the Wretched Soulz MC Arizona Chapter for many prosperous years. Lately, the brothers are starting to settle down. StoryTeller has a pregnant Old Lady and a kid. Chaz has spent a little time thinking that maybe that is something he is interested in.

Helo is just trying to get by. She received a medical discharge from the military due to lingering PTSD episodes that make it so she can’t fly the helicopters she was born to fly. Now someone is after her, so she is living off the grid, barely making it by. Helo made a deal with an old man to help restore a motorcycle for room and board. To help the costs of the repairs, Helo has been quietly pilfering from the trash pile at the MC’s garage. She didn’t think they would notice.

One night while helping herself to some discarded parts, Helo gets caught. Chaz is instantly intrigued by this woman. He doesn’t know why. She almost bested him but didn’t. Then she escapes the confines he put her in for the night. Despite Helo’s disappearance, Chaz can’t stop thinking about her. When they find her again, he makes an interesting offer. When Helo takes him up on his offer, she manages to crack more than their security.

Helo explains that someone is after her. She wants to run. Chaz wants her to stay. When things get too hot at the MC, Chaz takes Helo and they run together. This puts Chaz in a really tough spot with the MC. The Soulz catch up with Chaz and Helo and decide to help Helo find out who is after her. Chaz hates the plans that are made. Chaz is finally able to tell Helo what he feels for her and that he wants her forever. Helo isn’t ready to hear these words until the shadow of bounty is off her head.

There is nothing like big, hard as nails, outlaw bikers. This author writes them too well. Cuz I am cheering for the biker to get his girl and so will you!! Break into this amazing series now! These bikers will ride away with your heart. Can’t love them enough. Can’t give it enough stars!!!!!!!!!

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Make Me Want to Love You (Love in Emerald Creek) by N.D. Jackson – Review by M Policicchio

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Make Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald CreekMake Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald Creek by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This author writes a beautiful story with endearing characters that make you laugh out loud, maybe ugly cry and want a friend like Dre. If those things don’t manage to keep the pages turning, the little bits of steam surely will. 😉

Shayla is a single mom of two amazing kids. Shayla’s ex is in prison for being a crappy guy and doing some terrible things. With the help of her best friend Dre, Shayla has put together a life for her and her children. She has a good job, the kids are active and happy.

Burke is Dre’s friend. He is everything Shayla’s ex is not. Tall, beautiful, classy, cultured, nice, funny, caring, and wealthy. Burke has been used for his power, status and money one too many times. Burke has found a unique happiness in this small town, so different from the big city life of LA or NYC.

When Burke shows up one day because Dre can’t, it puts him directly in Shayla’s orbit. Not that they didn’t know each other, both being friends with Dre. But Shayla has managed to stay directly out of his special sunlight because she might have developed a small, teeny-tiny, baby crush on the hot man. Now while in her space, Burke realizes that she isn’t just beauty, but smart, strong, funny and different.

As Burke and Shayla work through their own baggage, they try to figure out what this thing is between them. One bad day, Burke gets some emotional news and decides to get drunk. Shayla, not knowing what caused Burke to be angry and drunk, is triggered. She says something dumb. He is unable to let it go. (Okay, baggage not completely unpacked and shoved in the closet, yet!) All the friends conspire to get these two back together. But will their plan work?

Come to Emerald Creek and find out. Because love is in the air or maybe it is the wine. I think possibly it will be in the garage the next time we visit (hint, hint). This series will quickly find a place on your TBR or in the read pile. It should. It is wonderful.

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Toasted (Love Burns Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by M Policicchio

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Toasted (Love Burns #1)Toasted by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cute characters, excellent banter, decent emotional swing. Wasn’t expecting all the good parts to be in the FTB, but overall a good read.

Libby has a jaded outlook on love and relationships. It is easy to see where she got it when you hear her story. After she moves into her recently deceased aunt’s home, either her luck changes or the universe is playing a joke on her. Libby attempts to make toast but the toaster bursts into flames and the fire department rushes in!

Zach never expected to meet the most amazing woman putting out a toaster fire. The woman standing in front of him in pajamas covered in Disney princesses is more than he bargained for. They each feel the immediate and intense chemistry between them. But Libby wants to keep Zach at arm’s length or as simply the best in her memories.

Zach isn’t having it. Zach consistently pushes Libby’s boundaries to get her to accept more and more of him. Until Zach wants labels and Libby won’t concede.

The heat between Zach and Libby is scorching. Wishing there was more of it on the page. Excellent way to start the series. Can’t wait to see if Cody can tame Cat!!

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Finding Love (The Oath Series) by Lacey Furr – Review by

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Finding Love (The Oath Series)Finding Love by Lacey Furr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This one starts out and you feel like you are lost in that cardshop’s channel and this is going to be another rich guy, small town girl romance but somewhere along the way you realize that it is more than that. It is a story of second chances at life, love, friendship, and maybe even a little redemption. But with enough steam to keep you flipping those pages.

Hailey’s entire world crashes around her. Her parents are killed in an accident, she is grieving, but she doesn’t bounce back fast enough for the man she is engaged to and thinks she loves, so he leaves Hailey in the care of her best friend. As Hailey slowly puts the pieces of her life back together, she buys a dilapidated B&B. Rehabbing the B&B becomes Hailey’s lifeline.

Loch needs a break. He is the lead singer of one of the biggest bands in the world. He just lost his sister in a tragedy he is not ready to talk about yet. Loch hasn’t been himself since his sister died. Now, he just needs some space, some time to get his head together before all the pressure his manager and label are putting on him to write the next greatest hit. When Loch rents out Hailey’s B&B for some rest, he never expects to meet the one person that is the balm to his soul.

As Hailey and Loch grow closer, all the red flags from Hailey’s relationship with her ex haunt her. She is just not ready to love. Loch falls hard. He starts feeling and hearing the music again. When Loch brings the rest of the group up to Hailey’s to work before going on tour, Hailey brefriends each member. When Hailey joins the guys on the road for part of the tour, those friendships and her relationship with Loch only deepen. But Hailey must face her fears about love and relationships before she and Loch implode.

If rockstars are your thang, you wanna jump in on this series. It is beautiful and rich. It is deep and romantic. It is steamy but not too much. Jump in with this group and take The Oath!!

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What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain – Review by M Policicchio

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What Lies BuriedWhat Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This author writes beautifully broken people with heart. You think this book is about Gavin and his tortured trip into his memories and dealing with his PTSD but you would be wrong. Not that Gavin isn’t a huge part of the story but this book is about Katie and her undimming spirit.

Katie is so strong throughout the entire book. She is able to reach Maggie when she needs it. She continues to try with Gavin. She gathers a community around her that provides support and can help her heal while being that for everyone else.

Be prepared for your feelings to get all into this book. There will be happiness, anger, frustration, sadness, curiosity, grief and hope. It is okay to feel all of that and more. Just know going in that it is worth the emotional rollercoaster.

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Under Jackson Bridge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by

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Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller (Beyond the Bridge Book 1)Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Things start going a little haywire in Irena’s life when her ex-husband falls overboard on a boat trip they were taking with friends. As Irena searches for Jack, the information she finds is not adding up. Jack was in mega debt. He was supposedly running a scam with a friend, Craig. Irena’s boyfriend, Buzz, is not who she thought he was.

As the web of lies starts unraveling, it looks more and more like Jack disappeared on purpose. But maybe not for the reasons everyone thinks. Maybe Jack is one of the good guys after all.

Find yourself wrapped up in this Millersville mystery. It is worth the read.

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Come Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson – Review by M Policicchio

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Come Home to DeathCome Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Erica is comfortable in her life. She has a good job she mostly enjoys. She doesn’t mind her nosey landlady and likes where she lives. Things are heating up with her husband. He recently disappeared and has been gone much longer than usual. Two goons showed up at her apartment to talk about her husband. They told her things she didn’t know.

Now Erica feels she has no choice but to go home to the two overbearing aunts she left 3 years ago and see if she can convince her attorney to give her an advance on her trust fund to help out her husband. This is where things start to get screwy.

Once she has asked for the money, small things start happening. Erica is nearly run off the road by a man wearing a Darth Vader mask waving a gun. Her best childhood friend starts acting weird. Erica learns that she is about to inherit approximately $20 Million. Erica’s husband is killed in a hit and run accident. Her aunts are bickering and reveal they knew about the trust since becoming her guardians. Erica meets a man that says he was friends with her husband. Erica gets pushed out into traffic, almost getting hit by a car.

As her birthday gets closer, the strange factor just keeps getting higher. The only constant is the stranger that claims to have been friends with her husband. The only problem is Erica’s growing attraction to him. As the near death incidents start picking up, Erica is also growing up, figuring out who she is and who she wants to be.

When it hits the fan, it is the person Erica suspected the least. Betrayal by those closest to Erica hits her hard. Erica’s savior is more than he seems. And things will never go back to where they were before.

This decently paced thriller will keep you wondering.

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Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by M Policicchio

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

You are crying. I am not crying. There are so many emotions in this book. How could you not be angry at RC? Were you not proud of Scoob when she won her trumpet back? Everyone knows you were anxious waiting to hear about Cherish. And, when Scoob found out who the three little girls in the picture were, you know you were thrilled but also so very sad.

Scoob and her brother, RC, have had the worst year of their lives. It actually started before that when their mother left without a word. In the last year, their father died suddenly, leaving them unprepared. RC was barely an adult and left to care for his 11 year old sister. They struggled, lost their apartment and all their belongings, lived on the beach and anywhere else they could find to sleep. The only thing they did have was each other.

Two days before her 12th birthday, Scoob tries out for a local band leader that she has known all her life. He agrees to let her play in the band for tips. Scoob can’t wait to start playing when RC packs her in car and tells her that they are on the way to Montana for a music festival where he has a job. On the way to Montana, they take a detour to Idaho. RC meets a girl and the detour keeps getting extended.

When RC finally comes clean to Scoob about everything, it turns out that he lied. RC didn’t have a job in Montana, he has known the girl for almost a year, they are moving to Idaho, and Scoob is supposed to live with some family while RC attends a local college. Just as Scoob has found a way back to California, the town she is staying in is flooded by a broken dam and chaos ensues. What happens next is just … devastating, amazing, outstanding, heartbreaking, fantastic. Yep.

Read this book for an emotional rollercoaster ride. Read this book to remember the bond between siblings. Read this book for the history of this small Idaho town. Read this book for hope.

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The Strategist (WaterFyre Rising Book 5) by Nadia Han – Review by M Policicchio

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

Vivian and Arrow’s story is one about love and reclaiming yourself after trauma. Vivian had one traumatic incident that changed her life while Arrow had lived his trauma for many years. When they found each other, it was intense and fast.

Vivian had moved to Providence to search for a young girl possibly taken by a memory Vivian didn’t want to remember. But Vivian not only had to face the memory but everything that went along with it to help save this girl. Arrow was willing to help but Vivian had to let him in.

As Arrow and Vivian grew closer, they were able to find the missing pieces of the puzzle to save the young girl. This also led to finding more people willing to help Arrow and his boys on their mission to destroy the international criminal organization, Trogyn. As Arrow and his boys continue to dismantle Trogyn, they face bigger and more powerful danger. As they gather allies, the battle doesn’t look as daunting.

Another stellar episode in the series! This one goes along all smooth and then BAM!!! Drama, intrigue, exploding teeth, and excitement. Hold onto your Kindle because you never know what is around the next corner!!

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