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Elusive Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Manda Kelly

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Elusive Surrender (Sinful Duets #3)Elusive Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holy wow. So much to unpack in this, but without giving anything away… Lets just do this. First, while this is the 3rd in the Sinful Duets, you can read it alone, but you really should read the other 2, so you get all the backstory. It really helps to understand the stories better, plus, they’re just really good… Also, if you LOVE broody men and sassy women, you’re gonna love these stories. Our ladies are smart and sassy, and our men are fierce and strong and PROTECTIVE.. (and SEXY) but shhh, I didn’t say that. **wink** Anyway. You’re not going to want to miss this book *or the other 2*.
They are full of all the feels. All the emotions. Lots of suspense, a little human trafficking, some BDSM… I mean, if you’re not into that stuff, you may not like these stories as much, but it’s not like hard core, so maybe just be forewarned, they’re in the story before you give it a go.

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Manda Kelly

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Portrait of Deception (A Southwest Suspense Novel) by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Manda Kelly

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Portrait of Deception (A Southwest Suspense Novel)Portrait of Deception by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wowza. Talk about plot twists and action packed stories. I didn’t realize this was the 2nd book in a series, but I don’t feel like I missed out on anything by not having read the 1st book. Also, for me, this story did seem to maybe drag on a bit at times, but the action and all the things in the other parts of the story sure made up for it… By the end of the book I was on the edge of my seat and I didn’t want to put it down.
If you love a great suspense romance thriller, you wont wanna miss this one. Kathryn Dodson has absolutely got a new fan, and I cannot wait to read more of her work!!!

Review By
Manda Kelly

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The Round Box (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Manda Kelly

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The Round BoxThe Round Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely adore Lois Wickstrom’s stories. They’ve quickly become a favorite for me to recommend to my educator friends. Her quirky stories, full of whimsy and magic, and brightly illustrated pages. Such a great thing to have in every classroom library. The Round Box is just another one of the many stories I’ve added to my collection I’m building for my nephew. He loves when I read him the stories (he’s almost 4) and I’m hoping that one day, he will enjoy reading them on his own.

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Manda Kelly

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Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Manda Kelly

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Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets #1)Whispered Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Via Mari has done an amazing job building a world full of romance with the hints of darkness and seediness and just the slightest bit of suspense and mystery into them. You are on the edge of your seat reading her words. You find your heart pounding and that sheen of sweat forming just over your forehead as you’re hoping against hope that the next few sentences keep our leading ladies and our brute strength safe from whatever that darkness is, that looming just beyond the horizon. I read this book, as well as the 2nd one in a matter of 2 days, and I honesty hated that it took me that long, but, alas, life… Anyway. I ABSOLUTELY recommend this author and these duets if you love an amazing dark mafia romance. You will NOT be disappointed!!

Review By
Manda Kelly

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Auctioned Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 2) by Via Mari – Review by Manda Kelly

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Auctioned Surrender (Sinful Duets #2)Auctioned Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an amazing world of Mafia magic Ms.Mari has created for us here. I am not usually one to get so invested in these mafia stories, but let me just say, I was here for it with this duet! Damian and Bryanna had such an amazing story and then to follow it up with Dereck and Layla’s story. I was just so enthralled. I can’t wait to read more from Via Mari.

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Manda Kelly

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Born to Die (The McIntire County Series Book 2) by Winter Austin – Review by Manda Kelly

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Born to Die (The McIntire County Series: #2)Born to Die by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So I should start this by saying, I think I may have followed this story better had I read the 1st book, before hand. That being said, there were enough context clues and backstory throughout that I was able to mostly follow along. I felt like somethings were a bit drawn out, other things happened and there seemed to be no reason, and it all felt a bit slow to go. That being said, the story was still awesome. Full of mystery and suspense and even some romance in there. I do think I may have enjoyed this more had I read this series in order and gotten the full story in order. All in all I do recommend this for anyone looking for a good romantic suspense book. Winter Austin is an awesome author!

Review by: Manda Kelly

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

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

This is the 4th in a series, I absolutely feel like you CAN read this book without reading the others, I personally believe I would have followed along and enjoyed the story and been less confused at times, had I read the other books first. With that being said, let me clarify. This story is amazing. Our leading lady is awesome. She is well written and her world is well defined. This author has put forth amazing thought and detail into this world, building a place for us to get lost in. Her characters are strong and defined. Her plots are well thought out and executed. I highly recommend this series for readers of Fantasy, young and old, alike.

Reviewed By: Manda Kelly 2023

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How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Manda Kelly

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How to Catch Little Boys and Eat ThemHow to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A super cute story. A cross between Jack and The Beanstalk and Hansel & Gretel, but retold to be more modernized. My 3 yr old nephew loved it. I feel that older kids would probably enjoy it more, as they would understand it a bit more. The pictures are cute and engaging. Awesome world building and interactions between the characters. I would absolutely recommend this for a classroom book for grade 1 & 2 teachers.

Review by Manda Kelly 2023

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

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

This was a new read for me. I’m not usually into historical type books. This story was very well written. The characters are poised and their interactions flow nicely throughout the story. The bits of history and culture that are sprinkled throughout the book are informative and work well into the story. You truly can close you eyes and get the feeling as though you’re in Egypt. I recommend this book if you love historical and mysteries.

Review by Manda Kelly 2023

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A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 2) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Manda Kelly

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A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta, #2)A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an amazing book! This was such a great world to get lost in for a while. I instantly fell in love with Annie. She reminded me so much of myself it was almost scary. And then you add in the handsome and very Irish Craig and I was SWOONING. The way he is around Annie is absolutely precious and made me giggle like a little girl. They had some MAJOR chemistry, and I was ALL ABOUT IT. This book DID NOT disappoint. I highly recommend it.

Review by @ Manda Kelly 2023

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The Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Manda Kelly

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

This book was amazingly written. The twists and turns were such an adventure. I was so there for the ride. I had figured out the “who dun it” kind of early on, but let me just say, this had me second guessing myself… If you love a good psychological thriller, one that makes you think, you will LOVE this book. I absolutely recommend this book.

Review By: Manda Kelly 2023

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Twisted Oath (Bound By Blood Book 1) by A. S. Roberts – Review by Manda Kelly

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Twisted Oath (Bound By Blood #1)Twisted Oath by A.S. Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was AMAZING. I made myself put it down because I needed sleep, but trust me when I say, I was diving back into as soon as I could. The world than Roberts has built for us to experience is one that I’ve always wanted to visit. I could have crawled into this book and lived forever. Salvatore and Serafina have the kind of life that most would consider unconventional, but it seems to work for them, (most of the time) mostly because, they really have no other choice. It wasn’t so much that they CHOOSE the life, as much as that the life they grew up in was chosen for them, and they just learned to survive and in both their own ways, they also learned to love the things they couldn’t change about each other. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series. I’m so hooked!

Review by: Manda Kelly 2023

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Rise of the Hunter (Blood Prophecy Series) by Barb Jones – Review by Manda Kelly

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Rise of the HunterRise of the Hunter by Barb Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

For myself, this book started out a bit slow. I’m glad I didn’t give up on it. What an amazing story. Such well thought out characters, the story is deep-rooted in mythology , and is very interesting to read. All of the worlds blend well together the flow is nice. I enjoyed the story very much and highly recommend this book if you like a bit of horror and supernatural worlds in your reading.

Review By: Manda Kelly 2023

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Living with Conviction: A True Crime Memoir by Toby Dorr – Review by Manda Kelly

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Living With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering ChoicesLiving With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering Choices by Toby Dorr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Toby’s story is one that was so interesting because she was literally the girl next door. She was so far from the person you would think would do the things she did. I was so into this book I couldn’t put it down. True Crime has always been a fascination of mine, and this story was such a great one. Toby really get into details, not just about the crime, but about life as a convicted felon. Her insight and honesty is raw and beautiful. She truly lets you know what it was like to be on the inside, looking out. Thank you, Toby, for sharing your story with us.

Review By @Manda Kelly 2023

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Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Manda Kelly

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Underneath The WhiskeyUnderneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book surprised me. The name is actually what caught my attention first. Then reading the little blurb, I decided to give it a go. I am so glad I did. Ben’s story is one that was hard to hear. His personal demons, his determination to keep his family together and maintain a “normal life”… And then there’s Caden… This story is one that hurt my heart, then slowly healed it. I was here for it all. If you’re okay with MM romance and some mention of domestic abuse and alcoholism, you should absolutely read this book!

Review by @ MandaKelly

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The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta – Review by Manda Kelly

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The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and AwakenThe Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m not sure what I expected when I picked this book to read, but I assure you, it exceeded every expectation. The openness and rawness of his emotions and the way he allows us into his world while sharing his ways of coping is awe-inspiring. David has done something with this book that I didn’t think was possible. He allowed me to grieve for a life that I lost, while still being hopeful for a life that I could have, as long as I was willing to put in the spiritual work. This book has given me so much, and for that, I am so thankful. I absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for a different perspective on dealing with life and the processes of navigating its twists and turns without the grace and ease that so many people lead you to believe it comes with.

Reviewed by @Manda Kelly 2023

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Obedience (Ties That Bind Book 1) by Liza Snow – Review by Manda Kelly

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ObedienceObedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WHAT A STORY!! This one I just knew, maybe it was the name, or maybe it was the cover. But i just KNEW.It took off like a rocket, and I was THERE FOR IT! Cassandra and Chandler have this air about them, that they just seem to meld together, like the silks they wrap themselves in. Its such a world to get lost in. I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read the next one. I will for sure be adding Liza Snow to my list of authors to follow.

Reviewed By @Manda Kelly 2023

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Fireflies (The Physical Collection) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Manda Kelly

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Fireflies (The Physical Collection)Fireflies by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While this book may not have been for me, it wasn’t a bad book. I didn’t care for the way the characters treated each other. It didn’t sit well with me and it was really hard for me to finish this book. The story was well written. The characters all have their own issues and personalities. The author works hard and does a great job at building a world for them. Dane and Mikes dynamic made it really hard for me to read. I will admit this is only the 2nd book I’ve read involving the poly lifestyle, but I didn’t find the other one portraying the relationships as toxic… I’m not sure if this is just something that was between Dane and Mike. It didn’t sit well with me and took me away from the story.

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Sleeping Love by Natalina Reis – Review by Manda Kelly

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Sleeping LoveSleeping Love by Natalina Reis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This author truly understands what it means to build a world you can get lost in, as well as characters you can fall in love with, or hate, if that’s what you’re into. The story is very well written. It flows wonderfully, You truly get pulled into this world and find yourself feeling a bit sad when it’s time to leave. If you’re looking for a fantasy book and MM/LGBTQ is okay for you, I absolutely recommend this book!

Review By @MandaKelly82

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Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Manda Kelly

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Hero Complex (Bluestone Series, #3)Hero Complex by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first read from this author. I truly enjoyed the way the story played out. The characters were somewhat complex and intriguing. The story was paced nicely. The chemistry between the main characters (and even the secondary characters) is amazing. It makes the story that much more enjoyable to read. I will definitely be reading more of her work.

Reviewed by Manda Kelly 2023

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A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Manda Kelly

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A Monster for MegA Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a cute book. While the older sister was trying to point out the scary side, the little sister was pointing out the “real life” similarities. This is a great read for younger kids. The story reads quickly. The art work is engaging. My 3rd old nephew loved the story and the monsters.

People Safari by Feather Chelle – Review by Manda Kelly

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People SafariPeople Safari by Feather Chelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a cute book. A look from the other side of the woods. The animals give their perspective as to what human life looks like from their point of view. Cute and informative. Also a lesson on being aware of your surroundings and listening to what your parents say. My 3 yr old nephew loved all the pictures and we named all the animals and he sat still for the story so I call that a win. Thank you, Feather Chelle, for such a cute book.

Reviewed by Manda Kelly 2023

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Afflicted Love (Rhythm & Heart Series) by Autumn Sand – Review by Manda Kelly

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Afflicted LoveAfflicted Love by Autumn Sand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. Usually, MM books aren’t something I get invested in, but this book had me begging for more. Autumn has a way of writing a world where you feel like you’re watching the story take place around you. I didn’t want to leave the world. The obvious love these two share for each other is undeniable. No matter how they try to fight it, it’s there. They’ve been through hell and back, and it’s a battle to make it to where they end up. You wont regret reading this book. I promise.

Review by @Manda Kelly 2023

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What Loretta’s Katydid Did (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Manda Kelly

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What Loretta's Katydid didWhat Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a cute story. Very easy to read. Teaches kids some basic things about Science as well as basic plant care. My 2 yr old nephew let me read this to him and he sat still and engaged in the story. I would suggest this for a classroom library or just to have at home, for sure.

Review by @ Manda Kelly 2023

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Yeti Left Home by Aaron Rosenberg – Review by Manda Kelly

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Yeti Left HomeYeti Left Home by Aaron Rosenberg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Let me just say, I went into this book, already deciding I probably wasn’t going to enjoy it. BOY!! Was I WRONG!! This book was so well written. The story was so well thought out and presented, I played it out like little episodes in my head, each reading session. I was fighting with myself, all through this book. I wanted to read more, know more, but at the same time, I didn’t want it to end. It was TOO good. I hope you give Yeti a chance and read his story. It’s so good!!!

Reviewed by Manda Kelly 2023

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Undying Light (The Stella Maris Series Book 1) by Aurora Wildey – Review by Manda Kelly

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Undying LightUndying Light by Aurora Wildey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Intriguing characters, a well written story, very diverse and well developed. This is the 1st book I have had the pleasure of reading by this author, definitely won’t be the last.I did find myself staying up later than normal to read. I suggested it to friends. I strongly recommend this book.

Review By @Manda Kelly 2023

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A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Manda Kelly

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A River of CrowsA River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book has EVERYTHING. I was hooked from the 1st chapter. I lost sleep. I ordered pizza instead of cooking… I could NOT put this book down. The characters are so well written. The plot is strong. The story flows. There is some MAJOR twists I did NOT expect. Usually I can figure out the “who done it” aspect of books. But this one had me SHOCKED. I 100% recommend this book!!!

Review by @MandaKelly2023

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Where Fire Meets Flame (Yours From The Ashes Book 1) by Elena Kincaid – Review by Manda Kelly

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Where Fire Meets Flame (Yours From the Ashes, #1)Where Fire Meets Flame by Elena Kincaid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my stars. The heat coming off of this book was just so amazing. I knew I was going to love Riley, right from the start. Tristan stole my heart, in that way only Tristan can. So much chemistry between them. The passions, the bantering, the mystery, the suspense. You will not want to put this book down!!! @Elena Kincaid, thank you for such amazing characters and an amazing story. I’ll definitely be reading more of her work!!!

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Unexpected Entanglement (The Echo Series Book 3) by C.R. Alam – Review by Manda Kelly

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Unexpected Entanglement (Book 3 of the Echo Series)Unexpected Entanglement by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Unexpected Entanglement (The Echo Series Book 3) by C.R. Alam – Review by Manda Kelly- 2023
Oh WOW!
This is my 1st read from this author and I was NOT disappointed. I instantly fell in love with the leading female character. She is strong and stubborn and everything I look for in a leading lady. Our leading man was no let down either. I was instantly drawn to their chemistry. I felt their attraction. I knew without a doubt that this story was going to leave me wanting more, and it DID. I want to live in this world. I want to befriend these characters. I need to visit the Inn and befriend that townspeople. C.R. Alam has done an AMAZING job of creating a place you WANT to be, and I am here to tell you, I WANT TO BE THERE. Thank you so much for creating a world for us to get lost in.

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Braving Lily (True Platinum Series Book 7) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Manda Kelly

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Braving Lily (True Platinum, #5)Braving Lily by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Braving Lily (True Platinum Series Book 7) by Morgana Bevan

Braving Lily was an AMAZING read. Right from the start the characters grab your attention and they DO NOT LET GO. Through the whole story I was emotionally hooked. I could NOT put it down. The story will grab you by the hand and drag you along for the amazing whirlwind ride that it truly is. Lily and Rhys story is one for the stars. I’m so excited to read more. Thank you, Morgana Bevan, for bringing us these awe inspiring characters, they’re easy to relate to, easy to love, Or to hate, if that’s how you choose to feel. You wont regret following their story.

Reviewed by @auntieannie40
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