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Surviving Valencia by Holly Tierney-Bedord – Review by Maura Harper

Surviving ValenciaSurviving Valencia by Holly Tierney-Bedord
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

I’ve read this author’s short stories before. Her shorts are light and fluffy and very uncomplicated reads. I chose this book purely on the author’s name and did not read the blurb before cracking the binding. It was very different from the stories I’ve read from her before.

This is a story that switches between past (which reminded me of many of my favorite childhood things) and present and always in the same “voice”. This story is basically told from a single point of view. We shall call her “little sister” (because I don’t think we ever really learn her name). The story is full of mysteries and suspense and lots of twists and turns. As I was reading, I thought I knew where this story was going but that was not the case at all. It held my interest but at times I was very confused and a little disinterested. “Little Sister” is very haunted by the past and she bugged me a bit. I was very surprised by some of her actions.

This was an interesting story but the ending… oh that ending. I have questions!! I wonder if there is a crossover story that would answer these questions. I shall go investigate.

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Blade’s Edge (Satan’s Devils MC #10) by Manda Mellett – Review by Maura Harper

Blade's Edge (Satan's Devils MC #10)Blade’s Edge by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BLADE’S EDGE is the tenth book in the Satan’s Devil Motorcycle Club series. As with all of the books in the series, you can read as a stand-alone and won’t feel lost as threads continue from previous books. It is my opinion that as each character is introduced in the story there is always sufficient explanation.

This story, once again, explores family of choice vs family of origin. The MC is a different type of family, but that doesn’t make the bond any less strong.

The story has a strong plot and moves at a decent pace. Characters are well developed and their individual personalities are allowed to find their own cadance.

This is one of these series that I think could go on for a long long time and not get stale or stagnant.

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Happily. Ever After?: An Italian Relationship (The Italian Saga Book 6) by Gaia B. Amman – Review by Maura Harper

Happily. Ever After?Happily. Ever After? by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“A Worthy Partner Makes You More, Not Less.”

HAPPILY. EVERY AFTER?

What I liked:

The “chapters” are only about 2 pages long so the story felt like it moved quickly
The female protagonist had a name for her scooter
She also has a strong voice when she learns to use it
The story was well plotted
I appreciated the information which the author provided at the end of the book

Like other stories in this series, the writing is incredibly detailed and at times it dragged for me. I did find myself skimming even though the “chapters” were very short. I have not been reading the series in order, and it feels as if this particular story drops in the middle of another. It made me feel a little lost at the beginning so I would recommend reading it in order.

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Luke: The McKades of Texas, Book 3 Audible Audiobook – Review by Maura Harper

4 out of 5 stars

I have previously read and reviewed LUKE in print. Let me tell you – actually HEARING it is a whole different experience. Because I’m a fast reader, I tend to skim over more detailed portions of stories. While listening to it, I was able to hear every word written (spoken). While at times the writing was overly detailed, I understand why it is written the way it is. I did speed up the voice a bit so the very detailed passages were ok to listen to.

The narrator did a fantastic job. Voice inflections and accents made it listening a pleasure. I also found the narrator’s voice to be very soothing, almost meditative.

I would recommend reading and listening to this book.

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WTF, God?: Understanding God in the Midst of Transition by Michelle N. Onuorah – Review by Maura Harper

WTF, God?: Understanding God in the Midst of TransitionWTF, God?: Understanding God in the Midst of Transition by Michelle N. Onuorah
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

WTF, God? I have found myself saying this many times throughout my life. I wanted to read this book to see how someone else handled this statement.

This is the first book I have read by this author and because I went in “blind” I wasn’t sure if it was a memoir or fiction. Either way, the lessons written about are valuable and thought provoking. Transition is hard and transitioning through life changing events is even harder. This book had a sense of self that I haven’t found in other stories.

It was a quick read yet held a great deal of depth to it.

I would recommend to everyone. I think these are basic life tenets in this story could be applied to any religion. Don’t freak out because of the title.

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Rebel Heart: Book Two of the Immortal Kindred Series by Clara Winter – Review by Maura Harper

Rebel Heart (The Immortal Kindred Series #2)Rebel Heart by Clara Winter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

REBEL HEART is book two of “The Immortal Kindred Spirits” Series. I read and loved the first in this series and was looking forward to this story.

There is absolutely no set-up in this story, it jumps right in and I was a little disoriented because it was not what I remembered from the first book in the series. I was confused about about the time frame and location and about what war was being fought. I had to sit back for a bit before I could settle into the story.

It is an enjoyable read that moved at a good pace. There are characters who I immediately appreciated and others who I could do without. Friendships are strong and love is stronger. There is a cadence to the author’s writing style that I enjoy. This story is told in a dual point of view which brought a great “view” to the story.

I look forward to reading book 3 in the series. Note to self; read 1 & 2 again before beginning book 3.

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Claimed (The Torzial Affair Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Maura Harper

CLAIMED (The Torzial Affair Book 3)CLAIMED by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book 3 of a trilogy and it picks up where book 2 left off. This SHOULD NOT be read as a stand-alone.

CLAIMED (The Torzial Affair Book 3) brings the trilogy together. It is not, however, immediately tied in a nice pretty bow. There is a lot still going on which kept me frantically turning the pages to get to the very end. For a variety of reasons, I was unable to read this series back to back and typically it would take me a few minutes to acclimate back to the characters in the book. NOT A PROBLEM WITH THIS TRILOGY. The books are one epic tale and from the very first page, I was in love with this series.

The Torzial Affair is a spin off of the Prestian Series and I am usually a bigger fan of the OG, but not in this case. The writing is layered and complex. Scenes move the story along and are written very visually. Threads from the previous books/series are woven together in a tapestry so full and rich, that it’s difficult to put these characters down.

I absolutely recommend this series. As I have said in each review, do NOT short change yourself and read out of order.

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The Inheritance: The Story of an Unlikely Submissive by India Kells – Review by Maura Harper

The InheritanceThe Inheritance by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a short story that focuses on BDSM and erotica. If this offends you – do not read.

This is a quick and fantastic tale that held my attention from beginning to end. It is right to the point, no unnecessary filler and yet filled with feelings and emotions. The open door sex is extremely detailed and visual. I will admit that I skimmed a bit through it, but if it earmarked if needed in the future 😉

I’ve read this author’s “Sanctuary” series in the past and this is a very different genre. I enjoy her writing and the way she tells a story.

For a short story, THE INHERITANCE is full and satisfying. I absolutely recommend if you enjoy a good, sexy, one handed story.

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Feathers – A Novel by Kylie Stewart – Review by Maura Harper

Feathers - A NovelFeathers – A Novel by Kylie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read the blurb for this book and passed it over several times before I cracked the binding. Yes, the beginning is dark and horrible and should not be over looked.

This story is a fast read. I read it in about 3 hours and when I looked at the page count, I was surprised to see that it is over 200 pages.

Told in dual POV over a 7 year time span, FEATHERS grabbed me from the very first page to the very last word. It is emotional and moving and light and hopeful – even in the darkness.

I think this is the first book I’ve read by this author and I will absolutely be picking up the novella mentioned at the end of this book.

While I’m not sure I would recommend to my younger cousins, I would recommend if you enjoy New Age/College stories.

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Coming Home: The Sequel to Flowers in December by Jane Suen – Review by Maura Harper

COMING HOME (Flowers in December, #2)COMING HOME by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jane Suen is one of those authors who doesn’t have a formula for how a story is written. I’ve read many of her stories, and each is different from the other – she writes with a poetic style that is ripe with metaphors and stylist visuals.

On 12/14/18 I lost my mother and as I read COMING HOME I wasn’t sure what to expect. This is the sequel to Flowers in December so I knew what the basic premise would be and I was a little worried that my heart would break a little more. This story did the opposite for me.

It’s a tale of healing and moving on. A beautiful telling of putting a life back together. It’s a lovely and quick Christmas story that I read and enjoyed in one sitting.

I recommend this story and this author.

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The Billionaire and the Therapist (Clean Billionaire Romance Reads Book 1) – Review by Maura Harper

The Billionaire and the Therapist (Clean Billionaire Romance Reads, #1)The Billionaire and the Therapist by Kim Koby
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

THE BILLIONAIRE AND THE THERAPIST is a “clean” take on the typical male billionaire/beholden female story.

This is a quick story that was filled with absolutely every cliche… From the protagonist’s family to the size of his plane (and no that is not a euphemism for the size of his – well, you know), this story had it all. The story moves between events seamlessly with each chapter setting up the next.

There are secondary characters who help move the story forward and some are super annoying while others are interesting. Some of them just ticked me off based on their hypocrisy against events and people.

The cool thing about this book is that because it’s a clean/Christian romance (no sex, limited swears, not afraid to discuss Higher Power) I would have no problem recommending it to an elderly ladies’ book club or a younger person who was interested in exploring different styles of writing.

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The Slip Series Collection by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Maura Harper

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

This is a super funny series. From the first book to the last, these stories are filled with cute banter, sexy innuendos and great friendships.

Remember how your granny used to tell you to always wear clean under garments – heck, at least wear them? Well this series helps drive that point home.

Dickslip
Nipslip
Beaver Blunder

I truly think the titles give you enough of an idea as to the general plot point. Each of these stories are also filled with complexity and emotion. The characters are well developed and there isn’t a lot of “filler” to increase word count.

I enjoyed this entire series and am so glad to see it in a boxed set. What a great set to own.
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The Devil’s Shadow (Wild Beasts Series Book 4) by T. Birmingham – Review by Maura Harper

The Devil's Shadow (Wild Beasts Series Book 4)The Devil’s Shadow by T. Birmingham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a huge fan of this author and this series. THE DEVIL’S SHADOW is the 4th book in the “Wild Beasts” series. I’ve read the other books so knew what threads have come from previous stories. I do believe you could read this as a stand-alone with out being too lost.

If you took the paranormal out of this book, it would be a good, old fashioned, mystery/suspense. WITH the elements that are interwoven in this story – just WOW. It’s a seriously complex tale that held my interest from beginning to end.

This story has an edge to it that engaged me, as a reader, in such a way I didn’t want to put it down. It’s on the longer side of my typical reads so I didn’t read it in one setting as I would have liked.

A very enjoyable story that I definitely recommend.

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Trouble’s Wedding Caper (Familiar Legacy Book 8) by Jen Talty – Review by Maura Harper

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

This is the 8th story in the Familiar Legacy series and I read this as a stand-alone. It’s the first book I’ve read by this author.

I would classify this as a “cozy mystery” as it features a cat named Trouble who helps solve mysteries. TROUBLE is the thread that connects all of the stories in the series. He’s a special cat and it took me a few chapters to realize it was the cat’s “voice” at the beginning of each chapter. Cute cute cute.

The dialog and banter is sweet and the cat is just a amazing “He’s obviously never wrangled with an intelligent feline before, much less a master detective skilled in all tactical forms” hehehe. Oh, btw, I read the cat with an English accent.

This is a story that moves quickly from beginning to end. It held my attention and while at times it was obvious, other times I was pleasantly surprised that I was wrong.

This is the type of book I would recommend to my mother’s elderly book club.

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Bound (The Torzial Affair Book 2) by Via Mari – Review by Maura Harper

Bound (The Torzial Affair Book 2)Bound by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book 2 of a trilogy and should not be read as a stand-alone.

Often times the second book of a trilogy is the weakest. A book that connects the first and third and is mainly filler. That is NOT the case with BOUND!!!!

This installment of the series moves very quickly and intensely. It is a mystery/suspense with a game of cat and mouse thrown in for good measure. Oh and consensual BDSM and exploring sexual appetites.

Told in a dual point of view, this story takes us on a rollercoaster of emotion and energy. There is so much I would like to say about the story, but I don’t want to give anything away.

I will simply say… Read this book, it’s good!!

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Dancing Queen by Charlotte Roth – Review by Maura Harper

Dancing QueenDancing Queen by Charlotte Roth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read books by this author so was familiar with her writing style. I read the book based on her name alone and had no idea what it was about.

Funny funny stuff yet emotionally charged as well. The observations of life are spot on and the characters are a perfect fit for the story (if you don’t have a BFF like Diane, I beg you to find a friend like her). The story is told validating and breaking down stereo types and was entertaining and interesting.

This book was a quick and easy read and I read it cover to cover in one sitting.

I absolutely recommend this to younger cousins and book clubs alike.

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Shattered Love (Forever Us, #1) by Nivia Borell – Review by Maura Harper

Shattered LoveShattered Love by Nivia Borell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

SHATTERED LOVE is the first book in the “Forever Us” trilogy. I’m super hopeful that the entire series is already written so I can have (almost) instant gratification and know how the series ends.

There is a sophistication with this book. I’m not sure if it’s the way it’s written (different points of view, past and present telling) or if it’s because some of the dialogue is more of a monologue with depth and weight that make it more than a thought.

There are PARAGRAPHS that I have highlighted because they were powerful statements of life that I wanted to go back to and reread. This is ONE LINE in one of those paragraphs … “Alcohol and lies are the delicate lines of life and sustenance.”

There are times that I thought “enough already, we get it” but not often enough to stop me from reading further.

I am absolutely adding the next 2 books to my TBR list.

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Claimed Royalty (Crowned and Claimed Series, Book 1) by Betty Shreffler – Review by Maura Harper

Claimed RoyaltyClaimed Royalty by Betty Shreffler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

CLAIMED ROYALTY is the first in the new Crowned and Claimed Series. This story has fantastic world building, strong character introductions and a story arch that was easy to follow along.

This is a really enjoyable read. It’s kind of like a historical romance set on a foreign planet in the future yet women still ride horses like “ladies” and they fight with knives and lasers. Oh, and the patriarchy still runs things whether it is the past or the future.

There are a few twists and turns along the way and lots of detailed conversations keep the story moving.

This is a well plotted series and I’m looking forward to reading book 2. I am definitely invested enough that I am adding it to my TBR pile.

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Rules of Engagement: A Single Dad Romance (Platonically Complicated Book 3) by Mika Jolie – Review by Maura Harper

Rules of EngagementRules of Engagement by Mika Jolie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Platonically Complicated Series is a fun one. I like that each book in the series can be read as a stand-alone and that there are storylines and characters that cross over.

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT checks the boxes of many different genres, all that I like to read. It’s like a dream come true. Told from the male point of view, both main characters break the fourth wall… Him by speaking directly to the reader and her through her blog.

This was a quick and easy read that I read in on sitting. It is filled with humor and romance, great friendships and a best friend’s sister. The story line is complete and the story flows well from beginning to end.

I recommend this story, this series and this author.

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Not So Broken (Love Grows Series Book 1) by Renee Regent – Review by Maura Harper

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

NOT SO BROKEN is the first book in a new series. It has a little bit of everything that makes it a “classic” romance. There are best friends, an alpha male, life altering events, angst, desire, a bit of humor, a lot of misunderstanding and so much more.

This is a story that evolves over almost a year and at times it moves very quickly and other times it’s as if the story has slowed the pace to hold onto the thread with secondary characters.

This story lays a terrific foundation for the future stories in the series. There is a very clear beginning, middle and end and was a satisfying read.

I look forward to reading more of the series.

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Black Bullet (The Order of the Senary) by L.D. Rose – Review by Maura Harper

Black BulletBlack Bullet by L.D. Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book two in “The Order of the Senary” series and it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone. Like the first book in the series, BLACK BULLET starts as if you are jumping into the middle of the story. There are characters and locations that you have to get to know quickly because the story moves along at a great pace.

This is one of those books that, at times, I found myself reading faster and faster just like the scene was progressing. That breathless jogging along because it feels like you are watching a movie feeling. The writing is incredibly visual and gory at times
(there is a scene about a woman dancing with intestines like they were feather boas) – it’s like paranormal and horror all built into one delicious story. The layering of the story enhances the richness in the telling.

I don’t think this is one of those books that you can multitask while reading. I think it deserves 100% of your attention from beginning to end.

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Crime Lord’s Captive (Crime Lord Series Book 1) by Mia Knight – Review by Maura Harper

Crime Lord's Captive (Crime Lord, #1)Crime Lord’s Captive by Mia Knight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Yeesh!!! This is book one of a series and the world building in this story was amazing. I felt for the m/c almost instantly and the things she has to deal with, wow – just wow.

There is so much that goes on in this story. It’s layered in such a way that it keeps getting more and more intense as the story unfolds. It’s like veils being lowered again and again making things even darker and murkier. This is a very dark and twisted “mafia” story and while some of it is incredibly cliche’, some of it is original and unique. The relationship between the female protagonist and her bff cousin is the most realistic relationship in the story. They both broke my heart just a little bit.

I did enjoy reading this story and look forward to reading more in the series to see if anyone gets their HEA.

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Tales of the Dragonfly Book III: Extended Flight by Tamara Ferguson – Review by Maura Harper

Tales of the Dragonfly Book III: Extended FlightTales of the Dragonfly Book III: Extended Flight by Tamara Ferguson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

TALES OF THE DRAGONFLY BOOK III:Extended Flight is the 3rd in this spin off of the author’s previous series. These stories are all intersecting with the common thread of Crystal Rock and The Dragonfly Inn. Like going home again, we get to revisit past characters and learn more about others.

This is a story that is filled with suspense, twists, turns and misdirections along the way, romance and family. The story moves quickly, the characters are multi-dimensional and my opinion of a few of them changed as the story progressed.

I very much enjoy the way this writer spins a tale. From the very first line to the very last, I was held captive by the writing. At times I thought I knew EXACTLY what was going on and at other times I was scratching my head a bit. The plotting of the story is well done and has a very identifiable beginning, middle and end.

I absolutely recommend this story and anything this author writes. If you have the opportunity, I suggest reading all of the books in order. It’s fun to see where some of them are as the series progresses.

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Surviving Grace: Book Five (Surviving Series) by Virginia Wine – Review by Maura Harper

Surviving Grace: Book Five ( Surviving Series)Surviving Grace: Book Five by Virginia Wine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the fifth and final installment of the “Surviving Series”.  It cannot be read as a stand-alone.

First of all, the poetry in this book is exquisite. I went back and read all the poems on their own because I enjoyed them so much the first time.

This is a story of coming to terms with one’s self. Self realization and the power we have within us.

There is a bit of drama, some romance, friendship, family of choice vs family of origin and a satisfying ending to the series.

I recommend this “novella and poetry book”.

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Deepest Midnight: Book One of the Immortal Kindred Series by Clara Winter – Review by Maura Harper

Deepest Midnight (The Immortal Kindred Series #1)Deepest Midnight by Clara Winter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

For some reason, I was initially hesitant about reading this story – I’m sure it was the space I was in at that moment. What was I hesitant for? This story is fantastic.

I was immediately invested in the characters. The story moves quickly and doesn’t use a ton of unnecessary descriptions. It is clearly well plotted from beginning to end. I read it in one sitting and read every word. There was no need to skim at any point.

There is a lot right with this book and nothing wrong with it.

This is a book I would recommend to my younger cousins and look forward to reading the next book in the series.

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Infamy (Feisty Lawyers Book 2) by Seelie Kay – Review by Maura Harper

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

Can be read as a stand-alone.

“Books provide the fantasy men rarely deliver.”

“Terrorism is a global problem.”

This is a fast moving suspense that is full of realistic and current content. From the very first line to the Epilogue, I was held captive by this story.

Characters and story line are quickly developed, the plot moves along and leaves nothing off the table. Details are supplied in “conversational ways” instead or long sentences.

There is nothing that I would change about this book.

5 stars

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VORTEX by Kimberly Packard – Review by Maura Harper

VortexVortex by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

VORTEX starts like a popular movie about tornadoes. I was comparing and thinking the whole book was going to be this way, when, much like a tornado, it took a turn and shifted completely. This is absolutely its own high energy/unique story.

This is the story of relationships and following you dreams. It’s very descriptive and multi layered. There are things that are not as they appear. It has some interesting movement along the way and held my attention.

The dog and his human’s connection was so cool to see. I often wondered who was “talking” to who.

I recommend this story

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The Light at Dawn by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Maura Harper

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

“With every Dawn, God shows us we have a brand-new chance, a fresh start.”

This is one of those books that will stick and flash in my head for a long time. From the first line to the very last, I was carried on a wave of emotion. The description of the sky brings it full circle and I will now be looking for the colors described.

The author has written a story that is so common in this day and age I’m afraid we’ve become a bit immune to the victim’s families. It is so complex in its emotions yet has such a simple message – Don’t give up because it does get better and you are NOT alone. Finding a new normal allows life to go on.

I am at a loss for words on this one – all I can say is that I recommend this book.

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Luke (Dark Water Security Series Book 1) by Madison Quinn – Review by Maura Harper

Luke (Dark Water Security #1)Luke by Madison Quinn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

LUKE is the first book I’ve read by this author. This is one of those books that almost seemed like two different, really good, yet different books, were written and for some reason put together in the same binding.

The story starts out really strong. It’s a dark drama involving the two main characters set in the past when they are both teenagers. Then rather abruptly, we are in present time and it seems as if there is a story that we have entered the middle of involving alpha men who run a security company. Both stories have huge potential, but the way they are put together seems disjointed and going in two different directions. I really want to like it but it’s just so scattered that it felt unfinished.

I always appreciate when an author puts their thoughts on paper and even though this particular story wasn’t my cup of tea, I am invested enough to find out what happened to one of the secondary characters to continue with the story.

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Caught in Make-Believe (The Caught Series Book 3) by Sharleen Scott – Review By Maura Harper

Caught in Make-Believe (The Caught Series Book 3)Caught in Make-Believe by Sharleen Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

CAUGHT IN MAKE BELIEVE is the 3rd story in “The Caught Series” and I think it would be best to read the stories in order. The author is a very detailed writer and there are characters who cross over each story and common threads that connect the whole series together.

Like with the other stories in the series, it’s a character rich telling of a tale. A suspense with romance and new beginnings – very detailed and layered as the story moves along at a decent pace. There are times when I felt disconnected from the main characters and other times when I was so absorbed it was if the pages were turning themselves.

This is a complete and fulfilling series that I would recommend.

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