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Friend (What Happens on Campus Series Book 3) by M L Sparrow – Review by Maura Harper

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FriendFriend by M.L. Sparrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the “College Romance” series and it has been a long time since I read the others in this series.

FRIEND is a “friends to more” story that has a decent flow to it and is easy to follow along as it moves along. As with the other stories in the series there are situations which are all too real.

The characters were well developed and the story moved on a decent timeline.

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Elemental Fae Academy (Elemental Fae Academy Book 2) by Lexi C. Foss & J.R. Thorn – Review by Maura Harper

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Elemental Fae Academy: Book Two (Elemental Fae Academy #2)Elemental Fae Academy: Book Two by Lexi C. Foss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is not a stand-alone. Book 2 of ELEMENTAL FAE ACADEMY picks up where Book 1 ends.

FLOVE this series. As is typical with any good trilogy, book 2 has an arch that continues with character development and information that moves the story forward.

I have to wait for Book 3 to come out and I am setting myself a reminder to read books 1 and 2 back to back before beginning book 3.

Review by @mauraharper

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Virtue & Vice (Spicetopia #2) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Maura Harper

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Virtue & Vice (Spicetopia Book 2)Virtue & Vice by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

VIRTUE AND VICE follows SUGAR AND SPICE and it is super important to read S&S first because it is an integral part of the story. Can you read V&V as a stand-alone? Sure, but I think the background from the first story is important in the second.

Once again, this author writes a super steamy story that involves going after ones dreams and desires. The timeline moves quickly and is easy to follow.

This is definitely one of those reads that you could read aloud to your spouse for a little spice.
****

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Evil Sushi (Evil Sushi Series Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Maura Harper

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Evil SushiEvil Sushi by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have a bookshelf in my “library” (my husband calls it my hideout) that is dedicated to paperbacks written by this author. I love her books and and often wonder how her imagination comes up with some of the stories.

EVIL SUSHI is the first book in a new series. It has a very interesting premise, one which has very real aspects to it (over fishing and corporate greed, climate change, weird fish) and some fantastical aspects also (oh please let them be fantasy and not reality). This is a very detailed read that I could visualize while I was reading along. There is great character development and world building along with so many other elements that I could go on and on but I don’t like to “recap” the entire book.

I will say that this is one of my favorite books (WHEN LEAVES FALL being my absolute favorite) that I have read by this author.

I absolutely recommend this story!
I look forward to the next installment in the series and may never eat Sushi OR Sashimi again.
*****
Review by @mauraharper
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Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen – Review by Maura Harper

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Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother RomanceBattling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a New Adult romance with open door sex told in third person. It is a story I would recommend to an older teen/young adult.

While this is classified as a “stepbrother” story it seemed more like a John Hughes movie with more explicit sexy times. It has all the classic trappings of a really good teenage drama.

The story flows well and I STRONGLY dislike(d) the main antagonist. He is an egotistical brat who makes the female protagonist miserable. There are great friendships born in this story and it was fun to read.

Review by @mauraharper

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Elemental Fae Academy (Elemental Fae Academy Book 1) by Lexi C. Foss & J.R. Thorn – Review by Maura Harper

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Elemental Fae Academy (Elemental Fae Academy, #1)Elemental Fae Academy by Lexi C. Foss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book One of the ELEMENTAL FAE ACADEMY is a story that I read in one sitting. It has good world building, is visually written, told in multiple points of view and decent character development.

There were times when I wanted to pinch the female protagonist and tell her to pay attention and calm down. There were times I wanted to tell the male protagonists to just do it already.

The story is an interesting take on the elements and the dynamics of different “personalities”.

I look forward to reading book 2 asap.

Review by @mauraharper

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Forbidden (Tales of Passion, Lust & Betrayal Vol. 1) by Autumn Sand – Review by Maura Harper

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ForbiddenForbidden by Autumn Sand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hmmmm. How does one review this book? This is a novella that contains 7 short stories. Each story is a stand alone with a beginning, middle, and end. What they have in common is the narrator who introduces the story.

Each story is a “forbidden” tale that is meant to titillate and excite. An enjoyable quick read on a Friday night.

Review by @mauraharper

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Tangles by Sharleen Scott – Review by Maura Harper

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TanglesTangles by Sharleen Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

TANGLES was a blind read for me. The cover intrigued me and I have enjoyed this author’s stories in the past so never questioned what the book would be about.

Told in third person with multiple POVs and set in present and past time, It is real and raw and emotional. It is about discovery and reality and self identification.

A side note: No matter how old or young you are. No matter if you are a parent or not and no matter if you have assets or not, please make sure your wishes are known and someone is able to act on your behalf if you become incapacitated.

I absolutely recommend this book!

Review by @mauraharper

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Ailey of Skye by Wendy Hewlett – Review by Maura Harper

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Ailey of SkyeAiley of Skye by Wendy Hewlett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

AILEY OF SKYE is the type of book that I thought I knew what was going to happen and settled in for some predictability only to discover, within the first few pages, how wrong I was.

A story of discovering one’s true self and the whole nature vs nurture theory of life (there was very little nurture). Watching the growth of each character as the story evolves held my attention.

This is a well developed story with a realism and honesty about recovery and the tenuous hold we have on it sometimes. Emotionally gripping at times, with twists and unexpected situations, I read this in one sitting.

I will be checking out this author’s other books to add to my TBR.

****
Review by @mauraharper

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The Bad Twin by Avery Scott – Review by Maura Harper

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The Bad TwinThe Bad Twin by Avery Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

THE BAD TWIN is a story of mistaken identity (in case you missed that in the title). Good twin vs bad twin. Good being on the straight and narrow, bad following her whims and doing what she wants to with no regards for anyone else. Throw in a billionaire boss and you’ve got a quick and easy read.

While it is predictable, the story line moves quickly. This story has many different facets; deception, misunderstanding (yes they are different), humor, friendship, and so much more.

This is an enjoyable story that I would recommend for a rainy Sunday afternoon.

****

Review by @mauraharper

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Rebel Jewel (The Jewel Chronicles Book 3) by Natalina Reis – Review by Maura Harper

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Rebel Jewel (The Jewel Chronicles, #3)Rebel Jewel by Natalina Reis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

REBEL JEWEL is the third and final story in “The Jewel Chronicles” and I think it is important to read each book in order. All through the series there is amazing world building and character development.

This is one of those series that I will read again back to back. With each new story, it took me a few minutes to settle in and remember where my brain left off on the last story.

The author is a very skilled story teller and the images she paints with the words she writes is beautiful. At times I thought I knew exactly what was going on and other times I just kind of shook my head.

This is a series and an author I definitely recommend .

review by @mauraharper

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Rogue Wave (The Inland Seas Series Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Maura Harper

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Rogue Wave (The Inland Seas #2)Rogue Wave by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 2 in “The Inland Sea Series”, ROGUE WAVE picks up where SQUALL LINE left off. As there is a continuing arc, I recommend reading this series in order.

“So I’m alive?”
“All your breathing and talking suggests that.”
“Am I gonna make it?”
“Not because of anything you did, but because of modern medicine and the strongest antibiotic…”

Cutter was a real @$$ and I didn’t care for him I the first book. He definitely redeems himself now. He can still be an @$$, but at least I understand why.

The book has a pace to it that moves so quickly at times I was afraid I wouldnt be able to keep up. The writing is so visual, it is like watching a movie and the dialogue is serious, witty, necessary, and reasonable. Throw in a bulldog named Milo and it is just a winning combination.

This is one of those series that I can’t wait for the next edition to be written. It is shaping up to be my favorite series.

I absolutely recommend this series.

review by @mauraharper

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Collision (Shattered Hearts Book 3) by Nicole Banks – Review by Maura Harper

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Collision (Shattered Hearts, #3)Collision by Nicole Banks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

COLLISION is Book 3 in the “Shattered Hearts” series and it should not be read as a stand-alone.

As with the other books in the series, it is told in multiple POVs and there is a lot going on. It is full of suspense and intrigue, friends with benefits, updates and more.

“Life could he a vicious b@$*h when she wanted to be. Nothing ever worked out the way you wanted it to”

I loved Book 1 so much that 2 and 3 weren’t as amazing. I recommend the series and think it is probably best read consecutively.

Review by @mauraharper

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The River Fairy’s Wish: A Lyrical Fairy Tale by Cyrena Shows – Review by Maura Harper

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The River Fairy's Wish: A Lyrical Fairy TaleThe River Fairy’s Wish: A Lyrical Fairy Tale by Cyrena Shows
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One of the beautiful things about KU is that I get to read the book to the “littles” in my life without having to go to the physical library all the time.

THE RIVER FAIRY’S WISH is one which I will be purchasing hard copies of in the future.

It can be sung as you read which makes it super fun. The illustrations allow a little to pick out something new with each page turn and it reminds me of a Fairy Garden I saw while visiting Ireland.

Terrific book.

Review by @mauraharper
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Truck Stopped (Satan’s Devils MC #11) by Manda Mellett – Review by Maura Harper

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Truck StoppedTruck Stopped by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

TRUCK STOPPED is the grand finale’ of the “Satan’s Devil MC Series”

This whole series has had ups and downs. Some characters I have liked better than others, a few I actually didn’t like at all but their story was so compelling, I had to read it. This was one of them: I don’t like “sweet butts”… I’m not sure if it’s the term or the fact that women are used (and yes, I understand it is generally with their permission), or that it doesn’t have a pleasing sound to my ear. I have always felt like they could do more with their life than just be a hanger on.

Wow am I glad that I read this story. There are so any emotional elements to TRUCK STOPPED that I had to consciously take breaths a few times. To watch characters grow and age is a really cool thing. Often stories don’t explore life changes such as aging (understandable). There was so much healing in this story and questions were answered that I had forgotten I had.

This will absolutely be going back on my TBRA (to be read again) pile.

Review by @mauraharper

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The Traitor (An Underground Bad Boys Romance Book 2) by India Kells – Review by Maura Harper

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The Traitor, An Underground Bad Boys SeriesThe Traitor, An Underground Bad Boys Series by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

THE TRAITOR is book two in “An Underground Bad Boys Romance” series and can be read as a stand-alone.

Fast paced in both tone and time line, this terrific story is readable in one sitting. Told in third person, these characters are strong and well developed.

Sexy AF, the two male protagonists are former cage fighters who have left their old underground life to start new. The female main character has a lot to learn and these fellas are just the guys to help her get her groove back.

If you like detailed open door sex featuring MM MFM MMF this book could sure made your Sunday afternoon fly by.

Looking forward to the next story in this series.

Review by @mauraharper

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Not So Wrong (Love Grows Book 2) by Renee Regent – Review by Maura Harper

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Not So Wrong (Love Grows series, Book 2)Not So Wrong by Renee Regent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

NOT SO WRONG is Book 2 in the “Love Grows” Series and can be read as a stand-alone.

This is a well written story about following your dream because life isn’t always “sunshine and rainbows. Money helps tremendously, but it doesn’t solve everything .”

This story has a plotline that flows perfectly with a little angst, family of choice vs family of origin, romance and redemption.

I absolutely recommend this story.

Review by @mauraharper

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Miami Days, Havana Nights by Linda Bennett Pennell – Review by Maura Harper

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Miami Days Havana NightsMiami Days Havana Nights by Linda Bennett Pennell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Top Five Reasons MIAMI DAYS, HAVANA NIGHTS Is a Five Star Resd

1. Seamless transition from past to present and back again. While there no chapter headings to indicate the timeline, it is easily recognized.

2. Two stories in one. Both past and present stories are fully actualized and could stand on their own.

3. Cadence of writing. There is a quickness to this story and the way the chapters are laid out. Short and to the point, no filler or wasted actions.

4. Great character development. Secondary characters play a vital roll in the story and there is no guesswork as to who they work for.

5. This story held my interest from beginning to end. I was invested in both stories from the very beginning and needed to keep reading to find out how it ends.

I absolutely recommend this story

Review by @mauraharper

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The Time Traveler’s Magic (Magic Bound Saga Book 1) by Anna Applegate – Review by Maura Harper

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The Time Traveler's Magic (Book 1 of the Magic Bound Saga)The Time Traveler’s Magic by Anna Applegate
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hmmmm…

This is another of those books that the blurb sounds amazing, the cover is gorgeous, the premise of the book is one that I’ve read and enjoyed before, but there was something about it that just didn’t enthrall me like I anticipated.

It wasn’t one major thing, it was a bunch if little things that all blended together.

Having said all that…

The writing is visually appealing while being conservative in details. The characters and storyline held my interest enough that I will be reading the next book in the series. The flow of the story was linear and there was a sexy pirate.

Overall a 4 star read.

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Surviving Wrath (The Deadliest Sin Series Book 3) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Maura Harper

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Surviving Wrath (The Deadliest Sin Series Book 3)Surviving Wrath by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

DO NOT READ THIS SERIES OUT OF ORDER!!!

Ok that headline is a little shouty, but you will be doing yourself a disservice if you read this series out of order.

Surviving Wrath is the third and final installment of “The Deadliest Sin Series”. The series is told in multiple points of view which makes the read very interesting. I thought I knew what was going on – I really did – and I’m not sure if I would make the same or different decisions when faced with … well read the book to find out.

Now that the series is complete, I am going to go back and read all three from beginning to end as each picks up where the last left off. The flow of the series is strong and perfectly paced. Emotions (including wanting to throw my Kindle against a wall) were felt the whole way through.

A note about the writer… I read the “Slip Series” and assumed she was a rom-com author. I read “The Savage Series” and assumed that was as dark as she could go, that is not the case. I have no idea what she will write next, but I for one will be one clicking as soon as it has a title.

I ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND THIS SERIES AND THIS AUTHOR!!! (wow that was shouty too)

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Fisher Men X-ing Lines (Fisher Men Book II) by Rebel Nicks O’Dey – Review by Maura Harper

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The Fisher Men X-ing Lines (Book #2)The Fisher Men X-ing Lines by Rebel Nicks O’Dey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loving these “Fisher Boys”!!! This story is a stand-alone and I am sure you will want to read Book 1 because this series is THAT GOOD.

This is a witty, fast paced story with emotions, family, friends, romance and redemption. The story is well plotted and the cadence with which the story is told moves it along at a great pace.

This is one of those series that I hope goes on and on.

Review by @mauraharper

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The Confectioner Chronicles: The Complete Fantasy Mystery Series by Claire Luana – Review by Maura Harper

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The Confectioner Chronicles: The Complete Fantasy Mystery SeriesThe Confectioner Chronicles: The Complete Fantasy Mystery Series by Claire Luana
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read these as individual stories and waiting for the next story to drop was painful at times (I can be a little Veruca Salti-sh at times.

These stories are full of all the things that make a good YA fantasy series live up to its expectations. There are wonderful friendships, adventure, intrigue, baked goods, action, and a fast paced narrative. This is a very engaging tale and i would recommend it to old and young alike.

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A Divided Mind by M. Billiter – Review by Maura Harper

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A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“I talk to myself, doesn’t everybody?”

POWERFUL POWERFUL POWERFUL

Did you know that the National Institution of Mental Health (NIMH) has a helpline you can call. If you are able to identify with certain portions of this book and aren’t seeing a therapist, feel free to call the helpline and ask them what they think. They can be reached at 866 415 8051

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Eternity (Captivity Series Book 3) by Sarah Biglow & Molly Zenk – Review by Maura Harper.

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Eternity (Captivity, #3)Eternity by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ETERNITY is is the final book in the series and I think it should be read in order as each book picks up where the last one ended.

The entire Captivity Series flows quickly from the beginning to end.
It moves quickly with the continuing threads being highlighted through each. The series is well plotted and entertaining.

I recommend this series

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Monty and the Monster by Rhonda Smiley – Review by Maura Harper

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Monty and the MonsterMonty and the Monster by Rhonda Smiley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Super cool story about a kid who doesn’t feel like he fits in or has friends. He is always the new kid in town and doesn’t make friends easily.

So of course he creates his own best friend.

This is one of those books that I think would be enjoyed by humans of all ages. There are great visuals and lessons learned.

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Out Bad (Sinners or Saints Book 1) by Janice M. Whiteaker – Review by Maura Harper

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Out BadOut Bad by Janice M. Whiteaker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a little frustrating for me. It takes so long to get to the reasons why the MCs feel and deal the way they do. The events for both main protagonists are openly alluded to and we get to see their turmoil through their internal dialog.

“Woman love a hero almost as much as they love a man who is broken.”

Gwen is a strong independent woman who is running away from her past. Joe is a big bag biker who is NOT his past and is working towards redemption.

I will be reading the next book on the series

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Into Pieces (Shattered Hearts Series Book 2) by Nicole Banks – Review by Maura Harper

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Into Pieces (Shattered Hearts #2)Into Pieces by Nicole Banks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

*****3.5 Stars*****

really really wanted to continue to enjoy this series. I just couldn’t. I don’t want to spoil the story for others so this will he a a spoiler free review.

INTO PIECES is the second book in the “Shattered Hearts Series” and begins almost exactly where part one left off. I would not recommend reading this as a standalone. There are a LOT of moving parts.

Told in multiple POVs, we are able to “hear” the inner workings of a character’s thought process. While this was an enjoyable way to read Book 1, in Book 2 it bothered me a LOT.

This book was simply not my cup of tea and I always appreciate when an author puts words on paper for the world to read.

I am invested enough that I will be reading book 3 of there series.

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Ice Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria Book 1) by Kay L Moody – Review by Maura Harper

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Ice Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria 1)Ice Crown by Kay L Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“ICE THROUGH THE FINGERS, FIRE IN THE VEINS”

This series of novellas is set up like YA Chapter Books. I am hopeful that the series will roll out quickly because I am anxious to figure out what is going on.

Told in single POV, the first chapter of ICE CROWN is set 10 years prior to the rest of the story. It gives a little bit of background and perspective of things to come. In this series

The story is a quick and easy read; The writing is appropriately detailed, the story well plotted and the world building is on point. There are political undertones to the story and it is almost like the writer is looking at the future if we continue putting so much distance between the classes.

I absolutely recommend this story. .

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Al Capone at the Blanche Hotel by Linda Bennett Pennell – Review by Maura Harper

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Al Capone at the Blanche HotelAl Capone at the Blanche Hotel by Linda Bennett Pennell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this story from the very first page. Told in dual time periods, the author does an amazing job going back and forth in a very seamless way. While each element is thoroughly explored and discussed, it is done in such a way that it never seems like it is dragged on.

This book is a fantastic read and I devoured it from cover to cover.

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Regency Love: Reflections of a Young Lady by TL Clark – Review by Maura Harper

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Regency Love: Reflections of a Young LadyRegency Love: Reflections of a Young Lady by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m not usually a huge fan of Regency Romance, yet I enjoyed the narrative in this story. There are several threads all interwoven through the story and they unravel at a great pace.

The character development, the story line, the pace of the story was all terrific.

****
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