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A Perfect Fit by Zoe Lee – Review by Maura Harper

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A Perfect FitA Perfect Fit by Zoe Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A PERFECT FIT is the first book I’ve read by Zoe Lee and I really enjoyed it. It seems as if some of the secondary characters may have been introduced in a previous book as they were all fully developed.

This is a quick and easy read that flows well from beginning to end. The humor and ease between the two protagonists was a refreshing change.

This book was the perfect fit for a nice evening read. While it was a little longer than I have been reading lately, it held my attention from beginning to end with only a minimum of skimming.

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On Her Terms by Madison Quinn- Review by Maura Harper

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On Her Terms (The Arrangement Duet Book 2)On Her Terms by Madison Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ON HER TERMS is book 2 in “The Arrangement Duet” This is not a stand-alone and Book 1 absolutely has to be read first.

Part 2 is equally as detailed as part 1 and there were definitely times I skimmed to get to the action quicker.

Action, suspense. slow burn, and family of choice vs family of origin. As in book 1, this story is told in dual POV and we are allowed a deeper understanding of what makes this couple tick.

I do recommend this duet.

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On His Terms by Madison Quinn – Review By Maura Harper

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On His Terms (The Arrangement Duet Book 1)On His Terms by Madison Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ON HIS TERMS is one of those books that was a little different than I expected it to be. Based on the intro, I thought it was going to be much darker.

This story reminded me a little bit of 50 Shades. It was enjoyable, a bit predictable, and a bit suspenseful. I appreciated that it is dual POV and we can see what both M/m are thinking.

I am looking forward to book 2.

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Shattered (Shattered Hearts Series Book 1) by Nicole Banks – Review by Maura Harper

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Shattered (Shattered Hearts #1)Shattered by Nicole Banks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

SHATTERED is the first book in the “Shattered Hearts Duet”. It is a fast N/A story about friends and family. There are moments that change everyone’s lives and finding a new normal can sometimes be difficult to navigate.

I really liked the way the story was told in many different POVs, there is even a chapter told from “Angel’s father’s” point of view. I think it made an extremely intriguing way to read. The chapters are short yet full if dialog and details. I never felt bogged down by too much descriptive writing. There wasn’t any filler.

The character development is good, the story moves at a good pace and I am definitely grabbing the second book of the duet to follow their journey further. The suspense was perfect.

I would recommend this for my older younger cousins as there are a few open door sex scenes.

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Finding Ruth: A Daughter’s Quest to Discover Her Mother’s Past by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Maura Harper

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Finding RuthFinding Ruth by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mother / daughter relationships are so complex and ever changing. As a woman who recently lost my mother, I was a little worried going into this book. I wasn’t sure what emotions it would evoke.

Real life is stranger than fiction. as shown in this book about finding out who your mother was vs who she is now. I am so glad the author is self aware enough to be able to move on after the example of parenting that was set for her.

The story is written with an unbiased view of a woman who went through some tragic events.

I have always enjoyed this author’s stories and I’m glad to get to know her just a little bit more.

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Guilty Pleasures Volume 3: Guilty Pleasures by Joyce McCarthy – Review by Maura Harper

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Guilty Pleasures Volume 3Guilty Pleasures Volume 3 by Joyce McCarthy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Brad, Brad, Brad. Oh Brad what a randy lad you are.

GUILTY PLEASURES is the highlight reel of Brad’s adventures. It is a a quick journal entry in the diary of Brad’s sex life. Almost like a 100th episode of your favorite sit com but these are sex scenes.

Each chapter is a scene of its own. Each scene is quick and to the point filled with open door erotica. Some are hotter than others but they all pack a punch. They are almost like the old “Penthouse Letters” that all had the phrase “…when much time my surprise ”

A quick and easy read that can picked up and put down as the mood strikes.

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Simply Irresistible: A Totally Sweet Love Story by Jennifer L. Allen – Review by Maura Harper

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Simply Irresistible: A Totally Sweet Love StorySimply Irresistible: A Totally Sweet Love Story by Jennifer L. Allen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A super sweet romance that discusses the age old battle of movies (are movies from the 80s better than the 90s – the answer is yes). OK so that’s not the point of the story, but I wanted to weigh in on the debate…

This story is told in dual POV with banter and well defined characters. The story moves at a great pace and kept me engaged from beginning to end.

This is a wonderful tale that I will be recommending to an older friends’ bookclub.

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Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia #1) by Phoebe Alexander Featured in the Sweetest Obsessions Boxed Set Collection – Review by Maura Harper

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Sweetest Obsessions: A Contemporary Romance Boxed Set CollectionSweetest Obsessions: A Contemporary Romance Boxed Set Collection by Jane Anthony
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love anthologies that have stories of variety and lengths. It makes it easy to put down and pick up in between adulting.

Sugar & Spice by Phoebe Alexander is like “Undercover Boss” and “Norma Rae” all rolled up into a quick and witty read. I grew up going to a small, family owned amusement park and that’s where this story took place in my mind.

It has romance and sexy times and redemption. It is a great addition to the anthology.

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Legacy of Luck (The Druid’s Brooch Series Book 3) by Christy Nicholas – Review by Maura Harper

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Legacy of Luck (Druid's Brooch #3)Legacy of Luck by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“The Druid’s Brooch Series” is a a series of books that can be read as standalone stories. The common thread is a brooch that is passed on to family over the course of many generations.

LEGACY OF LUCK is not my favorite of the series. The descriptive writing had me fondly recalling my recent trip to Ireland, but I never connected with the characters.

This is on me, not the author. The story evolves slowly and there is a bit of repetition with events (or dice games) and circumstances. It is a fairly fast read and I will be putting this on my “to be read again list” to see if my opinion changes.

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Siren’s Call: Cursed Seas by Amy McKinley – Review by Maura Harper

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Siren's Call: Cursed SeasSiren’s Call: Cursed Seas by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

SIREN’S CALL is one of those books that I wouldn’t normally have considered, yet I’ve always enjoyed the author’s writing so grabbed it when it became available.

An enjoyable read with suspense and intrigue. There is a dark humor in this story that was unexpected “…it is mens basic fear of commitment that holds them back.” I felt like it was a combination of mythology and Hans Christian Anderson’s stories with a twist, a turn and a centuries old debt.

This is definitely a story I would recommend.

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Tails Always Wins (Chasing Tails Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Maura Harper

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Tails Always WinsTails Always Wins by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a one click author for me and I am always excited when a new series begins…

TAILS ALWAYS WINS is the first book in the “Chasing Tails” series. If you took the paranormal element from the book, we could be reading about the racism and destruction of humans and animals alike in current day USA.

A fast paced read, this book has well developed characters and a clearly plotted story line. “No one wants to know what causes pure evil to linger in the air. It’s too vile for even the worst of humanity.” There are times I smiled and other times I just didnt like a character yet I stayed engaged.

I definitely recommend this story and look forward reading the next in the series .

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The Season Finale (Paranormal Talent Agency Book 6) by Heather Silvio – Review by Maura Harper

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The Season Finale (Paranormal Talent Agency, #6)The Season Finale by Heather Silvio

This whole series has been like reading chapter books for adults. Each book has characters who weave in and out of the beautifully designed story. We get to revisit characters we’ve already met and meet new characters who bring fresh light to the story.

As I read, I did so with an accent because I was able to clearly visualize each character as we went along.

THE SEASON FINALE was a great way to end the series and like with any good show, I hope there are “reunion shows” in the future.

I am unable to choose my favorite story so I am just going to recommend them all.

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Sanctuary (Captivity Series Book 2) by Sarah Biglow & Molly Zenk – Review by Maura Harper

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Sanctuary (Captivity Book 2)Sanctuary by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

SANCTUARY is the second book in the “Captivity Series” and picks up where book one -CAPTIVITY-ends.

Once again, these writers have written a visual story full of action and adventure. It is a quick read with a story that has an ebb and flow that allowed me to dig right back into the story

I look forward to reading book 3 very soon!!
****
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Time Tourist Outfitters, Ltd by Christy Nicholas – Review by Maura Harper

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Time Tourist Outfitters, Ltd.Time Tourist Outfitters, Ltd. by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Where’s your ideal? Where would you go if you could go anywhere, anywhen??”

Such is the way this story starts. There are rules in time travel and if they are broken, a chain of events can happen to alter things beyond repair. While this is an age-old trope, there are new twists to the telling which made it fresh. This story also had a bit of humor in a few of the more “flagrant” characters.

At times the story was a bit over descriptive yet it didn’t take away from the “meat” of the story. This is a full bodied story that provides suspense as well as world building for future books in the series.

I will be keeping an eye out for future installments by this favored author.

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Undercover (Billionaire Bodyguards Book 2) by Via Mari – Review by Maura Harper

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Undercover (Billionaire Bodyguards Book 2)Undercover by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As the “Billionaire Bodyguards” series continues and I get further away from the “Torzial Affair” series I realize a re-read is in order.

UNDERCOVER is a fast paced suspense that had me all over the place trying to figure out the details as the author was throwing red herrings every which way.

It is a cleverly written story with characters jet setting all around the world. There were times that the action was so intense, I could visualize the words as if I was watching a movie orr an episode of NCIS.

I was able to devour this story in one setting and I absolutely recommend it.

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OF WAR AND TATERS by Ashley Chappell – Review by Maura Harper

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Of War and TatersOf War and Taters by Ashley Chappell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A quick and satirical read that that was full of humor. The story flows well from beginning to end and it kept me intrigued and humored.

OF WAR AND TATERS is one of those books that I want to write a flowing and detailed summary, but I don’t want to recap the entire story. Trust me when I say it is super funny and worth the read. As someone who works in the newspaper industry, this line tickled my funny bone… “There was a sickness that afflicted some newspaper readers that forced them to read it from cover to cover aloud to anyone who might be in the room.”

There is also an interesting point of view shared in the story. Ok, I’m stopping now because I don’t want to say more.

I recommend it.

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Rule Breaker by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Maura Harper

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Rule BreakerRule Breaker by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have a rule for myself that is; if I cannot define a word, I must look it up. RULE BREAKER had me break my own rule because I thought I knew what a certain word/lifestyle is, but I was wrong.

RULE BREAKER has a double story line involving corporate politics “Why do all men just assume if two women don’t get along, one must be jealous of the other. Can’t we just legitimately dislike a b!@#h” and relationships? There are twists and turns along the way as well as some super open door sex.

The second aspect of the story is the MFM / HOTWIFE scenario which is well written. The story flows well from beginning to end and I devoured it in one sitting (thumbing past the sex scenes of course hahaha)

I absolutely recommend this story.

This story is a crossover from Sylvie Stewart’s GAME CHANGER and each can be read as a standalone.

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Dangerously Close To Extinction (Knollville Legends Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Maura Harper

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Dangerously Close To Extinction (Knollville Legends Book 1)Dangerously Close To Extinction by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

C.A. King is a one click author for me and I always enjoy her stories.

This is the first book in a new series about a (fictional?) town called Knollville. Knollville isn’t on a map, can’t be found by GPS and the road is hidden in plain sight.

This story has a different flair than then the stories previously written. It set up as more “horror” with a softer edge. It was fantastic and I was 100% invested from the STUNNING cover to the very last page.

One of my favorite lines: “Beware of the eyes of the beast, cold as steel, and the blood running through its veins. Its heart beats only to serve the demon within”

I absolutely recommend this book

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September Breeze (Cinnamon Bay Romance Book 2) by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Maura Harper

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September Breeze (Cinnamon Bay, #2)September Breeze by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

SEPTEMBER BREEZE is a story set in. Cinnamon Bay. Small town romance is totally in my wheel house and books with soundtracks are even better.

This town is filled with quirkiness (most especially in the form of three amazing women who want the best for their town. The characters are relatable and easy to read. There are sweet moments and nose sniffling sad moments.

I am a huge fan of this author and look forward to finding other stories set in Cinnamon Bay.

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Happily Ever After – Brothers of Camelot Style by Necie Navone – Review by Maura Harper

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Happily Ever After - Brothers of Camelot StyleHappily Ever After – Brothers of Camelot Style by Necie Navone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This should be read after book 1 as it is a continuation of the story.

This is a fast read set in a shorter time than some of the other stories. There is a bit of jumping around, but I was able to stay focused and stay present in the story.

I absolutely rexommend this author and this series.

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17 Marigold Lane (Prudence Penderhaus Book 1) by R.M. Gilmore – Review by Maura Harper

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17 Marigold Lane17 Marigold Lane by R.M. Gilmore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow – 17 MARIGOLD LANE is the first book in the “Prudence Penderhaus Series” and I admit that the cover made me think it was going to read like a Stephen King novel (awesome reference to one of SK’s novels). It is not horror in the classic horror style. What is horror is that even those this story is fiction, these things still happen in our country everyday.

The writing is spot on, the story flows perfectly from beginning to end and the emotions this book caused… The way the character of Cassius is written is just brilliant (based on my limited experience) and Prudence is pure perfection.

This is one of those books that I would recommend to my younger cousins and elderly friends and their bookclubs.

I look forward to finding out who moves into 19 Marigold Lane in the very near future.

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Love Me, Dreamy (Love Me Series) by Laura Burton – Review by Maura Harper

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Love Me, DreamyLove Me, Dreamy by Laura Burton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book completely blind. I didn’t look at cover, look at the blurb or read any reviews. For the first few chapters, I had no idea where the book was heading and I almost looked to see what it was about. I am so glad I did not because it was a very enjoyable way to read.

This story mesmerized me the whole way through. There is enough solid writing with a definite timeline, a bit of mystery and a whole cast of well developed characters.

I absolutely recommend this quick and easy read.

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Orion’s Kiss by Claire Luana – Review by Maura Harper

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Orion's KissOrion’s Kiss by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoy stories that modernize Greek Mythology and weave new and old into a story that holds the myth origins to their “truth”.

Orion’s kiss is just that type of story. It is YA and I think the targeted demographic will learn things without even realizing it. Well written with wonderful world building, this story had a little bit of everything. It moves at a good pace and held my interest from beginning to end.

Another well developed story that I recommend.

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Captivity: A Paranormal Romance Novella (Captivity Book 1) by Sarah Biglow & Molly Zenk – Review by Maura Harper

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Captivity (Captivity Book 1)Captivity by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First book in a new series and the first book I’ve read by this author.

Great world building, a new twist to a well loved genre and a story that has very clear plot points.

This was a quick and enjoyable read.
****
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Proper Impulse (Jaded Lily Book 4) by Zeia Jameson – Review by Maura Harper

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Proper ImpulseProper Impulse by Zeia Jameson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book 4 in “The Jaded Lily” series and can absolutely be read as a standalone. PROPER IMPULSE stars Milo as a cop and Juniper as someone who cares more about others than she cares about her self.

This book was a quick and easy read and had lots of “life changing” ideas. Characters are dimensional and the story has a great ebb and flow. I absolutely recommend this book, this series and this author.

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The Dreamer’s Vengeance by Helen Tyree – Review by Maura Harper

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The Dreamer's VengeanceThe Dreamer’s Vengeance by Helen Tyree
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

THE DREAMERS VENGEANCE is the first book I’ve read by this author and I enjoyed the visual writing. It is a story with great world building and lots of detailed character. There were several times I found myself backtracking to figure out what was going on, but for the most part the story flowed well.

This is a book I would recommend to my younger cousins. I will definitely be reading this author again.

****
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Two Hearts Under Fire (Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Book 8) By Tamara Ferguson – Review by Maura Harper

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TWO HEARTS UNDER FIRE (Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Book 8)TWO HEARTS UNDER FIRE by Tamara Ferguson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

TWO HEARTS UNDER FIRE is the 8th book in the “Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Series” and can absolutely be read as a stand-alone. There are characters and story threads that weave in and out of the entire series, but it is always done in such a way that I never feel like I’ve forgotten someone or an event.

Character development is complete and the story always has a lot of action and suspense and, of course, romance. The author does not put a lot of filler in the stories, so it is always straight to the point and the action. I really appreciate that. It feels like a more authentic read.

Because of the nature of this series, it can go on and on for years to come. I will continue reading the series for as long as it is written.
****

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Whom Shall I Kiss… An Earl, A Marquess, or A Duke? (Tricking the Scoundrels #1) by Laura A. Barnes – Review by Maura Harper

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Whom Shall I Kiss... An Earl, A Marquess, or A Duke? (Tricking the Scoundrels #1)Whom Shall I Kiss… An Earl, A Marquess, or A Duke? by Laura A. Barnes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I am not typically a fan of Regency Romance but this seemed like it would be a lighthearted read with a clever protagonist. The blurb set the story up nicely and I imagined it would be more of a satirical look at what happens with ruined reputations. It was not satirical in nature at all.

The story starts out strong. The plot is well thought out and the characters are easy to distinguish. While I realize this is fiction and with that truths can be twisted and reformed; there was just something about this book that seemed to contradict itself as the story moved forward.

I always admire an author who can put words to paper and follow a thought long enough to create a whole story (or series in this case). This book just wasn’t my cup of tea.
***

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Blood Relations (The Sorrel Janes Mysteries) by Lonna Enox – Review by Maura Harper

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Blood RelationsBlood Relations by Lonna Enox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

****
BLOOD RELATIONS is the second book in the Sorrel Janes’ cozy mystery series. The author does an amazing job of filling in any blank spots through the use of storytelling and flashbacks.

The writing is dynamic and I was fully engaged in the story from beginning to end. There were times that I got bogged down by too much description, but when that sentence or paragraph finished up, I had a beautiful vision or what was actually going on.

This is one of those series that has a timeless storyline and could go on for many more books. I will be reading them all.

I recommend the book and the series.

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Blackbird’s Deliverance (Silent Secrets Series Book 4) by Lisette Kristensen – Review by Maura Harper

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Blackbird's Deliverance (Book Four)Blackbird’s Deliverance by Lisette Kristensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is Book 4 in the series and I think it is important to read the stories in order. As with any good series, there are threads that weave through each story to keep them connected.

Each of the stories in the series are detailed, full of adventure and suspense. BLACKBIRD’S DELIVERANCE delivers a story that is worthy of the series. Fast paced with a plot that ebbs and flows and is read with ease.

I recommend this series for sure.

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