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Devil’s Due: Satan’s Devils MC (Colorado Chapter #3) by Manda Mellett – Review by Maura Harper

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Devil's Due: Satan's Devils MC Colorado Chapter #3Devil’s Due: Satan’s Devils MC Colorado Chapter #3 by Manda Mellett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Of all the books I have read by this author, I think this one is my favorite. It has a good pace both in timing of the story and setting of the scenes.

From the very first page until the very last I remained intrigued.

There is a common thread of characters through the stories in this series. It is my opinion that you should read the books in order so as not to spoil anything in the future installments – the series is worth it.

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A High Price to Pay (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 2) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Maura Harper

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A High Price to Pay (Madeline Dawkins, #2)A High Price to Pay by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is series that has threads and characters that run through each story. While not imperative, I think it would be helpful to read in order.

The author writes a very detailed book. At times, I found myself skimming more than I thought I would. However, even though I skimmed I was able to grasp the storyline and the intricacies of the mystery/suspense.

Four stars ****

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Saint Code: Lost: Book Four of the Lucky Devil Series by Megan Mackie – Review by Maura Harper

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Saint Code: Lost: Book Four of the Lucky Devil SeriesSaint Code: Lost: Book Four of the Lucky Devil Series by Megan Mackie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the fourth book of The Lucky Devil Series and it reads differently than the other stories… a little more cyberpunk (that was NOT the word I was going to use but my Galaxy S10 predictive text picked it so I am going with it) than the others. It has been a little bit since I started this series and the characters seemed foreign. This isn’t a bad thing, just something I feel I should point out.

I typically do not like reading overly detailed descriptions yet there is something about the way this is written… I read it in a very black and white old timely detective movie way. Very noir (THAT’S the word I was looking for above) “It seemed that everyone who hired someone from the underbelly of society had expectations that it was smoke and mirrors, and spy thriller.”

This was a very fast read that I enjoyed and would absolutely recommend.
<3

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Nite Fire: Smoke & Mirrors (Book 3) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Maura Harper

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Smoke & Mirrors (Nite Fire #3)Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

SMOKE & MIRRORS is the third book in the “Nite Fire” series and I highly recommend reading them in order. I’m not sure they should be read as stand-alones because there is so much world building and character development in the first two.

I think this series just gets better and better. I am not sure if it is because; I’m familiar with the cadence of the story – if it is because these characters are no longer strangers – or if it is because the author just keeps getting better and better.

This series has things that go bump in the night including (but not limited to) ghosts, shape shifters, cops, banshees, unexplained crimes and so so much more.

I highly recommend this book, this series and this author.

Review by @mauraharper

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Wayward (Billionaire Bodyguards Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Maura Harper

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Wayward (Billionaire Bodyguards Book 1)Wayward by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you have read this author before, you know the amazing ride she takes the reader on.

This is the first book of a new series and there were a few times I wanted to throw my Kindle against a wall and scream. There were other times I chuckled at the back and forth of the characters and others where my heart broke.

This is a well-developed plot and the way characters are introduced held my attention from beginning to end. There is a certain delicateness yet wicked strength about this book (I know that’s a total contradiction). It ebbs and flows as the story evolves and the secondary characters play an important role in moving the story forward.

I absolutely will continue reading this story and I am adding it to my TBR again before I begin the next in the series.

I have always enjoyed reading this author’s works and recommend her and this story.

Review by @mauraharper

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Furbidden Attraction: A Cursed Romance (Raven Falls Cursed Romances Book 1) by R. O’Leary – Review by Maura Harper

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Furbidden Attraction: A Cursed RomanceFurbidden Attraction: A Cursed Romance by R. O’Leary
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

FURBIDDEN ATTRACTION is a quick and easy read that I read in one sitting. It has a really nice cadence with a nice give and take between the 2 main characters.

Secondary characters all play a roll in the story and while they are obviously being introduced for future stories, their actions aren’t fillers.

This story has a sense of humor that I was not expecting “There was a strange man in her apartment, possibly a serial killer. A naked serial killer who clearly had a gym membership. ”

I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

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Hoosier Dad by Elizabeth Seckman – Review by Maura Harper

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Hoosier DadHoosier Dad by Elizabeth Seckman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by this author and I will look for other stories she has written. I find her style of writing to be easy and enjoyable.

This is a second chance tale that has humor and doesn’t take itself too seriously. It flows well from beginning to end and has a decent balance of emotions and experiences.

Great kids and friends as well as local town people all add color to this story.

I recommend this book.

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Vermilion Lies (The Order of the Senary Series Book 3) by L.D. Rose – Review by Maura Harper

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Vermilion Lies (The Order of the Senary, #3)Vermilion Lies by L.D. Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“When the world is going to hell in a hand basket, you might as well make it a party on the way down.”

This series gets better with each new installment.

The writing is visual and detailed. It is a well plotted story with great character development. The story moves at a really good pace and kept me invested from beginning to end.

Things are not always as they appear in this series and it is interesting to see how things are being worked out. VERMILION LIES has sexy times, drama, action and adventure.

I totally recommend this series and this book.

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Dinner with The Wolf (Misfits & Rogues Series Book 2) by Kimberly Forrest – Review by Maura Harper

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Dinner with The Wolf (Misfits & Rogues Series Book 2)Dinner with The Wolf by Kimberly Forrest
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book two in a series and starts where book one left off. Instead of feeling lost and fumbling around for a few chapters I decided to look back at book one’s reviews to get a feel for what was going on.

This a paranormal series and DINNER WITH THE WOLF explores morality and friendship while maintaining life and sanity.

The characters are strong, the story flows easily and it is an easy story to read. I will continue with this series.

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Tracking Numbers (Lost Boys MC BOOK 1) by Janice M. Whiteaker – Review by Maura Harper

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Tracking NumbersTracking Numbers by Janice M. Whiteaker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve read from this author and the first book in a new series.

It was an enjoyable read that moved at a pretty good pace. Characters are well developed and introduced in such a way that that I wanted to know more.

There are alpha men in this story and an alpha named Tracker aka Evan is the main male protagonist. He is tasked with keeping an eye on his boss’s daughter who is a smart and sassy lead female.

This book is a little lighter than some of the MC stories I’ve read lately. There is humor and adventure and schmexy times.

I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading the next story in the series.

Review by @mauraharper

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Cult (Feisty Lawyers Book 3) by Seelie Kay – Review by Maura Harper

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CultCult by Seelie Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third installment of the Feisty Lawyers series and while characters from the previous two books are pretty well introduced, I think the series should be read in order. It’s been a hot minute since I read the last book and I was a bit lost on who was who at times.

This is a fast moving story that is full of action and intrigue. There are times when I wasn’t truly sure of character’s motives and other times I was 100% wrong with what I thought was going to happen.

This is my favorite of the series so far and I really hope we get to read Hope and Cate’s story next.

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Steele Resolve (The Hawke Family Book 6) by Author Gwyn McNamee – Review by Maura Harper

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Steele Resolve (Hawke Family #6)Steele Resolve by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“…we all do things in a split-second that can have a ripple effect of consequences we never expect.”

STEELE RESOLVE is the final book in “The Hawke Family Series” and as is as amazing as the rest of the series.

Each and every book was a page turner. Some i liked better than others and each featured a well plotted story, completely developed characters, action, adventure, sexy times and romance.

This author has never let me down. While I am sad to read the final book in the series, I am incredibly satisfied with how it wrapped up.

This is a very very quick read with all of the elements that made this series awesome.

It is super important that this series be read in order. Each has a thread that follows each book. If they are read out of order, I think it will be confusing. Don’t short change yourself, the series, or the author… read in order.

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An Unexpected Sequel (Paranormal Talent Agency Book 4) by Heather Silvio – Review by Maura Harper

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An Unexpected Sequel (Paranormal Talent Agency Book 4)An Unexpected Sequel by Heather Silvio
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is my.opinion that these stories should be read in order. AN UNEXPECTED SEQUEL is the 4th book in the series and there are threads and characters rom the previous stories.

Each book in the series is a short, quick read and while the first three felt light and whimsical, this story was just a little bit darker. I think we are being given hints of what is to come.

This almost like chapter books for adults and as such has held my attention throughout.

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Obsessed (Lila Casey Series Book 1) by J Collins – Review by Maura Harper

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Obsessed: Lila Casey Book 1 (Lila Casey Series)Obsessed: Lila Casey Book 1 by J. Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in a series and the first book I have read by this author. Honestly, I almost didn’t read it because the cover didn’t jump out at me.

Lila Casey is a hard character to describe. She is someone who isn’t comfortable with who she is, yet has enough self preservation to own who she is.

This was a quick story to read. I would almost think it was new adult with some steamy scenes. This story had a sense of humor about it; From the main character’s inner monologue, “wasn’t it some kind of sacrilege to throw books around?”, the interesting characters (looking at you Tatum) and the way the story develops – it never gets to be *too much*.

I am invested enough that I will continue with the series.

review by @mauraharper

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Alex: An Eidolon Black Ops Novel by Maddie Wade – Review by Maura Harper

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Alex: An Eidolon Black Ops NovelAlex: An Eidolon Black Ops Novel by Maddie Wade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This author writes fantastic”black ops” stories and there are always strong female characters in the story. ALEX references characters from previous series but I think that if this is the first book you are reading by this author. you can still follow along as all of the important people are introduced .

Background information is told in flashbacks and the alternating points of view moved the story along nicely. This story has action and adventure and romance and feelings.

I absolutely recommend this book and this author.

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Act I: Seed On Fire (Moore Family Saga Book 1) by Michele Sims – Review by Maura Harper

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Act I: Seed On Fire (Moore Family Saga)Act I: Seed On Fire by Michele Sims
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

ACT 1: SEED ON FIRE is the first book in the “Moore Family Saga”. This is a multidimensional story with several story lines running at the same time.

The writing was very detailed and it is obvious the author plotted the story rather than writing a stream of consciousness. The story flows from beginning to end in a slow, even pace even though there is A LOT going on.

Because this is a spoiler free review I will not give specifics yet I will say that the whole thing was a bit over the top. Each story line on its own would be a decent read (dysfunctional sibling relationships, secret societies, stereotypical characters) but put together in such a detailed way had me.speeding through most of the book. At around 53% I almost DNF but really wanted to see how it all concluded.

I always always appreciate an author putting their ideas on paper. This book is well edited, had no plot holes and a very defined beginning, middle and end.

REVIEW BY @MAURAHARPER

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Enemies of the Desert (Silent Secrets Series Book 3) by Lisette Kristensen – Review by Maura Harper

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Enemies of the Desert Book: 3Enemies of the Desert Book: 3 by Lisette Kristensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I think it is extremely important that you read this series in order. There is a continuing thread and characters that are already well developed by the time ENEMIES OF THE DESERT comes into play. Please don’t short change yourself or the author by reading out of order.

This is one of those series that moves fast so the reader tries to turn the page even faster. Strong women, strong story line, strong series. Action and adventure abound. Don’t skimp or skim, it’s worth absorbing every word.

I absolutely recommend this series (read in order of course) and this author.

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The Arrangement Duet Box Set by Madison Quinn – Review by Maura Harper

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The Arrangement Duet Box SetThe Arrangement Duet Box Set by Madison Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

THE ARRANGEMENT contains two stories which make up a complete duet.

Told in his and her POVs, this is an extremely detailed story that has a bit of suspense, a lot of healing, romance and twists and turns along the way.

The time span of the book is not incredibly long, especially for everything that happens. It has a good cadence yet I did find myself skimming quite a bit to move the story along quicker for me.

All in all I did find this to be an enjoyable read.

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Bowled: Facing the Yorker of Love (To Love a Sportsman Book 1) by Pamela Q. Fernandes – Review by Maura Harper

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Bowled (To Love a Sportsman Book 1)Bowled by Pamela Q. Fernandes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is one of those books that I typically like. Sports romance with a bit of angst.

The good – It evoked emotion
More than once I wanted to shake each protagonist and tell them to smarten up. There are so many circumstances that they shouldn’t have even been in and yet they were.

It was well plotted:
The people they surround themselves with don’t have their best interest at heart. We, the reader could see it, why couldn’t they?

Sexy sportsmen:
Cricket… I googled it to get a better understanding of it and still I am clueless hahaha

There are no plot holes, the story is well edited and it was an easy story to read. I have read this author previously and will continue to do so.

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Secure Again: A Chase Group Story by R.L. Dunn – Review by Maura Harper

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Secure Again: A Chase Group StorySecure Again: A Chase Group Story by R. L. Dunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There is a LOT going on in this story and there are a LOT of characters to keep track of. It took me a little bit to settle in to the story because I was trying to keep track of who is who. I think I was initially lost was because they were introduced with full name AND nickname. I had to get used to the cadence and once I did, I was able to go with the flow of the story.

This is a really well paced thriller that moves along rapidly and appropriately. The main female protagonist is a strong personality who stands up for what she believes in “would you say that to a male doctor?”. She holds true to her values and is willing to put personalities aside to find out the truth.

The story is clearly plotted from beginning to end and stays on point without straying to far into secondary story lines. I did not think there was a lot of filler as it has a very strong beginning, middle and end. I did not read this is one sitting, but if you have the time and attention span, I believe it could be tackled in one day.

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The Brass Compass: A Novel by Ellen Butler – Review by Maura Harper

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The Brass CompassThe Brass Compass by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am typically not a fan of historical fiction. I became a fan of this author’s writing when I read her book about a museum heist so knew I was in for a ride with this book.

THE BRASS COMPASS features a strong female protagonist who goes through many things in her quest. There are a lot of layers in this interesting story. It is a history lesson, a lesson in humanity, a travel journal and a spy thriller. If the dates and locations changed, it could also be a look into our future.

This book has a slower pace, told in past and present time frame, and has enough information withheld to make it a decent mystery about certain things. It certainly held my interest as I was turning the pages.

I absolutely recommend this book.

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Jake the Growling Dog (Jake the Growling Dog Book 1) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Maura Harper

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Jake the Growling DogJake the Growling Dog by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This terrific children’s book is great for the younger child. It is easy to read, has great rhymes and has a message built in.

The illustrations are sweet and the activities at the back of the book are good for the whole family.

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The Embers We Seek: Prequel | War of Giants (A Rebel Princess Serial Book 1) by Acacia K. Parker – Review by Maura Harper

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The Embers We Seek (A Rebel Princess Serial, #1)The Embers We Seek by Acacia K. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am familiar with this style of writing because I subscribe to several authors who write continuing stories in their newsletters. I find it a very enjoyable way to read because I still get to read a full story with way less pressure in the timing to finish.

The first episode of this serial had great world building. In this world, there does not seem to be a patriarchy because the women are so strong and have leadership roles. “I’ve always had a hard time seeing the woman I’d become who was so different than what I’d always pictured as a child.”

This story is filled with magic and friendships and hellhounds and war.

I absolutely will be following this author so I am alerted to each new episode.

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Unraveled by Aubrey Bondurant – Review by Maura Harper

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UnraveledUnraveled by Aubrey Bondurant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A couple of things I contemplated as I began this review…

Did I love this book so much because I have a mad crush on the author? Sure
Did I love this book so much because I have more than a passing acquaintance with drains (remind me to tell you the story about why I no longer say “if there is ANYTHING you need, call me”)? Yup
Did I love this book so much because I had to put adulting on hold so that I could finish it? Indeed
Would I be rating this book differently if I didn’t know who wrote it and it was about something other than the specific thing it is about? Maybe, but the good news is that it IS by this author and the subject matter IS what it is.

From the very first chapter I was drawn into this story. I picked it solely because of the author’s name and didn’t know the subject matter until I read the author’s note and first few pages. Each and every character is fully developed and actualized. The details are laid out in such a conversational that you don’t realize you are being given necessary background and medical details that are needed to understand what is going on.

At times the pace slowed down a bit, I think it had to – Sometimes life slows down to a crawl – and sometimes it was moving so quickly it was like watching 30 second montage.

I don’t want to give anything away about this book, I will simply say – I absolutely recommend it and it is one of my top 10 reads of 2019.

Review by @mauraharper

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Spouse Trap: A Madeline Dawkins Mystery (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 1) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Maura Harper

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Spouse Trap (Madeline Dawkins, #1)Spouse Trap by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

This is the first book I have read by this author and the first in a new PI series. I had images of it being a “Stephanie Plum” type character, but that is not the case at all.

This is a well plotted story with a very distinct beginning, middle and end but, for me, there was way to much detail in some instances and yet I am left with so many questions because other things are just left hanging. I did find myself frequently skimming and skipping over some of the finer details to move the story along quicker.

The cover of the book gives nothing away about the story and there were definitely twists and turns as the book wound its way to the conclusion.

Overall it is an enjoyable read.

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Salty Sebastian (Smirk Series book 3) by Jen Luerssen – Review by Maura Harper

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Salty SebastianSalty Sebastian by Jen Luerssen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Smirk Series is one of those series that is written in such an amazingly clever way. Each book overlaps the previous one yet can be read as a stand-alone.

There is so much I enjoyed about Sebastian and Kit’s story:

The fact that they speak directly to the reader.
Told in dual POV.
Has such a sense of humor about itself.
Such food friendships.
Sexy times.
2 fabulous dads.
1 fabulous dog.
And so much more.

I absolutely recommend this book, this series and this author.

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Wild Bastard: A Dark Sparrow Novel by India Kells – Review by Maura Harper

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Wild BastardWild Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“The Dark Sparrow Series” is a spin off of “The Women of Purgatory Series” and while I believe each book can be read on its own, there are threads that tie it all together. The characters all live in the same “world”. WILD BASTARD is book # 6 in both series and # 3 in the Dark Sparrow series. I think it is important/helpful to read each in order because there are so many cross over characters.

WILD BASTARD is a fast paced story and while I was going to read for a little bit on this gorgeous spring Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, I found myself not able to put the book down until I was finished.

I love reading strong female characters who work to lift other women up instead of putting then down. This action packed story certainly has its share of fabulous females.

From beginning to the end, this story is well plotted and has a very clear path as the story winds itself through the twists and turns. I am so glad the series is continuing because I’m not ready to say goodbye yet.

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That’s a Wrap (Paranormal Talent Agency Book 3) by Heather Silvio – Review by Maura Harper

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That's a Wrap (Paranormal Talent Agency, #3)That’s a Wrap by Heather Silvio
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“The Paranormal Talent Agency” Series is one that features recurring characters and a common thread weaving though each story to tie them together. I would strongly recommend reading these books in order to enjoy the full bodied reading experience (and by full bodied, I mean laughs and angst and friendship and sparks).

Each of the stories in the series are easy reads and each story is well plotted with a strong beginning, middle, and end There are twists and turns as we go, but there is always a very clear ending even though it IS part of a series.

I recommend this author, this story and this series.

 

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After Wrath (The Deadliest Sin Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Maura Harper

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After Wrath (The Deadliest Sin Series Book 2)After Wrath by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have a huge crush on this author and one click her books w/out question (I have purchased this one in paperback because THAT COVER!!!!.) Where The Hawke Family Series was a little dark and The Slip Series was light rom-com, The Deadliest Sin Series is WICKED and feels like it’s going to be a “chapter book” for adults.

AFTER WRATH is dark and sinister and oh so good. I’m not sure where this side of the author comes from. Who knew??? The story is well developed and easy to follow the plot as it unfolds. I don’t want to say anything else because I don’t want to give anything away. I will share my favorite (or one of them anyway) quotes from the book: “Get In. Get Off. Get Out. Get Gone.”

Book 1 absolutely must be read before reading this one.

It is currently May and the next story of the series does not come out until August. I feel like Veruca Salt in WILLY WONKA screaming “I WANT IT NOW”.

I absolutely 100% recommend this story.

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Wrath (The Deadliest Sin Series Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Maura Harper

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Wrath (The Deadliest Sin Series Book 1)Wrath by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a HUGE fan of this author!!!!

WRATH is a fast, action packed read. It ends as abruptly as it begins. The beginning of the story started in what seemed like the middle of a story. As this is part of a previously published series, I’m not sure if the other stories in the series had the same “theme”. It didn’t matter though because the story worked itself out

I read this “blind” based solely in the author’s name and I wish everyone could read it this way

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