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Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

Mia Andarakis has just been promoted to Associate Art Director of a new luxury magazine called Opul. She will be working directly with the man she has been admiring from afar, Nicholas Aristedis, the owner of Aris Magazines and her boss. The version of him she has painted in her head is nothing like the man she has come to know through work. As she quoted, “how can someone be so beautiful on the outside and yet so equally ugly on the inside?” At first their relationship is hostile and they bicker over a lot of things, but once their relationship grows they become a great team. Nick has been hurt over the years, but maybe his luck has changed with Mia? Several misunderstandings and a lot of hours put in to make this magazine a success could lead to more than just a work relationship. Is Mia ready for more? Is Nick ready to let go of his past?

Myths & Legends: An Indie Love Anthology – Review by Kylee Garner

Myths & LegendsMyths & Legends by Laura Greenwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a collection of short stories very loosely based on the common theme of Myths and Legends.

All the stories were little romance stories, some were sweet and a couple were raunchy. The raunchy ones had very explicit sex scenes. A couple of the stories also had frequent use of the “F” word.

Trigger Warning: one of the stories briefly describes self harm in the form of cutting and drug use.

There were a couple times that a story would jump in time without a smooth transition, but it wasn’t enough to detract too much from the story line.

Most of the stories were really great and would make great full length books if expanded

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Reviewed by: @kygarner4

The Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Desiree Ottinger

The Earl's Scandalous WagerThe Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was quite an interesting read from the very beginning. The Earl draws you in with his gallantry and then his misunderstanding of the workings of the female mind! (I feel like the author captured how men think eloquently!) Emily is someone you want to be friends with because of all the misfortunes that happen to her. You want to cheer her on and encourage her.

This was a romance novel without being over the top explicit. I appreciated that, too!

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An Unexpected Bonding (The Unexpected Trilogy Book 1) by Lilly Rayman – Review by Angela Hayes

An Unexpected BondingAn Unexpected Bonding by Lilly Rayman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

An Unexpected Bonding is the first book in The Unexpected Trilogy by Lilly Rayman. This is an original paranormal romance with vampires, shifters, Fae, Egyptian mythology, a secret society, drama, chemistry, interesting characters, and intriguing developments.
This is my first read from Lilly Rayman, so I really didn’t know what to expect- but the blurb intrigued me, so I took the chance and one-clicked myself a copy. What I discovered is a well-woven and richly descriptive story that held my attention the whole way through.
This story definitely has its own flair. It’s an interesting blend of vampires, shifters, mythology, fae, and spice. I enjoyed the authors original take on the ‘lore’. There were a few minor issues with the story- but nothing that detracted too much from my overall enjoyment of the book.
I am looking forward to exploring more of Ms. Rayman’s work.

Thank you, Lilly Rayman!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Michelle Austin

Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2)Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 2nd book in the Meraki series and I really enjoyed it. The author does a great job of pulling you in with her writing.

Mia is finally getting a chance at her dream job. Only problem is Nicholas, they have chemistry but yet things can also be a little cold at times and they come at each other. When they have to go to Greece for an assignment things take an interesting twist.

Will these two finally get it right and connect?

Overall this was a great read. You can read as a stand alone but I suggest reading book one first, it will help you connect better with the characters. The characters added a great element to the story and I really liked them. My emotions were all over the place. If you’re looking for a great series 1-click and get started today.

Reviewed by @mab54615
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Sexy Drug (Losing My Heart Book 1) by Melody Calder – Review by Angela Packard

Sexy Drug (Losing My Heart #1)Sexy Drug by Melody Calder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was sucked into the story immediately. Drama, tension, drug cartel, and a daughter caught up in being a pawn among all the secrets. Can Ramone whose job is to keep Katie safe after being shot save her from a life that she has no control over? Katie suffers PTSD and anxiety attacks after being shot, can Ramone help her become the strong woman that her father expects? It is the only way to keep them both safe from her father, a drug boss. The book ends without satisfying all my questions. I can’t wait for the next in the series.

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Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare: A Children’s Book about New Experiences, Friendship, Stress Relief, and Kindness (Jake the Growling Dog Book 2) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Danielle Thompson

Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy DaycareJake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare: A Children’s Book about Trying New Things, Friendship, Finding Comfort and Kindness is the second installment in the Jake the Growling Dog! A children’s picture book series written by Samantha Shannon and illustrated by Lei Yang. Through this book’s fifty-two vibrant pages children will able to learn about healthy ways to overcome their own fears, deal with stress, and cope with new situations.

The book is told through the eyes of the series star character, Jake. He is a sweet and joyful dog who has a tendency to growl. In this particular book, Jake is faced with the adventure of going to Doggy Daycare for a couple of days for the first time. This makes him nervous and scared. With the help of his best friend Neet helps Jake overcome his fears in the beginning. After settling in, Jake is able to overcome his conflicting feelings when faced with more situations. By the end, he makes new friends at Doggy Daycare.

The story is told in rhyming verse with colorful pictures featuring Jake that will capture young readers’ minds as they relate to his struggles. It is a great read for young children who might be faced with new situations or people. They will encounter guidance that can help their own self-confidence in these situations and empathy for others in similar situations while encouraging friendship. I recommend this book to school-agers, and parents to read to their children.

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My Sweet GI AUDIO BOOK by T.L Wainwright – Review by Betsy Melano

My Sweet GI by T.L. Wainwright is a romance story taking place in England during WWII. It is a beautiful story that captured my heart from the start. Jenny is a sweet young woman who meets Teddy when he comes into the shop she works at looking for candy. Even though they’re from different countries, they find a connection that pulls them tougher quickly. What will the war do to this connection?

The narrator Rooke Kingston is wonderful at helping the story along and easily makes us realize each of the characters. Thank you Ms. Kingston for the beautiful narration.

Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Rachel Moss

Love by Design (The Meraki series, #2)Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love By Design (Book Two in the Meraki Series) by Effie Kammenou was a great read! I feel like this series can be read as a standalone, as I enjoyed it that way. This book was very interesting, and kept me interested and enthralled from the first page. I really enjoyed the first book in this series when I read it, and I’m very happy to say this book was just as good if not better than the first. I also loved all the destination stuff that was involved throughout this novel. It added another element to this story that made it even better. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

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Cursed Whispers (Broderick Coven Series Book 3) by AJ Renee – Review by Angela Hayes

Cursed Whispers (Broderick Coven, #3)Cursed Whispers by A.J. Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

Cursed Whispers is the third book in the Broderick Coven Series by A.J. Renee. I know I said this for the previous book in this series- but this is definitely my favourite, so far. The series just seems to get better and better with each new instalment.
This is a wonderful paranormal romance with witches, shifters, chemistry, danger, drama, magic, and more. I was hooked right from the beginning and read the entire story in one sitting.
Max Broderick gave off Dr. Dolittle vibes, as he can literally ‘talk to the animals’. But he’s in for quite a life changing surprise when he rescues a dying wolf. The wolf turns out to be a beautiful shifter by the name of Claudia- who has a complicated story to tell. When everything is revealed, Max will do everything he can to help and protect Claudia. What happens makes for a really great read!
Can’t wait for more.

Thank you, A.J Renee!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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The Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Betsy Melano

The Earl's Scandalous WagerThe Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson is a tale of a young woman of noble birth who is put up as a wager by her stepbrother due to his gambling problem. When we first meet Emily Brumville, she is in considerable distress because the situation her stepbrother has put her in. Outwardly, she strives to not look so worried & scared. Emily cannot believe all of the gentleman at the table are actually going through with this wager.

This story and how the main characters, Emily Brumville and Phillip Beckely Benton, Earl of Lenbridge start learning about each other and interacting caught my attention right away. I couldn’t wait to read more about the newlyweds and how they build their relationship to each other’s benefit and hopefully eventually to love each other. To add to the mix, Phillip’s family members, the woman Phillip had planned to marry, and Emily’s stepbrother, all seem to be under suspicion as the one causing mischief against the newlyweds. Who could be so against this union? What would be their motive?

I really enjoyed this book. I hope you do too.

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Luminoso (The Luminara Series, Book 4) by SJ Molloy – Review by Angela Hayes

Luminoso (Luminara, #4)Luminoso by S.J. Molloy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

3.5 Stars

 

Luminoso is the fourth book in the Luminara series by S.J Molloy. This story follows on from book three, so it isn’t a standalone. The series/books really need to be read in sequence to fully appreciate the story.
I have been on the fence with this series, having read the first three books as a boxset, I had felt that the story was really drawn out and could have been condensed into one or two books- and after reading this one, I still feel the same way- as this fourth instalment still doesn’t conclude the series, as there are two more books (at least) still to come- so I definitely think that they could have been condensed into a trilogy. The whole thing is very wordy and that frustrated me. But, I have warmed up to Lucca more in this book- but still couldn’t connect with Lexi in the way I would have liked, which was disappointing.
As mentioned in my review for the first three books- some of the dialogue/situations felt forced, somewhat awkward, or stilted- which was still an issue in this book, for me- although it does seem to have improved a bit from the first three books- and I did ‘enjoy’ this book more than the first three.
Crossing my fingers as I head into book #5.

Thank you, S.J. Molloy!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Southland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler and Brooke Tentler – Review by Angela Hayes

Southland Academy for Supernatural YouthSouthland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

Southland Academy For Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler and Brooke Tentler is such a fun read. This is a paranormal mystery aimed at early teen readers, but really can be enjoyed at any age.
At the Southland Academy for Supernatural Youth, strange things seem to be happening. Things are going missing, and trouble is brewing- but our band of endearing misfits is on the case- and so starts this wonderful little story.
I really enjoyed exploring this book and joining the quirky band of misfits on their adventure.
Looking forward to more from this duo.

Thank you, Sandra Tentler & Brooke Tentler.

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Sexy Drug (Losing My Heart Book 1) by Melody Calder – Review by Chrissy Spulak

Sexy Drug (Losing My Heart #1)Sexy Drug by Melody Calder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I give Sexy Drug (Losing My Heart Book 1) by Melody Calder 5 out of 5 stars. This book hits the ground running and is a page-turner for sure! When spoiled daughter Katie is under attack, her father puts Ramone in charge of keeping her safe with one very important rule – keep your hands off! Ramone and Katie butt heads, so he thinks this will be no problem…boy, is he wrong! It’s not hard to get wrapped up in the lives of Katie and Ramone and these two are characters you will love to root for. The pace of this story keeps your attention and is well-written. The best part? It’s book 1 of the Losing My Heart series, so there is definitely more romance and action to come! Highly recommend this author and this book.

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Tapestry of Worlds, Part Two: Running and Gunning by Hadley Thorne – Review by Erica Fish

Tapestry of Worlds, Part Two: Running and GunningTapestry of Worlds, Part Two: Running and Gunning by Hadley Thorne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is the second book in the Tapestry of Worlds series. I highly recommend reading the first book to get the most enjoyment of this book. This is a YA supernatural adventure book. The story is original. The characters are what make this story good. The characters are not only people but also shifters. The Black Queen is back but so is the White Queen. The battle that is about to happen is opening the nine mythical Ragnarok Gates, which will bring hell on earth. Will the White Queen and the elite group fight off the Black Queen’s plan? How many of the mythical Ragnarok Gates will be opened? I recommend this book to see what happens between Black Queen and White Queen.

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The Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Carly Vogler

The Earl's Scandalous WagerThe Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Earl’s Scandalous Wager, by Wareeze Woodson, is a historical romance you won’t soon forget. When Emily is used as a wager in a bet, she can’t believe the men would follow through and allow it. It becomes all too real when Emily’s stepbrother loses the bet and she is now the property of the Earl of Lenbridge.

What is in Emily’s future? Will she be traded again? Will she be forced to marry this man. Worse yet, will she be his mistress? I love the way this story played out and can’t wait to delve into more stories by Wareeze.

Review by Carly Vogler

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Apocalypse NOPE!! (Queerpocalypse) by Deidre Huesmann – Review by Erica Fish

Apocalypse NOPE!!Apocalypse NOPE!! by Deidre Huesmann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is not my first book by this author but it has become one of my favorites. Deidre Huesmann does an amazing job with this familiar story with her own twists. Her character building is clever. This is about Ivy-Jean and her apocalypse dilemma. She is an awkward teenager, who opens a piece of mail that was sent to her neighbor. That is when all hell breaks through literally. She has started the four horsemen of the apocalypse on their tasks. If she does not help bring the world to an end, they will kill her mother. What would you do to save your mother? Will the four horsemen be sent on their mission or will they have a different agenda? I highly recommend reading this story to see what our awkward teenager chooses to do.

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Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Stephanie Nicole

Love by Design (The Meraki series, #2)Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As with her first book in the Meraki series Love by Design is amazing. While it can be read as a standalone I highly recommend reading Love is What you Bake of it first for context, reacuring characters, and some family details. Just like the first book Love by Design is a fun, light, and slightly funny book, but don’t let that fool you. While Miss Kammenou gives us a lighter romance story it is still full of adventure, mystery, and drama that will keep you furiously flipping the pages to find out what happens next. Once again Miss Kammenou gives us wonderful character descriptions, great scenery, and overall a wonderful story. I know I for one can’t wait to see what Miss Kammenou gives us next.

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Love is What You Bake of it (The Meraki Series Book 1) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Stephanie Nicole

Love is What You Bake of itLove is What You Bake of it by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you love light, funny, romance novels then you will love Miss Kammenou’s first installment to the Meraki seires. Love is What You Bake of it has great characters, beautiful descriptions and a great flow to make up a wonderful story. Honestly the first thing that drew me to this book was the front cover, but once I started reading I didn’t want to put it down. At only 280 pages Miss Kammenou gives us a story with a lot going on but its not your typical hot and steamy romance novel, instead Miss Kammenou gives us love with a humorous side. So if you are looking for a light, easy read then I highly recommend Love is What You Bake of it.

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Our Wicked Lies by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Kaitlynn Taylor

Our Wicked LiesOur Wicked Lies by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Our Wicked Lies- Glede Browne Kabongo

5-stars

This was my first book by this author but it most certainly won’t be my last! I absolutely loved this book from start to finish and ended up reading it in one sitting as I couldn’t bring myself to put it down, I just had to get answers to all of my questions.

This author managed to pull me in right from the start, I was fully intrigued and remained that way until the very end. This story was incredibly captivating, detailed, intense, unexpected and really entertaining. I loved everything about this story and I cannot wait to read more by this phenomenal author.

If you are looking for a great thrilling read look no further this is the book for you!

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My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss Book 1) by Carmen Richter – Review by Candida Hopper

My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss #1)My Lips Are Sealed by Carmen Richter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My Lips Are Sealed (Sealed With a Kiss Book 1)
By Carmen Richter

This book is full of emotion. There are alot of things going on in this story. Zoe’s boyfriend goes missing and she is having a hard time dealing with this so her family leaves for the summer. When she comes back she still feels the same until she meets Elijah. What these two have is forbidden but can they make it work anyway? This book is full of loss, tragedy, friendship, romance, family, hope and more. I laughed, cried, got angry, and all the emotions in between while reading this book. This book may not be everybody’s cup of tea but I thoroughly enjoyed the emotional roller-coaster this book put me through and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I recommend this book.

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Our Wicked Lies by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Ashley Dover

Our Wicked LiesOur Wicked Lies by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! What a twisted story!

Alicia and Eliot Gray have been married for twenty years, twenty years of marital bliss. At least that is what Alicia thinks. Eliot is a successful partner at a law firm in Boston. Alicia is the mother of his two beautiful children and a homemaker. Alicia volunteers at a women’s clinic in Boston three days a week. Her best friend, Katalina Torres Deluca, lives on her street but owns a successful marketing firm in Boston. They’ve been best friends for two years.

Everything seems perfect for Alicia and Eliot until the hidden lies start to unfold. Piece by shocking piece the story of the last fifteen years is unfolded wickedly by Gledé Brown Kabongo, and you won’t believe the truth when it is revealed.

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Bake Believe by Cori Cooper – Review by Kaitlynn Taylor

Bake BelieveBake Believe by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bake Believe – Cori Cooper

4-stars

This was an incredibly entertaining and quirky read that I was able to read in one sitting. It’s intriguing, witty, original and captivating. It was truly a one-of-a-kind story; I’ve honestly never read anything like this.

I really enjoyed how this author was able to accurately portray Cat’s thoughts and her life as young girl in a realistic way. And I thoroughly enjoyed the added bonus of easy and delicious recipes with witty commentary.

If you are looking for a fun and light read look no further this is the book for you!

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Chased (A Cambridge Men of Honour Novel Book One): A Dark Mafia Bad Boy Romance (Cambridge Men of Honour—Dark Mafia Romances 1) by Felicity Brandon – Review by Opal Nelson

ChasedChased by Felicity Brandon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although I was not a fan of some of the scenes within the novel, I have got to admit that Felicity does have a way with words and is a creative storyteller. I was escorted out of my comfort zone and invited to take a ride on the literary wild side. That is the beauty of story writing – although the reader and the author may have opposing views- the author is enticing, alluring, and engaging enough to capture and maintain the readers’ attention and interest; Felicity did just that. A short, spicy, and delectable read.

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Antipodes by T.S. Simons—Reviewed by Jerricka Brown

AntipodesAntipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was awesome. It is well written and an attention grabber. I took a chance on this book, being outside my comfort zone of reading. I am glad I did. I was taken on an amazing adventure. I could picture everything that was happening in my mind. I can’t wait to read more from T.S. Simons and this series.

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READY FOR FLYNN, PART 1 (READY FOR FLYNN SERIES) AUDIO BOOK by K.L. SHANDWICK – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

This is a great audio. An emotional rollercoaster as I am listening to the story…. I stop and my heart is just breaking at points of what happens. Definitely emotional listen when tragedy strikes Valerie and her family. Hearing the back story as well of Flynn…. just tore at my heartstrings. The narrator is fantastic as well. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Blood Mug (Red Farlow Mysteries Book 4) by W.F. Ranew – Review by Heidi Schoolman

Blood Mug (Red Farlow Mysteries: #4)Blood Mug by W.F. Ranew
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the fourth book in the Red Farlow Mysteries series. This is a Crime novel and is 253 pages. This story follows the P.I., Red Farlow. Red heads to Atlanta for a meeting with a chairman, but when he arrives at the pottery studio, Red finds him dead from a stabbing. The killer used a medieval dagger. As Red starts his investigation, he soon finds more victims, all dead and in the same way. But why the dagger and why everyone in this studio?

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Betrayal at the Beach (Dangerous Curves Book 1) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Heidi Schoolman

Betrayal at the Beach: A Cozy Christian Mystery (Dangerous Curves Book 1)Betrayal at the Beach: A Cozy Christian Mystery by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Dangerous Curves series. This is a Cozy Mystery novel and is 234 pages. This story follows Sunshine, Molly and Evangeline. When a library treasure and funds go missing, Sunshine and her library coworkers are on the case! Sunshine was tasked with planning the annual library gala, but the money raised, and the library’s 400-year-old Bible is stolen. The only problem is the only experience they have is what they have read in books. And to make matters worse, one of her coworkers could be the thief.

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Love by Design (The Meraki Series #2) by Effie Kammenou-Review by Amanda Kimble

Love by Design (The Meraki series, #2)Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5/5 Stars

Love by Design (The Meraki Series #2) by Effie Kammenou

This is the second book in The Meraki Series. It’s also the second book I’ve ready by Kammenou. Love by Design is amazing just like Love is What You Bake of It.

Mia is living in the city instead of with her family. She doesn’t want to be stuck in a small town. When she meets Nicholas her life is flipped upside down. The quote I chose for Mia is: “Precious time. That’s not for me. How did couples meet before all this online stuff? What happened to the old-fashioned way of meeting by chance, or at work, or through a friend?”

Nicholas runs his business with his sister. When he meets Mia things change. He isn’t sure what to make of her. Things aren’t clear until they spend time alone. The quote I chose for Nicholas is:“Well, I’ll leave you to your thoughts.”

Highly recommended for Contemporary Romance lovers.

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An Unexpected Bonding (The Unexpected Trilogy Book 1) by Lilly Rayman – Review by Heidi Schoolman

An Unexpected BondingAn Unexpected Bonding by Lilly Rayman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in The Unexpected Trilogy. This is a Paranormal Romance and is 430 pages. This story follows Livvie and Darius. There is a centuries old fight between the vampires and the wolves. Livvie has been living in Texas and running an inherited ranch for the last decade. Her fiancé died and she continues to run the ranch in his memory. Darius is a wandering vampire whose wife died a few years ago and so he wanders trying to escape her memories. He ultimately comes to work on Livvie’s ranch. The attraction between these two are undeniable, but can they overcome the past of their kind?

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