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Twisted Bond by Danielle Jacks – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Twisted BondTwisted Bond by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up by her. I never hesitate to pick up her books. I enjoy her writing skills that are used to bring the story to life on each page. This book is no different. This is a well written romance paranormal story that is hard to put down. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into their world from the first world. They have great chemistry and an attraction that is undeniable. I enjoyed watching their growth throughout the story. Rose has a plan but what she didn’t expect was to be attracted to the enemy.. What will fate have in store for Rose and Titan? This is a fast paced story that you don’t want to miss for sure. It is engaging where the characters will have you coming back for more. This is a great story that I highly recommend.

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Review by @bjwagner

A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kristine Solano-Witucky

A Monster for MegA Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book! It was such a great read, my girls enjoyed it as well. The way Meg’s sister describes the monsters o her because she is visually impaired is unique and also informative.It’s well written and unique. Definitely going to read more from this author.

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What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tonya Merritt

What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor)What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can never decide which books by Lois Wickstrom are my favorite because every time I read a new one, I love it. This is an Alex the Inventor book and it’s one of my favorites. I love the science involved and how everything is explained in a way a child would understand and wonder. Lois Wickstrom has a way with teaching children the things that you don’t think about teaching them.

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Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Shelly Kittell

Helpful HudsonHelpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a sweet little book. I’m not too sure that young children know quite what self-care is but I think this is a good teacher for helping them know what to do when they maybe feel grumpy. Either way, it can start a discussion. I love how the story brings the whole family together. Family is important, especially in today’s world. The pictures are bright and engaging. A very sweet book that can be enjoyed by many.This is a sweet little book. I’m not too sure that young children know quite what self-care is but I think this is a good teacher for helping them know what to do when they maybe feel grumpy. Either way, it can start a discussion. I love how the story brings the whole family together. Family is important, especially in today’s world. The pictures are bright and engaging. A very sweet book that can be enjoyed by many.

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Sleeping Love by Natalina Reis – Review by Tonya Merritt

Sleeping LoveSleeping Love by Natalina Reis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this remake of Sleeping Beauty, you’ll fall in love with the characters. Ayo and Yi are the perfect romantic couple. Is a kiss just a kiss or is it love? This story has action, adventure, friendships, and of course love. It takes a few chapters to get into the story and then you are hooked.

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Concert Hall Hit (A Darcy Gaughan Mystery) by J.C. Kenney – Review by Mary Espinoza

Concert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan MysteryConcert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan Mystery by J.C. Kenney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was my first read by the author and I can say…I wasn’t disappointed at all! I found this book to be a thrilling murder mystery mixed with quite a bit of movie and musical references, which just made the book that much better! Darcy finds herself in a unique situation as being a number one suspect to murder! Darcy just can’t fathom how this predicament came about, but the one thing that she knows is that she needs to find a way to prove her innocence. This was a fun small town mystery that had plenty of twists and turns! I enjoyed every second of reading this book. I found out that this book was part two of a series, but not once did I feel lost, the author did a great job of writing the backstory into this book. I will be going back to read the first book because this one was so good! I definitely recommend reading this one as it was definitely enjoyable!

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Mary Espinoza, May 2023

Twisted Bond by Danielle Jacks – Review by Shelly Kittell

Twisted BondTwisted Bond by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, what a tale of twisted love this is. Rose and Titan aren’t necessarily meant for each other but, dog gone, the sparks and chemistry pull them together like two magnets. MMMMM, the steam coming off those two. A tale with a little bit of a fairy tell retelling. It’s delightfully entertaining with characters that are quirky and twisted, cranky and odd. Rose and Titan have issues and baggage but can they work it out to break the curse? Not telling, you have to get the book and read it. This author does a fantastic job with writing a story that will pull you in, give you the giggles and make you sweat. Not to mention, look at that eye candy on the cover. This is a paranormal romance with a twist of suspense that will make you want to hide in the tower just to read it by your lonesome.

Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Tonya Merritt

Helpful HudsonHelpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a very cute book! Helpful Hudson is so many of us in the world no matter the age anyone could learn from this book. You have to remember yourself when you constantly help others. Definitely recommending this to everyone I know.

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Editor Kill Fee (The Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries Book 3) by GG Collins – Review by Tonya Merritt

Editor Kill Fee (Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries #3)Editor Kill Fee by G.G. Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has a lot going on. There is an overuse of detail but it doesn’t harm the story. This book reminded me so much of Missing 411 and kept me entranced to every word. It’s a quick paced book with tons of knowledge to be learned. A modern mystery on the shoulders of a young editor.

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The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta – Review by Tonya Merritt

The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and AwakenThe Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Every story digs deeper into your soul and reminds you how small you can be. John told the tales of his life and the way things happened to him perfectly. You’ll keep turning pages to find out what he is going through. The book teaches you to love more boldly and how well life lines up for that love. Great book to read, even more than once if you’d like.

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Concert Hall Hit (A Darcy Gaughan Mystery) by J.C. Kenney – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Concert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan MysteryConcert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan Mystery by J.C. Kenney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Concert Hall Hit (A Darcy Gaughan Mystery) by J.C. Kenney

Concert Hall Hit is a Cozy Mystery that will have you turning the pages while on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what happens next. This is a fairly new author to me and I’m definitely going to check out what other books they have written . This is the perfect Cozy Mystery to curl up on the couch on a rainy day and get lost in the pages. The characters are developed, relatable and real and make the story come to life. I was so invested in Darcy and what was going on in this story that I had no idea of the time. What would you do if you were the last person to see someone alive? What if you were considered their number one suspect? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.

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Underboss’s Retaliation (Sicilian Gods Book 2) by Via Mari – Review by Tracy Greenhalgh

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63117069-underboss-s-retaliation” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Underboss’s Retaliation (Sicilian Gods Book 2)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1666945808l/63117069._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63117069-underboss-s-retaliation”>Underboss’s Retaliation</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16229360.Via_Mari”>Via Mari</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5574078187″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
The second book in the series is an amazing continuation from Bosses Vendetta, In this book we follow Dominic as he finds his place as the underboss of the family, starting with the destruction of the home of their rival family. <br /><br />Emilia, thinks she can escape the Larussio family when they stormed her family home, her, and her brother escape, but are they safe? <br /><br />Taken hostage, kidnapped, held against her will, all of these are all thoughts that must run through Emilias head when she is really being protected. <br /><br />Truth can hurt when it is spoken by those that should protect you with their lives, Emilia finds her family is not as close as it should be, and her parents lie. <br /><br />I found this book a joy to read, the characters continue to grow and the world around them is well described. I cannot wait to read more
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Consigliere’s Revenge (Sicilian Gods Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Tracy Greenhalgh

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123849365-consigliere-s-revenge” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Consigliere’s Revenge (Sicilian Gods Book 3)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1679877819l/123849365._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123849365-consigliere-s-revenge”>Consigliere’s Revenge</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16229360.Via_Mari”>Via Mari</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5574128689″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Wow what an enthralling third book in the series, in this n=book we follow Lorenzo the third in line of the Larussio Crime Family, The family strategist and problem solver. And his problem walked in the door in the form of the redheaded reporter Isabella. <br /><br />Trying to get answers to why her father is behind bars, Izzy knows she needs to get information from as many crime families as she can, and using her skills within the Entertainment Magazines and newspapers to tell the truth and try not to make enemies at the same time… <br /><br />Still seeing the character growth from Salvatore and Dominic we see how Lorenzo grows as a character in his own right. <br /><br />More kidnapping and threats to life find Izzy in hiding with one of those that she feels is one who has information she needs about her dad and her family, can she manange her feelings, or learn to trust. Can Izzy trust Lorenzo?? <br /><br />Another enjoyable book by this delightful story telling author.
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The Boys of Alpha Block by Nancy Nau Sullivan

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The Boys of Alpha Block by Nancy Nau Sullivan
Genre – Women’s Suspense Fiction
Page Count – 225
Cover Designer – Colbie Myles
The boys are determined to break out of prison, but they don’t consider the frightening consequences of making a run for it. When Tarvis arrives at Alpha Correctional Center, he ignites a plan that ringleader Jesse Allen has been cooking up. Rick is making shivs out of school supplies, and Julius fuels the hate with his disastrous choices. As the plan rolls out, their teacher, Caroline McBride, knows something is up, but she doesn’t know what. The air is tense. At odds with the cruel deputy staff, she and William Bonner, the counselor—and her lover—hear the rumblings, but they can’t stop the inevitable. The big blow up. The escape. But freedom is as elusive as a dream.

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Nancy Nau Sullivan is the author of memoir, mystery, and a novel—THE BOYS OF ALPHA BLOCK. She wrote for newspapers in high school and college and later worked as an editorial assistant in New York. She’s a former journalist and teacher.

Born in San Francisco, Nancy grew up outside Chicago and often visited Anna Maria Island, Florida. She returned to the island with her family and wrote an award-winning memoir, THE LAST CADILLAC, about the years she cared for her father while her children were still at home–a harrowing adventure of travel, health issues, adolescent angst, and hurricanes. She went back to the Florida setting for her first cozy mystery, SAVING TUNA STREET, creating the fictional Santa Maria Island for the Blanche Murninghan mystery series, now in its fourth installment with A DEATHLY IRISH SECRET. She based THE BOYS OF ALPHA BLOCK on the years she taught in a boys’ prison in Florida.

Nancy is a graduate of the University of San Francisco (San Francisco College for Women) in Spanish and political science and holds a master’s degree in journalism from Marquette University. She lives in Northwest Indiana. Find her at www.nancynausullivan.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter @NauSullivan.

Author Interview with Nancy Nau Sullivan

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Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford

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Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford
Genre – Kids
Page Count – 34
Cover Designer – Misty Black Designs

 Hudson is an amazing helper, but what will happen when his helpfulness leaves him feeling tired and overwhelmed?

Helpful Hudson is a fun, fast-paced story designed to help young readers learn the importance of looking after their own needs. As Hudson understands the value of self-care, he learns to become a better helper to himself and others.

Author Dannielle Pickford is a qualified physiotherapist with years of experience helping children learn and grow. Read along, and discover new literacy and social-emotional skills on every page!

Written for readers aged 3 to 7, Helpful Hudson provides an introduction to important life lessons that support children to become happy, healthy, and confident individuals. With an engaging narrative and bright illustrations, this book makes learning fun!

In Helpful Hudson, young readers will:

        Discover valuable social-emotional skills

        Learn the importance of self-care

        Practise reading and comprehension

Want to support your child’s learning journey? Start reading Helpful Hudson, and explore other picture books by Dannielle Pickford.

Purchase a copy of Helpful Hudson today!

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Author Dannielle Pickford is a physiotherapist with years of experience helping children learn and grow. Dannielle Pickford created her first series after years of helping her child develop his speech sounds.

As an author Dannielle aims to tackle big and sometimes difficult conversations, give a step up to those who are falling behind, and let every child know they are perfect just the way they were made, not by making one generic book to fit all children but authentic, inclusive books with characters of all races and abilities.

Read along, and discover new literacy and social-emotional skills on every page!

Author Interview with Dannielle Pickford

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Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper

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Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper
Genre – Clean Romance
Page Count – 354
Cover Designer – Immortal Works
Bailey’s brother and his stupid list of ways she needs to improve is driving her bonkers, especially when that list is the reason she’s stuck going on a date with the weirdest guy at the Froyo shop: Tanner. But the date—and the guy, for that matter—turn out to be very different than Bailey expected. As Bailey and Tanner get to know each other better, Bailey is forced to face all those imperfections she’s been ignoring for years. There’s no doubt she has what it takes to get over herself.

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Cori Cooper lives in the magical Arizona Mountains, which she’s pretty convinced is the setting for all the fairy tales. Besides writing stories and daydreaming about ridiculously poofy dresses with sparkly glass slippers, she adores hanging out with her family, playing board games as long as she doesn’t have to read the instructions, watching Jane Austen remakes unless they are too modern, baking without recipes which means frequent kitchen fails and collecting fuzzy knees socks that don’t match. You can connect with Cori on Instagram, Facebook, Bookbub, Goodreads and her website – Coristories.com

Author Interview with Cori Cooper

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Twisted Bond by Danielle Jacks

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Twisted Bond by Danielle Jacks
Genre – Paranormal Romance
Page Count – 182
Cover Designer – Melissa Gill Designs

Rose

My name is Rose Wolfbane. Being a wolf is my legacy. But what happens when an enemy coven of witches twists magic to distort such a gift?

My coven and I now live by the moon’s phases, and transforming into a wolf is no longer a choice. If we want to break the curse and take back our magic, I must pretend to be someone I’m not. Navigating the Dutchmen’s lands won’t be easy, but my people are counting on me.

My enemy, the prince of the Dutchmen coven, is searching for a wife, and I’m going to use this to my advantage. I can’t afford to fail, but what if I’m attracted to the prince’s darkness?

 

Titan

I don’t want a wife, but I have no choice. I must conceive a child before I take on my family’s responsibilities and my time is running out. The current amplifier of my realm’s magic is my father, with the help of a rare moonstone, but with every day that passes, the magic consumes him. He’s dying, and it’s my burden to become the new holder of the precious gem.

When Rose shows up in my realm, something changes deep inside me. I’m no longer focused on what I should do. Instead, I’m questioning my future.

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Danielle lives in Yorkshire, England, with her husband, daughter, and tortoise. She enjoys reading, watching the rain, and listening to old music. Her dreams include writing stories, visiting magical places, and staying young at heart. The people who know her describe her as someone who has her head in the clouds and her mind in a book.

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Trapping the Butterfly (Butterflies Fly Free Series Book 1) by Debra Parmley

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Trapping the Butterfly (Butterflies Fly Free Series Book 1) by Debra Parmley
Genre – Historical Romance
Page Count – 186
Cover Designer – Sheri L. McGathy

Hot Springs Arkansas

The 1920s

On the eve of her eighteenth birthday, Bethany is eager to celebrate at the Arlington Hotel. More than anything she wants to cut her long hair into a bob, raise her hemline, and learn to do the Charleston.

Unfortunately, every aspect of her life is strictly controlled by her aunt and uncle who want to keep her–and her inheritance–stiflingly close. If they have their way, she will return from her holiday engaged to her uncle’s new business partner.

Little do any of them know Al Capone has rented the fourth floor of the Arlington, and one of his men has taken a liking to Bethany. All that stands between the innocent young woman and the hardened gangster is Detective Paul Tollick.

Instantly drawn to Bethany’s enchanting beauty, Paul will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Between deadly criminals and oppressive family ties, can he help her claim the freedom to follow her heart?

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Author Debra Parmley believes “Every day we are alive is a beautiful day,” and she likes to give her readers and her story people a story that ends happily.

An Air Force veteran’s wife, Debra is most known for writing military romantic suspense. She also writes contemporary romance, holiday romance, fairytale romance, 1920s romance, and gritty western historical romance.

Her first romance, A Desperate Journey, a gritty western historical, was published in 2008 in eBook and 2009 in print after being selected as one of ten novels to compete in the American Title II contest put on by Dorchester Publishing and Romantic Times Book Lovers magazine. One year later, her agent sold the book to a small traditional press that offered a small advance, and she went on to write for five small presses.

Debra is an adventurous writer who lives in a motorhome full-time with her husband as they travel the U.S. She has sold travel, walked the plank of a pirate ship off the coast of Grand Cayman, swum with dolphins in Moorea in French Polynesia, escorted a bus full of people through Scotland, and set foot in 13 countries.

She married her high school sweetheart, whom she asked out after a five-dollar bet. After living in five states with her husband and two sons, and living for 23 years just outside Memphis, TN, she and her husband sold everything in Memphis and moved into a 43-foot motorhome, a 2010 Tiffin Allegro diesel bus, where they live full-time. Debra writes and travels the U.S. You can see many of her travels on her Beautiful Day Traveler blog.

Her romances are published as Debra Parmley and her other work, fairytales for all ages, fantasy, and children’s books, she writes as Debra Bishop.

Visit www.debraparmley.com

Author Interview with Debra Parmley

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Editor Kill Fee (The Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries Book 3) by GG Collins

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Editor Kill Fee (The Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries Book 3) by GG Collins
Genre – Cozy Mystery
Page Count – 228
Cover Designer – Tatiana Vila, Vila Design

Mystery editor Taylor Browning is back with her cats and this time the “cantankerous cat” Oscar and new brother Cheddar get in on the action.The president of the Santa Fe Wine and Crime book club takes a wrong turn. To her horror she finds herself on one of the most deadly roads in the area. She doesn’t make her meeting and no one knows what has happened to her. Taylor, an honorary member of the book club, becomes involved with the search for the club president. What she doesn’t expect is going undercover as a delivery driver involved in chile trafficking. This is complicated by the disappearance of the restaurateur who uses the Mayan Death Pepper in his dishes.Meanwhile back at the book publishing office, it’s one crisis after another. One employee is fired by the highly flammable CEO Jessica Endicott. Her departure leaves the publisher in financial trouble threatening its very existence.When Taylor and friend Jim Wells find themselves in jeopardy in the Pecos Wilderness, it’s difficult to know who to trust. Det.Victor Sanchez races against time to rescue the two but there are jurisdiction issues. Can he uncover the mastermind before Taylor and Jim pay the price for their interference or will other forces step in?

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Click here to view the Book Trailer for Editor Kill Fee (The Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries Book 3) by GG Collins

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G G Collins loves the southwestern US where many of her stories are located. She can be found hiking through ruins of the ancient ones and enjoying New Mexican cuisine. When not traipsing about, she makes up stories with great friendships, quirky characters and, oh yeah, dead bodies. In real life she shares her time with a man, several neurotic—and psychic—cats and the ongoing struggle to grow a garden.

Author Interview with GG Collins

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book #3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Angela Hayes

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3)Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

4.5 Stars

 

Brutal Days is the third book in the Hidden Valley Elite series by Isla Vaughn. It is a New Adult (High School) romance, with a bit of an enemies-to-lovers element, angst, drama, secrets, lies, jealousy, friendship, intrigue, emotion, and much more.
The ‘Elites’ are the top of the food chain at Hidden Valley Elite high school. They are brothers Damon and Cole, and their cousins, twin brothers Phoenix and Shane. They are the football stars of school, and every girls dream- and they know it. The final year of high school means that plans are afoot- bucket lists are made, and Skylar has an important quest that she has been tasked with. But Damon has an agenda of his own. Soon, sparks fly, and things heat up- and you guessed it- things take an intriguing turn that you won’t want to miss.
Damon and Skylar’s story is set to continue in the next instalment- “Brutal Nights” (Book #4). So I can’t wait to see where we go from here. I am also excited to know that each of the elites are set to get their own book/s as well, so we will have more books to sink our teeth into.
This is the third book in the series, but the first book in Damon and Skylar’s story, so it could be read as a standalone if you wanted. But, having said that, I highly recommend reading the previous three books (prequel, Book #1, Book #2) before starting on this one as I feel that knowing what happened there will enhance your reading experience of this story. The previous books help lay the foundations of the series, as well as giving character introductions, and other ‘groundwork’ which knowing will definitely help elevate your reading experience of each instalment, as well as the Hidden Valley Elite series, as a whole.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Isla Vaughn!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor)What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What do the Plants Say? Is part of the Alex, the Inventor series. This book is a fun, creative story with colorful pictures. I read it with my 7 year old son- he read the first half, then I read the second half. It is a good book for early readers. He said he enjoyed it, but over analyzed it a bit. He pointed out Alex didn’t have her recorder while flying, lol. I love the creativity of the sounds the flowers make. I like that the illustrator drew the flowers in different levels of bloom on each page. The author is full of endless creativity and I always enjoy sharing her book with my kiddos.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3)Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Holy Wow!!! Brutal Days is Book 3 in the Hidden Valley Elite Series and the story of Damon and Sky and wow…….their story is a mind game, wrapped up with heavy banter, secrets, lies and some hot and heavy moments that leave you wanting so much more. I definitely recommend reading this series in order to really get to know the characters since the beginning….

Damon Savage is part of the “Elite” of Hidden Valley. He has high expectations of the next steps after High School in playing for college and to the Hidden Valley Society…untouchable. He holds a lot of anger within….especially toward his father….but what Damon did not expect was Sky..he wants her in some kind of way…and plays to win always.

Sky is headstrong, loyal friend and protects those she cares about. When her best friend Gia wants Damon for her own during her senior year of high school..Sky makes a deal with Damon but does not realize the game goes both ways. Damon wants Sky but she does not reciprocate back and only wants the best for her friend, Gia, to be with Damon. When the sparks fly between Damon and Sky….what happens when the dust settles?

I cannot get enough of this series let alone with this book!! I was not a fan of Damon in the first two books at all but this book changed everything for me and I love Damon…this book gave me all the feels of a bully romance that I just need more of the Hidden Valley Elite! Book 4 cannot come soon enough!

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Concert Hall Hit (A Darcy Gaughan Mystery) by J.C. Kenney – Review by Shannen Kern

Concert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan MysteryConcert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan Mystery by J.C. Kenney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book first before realizing that it was the second book in a series. I didn’t feel lost at all, so it can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed it so much that I’m picking up the first now though! The author did a great job building a realistic world and taking you on a fun mystery adventure. Darcy has her work cut out for her because a famous musician ends up dead in his dressing room…and she’s the suspect. This book really keeps you on your toes with the guessing game of whodunnit. I highly recommend this cozy mystery for a quick and fun read!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Concert Hall Hit (A Darcy Gaughan Mystery) by J.C. Kenney – Review by Paula R Sayers

Concert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan MysteryConcert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan Mystery by J.C. Kenney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first book by this author but I will definitely go back and read the first book in the series and the books that follow!! When Darcy is accused of the murder of guitarist Derek Tufnell, she decides that she needs to find out who the real killer is. Darcy is the local music store owner but does well as a sleuth. This is not her first murder case.

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Ayla Phipps

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3)Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My oh my. So far, I have read every book in the Hidden Valley Elite series including the prequel to the first duet about Riley and Cole. Once again Isla Vaughn hooks you on page one building the tension and suspense of what’s going to happen next. Never expecting turns but always seeing the signs when you think back. Told from dual perspectives of Damon and Skylar we are taken on a very heated journey.
Finally, senior year, this was the last year of high school and Skylar’s best friend had made a to do list of her four goals for the year. One for each quarter of the year, get invited to the Ring, get a popular boyfriend, lose her virginity, and become prom queen. Gia is nothing if not ambitious, but Skylar is the one tasked with playing deal maker behind the scenes. After her best friend selects Damon, the one person that has asked her out not once but twice and failed she has no choice but to give into his demands for him to “date” Gia. Damon is suddenly in a whirlwind of intrigue about the mystery that is Skylar. Taking full advantage of their agreement he quickly becomes addicted and even obsessed with her and fiercely jealous, which is very new for him. Both on the edge of a double-bladed knife desire and hatred war between them. Damon is used to getting any girl he wants with a single word, but Skylar is not like the others, she has a backbone made of steel and fire and isn’t intimidated by him or the girls that swarm the Elites. Gia on the other hand had no backbone and was quickly had Skylar and Damon both furious with her for her lack of defending her best friend.
Can Damon and Skylar overcome their hatred? What will happen to Gia when they can no longer keep their feelings a secret? Skylar’s father is set to be released from prison soon. What does that mean for her and her mom’s future? Enemy to lovers is honestly by favorite troupe and Isla Vaughn has hands down became my favorite go to author. Each of her amazing stories is based on realistic situations with a hint of fairy tale, for the happy ever after at the end of each duet. Brutal Days has a lot more heat than the previous installments but that was to be expected with Damon’s high levels of excess energy and need for a release be it football, a fight, or intimate. June 22nd, 2023 cannot come soon enough to learn how Damon and Skylar reach their happily ever after in Brutal Nights.

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Hope and Lies (The Abredea Series Book 1) by C.H. Lyn – Review by Betsy Melano

Hope and LiesHope and Lies by C.H. Lyn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a new series and a new author to me. The author does a wonderful job of world building this dystopian novel that pulls you into the world of Pangaea. Living in a caste society to keep everyone in peace and order. The story takes place in two different eras, one from 70 years ago and now, helping us understand how the characters feel, what they are trying to change and so much more. The story line is woven in such a way to keep us reading and wanting to know more. The fact that we see these characters grow and strengthen within the book helped keep my attention too.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author.

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Concert Hall Hit by J.C. Kenney – Review by Enisha Reaves

Concert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan MysteryConcert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan Mystery by J.C. Kenney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you are looking for a book full of mystery, fun characters, and tons of music references, then this one is for you.

Concert Hall Hit by J.C. Kenney follows music store owner Darcy Gaughan while she solves the mysterious murder of legendary British blues guitarist Derek Tufnell.

This book is such a fun and quick read full of lovable (and maybe a few not so lovable) characters who pull you in from the first page. The plot twists, turns, and weaves into the coziest of mysteries that will make you want to grab your record player.

Happy Reading!

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Tally and the Angel: Book Three, Japan by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

Japan (Tally and the Angel #3)Japan by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third Tally and the Angel book, and is set in Japan. It’s a fantastic continuation of the series! I love how readers get to explore different parts of the world through Tally’s travels and discover unique supernatural phenomena in the places she ends up.

Tally and the Angel is a great series for preteens who love learning about different cultures! Tally is a great heroine, always curious and good at making friends and getting into (and out of!) trouble. Tally’s new friends in this book, Yoshi and Miyu, help her explore Japan and share their family histories.

This is another five star book for me! I’m really enjoying this series! I would recommend starting from the first book, set in India, but there’s an introduction that gets you caught up if you’re particularly interested in Japan and want to jump in at this book.

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Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Manda Kelly

Hero Complex (Bluestone Series, #3)Hero Complex by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first read from this author. I truly enjoyed the way the story played out. The characters were somewhat complex and intriguing. The story was paced nicely. The chemistry between the main characters (and even the secondary characters) is amazing. It makes the story that much more enjoyable to read. I will definitely be reading more of her work.

Reviewed by Manda Kelly 2023

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A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Manda Kelly

A Monster for MegA Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a cute book. While the older sister was trying to point out the scary side, the little sister was pointing out the “real life” similarities. This is a great read for younger kids. The story reads quickly. The art work is engaging. My 3rd old nephew loved the story and the monsters.