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Stars Like Gasoline by Jessika Grewe Glover – Review by Julie Johnson

Stars Like GasolineStars Like Gasoline by Jessika Grewe Glover
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I had really high hopes for this book as they synopsis looked like something I’d be interested in. However, no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t get into this book. For starters, it switched back and forth a lot, something that I struggle in keeping up with the storyline. The story took forever to really pick up for me and by then, I was pretty much done. I did want to enjoy this book, and many others have, I just couldn’t get into it.

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Hot For Me (The Balefire Series Book 4) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Hot For Me (Balefire, #4)Hot For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another entertaining story about the members of the Balefire rock band. This time it’s Adam Tron’s turn to find love, and he finds it with pop diva Cristy Valor. Cristy is used to creating scandals and headlines, and now she’s joining Balefire on their latest tour. As soon as she steps onto the stage in one of her wild costumes, and he hears her sexy alto voice Adam is hooked. The fact that she can party hard and keep up with him and the rest of the boys also gets his attention, and with their obvious chemistry, it’s not long before Adam wants an actual relationship with Cristy. However, he feels like she’s holding back from him, but he’s determined to be patient.
Meanwhile, Cristy is happy flirting with the poster boy for tall, dark and sexy, Adam and the chemistry when they have sex is amazing. When he wants more than just sex, Cristy pulls away, as she has a secret and one which gives her nightmares. Throughout her career she’s prevented the tabloids from looking into her past, and she’s worried that if she opens up to Adam her secret will be discovered. Worse than that she’s worried what Adam will think if he finds out the truth and she doesn’t want to get her heart broken. The chemistry between Adam and Cristy sizzles off the page and leads to some steamy scenes. As usual the author brings the world of Balefire vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story and engaged with the characters.

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Stay For Me (The Balefire Series Book 5) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Kerry Baker

Stay For Me (The Balefire Series Book 5)Stay For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although this book is the 5th in the series it can easily be read as a standalone story. This is a second chance romance that is fast paced and quite exciting. This is the kind of story I really like and I have to say I loved the part the band had to play within this.
Initially, I didn’t fully connect with the characters. However, as the story went on I found myself warming to them much more. I enjoyed watching their development throughout the book and by the end I was fully engaged with them. This was a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed.

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Cecily in the City (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 3) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Kerry Baker

Cecily in the CityCecily in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a quick to read YA story that is engaging and entertaining. Cecily was a great character to read about and I thought she was really relatable, despite being a YA character. I think the author has done a great job of portraying the angst and drama of a young adult. It is exactly like the feeling I remember when I was of that age.
The story itself was well written. It is an easy read and perfect for an afternoon of reading. I enjoyed the fact we could see more of this characters development. I hope we get to see more installations of her journey still.

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Fiddle and Fire (Hearts of Gold Book 2) by Ariella Talix – Review by Barbara Bohls

Fiddle and Fire: A Steamy Historical MMF Romance (Hearts of Gold Book 2)Fiddle and Fire: A Steamy Historical MMF Romance by Ariella Talix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure what to think when I first started reading this book. It has everything that one would want form a historical romance. It also has a twist with some amazing MMF steamy romance. Let’s just start this out with saying this book pack a bunch of steam in the pages. It will have you wiggling in your seat, fanning yourself, and even blushing depending on who might walk by when you’re reading it. FABULOUS!!! It also carries with it the time period essence that you would expect from historical romance. Then add in some mystery and suspense. This book has everything to keep you turning pages and not wanting to put it down. It was a quick read because I just couldn’t stop reading. It’s like a can of Pringles, once you start you can’t stop. Be prepared for this to happen and make sure when starting this book you have the time to just fade out of your everyday situations and get lost in this amazingly well written book. You will not want the book to end. Enjoy your reading and remember it is okay to fan yourself while reading, actually I would say it is must. So good.
Reviewed by: @bbohls

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Afflicted Love (Rhythm & Heart Series) by Autumn Sand – Review by Tausha Treadway

Afflicted LoveAfflicted Love by Autumn Sand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Afflicted Love (Rhythm & Heart Series) by Autumn Sand. This is such a fun, quick read that will literally leave you hanging. Its the story of Lyle and Kyle who have gotten to know one another and have a lot in common. They both come from pretty traumatic childhoods. The more time they spend together the more they have feelings for one another. Kyle doesn’t have a problem with it. He’s proud to be in love with Lyle but Lyle is not so sure. He’s not sure how he feels about his feelings. They end up having a pretty toxic relationship together and in the end one truly gets their heart broken but can it be fixed. Can Lyle come to terms with being gay and can he prove to Kyle he has it all together and won’t hurt him any more? Read this fast paced short read that will leave you wanting more. Can’t wait for the next installment.

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A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tausha Treadway

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

A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom. This author writes the best book for kids and families. They always have a fun story and a lesson as well. This one is about Sue and her Sister Meg who is blind.Sue always tries to teach Meg about certain things by her senses but when it comes to monsters under your bed its hard to explain. Most kids are scared of Monsters but if you can’t see them why would you be scared. This is such a sweet, story that has a very valuable lesson about siblings. This book would make a great gift.

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Where Fire Meets Flame (Yours From The Ashes Book 1) by Elena Kincaid – Review by Lyndsey Fairley

Where Fire Meets Flame (Yours From the Ashes, #1)Where Fire Meets Flame by Elena Kincaid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a pretty quick read for me but I was left wanting more.
We meet Riley while on a job as a P.I. little does she know the danger she’s in. When a chance encounter brings back someone she thought forgot all about her, the sparks fly.
I really wanted to get to know these 2 more than we got to in this quick read. They had quick chemistry but it was very fast paced and over before I wanted it to be. Overall a great story I’m just greedy and want all the extra details.

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Consigliere’s Revenge (Sicilian Gods Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Tausha Treadway

Consigliere's Revenge (Sicilian Gods Book 3)Consigliere’s Revenge by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Consigliere’s Revenge (Sicilian Gods Book 3) by Via Mari. First of all I love this series and anything written by this author. This book is so good and its like I say for all of this authors books, be prepared to not put this book down! This is the story of Lorenzo who has come to Vegas from the old country to finish some things left undone. Part of his job with the Laruisso’s family is to spin stories to make them look good. Enter Izzy Arden a reporter has been spitting out stories of the famous mafia family for years. It doesn’t hurt that she’s red headed and gorgeous. Once they meet its like wildfire and they can’t control each other. Their passion is so strong it is uncontrollable. Will Lorenzo get the revenge he’s looking for while also getting the girl or will he lose his job and his love? This is a fast paced love story about revenge, murder and the mafia that you won’t want to miss.

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The Thieves (The Millersville Series Book 2 ) by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Charlene Gonzalez

The ThievesThe Thieves by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Susan Specht Oram did another amazing job. I highly recommend this one too if you are into thieves and thrills.
Jasmine is the type of person who won’t give up a fight but things get closer together hard choices become reality. What I love about this character is that she will not stop to save the ones she cares for and she will do anything to do it..

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Cabin Eight (The Millersville Series Book 3) by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Charlene Gonzalez

Cabin Eight (The Millersville series)Cabin Eight by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazing books especially if it has different series. The character Miranda kept me on my feet knowing that she wanted peace in her life from her memories, she found terror and mystery.
The author Susan Specht Oram did an amazing job keeping me on the edge and trying to solve a mystery. I also read the other series as well and wow. I do recommend this book if you are interested in mystery, thriller, and psychological stories.

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

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

Concert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan Mystery is the second book in this series. I have not read the first book in the series and was able to keep everything straight, so never fear if you read it out of order. This is my first book by this author, so I was unsure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised with a fun cozy mystery set in the small town of Marysburg. Darcy owns the popular Marysburg Music in town and suddenly becomes suspected of the murder of a visiting musician with a past. Darcy takes charge of clearing her name and solving the mysterious murder because she doesn’t fully trust the police. There are lots of fun and interesting characters that lead the story to the end. The story gives plenty of twists to keep the reader on their toes. I enjoyed this book and will be looking to backtrack and pick up the first book in this series. I recommend if you enjoy cozy mysteries, murder, and music. It is a fun read.

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Euphoric Wonderland by Ryan M. Becker – Review by Allyson Ware

Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the MindEuphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I wanted so badly to enjoy this collection of poetry. I still find myself pointing out the good in it, even though I had my brows furrowed most of the way through. I truly feel like I was inside the mind of the author; the scattered masterpiece that it is.

The author is a fabulous writer. I just feel like the book could have had better flow to it. As I was reading it, I found myself wanting to put it in some sort of order. It went back and forth from dark, deep, and depressing to happy go lucky. Not only that, but the timeline felt out of order. There were also random notes to random people or groups within the work. I just feel that the author could have composed them in a way that flowed better so it made more sense as a whole.

Overall, the poetry was great when read separately and the author amazing. I also loved the background/pictures for each piece. It helped keep my attention throughout. I am not much for poetry, but I truly found myself enjoying each piece individually when not read as a cohesive collection.

Review by @aware
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A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Kerry Carr

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this retelling of a Cinderella type story. The author does an amazing job of making a familiar and classic tale into something new and refreshing.
This story is a story of a curse keeping 2 people prisoner, and 1 man desperately trying to break this spell. This story also has a historical element and the author doesn’t an amazing job of making the reader really feel part of that era.

When Ben meets his old school friend Eleanor after not seeing her for years he is shocked to discover that her and her father are trapped in a curse placed on them by her evil stepmother. Now it is a race against time as they need to break the curse before midnight on New Year’s eve else Eleanor and her father will be cursed and bound to her step mother for ever.

This is a story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat wondering if they will or won’t break the spell. I was hooked and had to read it in one sitting just to find out what happens. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

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Fiddle and Fire (Hearts of Gold Book 2) by Ariella Talix – Review by Ashley Hasting

Fiddle and Fire: A Steamy Historical MMF Romance (Hearts of Gold Book 2)Fiddle and Fire: A Steamy Historical MMF Romance by Ariella Talix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You’ve got a nice period piece with MMF. This all happens I’m San Francisco when Suzette enters the city. Isaac and Walter have always been there for each other, and have always had this connection. When Suzette came in, she brought up the connection and had them all come together. Then her past comes in with a vengeance. So much happens and it’s great! I didn’t know it was part of a series, so this is a great stand alone!

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The Vassal of Magic (The Virus of Beauty Book 3) by C.B. Lyall – Review by Ashley Hasting

The Vassal of Magic (Virus of Beauty, #3)The Vassal of Magic by C.B. Lyall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wilf has had so much happen in the last two books, that this third and final book brings so much to an interesting ending. He basically has to choose between going back to Earth, or stay in the magic realm, and help keep magic alive. He has to go through a lot of adventures to find his way, figure out his destiny, his magic, and figure out his love for Katryna. This was a great third book for the trilogy. Thank you for all you did for this trilogy!

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A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Netania Lim

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A relatively quick, easy read, as I would say this is more YA and I didn’t enjoy it as much. But I was pulled in by the idea of a Cinderella retelling with a steampunk twist, and since I don’t read much steampunk, I thought it added to the story and enjoyed this element. The magical elements are very much a part of the Cinderella fairytale already in my opinion, but I did appreciate this as well. The thing I loved most though was the historical details given the 19th Century Philadelphia setting. Generally, a fun read.

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Secrets of the Sorcery War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 2) by Elise Carlson – Review by Shelly Kittell

Secrets of the Sorcery War (Ruarnon Trilogy #2)Secrets of the Sorcery War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story continues the adventures of The Manipulator’s War. If you are into stories that include the LGBTQ+ genre and love the YA fantasy adventure, you’ll enjoy this. Ruanon, Linh and the others are so well-written. I can’t say they are relatable but you do feel their challenges. The adventure and drama they face keep you involved in the story until the very end. That’s what keeps the story intriguing.

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Seen by Lori Nelson – Review bySeen by Lori Nelson – Review by Shelly Kittell

SeenSeen by Lori Nelson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mouse is a brave young lady. She’s out there with a drone hunting for the next best news story. Be careful what you wish for. You might find something you wish you hadn’t. She experiences the worst betrayal. I found the story exciting. It’s full of drama, action, unpredictableness and lots of unique characters. It’s a dystopian world I don’t want to be in. I couldn’t put it down. A fascinating read, that’s for sure. A definite must for the TBR stack.

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Secrets of the Sorcery War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 2) by Elise Carlson – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Secrets of the Sorcery War (Ruarnon Trilogy #2)Secrets of the Sorcery War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this fantasy book. I found this book to be well written and hard to put down. A story where the characters take you on an adventure across the sea, to rescue people from a king that may not be as bad as they say. An adventure that is non stop and kept me turning pages fast just to see what would happen next. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into their world. They are connectable and strong characters that had to the stories entertainment value for sure. They have great growth throughout the story which makes it easy to read. What happens in this story is something you don’t want to miss. I really enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it.

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Review by @bjwagner

People Safari by Feather Chelle – Review by Bobbi Wagner

People SafariPeople Safari by Feather Chelle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first children’s book by this author. I enjoyed how interactive the pictures are and will keep any child engaged. This is a story that not only will have you laughing but will teach your child some things about nature and environment. It is a great story that any child would enjoy sitting down to listen to or read. It is easy to read and has an entertainment value as well. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

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

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

What a fun, imaginative book. I loved the artwork, and the story entertaining. It would be so fun to be able to fly these balloon flowers like a kite and fly high in the sky. I enjoy seeing what Alex the Inventor comes up with, and how creative the inventions are.

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Stay For Me (The Balefire Series Book 5) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Stay For Me (The Balefire Series Book 5)Stay For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which had me gripped from start to finish. Although it’s part of a series it can be read as a standalone story, however the characters do crossover as each book focuses on a different member of the Balefire rock band. This is manager Garrett’s story with a second chance at love theme, with Olivia. Ten years ago Garrett chose “his boys” over her, now she’s a Hollywood music video director, and her next client is the biggest rock band on the planet – Balefire. If her studio wasn’t loosing money then she would turn it down rather than have to work with the man who broke her heart.
For Garrett managing Balefire has come at personal costs, especially loosing Olivia, the one women he’s ever loved. Seeing her again brings back memories and he’s determined not to loose her again. Garrett is trying to convince Olivia that he’s a changed man and knows what he wants, her. However, Olivia is not convinced that it can work, or that she can trust him to choose her this time. The chemistry between Garrett and Olivia sizzles off the page and leads to some steamy scenes. I loved how their relationship developed throughout the story, and the descriptive narrative brought the world of rock band Balefire vividly to life!

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Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the BeansFee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A nice take on Jack and the beanstalk. I really liked how the woman giant was kind and helped Jacqueline, even with her husband. I was also glad to see a happy ending for her, her mom and Bessie. The art is beautiful and the story is fun for kids.

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Cabin Eight (The Millersville Series Book 3) by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Rayne East

Cabin Eight (The Millersville series)Cabin Eight by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mind blowing
Book 3 of The Millersville series brings another gripping story. This book is darker than the last, with a mix of paranormal, sci-fi and psychological thriller. It brings to mind the old saying ‘curiosity killed the cat’. These books are definitely fast paced and I am loving the diversity that the author brings each time. Looking forward to the next book.

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The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

The Promised PlanThe Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Wonderful heartfelt journey as sister navigate grief differently and their animosity toward each other that led to no contact with each other and a mother who never gave up trying to rebuild their relationship again.

Lacey and Krista’s mother wanted to take one last trip to Victoria BC along with Lacey’s daughter, Merci. When God has other plans for this family, the heartbreak that this family endures is unfathomable. Merci promised her grandmother to continue and go on the planned tripped that she always dreamed of. When anger, grief, hurt, questioning of faith and miscommunication come out, will Lacey and Krista be able to be the loving sisters whom were also best friends again?

This story hit a bit home and is very raw and real. The author did a wonderful job especially navigating grief, death and also faith along with the emotions of sisters whom lost their loved one.

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Secrets of the Sorcery War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 2) by Elise Carlson

•°•☆ •°•☆•°•☆ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ☆•°•☆•°•☆•°
Secrets of the Sorcery War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 2) by Elise Carlson
Genre – YA, Fantasy, LGBTQ
Page Count – 377
Cover Designer – Judah Lamey 
Heir Ruarnon seeks allies to free their parents from unpredictable sorcerer-king Nartzeer. The reclusive Urai are not who they had in mind but can offer far more than Ruarnon anticipates. However, negotiations are interrupted when Nartzeer’s murderous grey-hided damars are sighted sailing towards Tarlah.

The damars’ human handlers are lost Aussie Linh’s chance to confirm that her gateway home —and sorcerers able (and hopefully willing) to operate it— lie in the dangerous West.

When Linh sets sail to confront the handlers, she learns that magic is very much still wielded on Umarinaris. That some of the Sorcery War’s deadliest weapons survived. And that Nartzeer somehow knows all of this, and has his own plans for those weapons.

But is Nartzeer the villain everyone in the East believes? What do his fleets truly seek in the Eastern Seas? And why have the damars become so formidable that they threaten to sink Ruarnon’s ship and overrun all of Ruarnon’s potential allies?

~ AMAZON ~ KOBO ~ BARNES & NOBLE ~ APPLE BOOKS ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for Secrets of the Sorcery War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 2) by Elise Carlson

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Elise Carlson (they/them) is an Aussie who graduated from playing imaginary games in their extensive backyard to writing YA Fantasy. In between educating energetic, enthusiastic minds as excited about life as they are —children— and adventures in Europe, North America, South-East Asia and locally, Elise enjoys writing adventures and epic conflicts for the young and young at heart.

Author Interview with Elise Carlson

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Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Jules Herbert

Hero Complex: Bluestone Series: Book 3Hero Complex: Bluestone Series: Book 3 by Isobel Reed

I truly love this series so much. This amazing author keeps bringing us such wonderful characters filled with so much heart that you can’t help but to be drawn in to their stories. Ivy and Ace had me completely hooked right from the very start and I couldn’t stop reading until I knew everything that was going to happen. They are definitely two people only truly whole when together.

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Obedience (Ties That Bind Book 1) by Liza Snow – Review by Kasandra Nunez

ObedienceObedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I saw the name of the main character, I knew I had to read it. I love that the book has a different take than most other romance books I’ve read. It’s a teacher/student dynamic that is in a circus theme, which, I have yet to read. I loved it. The ending left me wanting more. The slow burn almost, not allowed, love is so gripping. It truly is a story that of course would only happen at the “Dreamers Academy.”

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book #1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Angela Hayes

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood: Novella One)Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

Talks Like Thunder is the first book in the Red With Native Blood Series by Randal Nerhus and Marjorie Carter. This historical fiction story is an emotional and thought-provoking read full of Native American history, culture, and beliefs – with topics such as captivity, tension, pain, dedication, determination, spirit, revenge, family, honor, respect, and much more, this proved to be a raw and emotive read.
I really didn’t know what to expect going into this book, but it is so different to what I normally read, I thought I’d change things up a bit by plunging in and meeting Talks Like Thunder. She definitely has a tale to tell- and I am really glad I changed things up by taking a chance on this book. It really was worth the read.
I really recommend diving into this powerful, raw and emotive story without knowing too much about it, and let the author/s, the characters, and the story surprise you.
I see there are more books in this series, and I will definitely be adding them to my TBR to explore asap.
Well worth the read.
Happy Reading…

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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