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Will You (Pretend) Marry Me (Swan Cove Series) by Christi Barth – Review by Julie Johnson

Will You Pretend Marry MeWill You Pretend Marry Me by Christi Barth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really fun read! I’ve not read this author before but I’ll be looking for more of her work.

There are double lives and secrets abounding in this rom-com. It was like peeping through the lives of Kaia/Abigail and Everett. Their relationship is a love-hate right from the start but can they continue to deny their true feelings?

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What Eyes Can’t See (Bold Journeys Series) by Paulette Stout – Review by Jennifer Gordon

What Eyes Can't See: A spicy contemporary fiction novel of love, social justice, and belonging (Bold Journeys)What Eyes Can’t See: A spicy contemporary fiction novel of love, social justice, and belonging by Paulette Stout
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging read which kept me happily turning the pages. Barbara, a confident Black lawyer balances her career within the NYC corporate world with family expectations. Sadly whilst her career is going well her engagement ends leaving her heartbroken. Barbara decides to go alone to the island paradise where the wedding was going to be, as the destination wedding is non-refundable. Here she meets Sebastian, also a lawyer and they have an instant connection. Although they come from different worlds, Barbara from a moneyed background and Sebastian from a poor family the couple see past their differences.
Sebastian is then given the job meant for Barbara and she suspects it’s due to racial discrimination. When Barbara challenges her boss in court the couple find themselves on opposite sides of the battle. However, although Sebastian is supportive of Barbara their love is tested as they decide what they will risk for justice. I was hooked throughout by this fast paced contemporary romance, which along with a spicy love story also deals with social justice. I love that Barbara is a strong, independent heroine who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. The chemistry between her and Sebastian really came across in the narrative, and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story.

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The Ghostly Diva (Divine Vintage Series) by Sandra L. Young – Review by Kerry Baker

The Ghostly Diva (Divine Vintage)The Ghostly Diva by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a brilliant addition to the series and I found it to be fun and entertaining right from the start. The book is definitely all about the characters and their connection. I found it so easy to relate to them both. They were engaging and I loved watching their connection develop.
The book is a really well written story and really fits in with the rest of the series well. The author builds up the story as the book goes on and I found myself invested in the outcome. I really enjoyed everything about the book and I it definitely made me want to read more from this author in the future.

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Lisa Helmick

Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda's Story, An Echo series novellaHealing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story, An Echo series novella by C. R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a prequel to the Echo Series. This is a story with a bit of a puzzle that needs to be put together. Amanda works very hard to figure it out. At first I thought she was over the top with worry but as the story moves along I realize it is just her personality. Gene is a guy who is looking for something different. He possibly has a chance at something new but he just needs to overcome a hardhead. Overall I felt this was okay. I struggled to connect to them and their relationship did not wow me. The story is different in the respect that the suspenseful parts did not happen to main character.

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What Eyes Can’t See (Bold Journeys Series) by Paulette Stout – Review by Deborah Joseph

What Eyes Can't See: A spicy contemporary fiction novel of love, social justice, and belonging (Bold Journeys)What Eyes Can’t See: A spicy contemporary fiction novel of love, social justice, and belonging by Paulette Stout
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The third book in the Bold Journey series. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Multi POV- clearly labeled

Barbara- A very strong woman who was taught from a very young age to always strive for the best and be the best at everything. When her engagement ended she felt like a failure but wanted to focus on her career until that took a nose dive as well. While her life was coming apart she had to learn how to be her real self, not what she thought was expected of her, and fight for what was right.

Sebastian- Tall, handsome, and tats! Sign me up! He has had to work hard for everything he wants since he wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth.

The MCs meet at a destination wedding and she has no problems telling him how good-looking he is. She is still recovering from finding her fiance in bed with another but hits it off with the MMC and they decide to try to start a relationship. When she returns home she finds out that the promotion she had been working hard to get, and should be hers, was given to the MMC who was an outsider. She was then fired, as well as other employees of color, and sues the law firm to get justice for everyone. This makes it hard for the MCs to be with each other since they are on opposite sides of the lawsuit, taboo/ breaking the rules.

As someone who is in an interracial relationship, it was refreshing to read a story where the MCs were too. Not only that but also touched on subjects most will shy away from, which is very brave of the author. This was the first book I have read from Paulette Stout, but won’t be the last. 3.5 stars

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Unicorn, Don’t Do That! by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Deborah Joseph

Marshmallow RabbitMarshmallow Rabbit by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The third book I have gotten my girls from Lois Wickstrom and like always the illustrations are beautiful. I got this book because my youngest loves bunnies, hopping around like one, and thought that’s what it was about but there’s only a small part that has bunnies and it’s just a candy (marshmallow) bunny. I’m not really sure how to feel about this book though and glad my kids didn’t get into this one like they do all of her other books. I feel as if the story is saying it’s ok to steal without consequences because adults will be too lazy to go through with any plans to deter it. My kids are too young to understand that and I did read it in a silly way for them so they didn’t pick up on that, especially when the little girl tricked the adult into getting what she wanted.

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Sure as Hell (Life is Hell Series Book 4) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Rose McCaskey

Sure As Hell (Life is Hell #4)Sure As Hell by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sure as Hell is part of the Life is Hell series. This one follows the story of Larkspur and Jaru. The characters from the previous books are part of the story as well but this one is about their love story. Jaru is an imp and Larkspur is a pixie. They have a strong friendship that has turned into something more but will they make it through when someone from Jaru’s past shows up and tries to steal Larkspur so he can sell him?

Ive read all the previous books before this one. Naomi has a unique style of writing that I really enjoy. Her stories have a lot of detail but are also short reads. I like how even though each book is about a different set of characters and she is always introducing new ones, she still adds more about previous characters and keeps them in the story even as supporting characters. If you want a short read (I can read the Life is Hell books in an hour or 2) I recommend checking these out. It’s a great new take of fantasy.

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Mood Swings and Hockey Flings (Hot Flash Hookups Series) by Sylvie Stewart and Marika Ray – Review by Kerry Carr

Mood Swings and Hockey Flings (Hot Flash Hookups #2)Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book 2 in the Hot Flash Hookups Series. I loved the first book and this one was just as good. This is a sports romcom with a enemies to lovers theme. What I love about these books is the authors writing of the characters. The banter between them had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion. I also love how the female lead are of an older age and going through menopause and all the joys that women go through around that time. It really makes the characters feel human and relatable.

This is Banks and Kaitlyn’s story. When a chance meeting and a delay at an airport put Kaitlyn and Banks together there was no denying the chemistry and attraction between them. But with them going their seperate ways thats the end of their connection right?
So imagine Kaitlyn’s surprise when the hockey player she is representing turns out to play in the same team as Banks
Kaitlyn knows she needs to remain professional at all costs. And the animosity between them gradually grows.
Fast forward and Banks finds himself in need of a new agent. Kaitlyn is definitely the woman he needs to turn his career around but can they work together to achieve that or will the animosity that’s build up between them cause more issues?
As well as fighting her attraction to a guy she can not have Kaitlyn is also suffering with symptoms of perimenopuase. With all this going on does she even stand a chance of sorting this man-baby out? And what happens when temptation becomes to much will they give in to it?

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A song of Salt and Secrets by Amanda Marin – Review by Stephanie Tellas

“There’s one thing more powerful than true love’s kiss. For Corisande Phillips, being a siren has meant living a cursed life, a lonely life—a life plagued by the fear of hurting someone with her deadly song. At Magwitch Academy, she has learned to control her urge to sing … for the most part, anyway. But when a moment of weakness gets the best of her, Corisande accidentally causes Noah, a student at a nearby prep school, to crash his sailboat, unleashing the fury of the sea—and an ancient goddess who will not be robbed of her revenge. Only Noah’s love has the power to save Corisande, but how can he ever learn to care for a monster like her?”
Does he learn to love her or will love conquer all , or not at all , will have to read the story to find out. This is the second book in the series, can be read as a stand alone, loved the characters, and the storyline. looking forward to read more from this author. I give this book 4 stars.

The school of 9 by Amanda Marin – Review by Stephanie Tellas

“Nine muses. Nine signs. Nine chances to stop the darkness. Flunking out of Brightling Academy—a prestigious finishing school for Muses-in-training—isn’t an option for Bianca Harper. But if she doesn’t master Poise and Charm or stop tripping over her ballgown, failure is inevitable. Then he shows up: Sebastian Greenbriar, the first male student to walk through Brightling’s halls in decades. For extra credit, Bianca agrees to help him settle in—even though putting up with his self-absorbed attitude feels more like a punishment than a chance at redemption. But just as Bianca begins to make good, she discovers an even bigger problem lurking in the shadows. As foretold by ancients, the Well of Imagination—the force from which Muses draw their powers to inspire—is running dry, threatening the future of Muse-kind and the beauty they bring into the world. Sebastian’s connection to this danger is impossible to miss, but when he isn’t who or what he claims, can Bianca rely on him to help her stop the impending darkness?”
This is the first book in a 2 part series, really liked characters, the storyline flowed really well, kept my attention through the whole book. This book can be read as a stand alone. I give this book 4 stars.

A Song of Salt and Secrets (Mythic Academy Collection) by Amanda Marin – Review by Carrie Reed

A Song of Salt and Secrets (Mythic Academy Collection)A Song of Salt and Secrets by Amanda Marin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Interesting and wonderful, short, young adult book. I really felt for both Corisande and Noah. Both had rich lives with friends, and families that cared for them, but they were both lonely. Lonely until they found each other. Corisande is a special type of siren, although her siren song is supposed to lure sailors to their death, she doesn’t want anyone to die, so when Noah gets hurt, she is devastated. I appreciate her wanting to confess everything to Noah, but I can tell she is falling for him and doesn’t want to lose what she is building with him. Noah’s mom is a hinderance but I understand her need to keep her son safe after what happened to her husband. The story is short and sweet, Noah and Corisande are super cute together and I was nervous about their fight Aphrodite, but excited to see how everything turned out in the end.

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Loris Opens Up His Heart (Courage Tales Series) by Dagmara Sitek – Review by Crystal Brehant

Loris Opens Up His HeartLoris Opens Up His Heart by Dagmara Sitek

There are not a lot of books that deal with the tough subject of foster care. This is a great one with beautiful illustrations for children! Loris has been through a lot in his short life. He has completely shut down because of it. He moves in with a foster family and just refuses to participate in anything. Find out how he opens up in this beautiful and heartwarming story. There is a lot of emotions dealt with in this book. From anger, to frustration, pain and loneliness. You will see courage and standing up to a bully.

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Finding Cheer (Magical Emerald Hollow Series) by Heather Schneider – Review by Crystal Brehant

Finding Cheer (Magical Emerald Hollow #2)Finding Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I will start off by saying this is the second in the series. If you haven’t read the first, I recommend it. When I saw this book was out, I was not hesitant for even a moment before grabbing it. To me, this is the perfect Lifetime/Hallmark type of romance story, albeit much better. Sofia gets her turn and her story brought more to life. She meets Isaiah, who seems to be mysterious. Their conversations at first are fun and witty. They aren’t immediate friends. It’s more of an enemy to lovers story. This is a magical, holiday story. A perfect read for a cozy night.

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Come Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Come Home to DeathCome Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars
Come Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson

Come Home to Death is a Romantic Suspense that is packed with drama, suspense, action, danger and so much more. This is my first book by this author but it’s definitely not my last. The characters are interesting and developed and make the story come to life. The twists and turns had me turning the pages trying to figure out what was going to happen next. Erica’s world has been turned upside when her husband disappeared and then thugs show up at her door. She does what anyone would do and fleed back to her hometown where she finds even more trouble. Someone is out to get her. 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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The Rake (Daughters of Dishonour Series Book #1) by Ava Bond – Review by Angela Hayes

The Rake (Daughters of Dishonour #1)The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

The Rake is the first book in the Daughter’s of Dishonor series by Ava Bond. This is a fun historical romance, set in 1813, which has all the historical elements, tone, and feel that really enabled this story to come to life. I was transported through time to follow alongside the characters as their story unfolded. The story is charged with intrigue, suspense, mystery, chemistry, tension, angst, secrets, drama, danger, sizzling encounters, humour, a quest, and emotion- making for an engrossing and memorable read.
Margot Keating travels to London for the first time- she’s a sensible, wholesome country girl, the daughter of a vicar, who is in for quite the adventure, the likes of which she could never have predicted. When a murder occurs on her first night in town, she takes chase, and is drawn into an investigation that pits her against a wily killer- where a bit of a cat and mouse games ensues, leading her on a merry chase all around the city. The stakes are high, with not only her life, but her reputation, and ‘future’ also at risk. She is determined to get to the bottom of it all and uncover the truth- something she feels might be achievable, especially now she has an unlikely ally along for the ride. Lord Silvester Beresford, the Earl of Langley, owns the town house next door to where Margot is staying. Her pursuit of a killer led her stumbling through his back door- and into his ‘world’. His reputation as one of the ‘fastest’ young men in town who indulges in all the hedonistic pleasures found in wine, women, and cards is notorious, and provides him with a ‘buffer’ against all the matchmaking agendas that abound around the ‘Ton. But he finds himself drawn into a dangerous escapade that warps his usual responses and leads to something he never anticipated. And so the adventure begins….
I really enjoyed this story, and can’t wait to dive into Book #2, The Duke- due for release in December…. It’s setting up to be a superb read, following Margot’s sister, Elspeth, and the mysterious ‘Duke’…. Bring it on!
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Ava Bond!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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〰️ ⭐️ 〰️ PREORDER 〰️ ⭐️ 〰️ Troy: A Crown of Stones Origin Story by C. L. Schneider

Born of the Shinree, an enslaved fallen race, Ian Troy is magically bound to protect the kingdom of Rella. Since childhood, he trained to be their champion in a seemingly never-ending war. Called to the battlefield a brash young man of seventeen, Troy is anxious to show off his prowess with both magic and blade. He believes his role is vital to the realms of Mirra’kelan finally knowing peace.
Only, war is nothing like he thought.
After a year of being mistrusted and shunned for the blood in his veins – his magic restrained by an authoritarian queen – Troy has grudgingly learned his place. He follows orders and suffers their abuse in silence because the cost of insolence is a chain around his neck.
When Queen Aylagar handpicks him for a mission deep inside enemy territory, he thinks his time has come. Fate willing, he will prove to them all: Ian Troy is more than the “witch” they believe.
*Troy is a prequel to The Crown of Stones Trilogy.

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War in Sorcery’s Shadow (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 3) by Elise Carlson – Review by Darla Yocom

War in Sorcery's Shadow (Ruarnon Trilogy #3)War in Sorcery’s Shadow by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Guardians. It sounds so ominous right? In this additional book of this series, you find the characters’ lore states Guardians disappeared without a trace after stealing all sorcerer’s magic, yet the truth is far different.

The ridiculously powerful world building in this book reflects a hateful existence if you wield magic, forcing those with gifts to keep them hidden from the world.

This is a great addition to this series and fans of it will have no problem picking up from where this story begins. The fantasy fiction YA series is full of magic, drama, fear and struggle. It’s a classic twist on the infamous good vs evil plot. It is created beautifully by the author and I think this may be the best book of the series.

The art work for the cover is stunningly dark but beautiful. It really brings your eye to focus on what is seen and stir questions of what this book will be about.

I think fiction fans will love this book and series even if fantasy YA is not your most read genre.

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The Ghostly Diva (Divine Vintage Series) by Sandra L. Young – Review by Darla Yocom

The Ghostly Diva (Divine Vintage)The Ghostly Diva by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Vintage fashion, antiques, family drama, Hollywood, a bit of romance and a visiting ghost are all included in this wonderful book, The Ghostly Diva (Divine Vintage). This is one book of a three part series by Sandra L. Young. Just like the Divine Vintage book in this series, The Ghostly Diva proves that the author has a true passion for vintage fashion.

In this book, you meet Justine, the lead character who works in a small town museum as an Assistance Museum Director. Due to county budget concerns, Justine starts to feel anxious about the possibility of being let go from her job. While she loves her job, she feels as if she could look for something better. She is contemplating on moving to the big city of Chicago if her curator interviews go well with one of their local museums. Since she is unattached with no significant other or children to tend to, she thinks shaking up her life and venturing outside of her comfort zone may be just what she needs. She stayed in her home town to appease her parents but feels that she should begin to live for herself and her own wants, needs and/or desires.

Her office receives an interesting phone call from a local late celebrity’s son who is in town to wrap up his mother’s personal belongings before selling the house. His mother, who had a brief life on the screen while living in California, left behind many antiques and vintage fashion that the museum may be interested in preserving. This immediately peaks Justine’s interest so she reluctantly agrees to visit the home to help the son and hopefully collect a number of items that may assist the museum with their need for more traffic and interest in their museum.

As the reader, you get to enjoy the meeting and growing interest between Justine and the son, Jackson Maddox, as they try to tackle the complexity of a strained relationship between son and his late mother, an unknown biological father, an overwhelming amount of tasks to wrap up Liza Maddox’ estate, the struggle to let things go and perhaps a budding attraction. The impact of the drama and trauma of not knowing your biological father is witnessed from the beginning for Jackson’s character so his story arc is interesting. Plus the decisions that both Justine and Jackson make out of frustration, emotional immaturity, indecisiveness and sometimes what seems to be romantic stupidity makes for laughable situations that are relatable if you have ever made the wrong decision, especially at times when you know what the right decision should be.

Overall I really enjoyed this story, the growth of the main characters and the author’s fondness for all things vintage. The book has a great pace and doesn’t rush into things or focus too much on anything that slows things down. I definitely recommend this title.

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Amelia Stansell

Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda's Story, An Echo series novella (The Echo Series)Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story, An Echo series novella by C. R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was so good! It sets the stage for the series. Gene and Amanda are perfect! The two are in an accident. Gene who is a doctor wants to treat her and Amanda refuses to go to the hospital. There is tension, romance, a hot doctor, and a woman who doesn’t want to admit that she needs help at first.

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Come Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Come Home to DeathCome Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first book by this author and she did not disappoint. The author created a suspenseful tale full mystery, full of secrets, drama, and intrigue. Erica already has some concerns about her husband’s frequent business trips, but when two thugs accosted her in her own home and inform her that her husband has racked up gambling debts, she feels she has no choice but to packs up and head back to her hometown, to try and get the money to pay off the debt. Erica is a well written character who seems very genuine and down to earth, despite her life circumstances. Turns out, someone doesn’t want her to reach the inheritance age and we are taken into a fast paced world where danger is all over and Erica is finding out who she can and can’t trust. I definitely loved every second of the story and if you like mystery and intrigue, with some slow burn romance, I recommend getting this book!

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Kris & The Missing Prince (The Adventures of Kris) by Art Blegen – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Kris & The Missing Prince: The Adventures Of KrisKris & The Missing Prince: The Adventures Of Kris by Art Blegen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an absolutely delight of a story. Kris is a great hero and I love that she wants to be a knight and wasn’t afraid to advocate for herself and how she saw herself. The author did a great job with this beginner chapter book for young children. It’s definitely a book that kids are going to devour and absolutely want to read more on Kris’s adventure. This is a very imaginative tale, with great characters and a wonderful story line that will be enjoyed by youth of all ages. I hope to see more of Kris’s adventures and meeting her new friends.

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Marshmallow Rabbit by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Marshmallow RabbitMarshmallow Rabbit by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Marshmallow Rabbit is a colorful, fun children’s picture book. It is said to be a modern version of Tar Baby, which I was surprised by, because its a pretty controversial story…My son is not familiar with that story, so to him, it wasn’t an issue. Mr. Bonbon owns a huge candy factory, and a naughty young girl named Annabelle often comes in, and steals his chocolates and candies. He keeps trying to catch her in the act, and stop her. One night he gets the idea to set a trap! Annabelle falls right into it, and finds herself in a sticky mess- literally. The illustrations are fun and colorful. My son did think Annabelle and Mr. Bonbon were both pretty creative in their schemes. While this wasn’t my favorite story by this author, it was still a fun quick read.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Kris & The Missing Prince (The Adventures of Kris) by Art Blegen – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Kris & The Missing Prince: The Adventures Of KrisKris & The Missing Prince: The Adventures Of Kris by Art Blegen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kris & the Missing Prince is a children’s chapter book filled with magic and imagination. Kris is an old daughter to a single dad, and he loves to call her his princess. But Kris doesn’t see herself as a princess, and takes offense at the nickname. She is a brave and strong Knight, who loves going on adventures. She goes to her Grandmother’s farm while her dad is away on business, and soon finds herself transported into another world. (Think Narnia, but more magical). The prince of this land has been taken captive, and Kris vows to save him. Along the way, she meets a lot of new friends, including a talking beaver, elves, a dwarf, a unicorn, and a swarm of fairies. I love how the author modified the beaver’s speech to account for the speech issue big teeth would cause. There is a great lesson learned- to remember how important it is to work together. This is a great beginner chapter book for more advanced readers. It would also be enjoyed by younger readers (and their parents, if I’m being honest). This is the only book I’ve read so far, but it looks to be a series of adventure books.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Mood Swings and Hockey Flings (Hot Flash Hookups Series) by Sylvie Stewart and Marika Ray – Review by Betsy Melano

Mood Swings and Hockey Flings (Hot Flash Hookups #2)Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fun read! I like to mix up genres when I finish a book that is longer. This book was the perfect change of pace for me. I loved that the author wrote a bit about the history between Kaitlyn and Banks so we have an idea about the dynamic between them. As we meet them again 10 years later, the two of them are finding out more about each other than they ever expected as Kaitlyn takes Banks on as a client! How will these strong willed professionals finally find what they have been searching for? The author did a wonderful job world and character building. I will be checking out more books by this author. I connected with both Kaitlyn and Banks as they go through the ups and downs of relationships.

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Mood Swings and Hockey Flings (Hot Flash Hookups Series) by Sylvie Stewart and Marika Ray – Review by Beverly Finnie

Mood Swings and Hockey Flings (Hot Flash Hookups #2)Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mood Swings & Hockey Flings is a sports romance with some animosity and passion. A slight second chance. The author gives you two characters that had a wonderful “meet cute” yet quickly had a misunderstanding that changed things for them.
Banks has always been slightly troubled in his hockey career. Yet a chance meeting with a beautiful woman at the airport he was willing to change things about himself. What he didn’t expect was that woman to show up at his practice and she wasn’t who she seemed. Now that he’s older and has been dumped by another agent, this woman is his only hope of not only continuing his career but with his current team.
Yet can he trust her?
What about the attraction he has for her?
Kaitlin is out to prove herself. Prove that she doesn’t only know football by moving into the hockey world. A sports agent with a passion that’s being held back by her boss. Unfortunately she runs into one of the hockey players on a flight down to her new client. He seemed great but later proved himself otherwise. Now there’s everlasting animosity between them. Yet they travel in the same circles so are constantly crossing paths. Now he needs her more than he realizes. Not only that but gives them both a chance to stick it to her previous boss.
However, what happens when she truly gets to know them?
Can they keep things strictly professional or will feelings become an issue?
I already stated it’s a romance but nothing is ever cut and dry. These two characters have so much to give to anyone. However they both get in their own way. They are stubborn. Yet they both care deeply for those that mean something to them.
If that’s the type of book you’re looking for, it’s up to you to jump right in. I can guarantee it won’t be disappointing. Just trust me!

@placexba
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Murder on West Main (A South Shore Mystery) by I.M. Foster – Review by Tausha Treadway

Murder on West Main: A South Shore MysteryMurder on West Main: A South Shore Mystery by I.M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Murder on West Main (A South Shore Mystery) by I.M. Foster. This is the second book in South Shore Mystery Series and while it can be read as a standalone it does have some things in it that are in the first book that would be better understood if you read them in order. This is a cozy mystery with lots of twists and turns that will keep you guessing til the end. When Daniel the local coroner has to find out who killed Zeke its not going to be easy because to put it bluntly no one really liked him. When they arrest Colin who is Zeke’s new employee Daniel doesn’t think he’s guilty. Along with his Kathleen his good friend and his sister Isabelle they begin to try to follow the clues to solve this murder. Daniel doesn’t necessarily want their help and he is trying to solve the murder without them. Will he be able to keep his “helper’s” out of it and solve this murder before someone else becomes a victim? Read this cozy mystery to find out!

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The Rake (Daughters of Dishonour Series) by Ava Bond – Review by Tausha Treadway

The Rake (Daughters of Dishonour #1)The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Rake (Daughters of Dishonour Series) by Ava Bond. This has never been my favorite genre but his author has changed that 100%. This is the first book in the Daughters of Dishonour Series and I loved it so much. It’s the story of Margot who has a secret about her birth and she can’t let that secret be known. She decides to travel to London with her sister to meet her father no sooner than she meets him than she finds him dead. Trying to chase down the killer she runs into Lord Silvester who doesn’t have on pants. Finding a request from her recently deceased father she turns to Lord Silvester for help in following a map. As they spend time together their attraction is off the charts. Margot knows that Lord Silvester is nothing but a player but she can’t help being attracted to him. Becoming confidantes and friends they develop much more than a friendship and work together really well. Can Margo keep her paternity secret from Lord Silvester so she doesn’t ruin her reputation? Can they find who killed her father? This is such a fun historical romance with a thrilling mystery as well.

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The Ghostly Diva (Divine Vintage Series) by Sandra L. Young – Review by Alison Risher

The Ghostly Diva (Divine Vintage)The Ghostly Diva by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have really enjoyed this series. Each book could be read as a stand-alone, rather than part of a series. The main characters in this book must fight their own instincts in order to make healthy choices for themselves, whether they wind up together or not. Themes include big city life versus small town life, as well as strained relationships between generations. I enjoyed being a vicarious part of the healing and personal growth that took place throughout the story.

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Will You (Pretend) Marry Me (Swan Cove Series) by Christi Barth – Review by Audrie Harrington

Will You Pretend Marry MeWill You Pretend Marry Me by Christi Barth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fun idea for a book! Kaia is a mega pop star, big enough to have only one name and is finishing a world tour. Her real name is Abigail and she has just finished up her degree and needs to complete student teaching in order to finally become a teacher. Her team sets her up to student teach in a small town in Maine but when she gets there she learns that her mentor is on bed rest and she will have to jump into teaching. Everett is the nerdy science teacher and part time vice principal of the school. He and the principal are the only ones that know that she is also Kaia. Abigail and Everett don’t like each other. His fiancé broke their engagement to follow money and so he doesn’t trust Kaia/Abigail. Abigail is so used to calling all the shots around her and always being in control. Then they start to learn that they have more in common than they think, both have secret jobs (his working for the EPA) and they both grew up around foster kids (his parents fostered and she was a foster kid). I loved both main characters and all the friends that surround them. I read in the acknowledgments that this is the third book in the series so now I need to go back and read the first two!!

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Jenni Bishop

Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda's Story, An Echo series novella (The Echo Series)Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story, An Echo series novella by C. R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars
Healing Hearts is #0.5 the prequel contemporary romance tale and where it all begins for The Echo series. I love this series. We got to see these characters throughout the previous books as CR intertwines the characters, so it is good to see how Gene and Amanda’s story came to be. This heartfelt and fun-loving story will have you falling in love with the characters and hooked from the word go.
It has tension and angst, chemistry and steamy scenes, unbridled passion, pain and emotions and let’s not forget the humour. There are a couple of twisty turns, small town gossips and rumour mills in this small-town romance.
I thought the last book was my favourite, but I this one definitely is now.
Gene is tired and what was once is passion is now a chore. He has lost his faith in what he does, and little does he know that it only takes a special someone to make it all ok again.
Amanda is not sure how she ended up how she did, but she is grateful for the help she is getting. Now she just has to deal with her wayward thoughts of the hot new doctor in town.
I am now waiting patiently to see what CR brings next.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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