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

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65151631-cecily-in-the-city” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Cecily in the City” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1670736851l/65151631._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65151631-cecily-in-the-city”>Cecily in the City</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8298036.Krysten_Lindsay_Hager”>Krysten Lindsay Hager</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5588983038″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Cecily is living in a small town, but she wants to be a model. She signs up for classes and from there it’s a whirlwind. Falls in love with her pop star crush, moves to the big apple. Trying to keep communication of family back home. Gives you an insight of how real “Hollywood” could be. I devoured this book! I need the entire series go read!!
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Sleeping Love by Natalina Reis – Review by Barbara Bohls

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

Wasn’t sure what to expect going into this book. It is a more modern take on Sleeping Beauty. When I say modern, I mean it in the form of the love interests in this book and the updated surroundings. The reason I wasn’t sure what to expect is because whether we want to admit it or not we all have preconceived notions when it comes to a retelling or even to using the same plot lines just enough to draw reference. There is magic, love, friendship, and fantasy. This version allows for you to take what you thought you knew about a Sleeping beauty story and have it recreated in your mind to the possibility of what it would have been like if the main characters were both males. This story builds and builds which shows character depth and world building scenarios. The magic that is involved isn’t done to where you need a glossary of terms to understand. This made the book enjoyable for me to read. It was classically done with an amazing twist. I highly suggest reading this book to allow yourself the opportunity to reimagine what Sleeping Beauty could be like. It is a quick read that you will find yourself falling in love with the story as it progresses. I highly recommend reading this if you like a twist on a classic.
Reviewed by: @bbohls

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

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57899571-what-do-the-plants-say” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1619777269l/57899571._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57899571-what-do-the-plants-say”>What Do the Plants Say?</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/331633.Lois_Wickstrom”>Lois Wickstrom</a><br/>
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Alex is an inventor. She creates a way to talk to the balloon flowers in the garden. She gets the helium tank and a recorder and records her conversations with the balloon flowers, and a way to fly with the flowers without popping them. Such a cute book<br />
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A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tori Mitton

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/120498400-a-monster-for-meg” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”A Monster for Meg” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1681534608l/120498400._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/120498400-a-monster-for-meg”>A Monster for Meg</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/331633.Lois_Wickstrom”>Lois Wickstrom</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5575714644″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Sue is trying to explain how monsters are to her sister Meg. Meg happens to be blind so she can’t see any monsters, so her sister Sue tries to explain monsters and Meg always comes back with a question or statement to Sue. This was an adorable story and explaining adaptations.
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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

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

Brutal days is the third book to the Hidden Valley Elite Series, but it is book 1 to Damon and Skylar’s tense enemies to lovers romance story. Skylar wants nothing more to finish her senior year as a writer, help her friend with her senior mission, and have nothing to do with the “Elites” as she does it. When her friend zeros in on Damon for her senior dream goals, things get tricky. She wants him and Sky has to help her. But how? He’s controlling, a jerk, one of the football stars who’s untouchable in their school, and to top it off Sky likes him too. She doesn’t want to want him, but she can’t help it. She makes a deal with him to help her friend, but she’s getting stuck in a huge the web of lies and she can’t seem to cut herself loose. She’ll sacrifice everything to help her friend, but her plan is bound to blow up in her face. Damon wants senior year to fly by so he can join his brother in college and run the football team there. His brother, his two cousins, and he have been working toward that plan forever. NFL together all the way! Unfortunately senior year is dragging by. He needs more to distract himself, but what? Underground fights normally help, but he needs more to dull his rage and distract him from his family life. He doesn’t like Sky’s friend. She talks to much, her perfume gives him a headache, and she’s clingy but he’ll date her if he can get what he wants from Sky. Sky gets under his skin. She’s mouthy and has a fire in her eyes, but he wants her. He can’t help but want to bend her to his will. Maybe once he has her he’ll get her out of his head. Hopefully. Will there little deal work out? Will her friend stand up for her or will she hate her forever? Will Damon get the distraction he needs? Will he ruin his senior year over some stupid girl? Man oh man do you need to read this book!! This book ends on a HUGE cliffhanger and you will want to run and grab the next book asap. I know that I can’t wait to read the next one! This set has been so great so far! The characters stories hook you in and you won’t want to put this book down. If you love new adult, romance, enemies to lovers, tense, spicy back and forth banter, and drama filled books then you will love this one!

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@jaimie0459

The Vassal of Magic (The Virus of Beauty Book 3) by C.B. Lyall – Review by Taylor K Stephenson

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

~ Teen Wizard Returns ~

First of all, if you haven’t read the first two book in this series, you will definitely want to pick them up!!! C. B. Lyall is such a unique author that tells stories in a way that just sits you right down in the plot and takes you along for the journey. You really feel like you’re in the adventure right along with Wilf, and finding things out as he does. This is the perfect YA for anyone who enjoys Magic, coming of age stories, family drama, or finding identity overtures.

Wilf continues in his quest to be finally free from all the magic that seems to be unwilling to let him go. Unfortunately it looks like he will not be able to return to his “Normal” life as he would wish it to be. What I love about the third book in the series, is watching Wilf attempt to control the magic that he hates, in order to possibly be rid of it for good. It brings up a lot of conflicting feeling for the reader, especially if you err on the side of enjoying magic LOL.

When Wilf finds a piece of the shattered Mages Crystal, he starts to question so many things. The biggest heartbreak is watching Wilf’s affection for Katryna come into question. Their love story is so cute and sweet to watch unfold, and now I’m finding everything I loved about them come into question.

Overall there are so many choices Wilf has had to make. Watching him struggle through forever abandoning his dream to return to “normal” or allowing magic and Katryna to perish *sad*.

Thank you to the author for this incredibly fun series, and sharing it with the world. Lovely characters, fully dynamic quests in a very streamlined easy to understand world, and just wonderfully exciting to read!

Review by @taylorkstephenson

 

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Punk (Popov Boys Book 6) by Leslie Georgeson – Review by Barbara Bohls

Punk (Popov Bratva #6)Punk by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is another great book in a great series. This is an age gap romance but it is where the leading lady is older. It is a gripping story that allows you to be able to get caught up in all the action within the first few pages. If you haven’t read the other books in the series, I highly suggest you read those because the characters from those books make appearances in this book. It would also help you to understand their situations as well. This book did not disappoint it has everything from dark intense story line. It has romance and steam all throughout. It is well written that you feel like you are part of the group or at least a fly on the wall to what is happening. I wish that I could go further into detail about what went down in this book but I can’t because that wouldn’t be doing you the justice you deserve by being able to read it without any spoilers. I find that going in knowing that the character development, the dark, twisty suspense, and the romance are all there is better than knowing what actually happens. It leaves an air of mystery to the whole book that will have you turning pages as quickly as you can. It will be an easy read and won’t take much time because of how invested you will be.
Reviewed by: @bbohls

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People Safari by Feather Chelle – Review by Tori Mitton

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/151848002-people-safari” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”People Safari” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1683818438l/151848002._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/151848002-people-safari”>People Safari</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21042577.Feather_Chelle”>Feather Chelle</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5571989084″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Ranger Marco takes Buck, Doe, and Fawn put to the city on a people safari so Fawn can learn about the human world. We learn about how people act and what they do, but also how they are tearing down the forests where animals live to build even more cities. Me and my daughter really enjoyed this story and learned so much!
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Consigliere’s Revenge (Sicilian Gods Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Barbara Bohls

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

I can’t believe that we are already three books into this series. That being said you can definitely read this is a stand alone but seriously why would you want to. You have two other books before this of amazing mafia men that you won’t want to miss out on. Okay, this book is hands down amazing and grips koi to the words within the first chapter. You won’t want to do anything else other than read what is on the pages. You will try to figure things out as you go along but you won’t be able to. That is what I loved the most about this book. When I thought it was going to go one way it went a different way. I am a huge fan of the mafia trope and these books do no let me down. You will find the right amount of suspense, steam, character development, and just honestly good writing. The book brings into the plot the other two books but if you haven’t read them, you will want to. However the author makes it to where you understand what is going on and aren’t left clueless. It is a quick read with the need to finish it in one day. I personally recommend reading the other two books in the series first because I love this series and the mafia men in them. However, if you don’t have time you will be fine. You will want to read the others after finishing this one because you will be sucked into the story line and want to know everything about this series.
Reiewed by: @bbohls

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Consigliere’s Revenge (Sicilian Gods Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Brittany Angel

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

As with all of this author’s books, you are immediately drawn into the story. Lorenzo hires a somewhat frustrating journalist to start to spin stories in their favor, but he definitely got more than he bargained for. While this is the third installment of the Sicilian Gods Series, you can read this as a standalone. Though you won’t want to. You’ll want to know each and every character’s story!

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Afflicted Love (Rhythm & Heart Series) by Autumn Sand – Review by Tori Mitton

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/126840331-afflicted-love” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Afflicted Love” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1681000133l/126840331._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/126840331-afflicted-love”>Afflicted Love</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14547787.Autumn_Sand”>Autumn Sand</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5558851261″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Kyle and Lyle are brothers in a sense. Kyle moved in with Lyle when they were young kids. Kyle took all the lashings from their dad growing up so it would never happen to Lyle. Kyle was the protector. As they grew up, they fell apart. Kyle joined a band, traveled all over. While Lyle ended up getting engaged to a woman because that’s what he thought was right. Lyle gets a phone call their father has passed away, so he goes to the club where Kyle’s band is playing. They end up traveling together to get all the family stuff taken care of. And this is where Lyle finds himself that he is in love with Kyle, maybe always has been.<br />This is an absolute must read! But let me just say the cliff hanger…I need more!!
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Obedience (Ties That Bind Book 1) by Liza Snow – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

ObedienceObedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first book about a circus and circus school, and boy oh boy am I glad that I read it! I was not at all prepared for this book! It was so, so good!! This book will have you wrapped up so quick and tied in for the ride. I did not want to put it down!! And now I need to rush and get the next book in the set when released!! I can’t wait to read it as well. Cassandra grew up with one goal in mind. She wanted to soar through the skies under a big tent with the best silk aerialist in the world! Her parents took her to Chandler’s circus and as soon as she saw him in the air doing a difficult drop, she knew she wanted that life. She wanted to perform with him, she wanted to learn from him, she wanted him as her mentor, and she wanted to do that drop! That trip to the circus changed her life. In more than one way. The next day, her parents died in a horrible fire. A very hard road later, and she gets to start her dream! She made it!! She preforms for the school and she is accepted into the circus school with a full scholarship! To make things better one of her teachers is Chandler!!! She gets to learn from some of the greats, but also her idol! But he isn’t anything like she thought and she sees her dreams going up in flames. Chandler hasn’t felt like himself in a while but after seeing Cassandra in the silks, performing to a song and routine he loved in his twenties, he has a rush of emotions. He gets excited and is wrapped up in the reasons why he loved that one so much. He pretty much accepts Cassandra at her audition! He could see her potential and he felt his longing of finding the right student to take under his wing coming into focus. He’s so surprised by Cassandra though. She bold and outspoken. She puts him in his place even though she’s a student and he’s the teacher! She’d make a great addition to the circus, if only they could stop fighting!! He grumpy and she’s always late! When her best friend volunteers her for a Shibari (tying a person up with visually intricate patterns of rope) demonstration at a club, she quickly feels her world tying up in knots. Unsure of herself she realizes a couple things. One is that it makes her feel alive and the second is who’s really behind the mask. Chandler never planned on bringing anyone into his life, but the closer he gets to Cassandra the more his grandfather’s words taunt him. Now her past and his family are following her and she’s in way deeper than she or he even realized. Lives are in danger and things are catching fire left and right, as they look into her past. Their history’s are knotted together and neither of them know just how much. Will her past come back to bite her? Will his come back and bite him? This is only book one and it is left on bit of a cliffhanger, in France!! Book two has the release date of October 2023 though, so you totally have time to read this one and then go pre-order book 2! I know I will be!!!! You will not regret reading this book. Like I said, it was so, so good!! There is also a full-cast narrated audiobook for this book if you wanted that additional immersive experience. I’ve heard good things and I might be adding it to my list as well. Hehe. Grab this book and make sure you have time, a drink, and maybe even a fan! You won’t want to stop reading until your done!!

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@jaimie0459

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

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

This is a fast paced story that packs a punch. It has mystery and romance which will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time reading this. The steam in this book may make you blush a little, maybe even have to fan yourself. It’s good. What I really liked was the leading female had a role that is normally given to male characters. She has grit and whit. I love a strong female lead. Don’t think that just because the female lead is strong that the male lead isn’t. He is just as strong and who doesn’t love a good looking firefighter in their stories. This book is semi-relatable because everyone has a crazy ex out there, maybe not to the extreme of his crazy ex. These are just glimpses of what lies ahead for you when you read this story. The suspense and drama that unfolds is completely worth it and will keep yo turning the page to see what happens. It is really well written and flows seamlessly. I can’t wait to read more in the series. Trust me you won’t be disappointed by picking this up to read. It is worth it.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
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Unexpected Entanglement (The Echo Series Book 3) by C.R. Alam – Review by Brittany Angel

Unexpected Entanglement (The Echo Series, #3)Unexpected Entanglement by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another really sweet romance from this author! I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoiling anything, but it was an enjoyable read from start to finish. I loved getting to see Chris get his happy ending after all. We even still got to see someone our favorite characters from the previous books in the series too.

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Savage Truth (Hidden Valley Elite Book 2) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Brittany Angel

Savage Truth: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 2)Savage Truth: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This one wrapped up really nicely. Our characters get a happy ending after the problems that Riley and her mother are running from come to a head. Though, at times, the story felt a little disjointed. Just needed a little more time to flesh out the Mafia backstory.

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Savage Truth (Hidden Valley Elite Book 2) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Savage Truth: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 2)Savage Truth: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Man oh man!! What a great series so far!! I read the prequel to Riley and Cole’s story (books 1 and 2) first and then followed up with books 1 and 2. Although reading the prequel isn’t needed, it does give a little extra to their story that I am personally glad that I read. I can’t wait to read the rest of the Hidden Valley Elite series!! In book 2 SO, SO much happens! This book sucks you in so quick! I read it in two days because I just couldn’t put it down. Cole hates Riley and her mother. He blames her family for the destruction of his family. If it weren’t for them he’d still have his mom. Riley hates Cole. He’s been freezing her out ever since she came into town. She can’t date anyone, she can’t have friends, and everyone is mean to her. He might want her and her him, but they enemies. Living with each other doesn’t help! But their parents (his dad and her mom) want to get married and they swear everything will be okay, safe, and different. Some secrets are deadly though, and she will do everything she can to keep her secrets away from him! He’s hot on her trail though and she must get away. Their game of cat and mouse will put lives in danger if their not careful and what high schooler is careful? When Riley’s father comes into town, their lives get turned upside down. Again. Will they set aside their differences before someone is killed? Will all their secrets catch up to them? That first kiss seared into them both and now the chips are falling all around. You have to read this series!! It will keep you on your toes and hooked until the very end! Then you will be racing to get the next book and the next after that!

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@jaimie0459

Undying Light (The Stella Maris Series Book 1) by Aurora Wildey – Review by Barbara Bohls

Undying LightUndying Light by Aurora Wildey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book kept me turning pages and sitting in the edge of my seat. It starts with an attack at work leaving the leading female character injured and unsafe. Then some stranger swoops in and tries to protect her. He has secrets of his own. The two together try to navigate things with their powers while keeping them a secret. All while this is going on there is another attack. This attack brings in another male character and causes some tension between the two leading men. They have to figure out who to trust and she has to figure out if she can trust either of them. This is a great beginning to a new series and I am thoroughly looking forward to what happens next. This book will leave you turning pages to see what happens next. It has everything that I look for in a book; suspense, action, paranormal characters, and angst. This book is written in multiple POVs and I feel that it adds different views of things happening in the story. It is a really well rounded book that is a very quick read. Also this review was difficult to write without giving things away in the story because there is so much I want to share but don’t want to spoil all the feels that you will get while reading this book.
Reviewed by: @bbohls

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Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite Series Book 4) by Amy McKinley – Review by Helen Dawkins

Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, #4)Savage Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love Elena and Marco! From Frenemies to Lovers! Even though you can read this book as a standalone, I recommend reading the other books in order before this one. There is vital information about Elena’s starting predicament that may be confusing if you do not know the background information from the other 3 books. After finding that Elena is alive, Marco will not stop until she is his and in his arms. As teenagers, Marco and Elena were always back and forth teasing and punishing for no reason. They both had crushes on each other but kept it a secret, as Elena was promised to marry Enzo. In this book, it tied up several of the sub-plots that go on throughout each book. Marco is the sexy tattooed badass, while Elena has become an independent badass of her own. Her being away from everyone and in hiding for the past 4 years causes several issues with the two main characters, trust being the main problem. As Elena, is not sure who to trust, and Marco is pissed that she left without asking for help. The main Mafia situation in Savage Secrets is focused on the Russians, the Boss Yuri in particular. Very action packed but with lots of romance and love. Definitely cannot wait to read the 5th book in the series.

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Ruthless Heir (Mafia Elite Series Book 5) by Amy McKinley – Review by Helen Dawkins

Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite, #5)Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ruthless Heir, Book 5 in the Mafia Elite Series throws a huge loop than the other pervious books. At first, I was not sure how I would like it considering it is bringing in two new characters that have not been introduced yet. The love story focus is on Luc and Summer. Luc being Lil’s long lost half brother, who has no idea he has a sister, let alone Mafia. Both Luc and Summer come from hard difficult childhoods, which is one of the things they bond over. The book focuses on Luc’s training to become the new Mafia Boss for the Brambilla Family and the new girl who he has dragged along with him, Summer. She is also on the run from another less powerful Mafia Family, the Amato’s. She keeps her cards close to her in hope that she Five Chicago Families do not turn her over. At first, Summer is there against her will, but slowly everyone, including Luc falls in love with her. As Summer and Luc work together every morning, their love connection grows so beautifully. Summer and Luc both fit excellently into the Five Mafia Families and are a great addition. Amy McKinley does a spectacular job at mixing adventure, mystery, romance and spice. I know I will not be disappointed in book 6!

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite Series Book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Helen Dawkins

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Absolutely Amazing! The author, Amy McKinley, definitely knows how to balance the right amount of action, suspense, and romance. “No Way Out” is focused on the story of Max (Matt) and Lilana. The book is told through both of their POV’s and I absolutely love that we get to know both of their viewpoints. Both main characters have a troubled past, and truthfully a troubled present. The book was fast-paced, but was not so fast that you didn’t understand what was happening and why. I am in awe that Liliana is such a badass, and so are the other “Mafia Princesses”. The interaction with Max and Liliana was just enough of darkness that kept you on your toes, but not so much where it was off-putting. Every page had me wanting more, and wondering what would happen next. One of the best books I have read by this author. I am looking forward to reading the second book in this series!

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Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Helen Dawkins

Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 6)Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Collateral Damage is book 6 in the Mafia Elite Series. While each book can be a standalone, I highly recommend reading the other books in order before reading this one. Collateral Damage focuses on the love story of Trey La Rosa and a young woman named Hailey Carmichael. Trey has absolutely no time to find a woman as he is in his residence for becoming a surgeon and is also the Mafia’s doctor. Trey recently lost his last girlfriend, and he is not looking to ever lose another person he loves. The two main characters meet at a function and Trey is slowly pulled into helping Hailey. As they continue to work together, his feelings grow enormous for her, and he is not willing to lose her for any reason. Amy McKinley never disappoints, and that is also clear in this book. This series is one of the best series I have read in a long time. There is an excellent mixture of spice, romance, and action. Her details on each man will make your mouth water. In the other books, Trey is on the outskirts, and I am glad that in this book we get a up close and personal look into his life.

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Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite Series Book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Helen Dawkins

Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite, #3)Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Mafia Elite Series. Even though you can read these as stand alone, I definitely recommend reading them in order, as there are sub plots throughout each book that connects them all. I absolutely loved the way Amy McKinley portrays Emiliana Vitale. She is one of my favorite characters throughout the series. Her fierceness and bravery are far superior to the other Mafia Princesses, which is what I love about her. This book focuses on Emiliana and Stephano love story. Stephano also is more vicious than the other Bosses, given who his father is, who is the scariest of them all. There is a love between Stephano and Emiliana that seems to go deeper than the other couples. Emiliana was kidnapped and held in a human trafficking ring, and Stephano is the one who saved her and carried her out. I enjoyed the building relationship between the two of them. The way Stephano is there for Emiliana but also lets her heal in her own way is one of the reasons I love this book so much. This book has more than just romance, it touches on standing up for what you want regardless of your parents, as well as key emotions both people can have after a significant trauma. I cannot wait to read book 4 as I know Amy McKinley will most definitely give an amazing story!

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Blood Oath (Mafia Elite Series Book 2) by Amy McKinley – Review by Helen Dawkins

Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, #2)Blood Oath by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Blood Oath” had me in a whirlwind of emotions. The love story between Enzo and Sofia brought me to tears at every turn. Their love was pure and so deep. This book was even better than the first. Amy McKinley did a MAGNIFICINT job at showing and describing both Enzo and Sofia’s inner thoughts and feelings. There was never a moment you have to think what they were wanting or needing. This book had a bunch of suspense, was intriguing and lots of action. I love the history that the author gives on both of the main characters, and I thoroughly enjoyed the flashbacks each of them had. The small sub plots throughout book one carried out through this book. Even though there are so many characters, the author is wonderful at making each of their stories different, so it’s not that easy to get them mixed up or confused. I personally love the large diversity of characters and sub-plots. Even though this book could be a stand-alone, I do advise to read the first series book before starting this one. One of my favorite components of the book, is how fierce the women are. They are complete Badass women and do not need anyone, but they utterly want to be next to the one they love. Definitely a fast paced read, I could not put it down. I cannot wait to read book 3 and find out what is in store for the other characters, as well to know the ending of some of the sub-plots throughout the book.

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The True Garza (Red Cage Book 3) by S. Ann Cole – Review by Tori Mitton

The True Garza (Red Cage, #3)The True Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read in this series. You could read it as a series or just a standalone. (I need to read this entire series because its so good.)
You follow Lonny(London) as an amazing PI, but, She has been wreckless with her investigations and someone is out to get her. She takes a job as a PI with the Red Cage, this is where True pops up a year later after their steamy 7 day Colorado fling. Can Lonny keep it together for her job, even though the man she fell in love with is now her boss? This story captivates you from start to finish.

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Everything to Me (Playing for Keeps Book 2) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Barbara Bohls

Everything to Me (Playing for Keeps Book 2)Everything to Me by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand alone. That is what I did. This book has tons of steam and is a very quick easy read. I got sucked into story right away with how the female lead (Kendall) behaves. She is upfront with all the feelings. The book gives a back story so you can see the growth. I love that Kendall isn’t a push over or a needy female that can tend to happen in some sport romance books. The leading male (Pete) is a perfect example of your typical boy next door. He is kind and follows the bro code of not dating your best friends sister. This book was fast paced and I wish there was a little bit more to the romance of them falling together. I loved that the characters were able to grow throughout the story. The journey that they take feels genuine just a little lacking in verbiage. It really is an amazing book and a very simple read. I feel like I am just being picky with wanting more romance between the two of them. The steam is there and it is a “fan yourself kind of heat.” I do recommend this book for a quick little beach read, I mean if you’re already red from the sun – no one is gonna notice the lush you get while reading some of the scenes in this book.
Reviewed by @bbohls

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Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Brittany Angel

Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 6)Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Slooooooooooow burn at its finest. This is the 6th installment of the Mafia Elite series and though it can be read as a stand alone, is so much more enjoyable when you’ve read the previous 5.

In this installment we have Trey La Rosa, a member of one of the Five Families, juggling his life as an ER doctor and his duties as a member of his family. When he finds himself in the middle of a ransom plot concerning the step daughter of one of the men he works with, he soon finds himself wondering if he can’t also find love.

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Tori Mitton

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1).Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story takes you from the past to the present with Grace. You start out with Grace as a small child, who is taking care of her sick ma, and her sister. When she gets jumped going to the store for her dad. All of a sudden this potential of a young fighter comes through. She never let go of the money her dad handed her that day. Dad takes her to this gym, where she meets her mentor, Carl. Along with Mason& Alasdair. They start as a team, and Grace makes them into her family. She gets offered a job as a UFC fighter, and she JUMPS at the opportunity. This book is so well written, you wont be able to put it down. You can really connect to Grace through all her trials in her life. I cannot wait for Johnny’s book.

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Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Barbara Bohls

Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 6)Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 6th book in the series and it did not disappoint. There wasn’t as much action as in pervious books in the series but don’t let that sway you from reading it because the twists and turns are there. This book is like walking through a haunted maze in the middle of the night with only the light on your phone. I was constantly sitting in the edge of my seat. I couldn’t get to the end of each page fast enough or turn to the next page even faster. The push and pull between the two characters in the book is a vibe in itself. I don’t normally go for the back and forth with characters. However, with this book I couldn’t get enough of it. I needed more banter and more jabs. It is so, so good. The friendship that builds between them makes it even better when they fall. This book is an easy to read, page turning, won’t want to put down, can’t sleep till it’s finished, and will leave you wanting more. Do yourself a favor and get a great escape into the world of mafia love in its finest.
Reviewed by @bbohls

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Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Helen Dawkins

Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns, #1)Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Flames and Crystal Thorns is a wonderful, adventurous read. The main characters are so easy to fall in love with. Chloe is not your normal badass heroin that you normally see, she actually is the complete opposite. While she is badass in her own way, she is very timid and freezes in the moment of any dangerous situation. She currently is living in the mortal realm as an apothecary, and a very talented one at that, with the help of a Faerie book. That is until her past shows up and tells her that she is the only one who can save Faerie. She has sworn to never return, but now her sister is in danger, as well as both the Farie Realm and the Mortal Realm, what is she to do? Quintus, a Fae, is adamant she is the only one who can help. Mortals are trying to take over Faerie and have captured her older sister. I absolutely love the way the author went in a different direction than most magical storylines go. Children born from a mortal and a fae are born either fully mortal or fully fae. I admire that Chloe does not want to try and fit into the fae livelihood, but instead completely embraces the fact she is human and wants to be with her own kind. The lessons that Chloe learns through are both relatable and realistic.

There is a tension between Chloe and Quintus, but you do not know exactly what the history between them is, which I think is a missed opportunity. It does not affect the story in a significant way, but I believe that if the author went into detail early on, what their past held, it would be easier to understand why they interacted with each other the way they do.

I highly recommend this book to all fans of YA fantasy. I am very excited to read the next book in the series!

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Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse (The Forerunner Saga Book 1) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review By Tori Mitton

Thorfinn and the Witch's Curse (The Forerunner Series #1)Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thorfin and the witches curse. At the begining of the book it gives you a map that you can refer back to. As you will need it as you read the book. It also gives you a character table at the very end of the book which is helpful so you know who is who and what relationships they have and the ties they have to each land in the book. This tale is set in the 800’s Viking era. It makes you feel like you are right there with these characters. It has action, suspense, mystery, and magic all tangled into each other. This story is so gripping you’ll never want to put it down. Thorfin is our main character, along with Karl and you follow them through this amazing journey.

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