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Tempting Fate (Black Shamrocks MC: Australia Book 1) by Bella Faust – Review by Megan Conley

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Tempting Fate: a dark and angsty love triangle romance (Black Shamrocks MC: Australia Book 1)Tempting Fate: a dark and angsty love triangle romance by Bella Faust
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

**PAY ATTENTION TO THE TRIGGER WARNINGS** Please, please, please heed the trigger warnings that the author provides because this book is DARK. That being said…if you can handle it YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK! I will say I have not read the beginning of Lily’s story (I plan to as soon as I can get my hands on it); however, Faust provides enough backstory to give the reader an idea of what went down. This is an MC, dark romance, psychological mind eff of a book. There were twists and turns that I did not see coming (I thought I did, but no, no, no…Faust made sure to rip that rug right from underneath me). I absolutely love the L-O-V-E that Lily and Venom (Zeke) have for each other (even if they let themselves get in the way of it sometimes). I also love the way all of the other characters (the good ones…not the crappy ones) love them as well. Tempting Fate is full of love, hate, family drama, angst, hell, retribution, and everything in between. This book will definitely take you on a ride (all the puns intended) and you won’t regret a single moment. But PLEASE heed the trigger warnings!

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Firewall by Jessica Mehring – Review by Megan Conley

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FirewallFirewall by Jessica Mehring
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fantastic romantic suspense that is told from the dual POVs (my fav) of Veronica and Angus. I love Mehring’s character development of the main characters and their banter throughout the novel was witty and placed appropriately. The plotline was original and well done. Veronica discovers a sinister plot at work that requires her to need a bodyguard and in steps Angus, who happens to be her best friends brother. I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to more!

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Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend by Terri Sabol – Review by Megan Conley

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Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-ReturnOscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-Return by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a really cute and informational story about not only being a responsible pet owner, but being a responsible animal lover. Abby and Charlie have 2 pet cats, Oscar and Emmy, who have made a new friend, Shadow. Shadow, however, is skittish and doesn’t like people, but Abby and Charlie (with their mom’s approval) feed Shadow (and her kittens) outside. Being a responsible animal lover, Abby & Charlie’s mom calls the vet and is advised to trap Shadow and her kittens so they can be fixed and then released in order to prevent overpopulation. Sabol does a fantastic job of presenting really important information in such a way so that children can understand and respect the importance of spaying and neutering your pets (and strays). Children can really connect with the characters and the illustrations are wonderful.

Reviewed by @meggs1717

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien)I Am An Outer Space Alien by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the cute story of Shirl, who is convinced she’s not from Earth because she doesn’t like y’s, creamed spinach, and sports. She invents a radio that can talk to aliens from outer space and Eee-ahh comes to visit her. Eee-ahh is looking for her home planet too, but soon realizes Earth isn’t it. Shirl and Eee-ahh try to find things they can do together and that they have in common to make their lives better together. I always love Wickstrom’s books and how she is able to weave life lessons into her cute stories. The illustrations are always unique and bright as well.

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Tequila Midnight (Southwest Suspense Novels Book 1) by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Megan Conley

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Tequila MidnightTequila Midnight by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this novel with a gritty, determined, realistic heroine. Jessica Watts was abandoned by her parents and had to grow up fast in order to survive. She doesn’t let anyone get close and is the tough-as-nails heroine you’d think she’d be. However, when a Mexican tycoon approaches her to help him find his missing daughter, Jessica can’t walk away from the pay-out he’s offering. This mission takes Jessica on every twist and turn imaginable and leaves her for dead more than once. Definitely check out this book if you love mysteries and tough on the outside, but soft on the inside heroines.

 

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The Secrets they Hide (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Megan Conley

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The Secrets they Hide: A Commissario Scala Mystery (Book 2) (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome)The Secrets they Hide: A Commissario Scala Mystery (Book 2) by P J Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 2nd book in the series; however, you can read it as a stand alone…the only thing you are missing out on is really getting to know Detective Scala (but you get that in this book…you just don’t have it from the beginning). I love a good mystery thriller and P.J. Mann did not disappoint with this one. The dual perspectives between Detective Scala and the killer was *chef’s kiss* and probably my favorite part about the entire book (I love a good dual perspective). I really like Mann’s writing style and look forward to reading more.

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How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley

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How to Catch Little Boys and Eat ThemHow to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a cute retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk with a twist. Wickstrom’s take on classic fairytales are unique and this one is no different. In this version, we get the giant’s perspective and what he plans to do with Jack; however, Jack outsmarts him with some quick problem-solving. I always enjoys the way she weaves lessons into her stories and the illustrations are always interesting and special.

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Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation) by Toni Aleo – Review by Megan Conley

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Heavy Shot (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation #7)Heavy Shot by Toni Aleo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was my first hockey romance and I was not disappointed! I love Toni Aleo, I’ve read her books before so I knew what I was getting into, but Dimitri and Austen’s relationship hit a little different for me. I don’t know if it’s because I really didn’t like Dimitri starting off or what, but I have always loved the way Aleo develops her characters and she does an exceptional job with Dimitri here because by the end of the book, I was on his side. I really loved how much he had to work (and didn’t really mind it) it get on the Assassins. I admire Austen’s determination to overcome all of her trauma, religious trauma at that (something that I think many authors shy away from, but Aleo dealt with it very well). I really love the banter between Dimitri and Austen and how they really do heal each other and are genuinely good for one another. This is definitely a must read.

 

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Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Megan Conley

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Ten Little Starfish: A Counting BookTen Little Starfish: A Counting Book by Kim Ann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a really cute sea-themed counting book for your littles. I love the rhyming throughout the book and the descriptions on each page. I also like at the end how Ann gives interesting facts about starfish as well as a QR code so you can download the sing-a-long. This would be a great addition to any gift for soon-to-be parents (especially if their theme or décor was beach for sea).

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The Finding (Berrycreek Heights Series Book 1) by A. M. Porto – Review by Megan Conley

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The Finding (Berrycreek Heights, #1)The Finding by A.M. Porto
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book has the potential to be phenomenal. I really enjoyed the premise of the plot line and the characters. I feel like Porto could have fleshed out the character development more as well as the plot line. The book is very dialogue heavy (which is not necessarily a bad thing); however, there were chances to expand without dialogue and those were missed. Also, this book contains some triggering situations and I feel that perhaps the trigger warnings should be a little more specific so that everyone who goes into the book can be prepared. I am interested to see what is next in the series as I enjoyed the premise of the book.

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Oathbreakers Anonymous by Scott Warren – Review by Megan Conley

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Oathbreakers AnonymousOathbreakers Anonymous by Scott Warren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I honestly didn’t know what to expect out of this book other than I knew that it was way out of my typical genre choices (but I was really intrigued by the cover so…). I’m so glad I gave it a chance! Between the character development and the world-building I was enamored with Warren’s writing style. This is a fantasy novel that is action packed and laugh out loud funny and I had a hard time putting it down to get anything done because I wanted to know what was going to happen. Even if fantasy isn’t your “thing” give this book a try because it will have you laughing.

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Rise of the Hunter (Blood Prophecy Series) by Barb Jones – Review by Megan Conley

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Rise of the HunterRise of the Hunter by Barb Jones
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I liked this book; however, it is the 4th book in a series BUT the first book in a trilogy and there were times where I was questioning the who, what, when, where, and how. That being said…I really enjoyed the premise of the book and the characters and even the plot (even though there were times I was lost and confused). Definitely read the other books in the series so you know what is going on and I’m not really sure how The Tall Dark Man is going to spin off into the trilogy but we’ll see. I did enjoy the author’s writing style…I just think that there was way too much happening in this book and that maybe it should have been split into at least 2 different novels. But if you’re looking for a supernatural, action packed book and have time to sit a focus on what’s happening (because you will need to be able to focus) then I recommend picking up this book.

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Megan Conley

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Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is definitely a book geared toward middle-schoolers; however, it’s a very quick, heartfelt read that many adults will enjoy. We meet Neyah and Abby who are pen pals learning about each other’s lives through a school assignment. As the story progresses, the girls quickly realize that while their lives are vastly different, they both are facing very real and serious obstacles. I found this story to be very inspiring and Bleckwehl’s message of maintaining hope through adversity and having kindness and empathy for everyone to be something that we all need to remember and perhaps exhibit a little more in our daily lives. I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more from her.

 

Reviewed by @meggs1717

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The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley

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The Messy KidsThe Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another cute story by Lois Wickstrom where she incorporates life lessons for kids into it. Chester doesn’t want to clean his room (what kids does) and so he compromises and says he’ll go clean the sandbox first. While out there, he meets the Messy Kids and whatever Chester does, they can do it bigger and better than him. They follow him into his room to clean and initially, they shove everything under the bed, but when Chester’s mom comes in and tells Chester that he knows better than that, the Messy Kids use their strengths to help Chester clean his room the right way. As always, I love that Wickstrom weaves lessons into her books and I love the illustrations.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters)Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a really cute story about Colleen and her dad and his job of holding up the sky. Colleen’s friends and their parents don’t actually believe that her dad holds up the sky so she invites them over to see. They still don’t believe her so her dad stops holding up the sky and begins to play with them. Nothing immediately beings to happen so Colleen begins to doubt her dad; however, subtle things start to go wrong so Colleen has to fix it. I really enjoy how Wickstrom is always able to weave life lessons into her stories. The illustrations for this book are fantastic as well.

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Megan Conley

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

This harrowing historical fiction follows the main female protagonist, Talks Like Thunder, as she is taken from her original tribe, and then taken again by the white man and placed on a reservation and forced to learn and accept white culture all the while her culture is disregarded. Carter and Nerhus did an amazing job of capturing the sorrow and fear and determination of the young protagonist and the situations she went through. I found myself staying up late saying, “Just one more chapter,” continuously until I had finished the novella. This is a very quick read, but don’t let that fool you. It will rip your heart out and infuriate you.

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6) by Aubrey Wynne – Review by Megan Conley

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6)Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 6th installment in the Once Upon a Widow series; however, you can easily read it as a standalone. There are ties to the other books in the series, but nothing too specific that you can’t figure out what’s going on. I stepped outside of my typical romance genre for this read (I typically like my romances dark and extra spicy) but I really did enjoy this historical, sweet romance. Other than the bit of drama at the beginning in which leaves Lady Helen a widow and returning home with her three-year-old daughter, Maeve, this story is fairly drama-free. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Lady Helen and Conway, Earl of Griffith. I would absolutely recommend this book, especially if you are looking for a palate cleanser between darker readings.

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

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Secrets of the Sorcery War (Ruarnon Trilogy #2)Secrets of the Sorcery War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the 2nd installment in the Ruarnon Trilogy and you definitely need to read the books in order to fully understand what’s going on with the plot line and character development. This is an epic YA fantasy saga that is all-inclusive and follows the MC, Linh, on her quest to find allies to free her parents from the evil (maybe?) Nartzeer. This novel is full of twists and turns and I can’t wait for the 3rd and final installment to come out. I loved the inclusiveness of the LGBTQIA+ community within the novel and it wasn’t done as an after thought and didn’t seemed forced. The premise of the novel is great and I really liked the character development; however, I feel that Carlson tends to be overly descriptive and verbose in some areas of her writing and it would often make me lose interest in what was happening at that moment. There were definitely parts that could have been shorter and moved the story along faster without taking away from the plot. BUT overall I would recommend this YA fantasy saga if you like this genre.

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Huff… Puff… Grind! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley

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Huff...Puff...Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart: a science folktale (Science Folktales)Huff…Puff…Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is another fantastic retelling of the classic 3 Little Pigs. In this version, we have Stella, Hal, and Brad who are 3 very intelligent pigs who studied architecture and build wolf-proof houses. This obviously upset the wolf, but they were able to come to an agreement that was mutually beneficial to them all. I love how Wickstrom is able to weave science and life lessons together in her children’s books. She is one of my absolute favorite children’s authors. And as always, I love her illustrations!

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Obedience (Ties That Bind Book 1) by Liza Snow – Review by Megan Conley

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ObedienceObedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love a forbidden, age-gap romance?! This is the story of Cassandra (the student) and Chandler (the teacher) and how their lives, present and past, intertwine as she becomes his protégé. I do love how quickly this book hooked me and Snow’s writing is excellent. I absolutely love the dual perspectives…it’s one of my favorite things being able to get both main characters’ POVs. I think Snow handled the spice very nicely in this book and though it was a slow-burn, I liked the pacing. There were a few times where some transitions were abrupt and that kind of jarred me; however, I enjoyed the book. This did end on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to get my hands on the 2nd book.

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The Boys of Alpha Block by Nancy Nau Sullivan – Review by Megan Conley

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The Boys of Alpha BlockThe Boys of Alpha Block by Nancy Nau Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the heart-wrenching tale of the “Boys of Alpha Block.” It takes place in a juvenile detention center where the boys are subjected to the horrors of physical, mental, emotional, and (sometimes) sexual abuse, as well as abuse of power, humiliation and degradation, and complete disregard for their education. I would consider this book to have a slow pacing but I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough to find out what was going to happen next. This book will take an emotional toll on you; however, there are bright spots in it too. Friendships are formed and there is hope which does ease some of the tension of all of the darkness. I think one of the things that has stuck with me long after I’ve finished the last page is the fact that there were “good” people in positions to help the boys and they just stood idly by. This book is definitely worth the read, but do be prepared to have your heart tugged at and to have a good stare at the wall when you’re done.

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Punk (Popov Boys Book 6) by Leslie Georgeson – Review by Megan Conley

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

Who doesn’t love a tall, dark vigilante who gets his hands dirty…in more ways than one 😉 Efrem has done some nasty things in his life and he’s trying to even out his karma by playing vigilante. Miranda is in the midst of a horrendous divorce and hires Efrem to help her get to the bottom of what her soon-to-be ex has been up to. They fall for one another but will they be able to wade through all of the lies and secrets of their pasts?
I really enjoyed this installment of the Popov Boys series. This is the 6th book and it can definitely be read as a standalone (I did) but I’m sure there are some subtle storylines and characters in there that Georgeson has introduced in past books. I definitely want to pick up the other 5 and see what those characters and plot lines have to offer. This is an age-gap, friends to lovers, mafia romance with an HEA. There is defiantly a spice level as well.

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Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley

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

This is a very cute retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk staring Jacqueline. I love the lesson of this book (and how Wickstrom always manages to work them into her stories) and how uncomplicated the story and lesson are. The illustrations are great as well. As always, I love Wickstrom’s writing style and her ability to always tie in a lesson. Highly recommend reading this (and all of Wickstrom’s stories) to the littles!

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

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

This is the cute story of Alex, the inventor, who invents a way to talk to flowers. She is able to hear and talk to them and goes on an adventure. I love the way Wickstom is able to tie creativity and science together with strong female characters. The illustrations are so cute and well done.

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People Safari by Feather Chelle – Review by Megan Conley

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

Cute and whimsical story from the perspective of Ranger Marco (a raccoon) and the Deer Family: Buck, Doe, and Fawn about humans and how they live. This story is super cute and I love the different perspective it offers so that the readers and listeners get a different idea of how humans live and how odd some of the things we do could seem to animals. I love the illustrations as well. Definitely read this to the littles! Makes for a great story time!

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Foxy Tails by Natalina Reis – Review by Megan Conley

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Foxy TailsFoxy Tails by Natalina Reis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a good read. It’s not my typical genre, but I liked the magical/fantasy aspect of it. I enjoyed being able to see the dual view points between Huli and Xiao as well as the way their relationship evolves and develops. It did take me quiet a while to get into the story and I wish the world building was done a little better. I felt parts of the plot were rushed and it does end on a cliffhanger. This is a MM romance. I would recommend this book, but I feel that there were parts that could have been done better.

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A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley

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A Monster for MegA Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the inclusiveness of this story. This is the story of Meg, who is blind, and her sister who is describing to Meg what a monster is like. It’s a very cute story of how Meg’s sister describes the monster and how Meg relates the monster back to her sister. I love how Wickstrom always weaves life lessons into her stories and is very inclusive as well. This is probably one of my favorites. And as always, the illustrations are on point.

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Aliens on Earth Anthology (Limited Edition Romance Collections) by Various Authors – Review by Megan Conley

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Aliens on EarthAliens on Earth by Mandy Melanson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This anthology was a little outside of my normal genre but there were a few stories that caught my eye so I wanted to give it a try.
The first story I read was The Alien & The Crime Boss by Naomi Valkyrie. This is the story of Leilphun, who is exiled from his home planet for standing up for what he believes in, and Kasper, the crime boss who is fighting for what is rightfully his. This is a quick read and definitely feels rushed is places, but I believe that Valkyrie could flush this story out more and really develop the characters and plot line. I really enjoyed this story. This is a MM romance and there is allusion to spice, but no direct spiciness.
The second story I read was Her Alien Rock Star by Elle Ryan. This was a very short, but very spicy read. I definitely feel this one could be fleshed out more as well. There is a story here waiting to be developed. I really liked the connection between AJ and Ceol that Ryan was able to convey to the readers within a very short amount of time. And the amount of spice and the level of creative license on appendages and their abilities…just *chef’s kiss*!
Overall, I really enjoyed the stories in this anthology even though it was a little out of my wheelhouse. It definitely introduced me to some new authors that I look forward to reading. And for the most part, these stories are quick and easy reads. Great if your are looking for something short and spicy.

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A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Megan Conley

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A River of CrowsA River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shanessa Gluhm had me in a choke hold from the first page and didn’t let go until the very end. This novel kept me up into the wee hours of the night because I had to know what was going to happen next and I was furiously tapping on my Kindle to get the pages to turn faster. This is the gripping tale of Sloan and Ridge and the lies that tore their family apart for years. A River of Crows has so many twists and turns I got whiplash. I cannot praise this book enough. If you love thrillers, family drama, and really not knowing what’s going to happen until right before it happens, pick this book up right now!

 

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White Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson – Review by Megan Conley

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White Picket FencesWhite Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very emotional book for me because I felt like the author looked into my life and wrote everything down. But it made me feel validated because as mothers and wives we often don’t get “seen” and that’s what Robertson does with this book…she sees you. I highly recommend this book. It often left me speechless because I just had a hard time believing that someone else could put into words what I had felt before. Truly amazing.

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