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The Music That Ties Us (Love Ties Us Series) by Nicolette Terry – Review by Megan Rea

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The Music That Ties Us: A Rockstar Romance (Love Ties Us)The Music That Ties Us: A Rockstar Romance by Nicolette Terry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I cannot recommend this book enough! I was hooked from the beginning and had an extremely hard time putting it down when I had to do adult things and stuff. I laughed, I cried, I was heartbroken, I was fixed…I went through so many emotions while reading this book and I want you to experience them too! I’m a huge sucker for good character development and let me just say…Terry has outdone herself with her characters. Both MC’s are relatable but Cadence really spoke to my heart on so many levels. I cannot wait to get my hands on another of Terry’s books. PICK THIS UP NOW!!
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Murder the Tey Way (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Megan Rea

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Murder the Tey Way (Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub Book 2)Murder the Tey Way by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The next installment in the series and it did not disappoint! I love the homage Levinson is paying to different murder-mystery legends throughout this series. Lexie is a favorite character of mine. I love her grit and determination to find out whodunit. There are so many twists and turns in this novel that I got whiplash! I love Levinson’s writing style and the way she develops her characters. She also keeps her plot line on point and moving. I will say that I found this plot to be a little complex, but I loved it. If you are looking for something that will make you sit down and think while you’re reading, then pick up this one!
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The Predator Part One (The Predator Series) by Brooke May – Review by Megan Rea

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The Predator Part OneThe Predator Part One by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ummm…let me just start off with saying that I need Book 2 immediately!! I was hooked from the first page and I could not put this one down! There are characters you love and characters that you will absolutely hate and I’m here for it all. I don’t want to spoil anything but the dynamics between KC and Chamberlain…you’ll need a fan! I’ve read other books by May and this one is similar but different in a way that I’m not entirely sure about but I absolutely love it! I cannot wait to get my hands on Book 2 and see where May is taking us!

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Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Megan Rea

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Unexpected HeroesUnexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I absolutely love Valkyrie’s writing style and she doesn’t disappoint with Unexpected Heroes. This is a MM, small-town romance filled with suspense. Valkyrie packs romance, suspense, angst, and spice into Jude and Elijah’s story and does it really well. I really like how she developed these characters, individually and together, as well as the plot line. This spice level in this is just right and you will not regret picking this story up.

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Love Rinkside (The Playmakers Series) Audiobook by G. K. Brady – Review by Megan Rea

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Love Rinkside (Playmakers)Love Rinkside by G.K. Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely devoured this book! I love Katie and Drew’s story and it is so relatable on so many levels…the insecurities (on both sides), the wondering if your feelings are too soon, the apprehension and fear in a new relationship…just all of it! This book has everything you are looking for: romance, spicy time, laugh-out-loud moments, pain, regret, redemption (in a mascot suit no less) and so much more! Brady did a fantastic job writing characters so believable. This is one of the best hockey romances I’ve read in awhile…and there isn’t much hockey in it 😉

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Dinopotamus Solves a Mystery (Dinopotamus Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Rea

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Dinopotamus Solves a Mystery: A scientific method bookDinopotamus Solves a Mystery: A scientific method book by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another cute installation in the Dinapotamus series. I love the illustrations and how they look like children drew them. As always, I love how Wickstrom is able to weave science, learning, and life-lessons together so seamlessly. Pick this one up now to add to your collection!
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“Absurd,” Said Bird : A Fun Children’s Adventure About a Mouse Who Dreams of Travel (Mouse Traveler) by Tricia Gardella – Review by Megan Rea

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“ABSURD,” SAID BIRD.: A mouse plans a trip to the moon. by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cute story about Mouse and their adventure to go to the moon. However, while Mouse and the other farm animals are gathering supplies to build a plane Bird is telling them that the plan is “Absurd” but Mouse won’t listen. What happens when Mouse tries to fly the plane to the moon? Can you still be a supportive friend even if you don’t think all of your friends plans are perfect? Find out in this fantastic picture book. The illustrations in this book are out-of-this-world as well. I love the bright colors and the simple drawings.

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Orange Forest Rabbit by Lois Wickstrom and Lucrecia Darling – Review by Megan Rea

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The Orange Forest Rabbit MysteriesThe Orange Forest Rabbit Mysteries by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fantastic chapter book for your mid to upper elementary kiddos. I really love how Wickstrom creates a whimsical world filled with mystery that kept me turning the pages! My youngest (8F) and I took turns reading this to each other and we couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen! We were definitely kept on our toes with these mysteries! I really liked the fact that we got 3 short stories in this book and that, as always, Wickstrom is able to weave learning and life lessons together seamlessly.

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Irresistible Bond (Central Florida Stories Book 5) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Megan Rea

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Irresistible Bond: Central Florida StoriesIrresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While this is the 5th book in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. I didn’t feel as though I was missing out on any pertinent information not having read the series prior to this book. I enjoyed the premise of the plot line. I thought it was intriguing and I couldn’t wait to see how it was going to be developed. I enjoyed the characters…individually…for the most part. I thought they were well-rounded and developed. However, when everything was put together, I was disappointed. Everything felt forced and unnatural. There were parts when the characters were done really well; however, this typically happened when the characters were on their own. Again, I really liked the premise of the plot and the characters, but pretty much throughout the entire book everything felt forced. This is an 18+ read…it comes with trigger warnings so if you are someone who needs those, please read them.
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In the Midst of Omens (The Legacy of Gilgamesh Series) by Nicole Bailey – Review by Megan Conley

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In the Midst of Omens (The Legacy of Gilgamesh Book 1)In the Midst of Omens by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a phenomenal start to an epic duology in The Legacy of Gilgamesh Books. I’ll admit…I was lured in by the cover and Bailey hooked me with her vivid storytelling and complex characters. This is a retelling of the tale of Gilgamesh and Bailey has put her own spin on the story. This is a tale teeming with romance, love, lust, twists, turns, betrayal, and so much more. You will have a hard time putting this down once you pick it up, but understand that this is a hefty undertaking. The worlds and characters that Bailey builds are no light affair and you will need time and energy to give to reading this story. It is slow in parts but honestly that is to be expected in such a large undertaking…you can’t have action every second…there has to be world-building and character development somewhere! I really do recommend picking this up if you are looking for something to occupy you for awhile. This would be a fantastic read in the car or a vacation read. I can’t wait for Book 2!
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Salt Love by Marika Ray – Review by Megan Rea

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Salt Love: A Summer Romantic ComedySalt Love: A Summer Romantic Comedy by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you are looking for a cute, grumpy/sunshine romcom that has just the right amount of spice and characters that you will fall head over heels for then look no further and grab Salt Love now. I could not put this book down and would have absolutely read it in one sitting if I didn’t have to be a responsible adult. Ray’s writing is phenomenal and her ability to develop her characters is spectacular. This is the first book I’ve read by Ray solely, but it won’t be the last. I cannot tell you how hard it was for me to put this book down when I had to adult. I loved Kenna and Dec’s story and I absolutely loved how Ray developed them as characters both individually and together. I cannot wait to pick up another of Ray’s books. This is the perfect summer read!
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The Silent Forest (The House on the Hill Book 2) by David Kummer – Review by Megan Rea

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The Silent Forest (The House on the Hill, #2)The Silent Forest by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second in the House on the Hill series and I highly recommend reading the first book before picking this one up. I didn’t and I was confused…not in a “I have absolutely no idea what’s going on here” way, but more in a “I think this has already been explained and I missed it” way. I will say the beginning of the book is slow and it takes awhile to get in to it but once it does, you won’t want to put it down. I’m definitely going to go back and read the first book so that I can fill in some of the missing pieces to the story. If you are looking for a psychological thriller that will haunt you then pick up this book (and I’m going to go ahead and say series) because you won’t want to put it down. I love how Kummer writes his characters; they are extremely relatable…like live down the road, next-door-neighbor relatable. And the twists and turns of the plot line *chef’s kiss*
Reviewed by @meggs1717

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The Amanda Mini-Mysteries by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Rea

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The Amanda Mini-MysteriesThe Amanda Mini-Mysteries by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really love the way Wickstrom has introduced science and imagination to children in the Amanda Mini-Series. And it’s exactly what it sounds like…a bunch of short stories about Amanda and her friend Elaine solving mysteries. But not your typical whodunits…these are mysteries of the scientific sort. You can really see Wickstrom’s love for science and children through her writing and I love how relatable the characters are. I would say the audience for this book would be upper elementary. I loved the old-school illustrations too. Fantastic addition to your Wickstrom library!
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The Handshake Agreement (Book 1) by A. Akinosho – Review by Megan Rea

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The Handshake AgreementThe Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho

This book will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat with all of the twists and turns Akinosho throws at you. I really enjoyed Anne and Declan’s story and everything they had to go through to eventually get their HEA. Their story has it all…suspense, heartbreak, second-chance, age-gap, alpha touch-her-and-die vibes, etc. I really loved the way Akinosho wrote these two…especially Anne. She isn’t your typically “needy” girl who just fawns over Declan because he’s her best friends older (and very hot) brother. In fact, she tries extremely hard to avoid him. Anne is just a very well-written character and I appreciate that. Declan is very much an alpha (in all the good ways) with an off standish attitude, but touch-my-girl-and-die outlook when it comes to Anne. I really love the dynamic between the two. The plot line is also very well written and flows nicely. You won’t regret picking up this read!

Reviewed by @meggs1717
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Raccoon Reunion by Terri Sabol – Review by Megan Rea

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Raccoon ReunionRaccoon Reunion by Terri Sabol

This is a cute story about Rocky the Raccoon and his adventures at his family reunion. At first, he’s apprehensive to go because he doesn’t know anyone there and everything happens so fast and he doesn’t know how to do some of the things. But he becomes an integral part of helping everyone out at the end and ends up making friends with his cousin Rascal. It’s a great story to teach your littles about trying new things even though they may be scared. I really loved the illustrations and thought that the life-lessons were great.

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Vague Directions: Into the Woods by Debra Parmley – Review by Megan Rea

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Vague Directions: Into the WoodsVague Directions: Into the Woods by Debra Parmley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the story of Heather, AKA Lady Wren, Rylan, AKA Sir Roland, and the rat-men. The story is okay…I really liked the medieval aspect of it and the added drama of the rat-men was fine. I believe that this was originally a short story that Parmley has turned into a novella, but there are still some kinks that need worked out. The rat-men part of the plot line is shaky in parts and doesn’t get fully addressed in the book. Heather and Rylan’s relationship is extremely rushed and it’s cute and sweet, but 3 days and they are already talking forever? I don’t know…it just doesn’t seem like they are the type of characters to do that. This was a quick read so it has that going for it if you are looking for something in-between longer reads. I really liked Heather and Steph’s friendship…Parmley did that relationship really well.
Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Productivity is Power II: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig – Review by Megan Rea

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Productivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other ProfessionalsProductivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As someone who can give advice on how to be productive, yet has a hard time being productive herself, I found this book extremely helpful, relatable, and educational. The way Rettig talks to you throughout is so calming and serene that you really feel she understands what you are going through. It was so validating to hear someone else say things that I, myself, have said and then she turned around and gave you very real ways to overcome and work through whatever is holding you back. I highly recommend this book to anyone who struggles with getting stuff done (even if it’s temporarily) because it’s a great one to have on hand. She never once made me feel bad for putting projects off or anything like that. This book really is phenomenal and it’s one that you can skip around to certain chapters (especially after you’ve read it through once) to find ideas and motivation.
Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Percy’s Brides (A Double Trouble Romance) by Ivy Hart – Review by Megan Rea

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Percy's Brides: A Double Trouble RomancePercy’s Brides: A Double Trouble Romance by Ivy Hart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a western, historical (clean) romance and it was good. I enjoyed the drama of not one, but two “brides” showing up within days of each other…both expecting to marry Percy. And then there’s the town drama when the coal mine collapses so there is enough drama to go around. I liked the characters and I thought the plot was OK. There were some inconsistencies throughout the book and a few plot holes, but I would definitely pick up another book by this author if I’m looking for a pallet cleanser or something light to read.

Reviewed by @meggs1717
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The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Megan Rea

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The Ghastly GumballThe Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love this author and read nearly everything she puts out. This one had me laughing out loud many times and I easily read it in one sitting. Valkyrie is phenomenal when it comes to writing relatable characters even though her plot lines are usually out of this world. She amazes me every time because I get pulled in on the first page and she doesn’t let me go until the very end. The characters in this book are very unique; however, still extremely relatable. If you are looking for a good laugh and something quick then this is the read for you!

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The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Megan Rea

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The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nevada and Chen have gone above and beyond AGAIN in this book to show what it takes to raise and train puppies. I cannot say enough about these two authors and how much research and time they put into their books to show not only kids but adults as well what is needed when deciding whether or not to get a pet. This installment focuses on the socialization aspect of pet ownership and the ups and downs of it and what you can do as a responsible pet owner. I love how thorough they are and the illustrations are phenomenal. They also do a fantastic job of weaving a story in as well.
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Murder a la Christie (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Megan Rea

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Murder a la Christie (Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub Book 1)Murder a la Christie by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you are looking for a light-hearted murder mystery, then grab this book right now! This is your classic whodunit with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I adore the main character, Lexie, and her determination to figure out who murdered one of her dearest friends, Sylvia. Levinson does a great job paying homage to Agatha Christie throughout her novel and I can’t wait to pick up another one of her novels. I loved her characters and her plot line was well-thought-out and driven.
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Opposite Day for Dinopotamus (Dinopotamus Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Rea

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Opposite Day for DinopotamusOpposite Day for Dinopotamus by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wickstrom has done it again with another cute Dinopotamus story! I absolutely adore the illustrations and how colorful yet basic they are. The way Wickstrom has introduced how opposites work is one I’ve never seen before and I think that a lot of the littles will relate to it. I also really like how she works problem-solving into her story with Dinopotamus and I really think the way Wickstrom has done this is how a kid would work through opposites as well. This is another great story to add to your ever-growing Wickstrom collection!
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Flying at Recess by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Rea

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Flying at RecessFlying at Recess by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great addition to your collection of Wickstrom books! The illustrations in this book are so vibrant and fantastic that I couldn’t stop looking at them. The story of Soara and her friends was great and as always, Wickstrom weaves in life lessons. Definitely pick this one up to add to your home library!

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Under Jackson Bridge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Megan Rea

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Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller (Beyond the Bridge Book 1)Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fantastic, action-packed, suspenseful thriller that will keep you turning pages long past your bed time. Oram makes her characters relatable and her plot so realistic you’ll think you’re there. We are pulled right into the complex world of Irena and her ex-husband, Jack, and new boyfriend, Buzz, and their group of friends. The twists and turns throughout this novel are so quick that you’ll get whiplash so be careful! If you are in the mood for a suspenseful thriller then this is the book for you! You are going to be hooked from the beginning and not be able to put this one down.
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Ten Little Sea Turtles (A Counting Collection) by Kim Ann – Review by Megan Rea

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Ten Little Sea Turtles: Ocean and Marine Life Books for Children (Marine Life Counting Collection)Ten Little Sea Turtles: Ocean and Marine Life Books for Children by Kim Ann

I love the simplicity of this counting book. It is rhyming yet very quick and short to keep the attention of your littles. The illustrations are phenomenal and there are also facts about sea turtles. There are also so many learning opportunities with this book. This would be a great gift for expectant parents or a little in your life who loves turtles.

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Oscar and Emmy Weather a Hurricane (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Megan Rea

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Oscar and Emmy Weather a HurricaneOscar and Emmy Weather a Hurricane by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love the Oscar and Emmy series. Sabol does such a great job of teaching pet responsibility in such a way that children, and adults alike, forget they are learning. This time Oscar and Emmy have to weather a hurricane and all of the scary things that come with that. Abby and Charlie quickly learn what it takes to not only keep themselves safe during severe weather but also their pets. Sabol does such a great job informing her readers with fantastic information from reliable sources.
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The Strategist (WaterFyre Rising Book 5) by Nadia Han – Review by Megan Rea

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The Strategist (WaterFyre Rising, #5)The Strategist by Nadia Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an action-packed book full of twists and turns you never see coming…and just when you think you’ve got it figured out…you don’t. This is the fifth book in the WaterFyre Rising series but it was the first one I read and while there were some plot holes (for me because I jumped in way late) I’m going to go back a read the others so that I can fill myself in. I loved the way Han developed her characters and drove her storyline. She grabs you and pulls you in before you even know what hits you. Her characters are just so so deep and you get so attached to them. I really enjoyed this read and I can’t wait to go catch myself up on everything I’ve missed. I really recommend this book (and if the series is anything like it, I’m going to recommend the series as well). Happy Reading!
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The Big Book of Booper Snoots by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Megan Rea

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The Big Book of Booper SnootsThe Big Book of Booper Snoots by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of the cutest alphabet books I’ve seen. Not only are we met with the most adorable boopable snoots (that you most definitely can boop on each page), we are given a plethora of information about each animal. I loved the colorfulness of the book along with the realness of it. Lynn packed in so much information for each animal but don’t let that overwhelm you. You could easily skip over that information for younger readers/listeners while the older readers/listeners can definitely learn from the amount of information she includes. This is a must have for animal lovers.
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The Book of Fears: A Collection of Short Stories by K. S. Gantt – Review by Megan Rea

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The Book of Fears: A Collection of Short StoriesThe Book of Fears: A Collection of Short Stories by K.S. Gantt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fantastic collection of short, psychologically thrilling stories. There are trigger warnings so definitely check those out before reading but like Gantt mentions none of the triggers are overtly discussed; however, they may bring up some feelings because of this. While I wouldn’t classify these stories as “scary” (I grew up on Stephen King and watching scary movies as a young child…many thanks to my aunt), they are very disturbing in a make-you-uncomfortable way. I really enjoyed these very different but disturbing eight short stories and I think you will too. As I said before, please check the trigger warnings first, but if you love stories that will make you uncomfortable and make you feel things you wish you didn’t then pick up this collection today!
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What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain – Review by Megan Rea

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What Lies BuriedWhat Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very complex story that comes with trigger warnings and I suggest you read them. This is also a sequel and I would recommend reading the first installment before taking up this one because things will be some much more clear if you do. Kain takes us on an emotional rollercoaster throughout the entirety of the book both with Gavin and Katie. This is a really fast-paced novel and the characters are fantastically written and developed. My heart broke so many times for Gavin, Katie, and Maggie throughout the book. There is just so much in here that it can be overwhelming at times so it’s very important that you, the reader, understand the trigger warnings and take breaks when needed. There were parts in the story that triggered me quite literally out of the blue so this is definitely a read that you need to take caution with when going in to it. But don’t let that deter you. Kain has done a remarkable job representing C-PTSD authentically and her writing is so deep and rich.
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