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Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Megan Rea

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Summer of MudSummer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a really great YA read. It’s about Scoob and her brother, RC, who isn’t being honest with her as they set out for Montana one morning right after Scoob lands the job of her dreams…playing trumpet for a local band. This book is a coming-of-age story that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride all while keeping you on the edge of your seat and up way past your bedtime. I really couldn’t put this down…Bischoff kept me wanting to know what was going to happen. This is fast-paced and will make you feel all of the emotions so make sure you have a box of tissues close by.
Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Dinopotamus Goes to School (Dinopotamus Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Rea

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Dinopotamus Goes to SchoolDinopotamus Goes to School by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the cute story of Dinopotamus going to school. He follows the children around and copies what they do until he comes to a couple of activities he’s not sure of. But the children and the teacher encourage Dinopotamus and he tries his best. I love how Wickstrom is always sprinkling lessons throughout her picture books. This is a really quick reader for your younger littles and a great lesson in kindness and perseverance. I really enjoyed the illustrations as well…they looked drawn in crayon and went right along with the story. This really is another great addition to your kiddos library.

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Unrequited Love (Magic and Heartache Series) by E.L. Roux – Review by Megan Rea

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Unrequited Love (Magic and Heartache, #1)Unrequited Love by E.L. Roux
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Magic and Heartache series by E.L. Roux. I enjoyed this book. I liked the premise of the plot and I thought the characters were off to a good start; however, I felt that both the plot and the characters were a bit rushed. Granted the book was very short. I would really like to have gotten more back story for both of the main characters (the author does mention at the end that we will get that story later). I’m excited for the next installment in the series…I’m hoping it’s a little more substantial. In the first book, we have Jorden and Cane’s story and it’s really very sweet and heartfelt. This is a fantasy romance and is definitely 18+. The spicy scenes are *spicy* and very well executed. I just wish there was more world building because it really lends itself to that as well as more character development. But I’m excited to see what they come out with for the next installment.

Reviewed by @meggs1717
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The Ghostly Diva (Divine Vintage Series) by Sandra L. Young – Review by Megan Rea

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

This is the third and final installment in the Divine Vintage trilogy and it was my favorite! I felt that each book was better than the last and every time I didn’t think Young was going to be able to top herself but she did! While this is a trilogy and there are threads that tie each book together, they can be read as standalones too. I absolutely love the way Young has woven the paranormal, romance, intrigue, mystery, and so much more together to create this fascinating world. This final book is the story of Justine, the assistant museum director who has agreed to look at some vintage clothing from an actress who has recently passed and Jackson, the son of the recently passed actress who just wants to get out of the small town his mother grew up in and the far away from the secrets she’s been hiding. But when a ghost shows up and Jackson’s paternity is about to be revealed, will Justine be able to walk away or will she stick around to sort through not only vintage clothing, but emotions too? I cannot recommend this series (and this particular book because IT’S MY FAVORITE!) enough. Young has done a fantastic job and I can’t wait to see what she puts out next.
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Can I Keep Her? (Kingdom of Mir Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Rea

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Can I Keep Her?: 2nd book in the Kingdom of Mir seriesCan I Keep Her?: 2nd book in the Kingdom of Mir series by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the story of Wynnie and the mysterious egg. She quickly learns that it’s a dragon egg and asks the King if she can keep it. At first, the King says no because the baby dragon is breathing fire everywhere and damaging the kingdom! But Wynnie is persistent and promises the King she can train it. He’s hesitant, but since she is his trusted advisor, he gives her ONE day to try to train the baby dragon. Can she do it? I love how Wickstrom is able to weave lessons into her captivating books. Your kiddos will learn a valuable lesson all while being entertained. I love the fantastic illustrations that go along with the story. Definitely pick this one up to add to your collection!
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A Cold Day in Hell (Life is Hell Series Book 5) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Megan Rea

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A Cold Day in Hell (Life is Hell #5)A Cold Day in Hell by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the final book in the Life is Hell series and it was exceptional! I love how Valkyrie wrapped up the story but left a little thread loose for the possibility of future tie ins (or maybe another book down the road). I really love Hadassah and Jezebel’s story and it really is an enemy-to-lovers trope but without all of the vitriol that sometimes comes with it. Aside from Mal and Delilah’s story, this is my favorite. It’s witty, funny, tense, romantic, and action-packed all in one. I literally couldn’t put this book down and read it in one (maybe two because…adulting) sittings. Definitely read this series in order so that you understand the plot line and so that you get to know the characters because one thing (of many) that Valkyrie does that I love is she keeps her characters in her series so the readers are able to see what is going on in characters’ lives from previous installments. Valkyrie has become an author that I will automatically read. This book is a paranormal, FF, enemies-to-lovers, romance. I’m sad to see it come to an end but it was a fantastic ride!

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The Rake (Daughters of Dishonour Series) by Ava Bond – Review by Megan Rea

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

I really enjoyed this historical romance. You are immediately thrown into the adventures as Margot and her sister, Elsie, make their way from the countryside to London only for Margot to bear witness to a murder and to give chase to the person who committed the crime. That chase leads her through the Earl of Langley’s back door and into a world she knew nothing about. As Margot enlists Langley’s help in trying to catch the murderer, these two are thrust together in an exploit that is filled with twists, turns, desire, angst, mystery, secrets, suspense, and danger. As Margot and Langley work together to solved the Duke’s murder, they begin to question whether or not they actually have more in common than they first believed. I really enjoyed their witty banter and the overall push and pull of their relationship. I can’t wait for the second book to come out.

Reviewed by @meggs1717
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Under the Bandage by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Rea

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Under the BandageUnder the Bandage by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the story of how our bodies heal after getting hurt. I absolutely love how Wickstrom is able to take something so scientific and break it down so that not only is it understandable for kiddos but its also fun and entertaining. Our main character has skinned his knee after a fall and his mother puts a bandage on it and tells him not to peek because his body needs to be able to heal. Throughout the story, we learn exactly what our body is doing, phase by phase, as it heals. Wickstrom also includes some sidenotes with interesting little tidbits that are good for more advanced readers. As usual, the illustrations are fantastic and follow along perfectly with the story. This is such a great book to add to your Lois Wickstrom collection.
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4 R’s: Roped, Risked, Rescued, Romanced (4 R’s Series) by Julie Castle – Review by Megan Rea

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4 R's: Roped, Rescued, Risked, Romanced4 R’s: Roped, Rescued, Risked, Romanced by Julie Castle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this series. There was just enough spice and romance but it didn’t overshadow the plot which had quite a bit of action, mystery, and intrigue. In this collection, you get 4 fairly quick reads: Fool’s Gold (Roped), Her Heart’s Desire (Rescued), Serena’s Web (Risked), and It Had To Be You (Romanced). I enjoyed all of these stories; however, my personal favorite was Jake and Samantha’s story in Her Heart’s Desire (Rescued). I appreciate how the FMCs are strong and independent and the MMCs let them be who they are but they are still there when they need them and protect them. There are tropes for everyone throughout these stories. Castle pretty much hits them all within these 4 books. The storyline moves fairly quickly; however, some of the chapters tend to be on the longer side and, for me personally, I like shorter chapters. But, overall, I’d recommend these stories, especially if you are looking for something on the lighter side of romance.
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Sure as Hell (Life is Hell Series Book 4) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Megan Rea

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

This is the 4th installment in the Life is Hell series by Naomi Valkyrie. This is the story of Larkspur and Jaru and a few surprising characters. I really enjoyed this installment. Jaru is like a character I’ve never seen before and while I found him a bit irritating in the previous book, this book gave us a much more in-depth look at his character and explained a lot of why he is the way he is. I thoroughly enjoyed Lark and Jaru’s story and the continuation of all of the characters in Juniper Lake. I love how Valkyrie keeps characters from previous stories in the current story and continues to give the readers updates and tidbits about their lives. I also love how good Valkyrie is at teasing the next book’s characters. The plot line of this series just keeps getting better and better and I can’t wait to see what the 5th installment brings. While these books do focus on different characters, you need to read them in order to get a full understanding and grasp on the plot of the series and the characters’ nuances and dynamics. Sure as Hell is a MM paranormal romance that will have you turning the pages long after you are supposed to be sleeping.
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Meal Time at the Zoo: PB&J Café by James Williamson – Review by Megan Conley

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Mealtime at the Zoo: PB&J CaféMealtime at the Zoo: PB&J Café by James Williamson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a really cute children’s book that follows a monkey maître d’ as they serve different types of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to the animals in the zoo. It’s a rhyming book so it is very catchy and sing-songy. The illustrations are amazing and go along so well with the words on the page. The colors are nice and bright and will catch the eye of any kiddo. It’s funny and will have kids laughing at how the different animals like their PB&J’s and it may even have them saying “EWWW!” a few times too. This is a great children’s book to add to your rotation.

Reviewed by @meggs1717
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Mood Swings and Hockey Flings (Hot Flash Hookups Series) by Sylvie Stewart and Marika Ray – Review by Megan Rea

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

I absolutely adore this book! This is the second installment in the Hot Flash Hookups series and my favorite so far. I loved Kaitlyn and Banks’s characters independently and together. Their banter, their stubbornness, and their chemistry…OMG their chemistry. Ray and Stewart had my hooked from the beginning and I couldn’t put this one down! They way they do a slow burn is phenomenal! And this book is a slow, slow burn in the best of ways. I love the other tropes as well: forced proximity, forbidden love (agent & player), he falls first (a personal fav), and many more. The character development is *chef’s kiss* as is the plot line. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next installment! I highly recommend grabbing this book…it’s a fantastic sports romance with just a bit of spice. A great pallet cleanser if you are looking for something a bit lighter in-between the darker readings 😉
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Marshmallow Rabbit by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Rea

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

This is the tale of the game between Mr. Bonbon and Annabelle where Mr. Bonbon has to come up with a way to get Annabelle to stop stealing the candy from his candy factory. Annabelle is always outsmarting him and she does it again this time. I like how Wickstrom’s stories always have a lesson to be learned in her stories; however, with this story I feel that the lesson is subtle and could possibly be missed by kid and misconstrued into a not-so-nice lesson. I was hoping at the end Annabelle would be remorseful about stealing the candy and she and Mr. Bonbon would be able to figure things out, but that’s not the case. There is a lesson to be learned, but it’s not really done in a way that I feel is appropriate. I really like the illustrations in this story. They are bright and colorful and they follow the story really well.
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Texas Winds by Dana Wayne – Review by Megan Rea

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Texas WindsTexas Winds by Dana Wayne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jake and Lexie’s story is so sweet and yet filled with angst and trepidation that you will be up into the wee hours of the night frantically turning the pages to see how it all plays out. I can’t say enough out this book and author…I’m literally putting her on my list of authors to binge read. While this isn’t the typical type of romance I like to read, I was sucked in and it was a nice change of pace. I can definitely see myself reading Wayne in-between my darker reads as a palate cleanser or when I’m just looking for something on the sweeter side. I loved the grumpy/sunshine trope that we get with Jake, the grumpy ranch owner who doesn’t really want to deal with his feelings of being a single father or how he feels instantly connected to Lexie and Lexie, the sunshine who has had some pretty cloudy days of her own, but is refusing to let that cloud her vacation to figure out what she really wants out of life. Through a series of happenstances, they are forced together (another favorite trope of mine) and there are twists and turns along the way that will squeeze and pull at your heartstrings. Throw in the adorable 4-year-old Katie who plays a major role in their relationship and you’ve got yourself a fantastic, slow-burn romance. I’m excited to go back and read Wayne’s other novels and to see what she has in store for us.
Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Hell in a Handbasket (Life is Hell Series Book 3) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Megan Rea

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Hell in a Handbasket (Life is Hell #3)Hell in a Handbasket by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the next addition to the Life is Hell series and while it can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the first two books just so you have the background for everyone and so that you understand the whys and whats of the storyline. This is definitely a slow burn and while it wasn’t my favorite of the series so far, Valkyrie definitely knows what she’s doing when it comes to paranormal romances. I really liked getting to know Teivel’s character better…he really intrigued me in the other stories but I felt that his and Oren’s story was rushed in the end. I would have like to seen the ending to their story more developed. It felt a bit thrown together (and personally, I’m not happy about what happens at the end but I won’t spoil it for anyone ;)). As always, I love how Valkyrie continues to incorporate her characters from previous stories and how she teases characters that *might* be coming up in future stories. I can’t wait for this series to continue!
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Unicorn, Don’t Do That! by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Rea

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Unicorn, Don't Do That!: It's okay if a Unicorn poops on your doorstepUnicorn, Don’t Do That!: It’s okay if a Unicorn poops on your doorstep by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As most of Wickstrom’s story’s do…this one too has a moral to the story. Stega has to try a find a gift to bring to Benny’s party, but she eats every gift she finds along the way and eventually has to poop by the time she gets to his house and she can’t hold it anymore. So she poops right outside his house…but since she’s half unicorn it’s not like any other poop…it’s a rainbow! This is a funny and cute story for your littles that will have them laughing and begging for you to read it over and over again. This illustrations are fantastic and follow the story. Another great addition to your ever-growing Wickstrom collection.

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Rhapsody in Black: An Elena del Carral Mystery (Rhapsody In… Series, Book 1) by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Megan Rea

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Rhapsody in Black: An Elena del Carral MysteryRhapsody in Black: An Elena del Carral Mystery by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra

If you are looking for a suspenseful, mysterious, thriller with a dash of romance and more twists and turns that you can count then you’ve found it! Alonso-Sierra had me hooked from the first page and I had to force myself to put it down and be a “responsible adult.” The way she writes and develops her characters is superb. I didn’t see the twist at the end until Elena saw it herself and I was still like, “No, it can’t be.” The story revolves around Elena del Carral who has been invited to dance at the Gala Performance at Terpsichore Ballet, where Elena used to dance previously but moved onto bigger and better things. However, Elena is unaware of the secrets that Terpsichore and it’s owner, Derek Michaels has…but Elena has secrets of her own that just might turn Terpsichore on it’s head. And while all of this is happening, Elena is falling for the dark and handsome Jake. Such a fantastic piece of writing. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
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Touched: Elemental Passions Book One by Skye Turner, Sloane Nicole, April D. Berry, C.J. Pinard, Danielle Jamie, Darlene Tallman, Julie Morgan, Livell James, Machelle Hanleigh, and Melissa MacKinnon – Review by Megan Rea

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Touched (Elemental Passions #1)Touched by Skye Turner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such a fantastic start to the series and I cannot wait for the next book to come out. When Aeris literally collides with Callum and he can see her, that sets off a series of events that neither of them is ready for. This is such a fast-paced novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat and up way past your bed time. The plot lines and character developments are *chef’s kiss* and when you realize that 10…yes 10 authors are writing this series it’s mind-blowing. This book has it all…paranormal, otherworldly, intrigue. New Orleans voodoo, magic, mystery, action, romance, passion, just to name a few. I couldn’t put this down and you won’t be able to either. I’m so excited for the other books to be released.
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Stop that Lion (Kingdom of Mir Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Rea

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Stop That Lion: A Tale of Friendship Love and Peace (Kingdom of Mir)Stop That Lion: A Tale of Friendship Love and Peace by Lois Wickstrom

This is a really cute story about Wynnie and her solution to stop the lion from the Kingdom of Sher from eating the sheep in the Kingdom of Mir. The King of Mir tasks his citizens with coming up with a solution that is fair and the winner will be the King’s Royal Advisor BUT if the solution doesn’t work, then the King will take their most prized possession. Several others try and fail before Wynnie gives her solution. I love how Wickstrom is always weaving in life lessons for her readers. I also really like the illustrations in this book. They are bright and they follow along with the story well.
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Loris Opens Up His Heart (Courage Tales Series) by Dagmara Sitek – Review by Megan Rea

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Loris Opens Up His Heart: An Emotional Story For Kids (Courage Tales)Loris Opens Up His Heart: An Emotional Story For Kids by Dagmara Sitek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a beautiful children’s book about Loris who struggles to open up to his new foster home. This is a fantastic book that could be used to teach compassion, kindness, courage, overcoming fears, and so much more. I really love the empathy we feel from Cam and Inaya and the vulnerability we eventually get from Loris. This is a fantastic teaching tool for kids and the illustrations are phenomenal.
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Code Dog by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Rea

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Code DogCode Dog by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a really cute kids mystery that will intrigue all ages. You have to stick with it as the beginning is a bit jumpy and has you all over the place, but once Wickstrom hits her stride…you are in it for the long haul. Code Dog is the story of Timmy, Beth, and Arthur as they try to find a 200-year old time capsule so they can win the $1,000 prize. Luckily, Mrs. Vance has a map the kids can use while she is recuperating from surgery and Timmy is caring for Cody, her adored dog. However, along the way, the kids and readers learn that Cody has secrets of her own and may be the key in helping them find the missing time capsule before their time runs out. There is suspense, humor, and friendship. This is a great chapter book for blossoming readers as well as a fantastic read-a-long for bedtime. As always, Wickstrom does a fantastic job of not only telling a wonderful story, but weaving life lessons throughout.

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Charming Chapter (Boomer Babes Book Club Romances) by Lori Haas – Review by Megan Rea

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Charming Chapter : A Later-in-Life Just Kisses Romance (Boomer Babes Book Club Romances 1)Charming Chapter : A Later-in-Life Just Kisses Romance by Lori Haas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Charming Chapter is the story of Laura who has lost her husband and is now trying to find herself. In a chance meeting, she meets a group of women who come together to form a book club and they help her start to find herself. They encourage her to “take a chance” and travel to England to seek out her ancestry. While there Laura meets the handsome and rugged Hugh and falls head over heels for him. However, there are twists and turns that come with that and Laura and Hugh have to decide if taking the chance is worth it. I really enjoyed this late in life romance and the reminder that it’s never to late to truly live. The plot is a little slow and repetitive at times but Laura is very relatable and lovely. This is the first book in a series and I can’t wait to see what Haas has in store for us in the upcoming books.

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Queen of the Fairies by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Rea

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Queen of the FairiesQueen of the Fairies by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The illustrations in this picture book are phenomenal. They are bright, modern, and engaging and go along so well with the book. As always with Wickstrom’s books, there is a lesson to be learned and she does a wonderful job of teaching it; however, with this story, the reader does have to do a little more work on their own to figure it out. I really loved the twist at the end. This is another great book to add to my every growing collection of Wickstrom books.
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The Closer (The Hustlers Trilogy) by Rowan Rossler – Review by Megan Rea

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The Closer (The Hustlers Series, #3)The Closer by Rowan Rossler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I say that the twists and turns Rossler threw at me in this book had me absolutely blindsided and flabbergasted…I mean it! At one point, my husband looked over and asked why my face looked like that and all I could say was I didn’t see that plot twist coming so…just beware that you will make faces, audibly gasp, and definitely loose sleep reading this book! And if that doesn’t make you want to get it right now then I don’t know what will. Maybe the excruciatingly slow burn between Dallas and June (who’ve been at each other’s throats for years) will intrigue you. Or maybe the inadvertent foray into the seedy underbelly of the South American mafia. Or maybe forced proximity…enemies-to-lovers…a curvy, voluptuous (done perfectly THANK YOU so much Ms. Rossler) take-no-shit FMC who absolutely dominates and can hold her own vs a hot-as-hell damaged MMC who has been pining after the FMC but could never admit it. I mean…what more could you want? And the spice…I mean once we finally get there (and trust me…the burn on the way is so, so good) is just out-of-this-world fantastic. I could not put this book down. It is the third installment in the Hustlers series but you can definitely read it as a standalone…I did. But am I going to go back and read the first two books…abso-freakin-lutely! Rowan Rossler has peaked my interest with this book and she will definitely be on my radar for new releases!

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