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Saved by Love (Bellevue Bullies Book 7) by Toni Aleo – Review by Melissa Saxton

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Saved by Love (Bellevue Bullies #7)Saved by Love by Toni Aleo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Evan a NHL star chooses to medically retire for his own mental health as he has severe anxiety and depression. He goes back to Bellevue to finish his degree and while there works as a sports trainer.
Enter Callie , a gymnast a fierce and determined woman. These two come together so flawlessly but have struggles to overcome together that will have you laughing and crying and wanting to just wrap your arms around these two and hold tight. The addressing of mental health in this story was powerful and realistic and I enjoyed reading it.

Even though this was Book 7 it can be read entirely as a stand alone!

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Melissa Saxton

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail: A Children's Picture Book about Sharing, Disability Awareness, Kindness, and Overcoming FearsJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail: A Children’s Picture Book about Sharing, Disability Awareness, Kindness, and Overcoming Fears by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Very cute book that is great for toddlers and young school age kids.
this book explores many social situations kids may run into including those thay may look or do things differently than they do. It explores expressing feelings opening up to friends and facing fear, big emotions for little kids!
The wording is age appropriate and the illustrations are beautifully done and my daughter loved them and pointed happily at many. Great book for kids!

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The Vardoger Boy (The Forerunner Saga Book 2) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Melissa Saxton

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The Vardoger Boy (Forerunner Series)The Vardoger Boy by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Though listed as a fantasy and with some fantasy components this book I’d say far more heavy on historical fiction. If you want to learn about the Vikings and the 9th century with a little fantasy tossed in this is got you.
The Vikings are about to go to war with the Saxons… in a multi pov you learn about Cub and his father against Alfred the Great…. Get a glimpse of domestic life with Kara as she flees her home with her mother and siblings and fulfill your wish for fantasy genre wit .Finn the spirit walker and his latest opponent!
There is so much detail in this story the Author makes you feel like you are living it!

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The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent – Review by Melissa Saxton

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The Lie That BindsThe Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holly moves into a new town and a new school… could she be one of the cool kids.

She finds herself however making her own clan as the cool kids are not kids Holly likes… but when she inadvertently discovers the secrets the class bully, and Jock, Nathan has been hiding; she finds herself dating him… only he was dating her to hopefully keep her quiet.

As it happens with teens, feelings develop and this book became more emotional than I would have expected.

Teen angst clicks drama heartache secrets and lies fill this book! I’m a sucker for YA Genre and this didn’t disappoint!

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PREMEDITATED: A Trust Betrayed, Lives Sabotaged, A Love Undaunted (Agents of Justice Book 2) by Susanna Haymond – Review by Melissa Saxton

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PremeditatedPremeditated by Susanna Haymond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Anne is a strong voice to end drugs on the street and educate kids on a better way and give them better options in life. Someone is trying to destroy all her work.
However when she ends up at the doctor feeling unwell and reccomended for b12 shots her world is turned upside down with sabotage and secrets.
Josh and Grant, DEA agents have been working a case for months in this same community. Grant has personal ties with Anne and they are close friends so when she’s dragged into the case they are working it’s personal.
This book had a stunning end you just don’t see coming. I generally predict endings long before they happen and this one left my jaw hanging open. Highly reccomended!

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Melissa Saxton

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

This is a new author to me and a semi new genre about a UFC fighter. I admit I wasn’t so sure but boy am I glad I took the time to read it!

Grace a sensitive yet incredibly strong young woman has been dealt a terrible hand in life, starting by being jumped as a young girl going to the store for her dad. Her trials continue raising her sister but thanks to lessons from her father she is more than capable of taking care of herself and her sister.

When an opportunity to move up from underground fighter to the UFC emerges she jumps at the chance to provide for herself and her sister. This story explores Grace’s strength, resilience, and a little humor and romance.
The characters are very well developed, realistic; and I can’t wait for the subsequent stories to come!

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Squid (Moto X Book 5) by Brooke May – Review by Melissa Saxton

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SquidSquid by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Levi seems to have it all. Money, wild partying, a different girl every night… but really he’s covering up heartbreak.
one night while out partying he sees a goddess and cant get her out of his mind.
His father has had enough of his moping around and partying ways and makes him come to work as an assistant to prove himself under a new boss…. and who is his new boss…. you guessed it the goddess!

This is a story about a wild boy who turns into a man and reforms himself while perhaps finally understanding love. there is a lot of chemistry snark and banter to keep you entertained!

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The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Melissa Saxton

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another story engaging Maia & Fig. This time we also meet friend Tezzie who sees ice in their drinks at their picnic and thinks its shiny, sparkly and wants a necklace! so the trio set off to make a necklace out of ice cubes.
This author engages kids into a fantasy story full of color and fun while also teaching them science. Very well done!

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

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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

Welcome to a viking ghost story you won’t be able to put down!!!

Thorfinn, a 9 year old boy is living under a curse. The curse was caused by his grandfather, who during a raid, killed a witch and she cursed 3 generations of their family.
“finn” who had been practicing his sparring, doing his chores and running after his brothers suddenly finds himself thrust into an entirely new world…and a new… existence by night!

Finn will have to come to terms with who and what he is and overcome fear, his young age and a family curse.

This book is colorful imaginative and descriptive. The glossary in the back is very helpful to keep characters straight as this is multi POV.

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Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Melissa Saxton

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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

Trey, the family doctor and local hospital doctor is front and center in this story. He’s exhausted overworked and has known heartbreak and has no time for love.

That is until he meets Hailey, from an affluent family who doesn’t really fit into the rich prestigious world she tries hard to keep her appearance in until a family secret rocks her to the core.

these two come together so naturally and mesh so well you can’t help but instantly fall in love with their story and you had heard of trey in the other stories but learning about how he ticks is a story you don’t want to miss.

another fantastic stand alone, but all of these books intertwine and you can learn more about all the characters in each story… I’m sure there will be more as there is definitely more for us to learn!

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The Mind-Reading Hat (Invisible Magic Wand Series Book 6) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Melissa Saxton

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The Mind-Reading Hat: Invisible Magic Wand Book SixThe Mind-Reading Hat: Invisible Magic Wand Book Six by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Happy Unbirthday Caspian!
Caspian Unbirthday hits and his Grandfather has a gift for him… a magic hat! This hat let’s him hear other people’s thoughts!
this was a super cute kids story wholesome and with cute artistry to boot. definitely good for littles to read to them and grade school age to read on their own!

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

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

A wonderful new fantasy series
Chloe, human sister to the faery queen just wants to set up an apothecary and treat her fellow humans and enjoy her life away from faery.
However Quintus shows up saying her family is in trouble and they need her help and she agrees to go.

whats different in this book is Chloe is not your typical badass. as a human with disease and illness shes strong capable but when faced with danger she crumples and freezes. you constantly want to tell her to get it together!

the witty banter and slow burn with Quintus is also something you will enjoy … pick up this book today!

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Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Melissa Saxton

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Taming of the FewTaming of the Few by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An extremely well done look into what happens if suddenly a subset of the population suddenly changes…
You can suddenly change your eye color, move things with your mind… cool right?
No! new things breed mass hysteria and fear and people with abilities are hunted, arrested and attacked…even though they’ve never lifted a finger against others.
We meet a few characters who have been through world changing experiences and find themselves thrust into protecting others like them. Do they rally together, or is there traitors in their ranks?

this is an intriguing opener to a world of fantasy and emerging powers I’m interested as to where the author takes this group of characters.

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Nite Fire: Exit Strategy (Book 5) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Melissa Saxton

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Exit Strategy (Nite Fire #5)Exit Strategy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can’t believe we are here… the final book! Dhalia is here again with her ragtag group of friends/team who really have become her family, her dragon and powers that continue to grow and still fighting the apocalypse of the blight. Can she save the ever shifting city… how about that dragon queen we’ve loved to hate… old enemies…. new enemies loss and gains are all part of this thrilling ending. This entire series was superb and needs to be at the top of your TBR series if you haven’t started!

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Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by Melissa Saxton

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Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In a delightfully done YA Fantasy sequel this explores what happens when you mix baking with magic.This is the second book in the series and continues with the main character Cat in a bakery competition after traveling to the family bakery in arizona…. but what happens to her baking when you add magic? Youll have to read to find out! The added bonus is recipes that you can try yourself!
This series was great YA angst type children’s chapter book that was wholesome, engaging and quirky and I really enjoyed it. For parents this is definitely a safe book to choose for your kids and tweens/teens for a fanstasy/magic escape

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A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending Book 1) by Nicole Bailey – Review by Melissa Saxton

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A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending, #1)A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first book by this author and I loved it. this is a multi pov retelling of Apollo and it was done excellently.
it’s difficult to not give away spoilers with this book but this is enemies to lovers, women finding their way in a male dominated society and multiple characters finding their way under immense pressure and expectations.
Apollo is half mortal and has been avoiding ascension at every turn living with his mortal spunky sister. His father finally gives him an ultimatum Ascend now or spend a year with an obnoxious entitled prince learning how to behave correctly.
This was a very interesting retelling of Greek Mythology and you will fall in love with each character for a different reason. can’t wait to read more of this series!

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The Wolf’s Shadow (The Lycanthropy Files Book 1) by Cecilia Dominic – Review by Melissa Saxton

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The Wolf's Shadow (The Lycanthropy Files #1)The Wolf’s Shadow by Cecilia Dominic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Now here is an interesting take on Lycsnthropy! This is not your average werewolf story this is most definitely al well researched medical thriller mystery Fantasy all rolled into one!

This book starts with a fire that has destroyed the lab of a very promising scientist (joanie) who was just looking for a cure for chronic lycanthropy syndrome, a genetic disorder triggered by a virus.

lost and overwhelmed losing her life’s work, she then is notified that shes inherited property in the ozarks from her grandfather who is missing but presumed dead… she thinks she can find some refuge here in a place from her childhood but instead she finds complex relationships, deception, Mystery, missing people, drama, friendships, chemistry, danger and so much more.

This book was pretty good, if you find yourself struggling in the first part keep going the story will pull you in and then you won’t be able to put it down! 4/5

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Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson – Review by Melissa Saxton

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Manipulator's War (Ruarnon Trilogy, #1)Manipulator’s War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My goodness are you looking for a book that starts on a bang and never slows down? then this is the book for you.
Story line involving teens needing to navigate politics danger and finding a place in their world this is full of great characters that are very well done
What really shines in this book is the non-bianary character Ruarnon and the use of correct pronouns by the author, and development of this character so the reader has understanding of who this character is as they take on unexpected early rise to the throne and has to learn to work inside a world of confusing politics, those who may have poor intentions, deception, danger, intrigue and mystery
Definitely a book you need to pay attention to or you can easily get lost there is so much going on but it’s worth it!
4.5/5

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Unabridged (Lovestruck Series Book 2) by Melinda De Ross – Review by Melissa Saxton

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Unabridged (Smart & Sassy in the City, #2)Unabridged by Melinda De Ross
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Angie, a successful journalist with a painful romantic past has a great idea for a new article and excitedly goes to a meeting with her boss only to find her boss is gone and her new boss is Blade, her old flame.

Its clear instantly there is a lot of unresolved feelings and passion that still churns between them despite time and the fact that Blade is married…. well was married.

can these two move past their previous relationship problems and reconnect?

If looking for cute romantic comedy with a female lead full of snark sarcasm and at times quite the colorful vocabulary and a little danger and passion then this is the book for you.

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Saving Marvel (Satan’s Devils MC Second Generation #4) by Manda Mellett – Review by Melissa Saxton

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Saving Marvel (Satan's Devils MC Second Generation Book 4)Saving Marvel by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Before 1 of these books I never knew I was a MC fan… but boy have I been pulled into MC world forever.

Marvel is a character we’ve wanted to get to know but has been on the fringes of the story, strong feelings about women never going to take an old lady and obviously hurt deeply and strongly effected.

Then as typical for these books in the series along comes Virgina and she completely blows out the walls that Marvel has built and he desperately wants to protect her from everything that’s happening.

Again another Satan’s Devils 5 star story by this author and I’m forever going to be a MC fan….

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An Alien Storm (Soldiers of Saedo Book 4) by Calla Zae – Review by Melissa Saxton

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An Alien Storm (Soldiers of Saedo, #4)An Alien Storm by Calla Zae
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Vanessa, seemingly broken from a failed disastrous marriage on earth, her ex husband in jail; is rescued and agrees to go to Saedon with her sisters.

Saedon is full of exotic things Vanessa enjoys unfolding as a cook and despite her crazy previously life she finds some enjoyment in her cooking.

In enters Arkon and she immediately feels a connection. He was on the team that rescued her; but when they meet formally, the sparks fly… among other things going flying (haha)

.Can she let go of all the devalument she was forced to feel and see herself the way he does?

And what of the new feelings and sensations on this planet… is there more? Is there evil intentions on this planet…. why the heck are worms attacking???

This is a pretty good Romance. A little more development of these two characters Romance and it would have been 5 stars. 4.5/5

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Nite Fire: Slash & Burn (Book 4) AUDIO BOOK by C.L. Schneider – Review by Melissa Saxton

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Slash & Burn (Nite Fire, #4)Slash & Burn by C.L. Schneider

Dahlia is back… trying to fight the blight before it destroys everything everyone knows. Her trusty sidekick is back along with her 3 lovers which makes an unusual but interesting team dynamic
Cue drama, betrayals and so many secrets!

Finding out if Dahlia can save everyone from the blight, find her own happiness and fight off the collectors and solve Murders will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire story.

The narrator in this book is also great. the characters become engaging due to the different tones of her voice while she reads. Truly enjoyed this!

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Claiming My Mate (Wolf Hollow Pack Book 1) by Nicole Howl – Review by Melissa Saxton

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Claiming My Mate (Wolf Hollow Pack #1)Claiming My Mate by Nicole Howl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Forbidden lovers, a girl who has no idea who or what she is and a Prince with many secrets.

Jump into this forbidden lovers tale which is a quick and intense read making you desperate to want to know more as its left on so many cliffs you arent even sure which one you need to know the answer to first!

My only complaint is I feel like I needed a little more development of characters… due to its short read the story felt rushed but I will certainly be interested to see if Author fills us in more in Book 2 because now I have to see how this plays out.

fair warning this is not a typical forbidden lovers romance there is some dark themes here that are not for the faint of heart!

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The Traveler: Book 2 by Deborah Dugan – Review by Melissa Saxton

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The Traveler: Book 2The Traveler: Book 2 by Deborah Dugan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enter Science Fiction into a story about a “being” who has long periods of stasis and changes form every times he comes out of stasis and learning new things like language inter species communication.
Follow an evolving society while Harry sleeps in stasis as humans continue to progress.
I enjoyed Harry got to come back to Tristan but I was annoyed with Elena’s response to finding a talking bug…big…. its a talking bug and you want to take a nap?!?Who does that?

Elena inevitably gets pulled into a crazy adventure with Harry and is far more accepting of what he is, even if Harry & Tristan do not fully understand.

All in all a good science fiction/fantasy. I admit I did not read book 1 that would probably have filled in the gaps for me.

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Mermaid and the Rainbow: Mermaid Science by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Melissa Saxton

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the mermaid and the rainbowthe mermaid and the rainbow by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a cute book. This book has great artwork and colors that just pop off the page. I enjoy that though a book about mermaids has science tricks you can actually try and explains how they work! my 4 year old loved this cute book and I’m definitely going to look for more by this author!

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Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Melissa Saxton

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Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series #3)Helm of Awe by D.L. Armillei
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Please…. You must read the first Two books to truly understand what’s at stake, who these characters are and why they are important!

We pick back up in Van’s senior year in a very Hunger games sorta style challenge that Van struggles with when she again loses control of her temper and it hurts her again leading her to again believe locking down her emotions is the way to go. Can she learn?

The 3rd book wouldn’t be complete without another time crunch mission, this one to Prince Ferfox (Ie Mr off limits) home… but everything goes to shambles and the clock is ticking.

Can Van embrace her feelings , come to terms with who she might love and fully accept who she is in time?

Must read to find out. I’m sorta sad this Journey is over I’m certainly going to miss Van’s tenacity and angst!

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Plauge of Death (Anchoress Series Book 2) by D.L. Armillei- Review by Melissa Saxton

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Plague of Death (Anchoress, #2)Plague of Death by D.L. Armillei
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Van is back in this spellbinding YA series after spending some time training, coping with the loss of her father and so many members of her team and learning Brux the boy she’s falling in love with is now her protector and completely off limits

Now again Van has 30 days to save both worlds on a mission to check a seal between both worlds and ultimately to find the other items of creation. For whatever reason, Van wants her (let’s face it) selfish best friend along for the ride and to her horror her arch nemesis who’s dating her ex boyfriend will be along for the ride.

A new character and instant chemistry love interest is introduced but is so far beyond forbidden Van struggles to understand her feelings for this one and instead tries to suppress all her emotions thinking it will give her control.

What will she learn in this story? you definitely need to find out.

Please read Book 1. it’s imperative to understand the story!

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Shock Of Fate (Anchoress Series Book 1) by D.L. Armillei- Review by Melissa Saxton

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Shock of Fate (Anchoress #1)Shock of Fate by D.L. Armillei
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Van a wealthy, spoiled and entitled girl has her world turned upside down one night when she finds out there is much more to her than meets the eye and everyone around her is keeping secrets.

She is thrust into an entirely new realm with her (let’s be honest) selfish and shallow best friend and a team of people shes never met but is forced to trust if they are going to complete their mission.

Along the way Van will have to learn more about herself than she ever imagined, including secrets she never knew her family was keeping, about her lineage, what she wants and *gulp* who she may love….

can she make it through the storm of her mission with herself, her friendship and what she thought she knew intact?

this book is a must read to find out and then dive right into the rest of the series you won’t be sorry!

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The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Melissa Saxton

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

Meet Lockwood…. desperately looking for a pick me up and for whatever reason chooses a gumball…. and it changes his life forever.

He starts being able to do crazy things and then slowly learns of an entire world full of creatures he was completely unaware of… and someone close has been keeping secrets.

This author never fails to disappoint this was a shorter story in comparison to others but it was rich with creativity, descriptions, character development (I mean… who thinks up a smoking octopus named clyde…haha!)

This is a fun read full of humor sarcasm drama a little bit of heat and can be read in one sitting. This author never fails to disappoint. check it out!

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Apocalypse (Guardians of the Garden Book 2) by Theresa Pocock – Review by Melissa Saxton

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Apocalypse (Guardians Book II)Apocalypse by Theresa Pocock
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This 2nd installment of a great series starts with Seth, who ie desperately struggling between his feelings for his love Miriam and his dedication, love for his sister who is dying.

Situations arise (no spoilers!) where he consistently feels like he has to choose between them, and making a choice will destroy him as he wants his love for both. Does he choose his sister, or does he choose to betray his love? Can he make a choice?

This book continues the storyline of the protection of The elusive Garden of Eden. There’s ebough angst, and inter character drama that will keep you hooked but also somehow find yourself desperately invested in their wants, and needs.

Can’t wait to read the 3rd book!

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