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Killmore (Killmore #1) by Martha Sweeney – Review by Naomi McDonald

Killmore (Killmore #1)Killmore by Martha Sweeney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Killmore is the first book of the Killmore series.

I love that this story has a strong female character who doesn’t lose her edge. The premise of the story is excellent as is the overall story line. The only thing that might be a sticking point for some people is that it slows down a bit toward the middle of the book with most of the action happening at the beginning and well toward the end. That being said, the characters are well-written so that helps. I love the snarky and suggestive humor, it helps keep the book from getting overly dark.

I am looking forward to reading the next part of the story in the second book.

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Nathaniel (Dragon Hearts #1) by Carole Mortimer – Review by Naomi McDonald

Nathaniel (Dragon Hearts #1)Nathaniel by Carole Mortimer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nathaniel is the first book in the Dragon Hearts series. It can be read as a standalone.

It took me a little bit to get into this book, but once I was able to connect to the characters it was a good experience. It is a quick read, only took me a few hours. This story has a decently strong female character so that was refreshing. She is also a bit snarky, which makes the story a bit amusing as well.

While vacationing in Wales, Chloe makes an interesting discovery. Of course, the journalist in her won’t let it go so she finds herself alone facing an intimidating man. Between her insatiable curiosity, and her smart mouth, she lands herself in a world she never knew existed. Can she trust this mysterious Nathaniel, or is he simply lulling her into a false sense of security? Can anything she sees or hears actually be real? And if it is, is she willing to accept it? One innocent misstep and she finds that her very life may depend on just that…acceptance.

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Deadly Alliance: A Fortis/Purgatory Crossover Novel by Maddie Wade and India Kells – Review by Naomi McDonald

Deadly Alliance: A Fortis/Purgatory Crossover NovelDeadly Alliance: A Fortis/Purgatory Crossover Novel by Maddie Wade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Deadly Alliance is a Fortis/Purgatory crossover novel. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this collaboration as this is my first experience with the Purgatory novels, but this story is fabulous. The story line keeps things moving and it is easy to connect to the characters. I love that there are a lot of strong females working alongside the alpha males.

In this story, Emme and Shane have to go undercover to help catch a killer who is targeting women that look like Bea, the leader of the Purgatory team. As they get closer to uncovering who the killer is, Emme’s life is in danger. Shane would like to believe that the angst he feels is fallout from losing his best friend’s sister to this maniac, but he knows he is lying to himself. He seems to have developed feelings for Emme, which is distracting him from the mission. If he wants to keep Emme safe, he needs to hold it together. After a horrible tragedy, Shane knows what he has to do, even if it breaks Emme’s heart.

Deadly Alliance starts out a little on the slower side, but it picks up a few chapters in. It becomes an intense tale that will have you on the edge of your seat wondering how it will all turn out.

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Never Let Me Fall (Fatal Dreams, #3) by Abbie Roads – Review by Naomi McDonald

Never Let Me Fall (Fatal Dreams, #3)Never Let Me Fall by Abbie Roads
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Never Let Me Fall is the third book in the Fatal Dreams series. I love this series; every book has been fabulous and this one is no exception. While it does mention characters from the previous books, it can be read as a standalone. Seriously though, the other books warrant a read, so why not add them to your TBR list!!!

The author has superbly blended romance with suspense and danger in this dark and intriguing story of healing the wounds of the past though love and acceptance. The main characters have deep and complex issues stemming from the pain of past events. Due to the nature of the subject matter, there may be triggers for some individuals.

Get it. Read it!!!! You will not be disappointed.

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Ring Tru (Thick as Theives Book 1) by Janice M. Whiteaker – Review by Naomi McDonald

Ring Tru (Thick as Theives Book 1)Ring Tru by Janice M. Whiteaker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ring Tru is the first book in the Thick as Thieves series. The ending is not a cliffhanger, but it does seem to have an abrupt conclusion. After everything they went through in the main part of the story, I expected a more well-rounded ending.

Tru is ready to be done with her life of crime. She’s doing one last job that will have her set for life. Things get complicated when her ex-husband shows up unexpectedly. Her patience is running thin and he has just added a new hurdle for her to jump. He took everything from her when he left, she won’t let him take her future from her too.

After five years, Will never expected to see Tru, especially on a job. He’d left her and tried to move on. When she appears on the scene, Will’s attention is split between finishing his mission and trying to keep Tru safe. He can’t afford to be distracted, but she is everything he still wants. Can Tru forgive him? As things heat up, can they work together to avoid getting burned?

Romance, suspense, and danger will keep you turning the pages!

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Born to Fight (Can’t Resist You, #1) by Brittany Anne – Review by Naomi McDonald

Born to Fight (Can't Resist You, #1)Born to Fight by Brittany Anne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Born to Fight is the first book in the Can’t Resist You series. The main story can be read as a standalone. The epilogue leaves things open for subsequent stories.

A resistance fighter and a woman on the run, what could possibly go wrong? Everything. When Hunter is faced with death, he is saved by a stranger. He has lived his life fighting and relationships have been low to non-existent on his priority list, but the woman who saved him stirs up emotions he didn’t know he could still feel. At a crucial time in the Resistance movement, Hunter is losing focus.

Rain has been in solitude for two years, thankful to be alive. She takes a big risk when she finds a man near death and decides to help him. When she learns about who he is, she wants to be honest with him about who she is, but she doesn’t want to risk being sent back to her past life. She’d do anything to avoid that, including lie to the man she is falling in love with. Her lies may destroy everything Hunter has sacrificed everything for.

The only thing about this story that was a bit vague is what the motivation for the Fall is. The story starts after it has already happened, but it isn’t clear on what the catalyst was that initiated the conflict. I’m guessing this may be talked about more in the stories that follow.

Born to Fight has secrets, danger, love, betrayal, adventure, and a happy (but ill-timed) surprise around Chapter 13. As mentioned in the synopsis, this book is definitely intended for adult readers. If you are triggered by violence against women, this might not be the book for you; otherwise, get a cup of tea and settle in!

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An Agreement (Summer in New York, #3) by Lindsay Marie Miller – Review by Naomi McDonald

An Agreement (Summer in New York, #3)An Agreement by Lindsay Marie Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An Agreement is the third book in the Summer in New York series. It can be read as a standalone.

An Agreement is an emotional story and I found myself tearing up several times. The romance part of it is not graphic in nature and it seemed to me that the focus was on the challenging parts of relationships. I think that is what made the story more real. An Agreement really puts emphasis on the way that the things we’ve experienced in our life can influence the way we interpret and respond to different aspects of relationships. Even though the synopsis of the book clearly states a HEA, there are several times when reading the story that you still wonder if they will make it.

This book was an easy read and I finished in one day. One suggestion I would make is not to read it in public if you are sensitive, because you might cry. Try explaining that to the people sitting around you in the coffee shop, lol. I almost had to. Also, this book does deal with some sensitive subject matter, although not in explicit detail.

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Bound by Blood (Crescent City Wolf Pack, #3) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Naomi McDonald

Bound by Blood (Crescent City Wolf Pack, #3)Bound by Blood by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bound by Blood is the third book in the Crescent City Wolf Pack series. This book can be read as a standalone, but the previous books are spectacular reads so I recommend reading them as well. Once again, the author has created an engaging story. There is not a bad book in this series and Bound by Blood has added a great dimension to the Crescent City world. One of the things that really grabs you in these books is the expertly written villains and the way the heroes/heroines handle them.

I loved that this book has a female lead character, and a strong one at that. As the story progresses she maintains that strength, but also learns how to accept support from others. I like that the author kept Alexis a strong female figure and didn’t turn her into a passive princess.

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Jesse (Glass City Hearts Book 3) by Desiree Lafawn – Review by Naomi McDonald

Jesse (Glass City Hearts Book 3)Jesse by Desiree Lafawn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jesse is the third book in the Glass City Hearts series. It can be read as a standalone. This book does reference events that happened to the other characters, and now I want to go back and read the previous books because they sound like great stories, lol.

I had no idea what to expect from this book when I chose to read it, but it proved to be an entertaining read. It has a great mix of humor, sarcasm, mystery, danger, romance, and family drama. The characters were easy to connect to and the story hooks you in right away.

Also note that there are a couple of places in the story that get you in the feels, so have some tissues nearby.

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Sailors Knot (Eastern Shore Swingers Book 4) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Naomi McDonald

Sailors Knot (Eastern Shore Swingers Book 4)Sailors Knot by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sailors Knot is the fourth book in the Eastern Shore Swingers series. I suggest reading the previous books so you can form a connection to the other characters, but you can probably pick this up and catch on without reading them. Sailors Knot is absolutely my favorite book in this series thus far.

I enjoyed reading about Casey’s unconventional relationship adventures. Unlike some books that switch back and forth between past and present, the transitions were seamless and woven together well. I also loved that the author has addressed some of the challenges of polyamory in this book. I was so into this story that I read the entire book in one day!

Sailors Knot will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Keep the tissues close, because you’re going to need them.

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Alterations Trilogy: Alterations, Game Changer, Primal Will by Jane Suen – Review by Naomi McDonald

ALTERATIONS TRILOGY: Alterations, Game Changer, Primal WillALTERATIONS TRILOGY: Alterations, Game Changer, Primal Will by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am glad that these books came in a set. They are definitely not meant to be read as standalones. The Alterations stories are imaginative and unusual. While I did find the premise of the trilogy intriguing, I had a challenge connecting with some of the characters. There were also some parts of the story that were a bit fuzzy and left me with questions. I think I enjoyed Ellen’s part of the story the most, and the latter part of Gigi’s story. Lilly was by far the main character that I couldn’t seem to get into. Overall, a good read.

Alterations-introduces you to the main characters (Gigi, Ellen, Lilly, Dr. Kite) and sets the foundation for the other two books.

Game Changer-After a disaster, Dr. Kite’s life takes an unexpected turn. The women are getting on with their lives as best they can.

Primal Will-Revelations and decisions are made that will have lasting effects on everyone.

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Siren Call (Eastern Shore Swingers #3) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Naomi McDonald

Siren CallSiren Call by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Siren Call is the third book in the Eastern Shore Swingers series. It can be read as a standalone. While good, out of the three books I have read in this series, this is not my favorite. It felt like the mystery around Sirena went on a little too long, BUT, overall it was a good read. I feel like if I could have connected to the characters more, it would have been superb. And that could just be on me, maybe it was not the right time for me to read the book…that happens sometimes, and then I pick it up later and love it.

What I did love about the book is that it shows the range of strength to vulnerability that women can have. It also shows the different ways that we deal with emotional trauma and how that affects our ability to communicate and relate to other people. And, as always, the author has the ability to convey alternative lifestyles with positivity while also showing the concerns associated with it. For instance, in this book one of Jessie’s concerns is being in a relationship with someone who is bi-sexual—the fear that she might not be enough for the other person. A real fear that comes up for many people.

I think my favorite part of the whole story is Sirena’s scene with the sheriff…cracked me the heck up! And you’ll have to read the book to find out what I’m talking about. ?

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The Catch (Eastern Shore Swingers #2) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Naomi McDonald

The CatchThe Catch by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Catch is the second book in the Eastern Shore Swingers series. It can be read as a standalone. It does reference characters from the first book, so if you want to know more about them I recommend going back and reading the first book as well.

The Catch has a different feel than the first book (which is also good). This story is filled with suspense and a bit of mystery. It also has a different feel in the way the relationship plays out. I enjoyed the development of Paisley’s character and the contrast between the way she shaped herself as an adult and what she dealt with as a child. I also loved that this book is body positive!

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Joker’s Fool (Satan’s Devils MC #8) by Manda Mellett – Review by Naomi McDonald

Joker's Fool (Satan's Devils MC #8)Joker’s Fool by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Joker’s Fool is the eighth book in the Satan’s Devils MC series. It can be read as a standalone.

I am in love with this book!!!!! Why am I in love with this book? So, so many reasons, but I will only list a few so as not to be long winded. First, I have a penchant for books where the subject matter is divergent from the mainstream of society. Second, I also have an open heart for the underdog, the people who struggle and persevere through challenging circumstances. Third, but the most important, in this book the author does a superb job of putting you into the story-letting you feel the pain and heartache of the characters, especially Joker. God, what he went through, the struggle and the self-hatred, it will tear you up! I was so into the story that I read it all in one day. I’m kind of wishing I had paced myself because coming down from an intense read like that is rough, lol. My heart is still in the story.

Get it. Read it. Be prepared to have your heart torn out, put back together, torn out again…..keep the Kleenex handy. In between all of the action and drama there is a lot of emotion. I have nothing but love for this story.

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Fisher of Men (Eastern Shore Swingers #1) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Naomi McDonald

Fisher of MenFisher of Men by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fisher of Men is the first book in the Eastern Shore Swingers series. It can be read as a standalone.

The first few chapters of the book seemed like they were taking forever to get through. The pace seemed slow and drawn out. BUT, when things start progressing with Leah and Cap, the story picked up and had me hooked. I had a marathon reading session and finished the book in a day.

One of the things that kept me interested is probably the fact that I can relate to the internal struggle, both regarding faith and the emotional aspect, that Leah goes through as she begins to unravel the structure she has been taught is the truth and proper way of living. It is emotionally strenuous to find out things about yourself that go against what you’ve been taught is proper. Add to that the input of outside sources and you’ve got a recipe for drama and heartache. Rewriting your belief system is not for the faint of heart. And not everyone has the strength to do it. Does Leah have what it takes to go after what she truly wants? Ride this emotional roller coaster with her and find out!

Even though I had a rocky start with this book, it turned out to be a spectacular read. I am glad that I gave it a chance and stuck with it.

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Blind Magic (The Sanctuary Chronicles #2) by India Kells – Review by Naomi McDonald

Blind Magic (The Sanctuary Chronicles #2)Blind Magic by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blind Magic is the second book in The Sanctuary Chronicles. This book can be read as a standalone. I loved this story. The only thing I would like to have wrapped up is what happened to Hunter and Patricia???? Outside of those two loose ends, it was excellent. Even though this book is about Ian and Sera, I’m really ready for the next book because I liked Finn’s character and I want to see how his story continues. This book has a little of everything…action, sadness, drama, mystery, and of course, romance.
Stellar read!
(Also know that if you really bond with the characters, you might tear up a little toward the end).

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A God of Gods (Dreams of Chaos, #3) by Ashley Chappell – Review by Naomi McDonald

A God of Gods (Dreams of Chaos, #3)A God of Gods by Ashley Chappell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A God of Gods is the third book in the Dreams of Chaos series. It is highly recommended that you read the first two books before you read this one. If you read this one without reading the previous ones, you will not have all of the background that you need.

I love this series! The characters have depth and the story is engaging. My favorite characters at this point are Prowler and Erwin for their sarcastic humor, Miskarot for her no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is attitude, and Eric because he is finding out that his past does not define his character. I also really enjoyed the evolution of Eric and Ali’s relationship, and the way that Crane steps up to acknowledge his connection to Trotter.

Trotter and her friends have been through a lot in the span of the first two books. They have been successful at facing evil. But, now the darkness threatens to end existence and it wants to use Trotter to bring it about. Whereas before they were relying on something larger than themselves to help them fight, now they realize that the gods are nearly powerless against this new enemy. There is one answer that may save them all, but there is a high price to pay.

A God of Gods pushes all of the feeling buttons, at least for me it did. Laughter, sorrow, anger, love, adventure, betrayal…this book has it all.

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Tilt (Dreams of Chaos #2) by Ashley Chappell – Review by Naomi McDonald

Tilt (Dreams of Chaos #2)Tilt by Ashley Chappell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tilt is the second book in the Dreams of Chaos series. Even though you can pick up this book and read it without necessarily reading the first book, I highly recommend getting the first book anyway. I fell in love with the first book almost immediately, and Tilt is just as wonderful. There is a stunning array of colorful characters to both love and hate. Where the first book introduced concepts of how powerful our mind’s creative ability can be, Tilt deals with the struggle of learning how to properly use your power without losing yourself. I cannot recommend these books enough.

Trotter, the daughter of gods, is seeing her world change right before her eyes. The days are becoming shorter and the tides are out of synch. Having been forbidden to stay in Realm, home of the gods, Trotter is on her own trying to figure out what is happening. She soon discovers the gods forgotten creation and is thrown into a new world. Even as her own home is being destroyed, Trotter finds that the world she has discovered is also in danger. Trotter has to make a decision that she avoided making in the first book, and it will change everything…even her. A new power is growing within Trotter, but is it something that will be even more dangerous than what they are already facing?

Tilt has action, adventure, bravery, gods and monsters, friendship, a bit of romance, and a lot of life lessons. I love the new additions to the cast of characters, especially Erwin. Superior humor is a must when dealing with monsters invading the land. Get the book. Read the book. You will not be disappointed!

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Alice Will (Dreams of Chaos #1) by Ashley Chappell – Review by Naomi McDonald

Alice Will (Dreams of Chaos #1)Alice Will by Ashley Chappell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Alice Will is the first book in the Dreams of Chaos series. It doesn’t take long for this book to draw you in. There are may colorful characters and a great story line; it will keep you entertained from beginning to end. While reading the book I was particularly struck by the way the author was able to weave the idea of the empty void of Chaos holding all possibilities. I also really liked the way the book speaks about the concept of the mind being what creates reality. I have worked with both of these concepts spiritually and it is great to see them woven into a novel. I think this story will be a great way to introduce these ideas to my kids when they are a little older.

My favorite character in the series so far is Prowler. I love his sarcasm and wit. He brings great humor to the story with his antics.

Trotter is a teenager with powers she is reluctantly getting acquainted with. Although, living among humans who aren’t fond of magic is a great motivator to not really try to use them at all. The problem with that is, because she isn’t using them, her powers are leaking out and she’s having difficulty controlling them. She happy just going about her day like a normal person and not using powers, but apparently, she’s not going to have much of a choice.

When the world as she knows it begins to experience changes, Trotter is accused of being the one that started it. It was a case of wrong place, wrong time, but fear does strange things to people and now Trotter has to find the true source of the imbalance. Enter Alice. War is coming…and Trotter is the key to stopping it.

Intrigue. Laughter. Sadness. Chaos. Connection. Imagination. It’s a roller coaster you never want to stop riding.

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Hunt the Dawn (Fatal Dreams, #2) by Abbie Roads – Review by Naomi McDonald

Hunt the Dawn (Fatal Dreams, #2)Hunt the Dawn by Abbie Roads
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was just as spellbinding as the first one in the series. The characters capture your attention and hold it until the very end. You can read Hunt the Dawn as a standalone, however characters from the first book are mentioned in it, so in order to get the full impact, I suggest reading the first one (plus, you’ll love it just as much).

Lathan is a special consultant for the government in relation to cold cases. Currently he is working on a case involving several murders that he believes were perpetrated by one person. He is insistent that even though the cases seem unrelated, they actually are. As a rule, Lathan doesn’t involve himself much with people, but that all changes when he meets Evanee.

Evanee has had a hard life and all she wants is to save enough money to move out of town. Unfortunately, she can’t seem to shake her past. In the process of trying to run from it, Evanee ends up running into Lathan. She knows she shouldn’t trust a stranger, but there is something about him that puts her at ease. When she begins having vivid dreams, she and Lathan begin a journey together that neither of them expected.

A little intrigue, a little mystery, a little romance, a little drama…what’s not to love!

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Race the Darkness (Fatal Dreams, #1) by Abbie Roads – Review by Naomi McDonald

Race the Darkness (Fatal Dreams, #1)Race the Darkness by Abbie Roads
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Race the Darkness is the first book in the Fatal Dreams series. Thankfully this is not a cliff hanger and the story is wrapped up well.

Everything changed for Xander when he was struck by lightning. With increased hearing abilities and the ability to read thoughts, he often helps out authorities as a special consultant. It’s difficult sometimes to manage all of the input, especially in regard to one voice he keeps hearing over and over again. It’s happened for years and his solution has been to drink it away.

On one occasion he finally lets the voice lead him and he ends up finding a girl and her grandmother trapped in a trailer with a mentally ill woman who has been abusing them. After rescuing them, he discovers an unusual connection between himself and the victim, Isleen.

As they spend more time together, Xander learns that Isleen has been having traumatic dreams that foretell the future. And, interestingly, Isleen is the only one that can help him manage his powers. The more they are around each other, the more their bond grows. But then, just as things seem to be going well, someone murders Isleen’s grandmother and then kidnaps Isleen.

This book is full of family drama, a religious cult, twists and turns, and the strange actions that some people take out of a twisted sense of love.

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