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Faerie’s Magic (Seasons of the Fae book 2) by Jessica Feyden – Review by Naomi McDonald

Faerie's Magic (Seasons of the Fae Book 1)Faerie’s Magic by Jessica Feyden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Faerie’s Magic is the second book in the Seasons of the Fae series.
The cover is magic all by itself! It puts a spell on you and you can’t resist getting the book. I don’t want to give the story away so I will simply say this – Faerie’s Magic is a wonderfully spun web of paranormal adventure, danger, magic, drama, and of course, romance. The world building and detail of the characters makes the story come to life.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book!

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Reign (The Larussio Legacy Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Naomi McDonald

Reign The Larussio LegacyReign The Larussio Legacy by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reign is the third book in the Larussio Legacy series. I would recommend reading the previous books to get the backstory.
This story starts off with a fast pace and keeps it up the whole way through. It is full of action, danger, drama, suspense, and of course romance. Serena is finally understanding what it means to be connected to Gio’s family and she makes a decision that she thinks will help protect her own family, but ends up leading her into even more danger. I enjoyed the strength of Serena’s character -she’s smart, spirited, and she can defend herself.
Overall, it’s a good read that will keep you entertained.

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Her Blackened Heart (The Blackened Series Book 2) by Isra Sravenheart – Review by Naomi McDonald

Her Blackened HeartHer Blackened Heart by Isra Sravenheart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Her Blackened Heart is the second book in the Blackened Series. I recommend reading the first book to get a foundation for this story.
This book is told in fairy tale style like the first book. I found the detail in some places good, but in other places the story felt like more of a synopsis rather than an experience. I like the originality of the story and I do enjoy the Astrid character.
Overall, I’d say this book was a more enjoyable read than the first one as it had much less repetition in it. I’ll be interested to see what happens in the next installment.

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The Saint of Liars (The Lucky Devil series Book 2) by Megan Mackie – Review by Naomi McDonald

The Saint of Liars (Lucky Devil #2)The Saint of Liars by Megan Mackie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Saint of Liars is the second book in the Lucky Devil series. I highly recommend reading the first book before you read this one to get a good grasp of the characters and events that set this book up. Plus, the first book is an amazing read too.
I truly love the blend of tech and magic in this series. In Saint of Liars, Rune discovers more about her abilities, which is a fascinating aspect of the story line.
The tension between St. Benedict and Rune is nearly palpable. I’ll be interested to see how that plays out in future installments. St. Rachel is kind of a person I love to hate. Well, not hate really, but she keeps throwing a wrench in the potential romantic works.
This book is a stellar read! Highly recommend it.

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Wild Bastard (A Dark Sparrow Novel Book 3) by India Kells – Review by Naomi McDonald

Wild BastardWild Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wild Bastard is a great second chance romance with a kick. Isabel is a strong, smart, self-made woman. I loved her character. Getting to know Kai was interesting, but I will say that of the brothers so far, I connected with Kai’s backstory the least – which is odd because I usually connect to military characters pretty strongly. It might be because we didn’t really get to see how his past affects him to the extent that we see it with Archer and Aleksei. It’s mentioned a couple of times, but we don’t see the intense emotional toll so it feels superficial.
One thing I loved about the story is that Isabel chose to hang onto a piece of her past and used it strategically. Her relationship with her mother regarding that piece is awesome.
Overall, this is an amazing, intense story that will grab a hold of you and won’t let go.

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Cold Bastard (A Dark Sparrow Novel Book 2) by India Kells – Review by Naomi McDonald

Cold Bastard (Dark Sparrow #2)Cold Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great read! I loved that Zoe is nerdy and snarky. Her wit is fabulously executed. The way she doesn’t back down from Archer creates spectacular tension between them. I loved the reappearance of the two neighbor characters. The odd pairing adds a little comic relief when they bicker with each other. The complexity of Archer’s character is excellent. The fight scene in the club shows his demons a bit. Cold Bastard is an excellent reading adventure. It’ll keep you turning the pages.

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Lost Bastard (A Dark Sparrow Novel Book 1) by India Kells – Review by Naomi McDonald

Lost Bastard (Dark Sparrow, #1)Lost Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an intense story. I love how strong of a character Deva is. She hits a great balance of fierce and feminine. I enjoyed the way the layers of backstory were dripped throughout. The timing of it added depth and emotion. There is an emotional moment in chapter thirty-seven. Not going to lie, I teared up. Lost Bastard is a stellar read. You won’t be able to put it down.

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A Dark Sparrow Box Set – Books 1-3 by India Kells – Review by Naomi McDonald

A Dark Sparrow Box Set - Books 1-3A Dark Sparrow Box Set – Books 1-3 by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lost Bastard – Deva & Aleksei
This is an intense story. I love how strong of a character Deva is. She hits a great balance of fierce and feminine. I enjoyed the way the layers of backstory were dripped throughout. The timing of it added depth and emotion. There is an emotional moment in chapter thirty-seven. Not going to lie, I teared up. Lost Bastard is a stellar read. You won’t be able to put it down.

Cold Bastard – Zoe & Archer
This is a great read! I loved that Zoe is nerdy and snarky. Her wit is fabulously executed. The way she doesn’t back down from Archer creates spectacular tension between them. I loved the reappearance of the two neighbor characters. The odd pairing adds a little comic relief when they bicker with each other. The complexity of Archer’s character is excellent. The fight scene in the club shows his demons a bit. Cold Bastard is an excellent reading adventure. It’ll keep you turning the pages.

Wild Bastard – Isabel & Kai
Wild Bastard is a great second chance romance with a kick. Isabel is a strong, smart, self-made woman. I loved her character. Getting to know Kai was interesting, but I will say that of the brothers so far, I connected with Kai’s backstory the least – which is odd because I usually connect to military characters pretty strongly. It might be because we didn’t really get to see how his past affects him to the extent that we see it with Archer and Aleksei. It’s mentioned a couple of times, but we don’t see the intense emotional toll so it feels superficial.
One thing I loved about the story is that Isabel chose to hang onto a piece of her past and used it strategically. Her relationship with her mother regarding that piece is awesome.
Overall, this is an amazing, intense story that will grab a hold of you and won’t let go.

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True Bastard (A Dark Sparrow Novel Book 4) by India Kells – Review by Naomi McDonald

True Bastard (A Dark Sparrow Novel #4)True Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

True Bastard is the fourth book in the Dark Sparrow series You could probably read this as a standalone, but you’ll enjoy it more with the backstory from the other books in the series.

I have to say, I relate to the opening in chapter one where Liam feels like meeting Catriona is a cosmic joke. I have felt that way many times in my life. Things seem to line up perfectly, and then the universe lowers the boom. I felt for the guy, lol.

This story is everything you would expect from this author – great chemistry between the characters, adventure, angst, and romance. Once you start reading, you’ll stay up all night just to finish it!

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DEADLY WEAPON (Jake Wolfe Book 5) by Mark Nolan – Review by Naomi McDonald

Deadly Weapon (Jake Wolfe #5)Deadly Weapon by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book seems in step with the events of 2020 given the subject matter. If you need an escape from current events, this particular book may not be one you want to read until everything calms down.

However, don’t dismiss it entirely. Deadly Weapon is a great read with a ton of action and adventure mixed in with a bit of mystery and danger.

I love the interaction between Jake and Cody. Of course, who doesn’t love an intelligent dog as a side kick? One of my favorite parts of the story is the sidecar bit where Cody is enjoying the ride, in spite of the danger.

Overall, I found Deadly Weapon to be an intense and entertaining read.

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Accountability (Scope of Practice Book 3) by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Naomi McDonald

Accountability (Scope of Practice #3)Accountability by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Accountability is the third book in the Scope of Practice series. You need to read the previous two books in order to get the full impact of this story.

Even though I had parts of the mystery figured out before the end, I enjoyed the suspense of this story. In Accountability, you finally get some answers about Norma. I can’t say too much more about it because any details could take away from the reading experience. There was one piece that totally took me by surprise and that added to the depth of the story.

This is definitely a book that will keep you turning the pages!

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Road Tripped (Satan’s Devils MC Utah #1) by Manda Mellett – Review by Naomi McDonald

Road Tripped (Satan's Devils MC Utah #1)Road Tripped by Manda Mellett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Road Tripped is the first book in the Satan’s Devils MC Utah series. You can read it by itself and follow the story line, but it will be more impactful if you read the other series’ connected to this one to get background of some of the characters that make an appearance, and a couple of the incidents that are mentioned in this book.

After reading other books from other series connected to this one, I have to say that this particular branch of the MC has a very different feel. I like it! I like the type of intrigue and action the Utah branch has.

Gah! There are so many things I want to say about this book, but I can’t because it’ll give away the intensity of the reading experience. What I will say is you get some answers in this book that have been left open from other books, and Swift = amazing!

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Her Blackened Soul (The Blackened Series Book 1) by Isra Sravenheart – Review by Naomi McDonald

Her Blackened Soul (The Blackened, #1)Her Blackened Soul by Isra Sravenheart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Her Blackened Soul is the first book in the Blackened series.

I will be honest; I struggled a bit with this book. I LOVE the premise of the story. It has a lot of potential. I gave the book four starts for creativity and originality. What I had a difficult time with were the parts of it that were slow-moving. I felt like the book didn’t have a steady flow to it.

Her Blackened Soul is written in fairytale tale style, but from the villain’s angle. I am a fan of dark fantasy so I enjoyed that aspect of the story. Overall, I feel like this book could be fabulous with a little bit of added depth and removal of some of the more repetitive parts (i.e. the constant reminder of Isra’s evilness).

Even though I had a challenge with this book, I’ll probably check out book two to see if the writing has progressed. It may be that this book, because it is the first in the series, is a little bit rougher and things will polish up as it goes forward.

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Confidentiality (Scope of Practice Book 2) by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Naomi McDonald

ConfidentialityConfidentiality by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Confidentiality is the second book in the Scope of Practice series. You need to read the first book in order to get the full picture of what is happening in book two.

In the first book, I related to some of the main character’s attributes, but there is a side of her that I don’t relate to so much. That part of her life started in book one but is further explored in book two as things start spiraling. I found myself wondering how I could relate to a character’s personal attributes so much, but not align with her actions, even though I understand her motivation for it initially. The author has done a great job of layering the main character to give her complexity.

I enjoyed the anti-hero aspects of the story as well. Even though I had it figured out pretty quickly, I thought the choice was interesting.

Overall, this was a great continuation of the first part of the story in book one. As with book one, sensitive readers should note that there are potential triggers in this story.

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Boundaries (Scope of Practice Book 1) by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Naomi McDonald

Boundaries (Scope of Practice, #1)Boundaries by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Boundaries is the first book in the Scope of Practice series. The main story line wraps up, but the ending does leave room for more in the following book.

The way the main character, Valerie is described at the beginning of the book made me relate to her almost immediately. The way she keeps to herself, doesn’t like the unknown, can’t seem to keep up with time, and her feeling of being awkward are all things that I can relate to very much.

The way the author has written the story, you don’t know Valerie’s past right away. Because I related to her so much in the beginning, I had to keep reading to find out what her story was.

Boundaries is full of mystery and intrigue. At times it can be heavy on the emotions. And, there are some interesting twists that keep you turning the pages.

Overall, a good read. I look forward to seeing where Valerie’s journey takes her in the next book.

Note for sensitive readers – there are potential triggers in this book.

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TWO HEARTS UNSPOKEN TARGETS (Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Book 11) by Tamara Ferguson – Review by Naomi McDonald

TWO HEARTS UNSPOKEN TARGETS (Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Book 11)TWO HEARTS UNSPOKEN TARGETS by Tamara Ferguson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Two Hearts Unspoken Targets is the eleventh book in the Two Hearts Wounded Warrior series. It can be read as a standalone.

The overall story has promise, and I really wanted to love this book. Unfortunately, the Kyle character is written in a way that personifies the stereotypical perception of Autism by the neurotypical community. As a person with Autism myself – and a person who has two children on the Autism spectrum, I appreciated the author’s willingness to include an Autistic character. The issue that I have on the whole is that almost every book I’ve read with an Autistic character ONLY includes a character with the severe side of things and with the attributes that most people think Autistic individuals display based on stereotypes, this book included. Perpetuating these stereotypes reinforces the stigma that Autistic people face every day while trying to interact in the world. When I read the blurb for this book I was hoping for a different portrayal. A person can be Autistic with challenges that require more assistance without being violent or having a mental impairment. I would have loved to see other challenges addressed instead.

And on a side note, I really wasn’t pleased that Beth called Kyle a dope at one point. I felt like that was demeaning and unnecessary. Many Autistic people struggle with self-esteem issues because they feel different. Using that kind of language can be hurtful.

It was a tough decision between three and four stars, but I’m giving a rating of four stars on this because, even though I was unhappy with the way the Autistic character was portrayed, the overall premise of the story was good.

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The Wandering Isles: A Crown of Stones Novella (The Crown of Stones Novella Series Book 1) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Naomi McDonald

The Wandering Isles, A Crown of Stones Novella (Novella Series #1)The Wandering Isles, A Crown of Stones Novella by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Wandering Isles is a novella that follows the Crown of Stones trilogy. Even though you can read this story as a standalone, I highly recommend reading The Crown of Stones books. They are amazing!

As with The Crown of Stones, The Wandering Isles is expertly written. I was sucked into the story within the first paragraph and felt like I was living in the book with the characters. The world building in all of the books I’ve read by this author is excellent, and this book is no exception. I can see it like a movie in my mind as I read.

You really get to know the characters on a deeper level in this book as it’s a novella focused on a specific event. Even though it’s a shorter story, you don’t feel like you are missing anything.

I thoroughly enjoyed this dark fantasy adventure!

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The Slaughter of Leith Hall by Lexie Conyngham – Review by Naomi McDonald

The Slaughter of Leith HallThe Slaughter of Leith Hall by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Historical fiction is not my usual read, but sometimes I like to try out new things. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book after I read a few chapters. I found the period speak cumbersome and it was a bit slow moving. Once the true mystery of it all started, though, I found myself turning the pages to find out how the whole thing played out. The characters and world building were excellent and really brought the story to life. Despite the slow start, and a couple of slow-moving pieces elsewhere in the book, overall, it was a good read.

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Being Lost (Satan’s Devils MC San Diego #1) by Manda Mellett – Review by Naomi McDonald

Being Lost (Satan's Devils MC San Diego #1)Being Lost by Manda Mellett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Being Lost is the first book in the Satan’s Devils MC San Diego series. While you can read this as a standalone, you will have a better reading experience if you’ve read Ink’s Devil (Satan’s Devils MC Colorado Chapter #5) to get some foundation for the characters in Being Lost.

I have read many of the Satan’s Devils books and have really enjoyed the author’s ability to weave real life issues into her writing in a way that engages your emotions. That being said, this book did not grab me as much as the others. Don’t get me wrong, it was a great read, it just didn’t have the same intensity as the other books.

I did enjoy the fact that the characters in this book are older and that the author addresses finding love in later adulthood. That’s something you don’t see too often. I’m also enjoying the bit of mystery that has started around who is shadowing the MC.

Overall, great read!

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Heart of Malice (Alice Worth Book 1) by Lisa Edmonds – Review by Naomi McDonald

Heart of Malice (Alice Worth #1)Heart of Malice by Lisa Edmonds
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Heart of Malice is the first book in the Alice Worth series. And, I have to say that the series is off to a great start!

The first chapter starts out with action which sucks you right into the story. I liked the unique way the ghost is portrayed in chapter two. I also found the interaction between the ghost and Alice amusing. Alice sort of reminds me of Jessica Jones.

Something I’m wondering about is how the author decided on what is in the Supernatural and Paranormal Entity Registration Act. I’d be interested to know what went into that process. It’s a good detail that adds a more realistic feel to the story.

All of that rambling to say, this is a good read. The only thing I wish had been different is that Alice demonstrated more of her power. And, maybe that changes in subsequent books as the character grows. I’ll have to read and see.

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Ashes To Ashes Boxset (books 1-3) by Rowena Holloway – Review by Naomi McDonald

Ashes To Ashes Boxset (books 1-3)Ashes To Ashes Boxset by Rowena Holloway
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I highly recommend getting this set so you can binge read this entire series. The Ashes to Ashes series is an intense, edge-of-your-seat thriller that will keep you up at night turning the pages.

The characters in these books are complex. The world building is amazing! And, the story line is a winding road of mystery, suspense, danger, drama, and intrigue. There are many layers to uncover along with the characters as you read.

This series is a non-stop roller coaster ride you won’t want to get off of.

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Martimus (Feisty Lawyers Book 5) by Seelie Kay – Review by Naomi McDonald

Martimus (Feisty Lawyers Book 5)Martimus by Seelie Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Martimus is the fifth book in the Feisty Lawyer’s series. You can read this as a standalone, but you’ll probably have a better experience if you read the previous ones to get the background on the other characters.

I like the premise of this book. I had a difficult time getting past the way the main character, Cate, was written when she has to slip into her undercover role. There is something about intelligent women acting less than their smarts that just grates on me when it is written in certain ways. Now, on the flip side of that, I did feel an emotion when I read those parts, so the author has definitely given you an emotional connection. In that respect, it is written in a way that does engage you.

Martimus is full of action, suspense, and mystery as the characters are searching for missing socialites. It also has some steamy romance to spice things up. The use of the underwater habitat was interesting and gives added dimension to the story.

Overall, once I got past my initial aversion to the previously mentioned aspect, it was an entertaining read and kept me turning the pages.

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Dead Magic (The Sanctuary Chronicles, Book 3) by India Kells – Review by Naomi McDonald

Dead Magic (The Sanctuary Chronicles #3)Dead Magic by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dead Magic is the third book in the Sanctuary Chronicles series. It can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the previous books because they are awesome!

This book grabbed a hold of me in the first chapter and didn’t let go. The action starts almost right away and it leads you on a journey with Finn to find Violet and save her.

I love the characters in this book. Who doesn’t love a brooding vampire and witches, right??? Especially when they are drawn together but don’t want to be. You connect to the characters right away, which keeps you invested in their story and the outcome.

Superb read! Get this book! You will not be disappointed.

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Summer’s Stolen (Seasons of Magic Book 2) by Sarah Biglow – Review by Naomi McDonald

Summer's Stolen (A Seasons of Magic urban Fantasy Novel)Summer’s Stolen by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summer’s Stolen is the second book in the Seasons of Magic series. You’ll appreciate this story more if you’ve read book one as there are references to things that happened in the previous story.

This is a fabulous series. I fell in love with book one and book two is a fantastic story as well. In the second book we see Ezri’s growth as a person.

Summer’s Stolen sucks you in from the very beginning and doesn’t let go. (Maybe the book itself is infused with magic? LOL) When reading this story, I felt like I was right there with the characters. There is action, danger, intrigue, suspense, and of course, magic.

Definitely a must read!

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The Labyrinthine Journey (Servant of the Gods Book 2) by Luciana Cavallaro – Review by Naomi McDonald

The Labyrinthine Journey (Servant of the Gods, #2)The Labyrinthine Journey by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Labyrinthine Journey is book two in the Servant of the Gods series. It could stand on its own as the author does a good job of giving you tie-ins to book one. Although, this story is so good, who wouldn’t want to read the first book???

As a person who loves mythology, this book captured and held my interest. I felt like I was right there in the story with the characters. The world building is fantastic and the descriptions in the book bring everything to life. The Labyrinthine Journey is a colorful adventure that you will not want to put down!

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Winter’s Wolf (The Cursed Series Book 1) by Lou Grimes – Review by Naomi McDonald

Winter's Wolf (The Cursed, #1)Winter’s Wolf by Lou Grimes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Winter’s Wolf is the first book in The Cursed series.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I got this book, but it turned out to be pretty good. The story concept is interesting and I enjoyed the characters. The author does a good job of building suspense so it keeps you reading. There are a few places where the story breaks down a bit, but I think this series has promise.

One of the things that caught me in this book are the names of the characters. I don’t know why it stood out, but the names really fit this book well.

Overall, a good read!

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Deleted by Ruth Mitchell – Review by Naomi McDonald

DeletedDeleted by Ruth Mitchell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had no idea what to expect from this book. It isn’t my usual read so it could have gone either way. To be honest, I wasn’t really into it at first. However, I stuck with it and it turned out to be a interesting story on the moral dilemma of how far to go when technology gives you access to people’s memories. With some suspense, philosophical deliberations, and a bit of romance, this is a great book for the YA genre.

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Spring’s Calling: A Seasons of Magic Urban Fantasy Novel by Sarah Biglow – Review by Naomi McDonald

Spring's Calling (Seasons of Magic, #1)Spring’s Calling by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Spring’s Calling is the first book in the Seasons of Magic series.

I was sucked into this story from the first chapter. Spring’s Calling has wonderfully written characters and superb world building. Ezri is a strong female lead, which I truly appreciated.

This story has mystery, suspense, drama, and of course, magic and evil forces for our heroine to fight against.

Seasons of Magic is a promising series and I look forward to reading the next book!

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Eat Me (Mayim Merman Book 1) by Amber Dark – Review by Naomi McDonald

Eat Me (Mayim Merman series Book 1)Eat Me by Amber Dark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Eat Me is the first book in the Mayim Merman series. It’s a quick read, great for when you only have a short break but want to pack everything you can into it.

I honestly had no idea what to expect when I got this book. It was the cover that caught my eye.

First, I wish the story had been a little longer because I felt like the physical part was played up but the message that was important in this book – that we shouldn’t let a failed relationship make us doubt ourselves – gets a little watered down.

Now, in saying that, I do love the way this book shows this casual encounter in a positive light. The male lead, while enjoying the physical experience, actually does have an underlying drive to show these women that they are worth being loved by the right person.

Overall, I’d say if you are looking for a ton of intricate story line, this book is not going to scratch that itch. However, if you are looking for a short, steamy read with a positive affirmation of casual physical encounters that ultimately lead to an HEA, I’d say this would be a good choice.

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Night Justice (A Chicago Vigilantes Novel Book 1) by India Kells – Review by Naomi McDonald

Night JusticeNight Justice by India Kells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Night Justice is the first book in the Chicago Vigilantes series. It leaves things in a bit of a cliffhanger so be prepared for that.

I liked this book a lot. The characters are well written. I appreciated the female lead, Orla. Her character is strong, yet feminine, very well balanced. I also loved that the male lead is an anti-hero. The fact that he is attracted to Orla because she’s strong and not because she needs to be “saved” is a plus too.

This story has romance, of course, but it is also full of intrigue and danger as Orla and her masked vigilante try to keep the city safe from a new drug. Overall, a great read.

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