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Degrees of Innocence: Dark Mafia Romance (Cruel Deceptions Book 1) By Via Mari – Review by Ashley Lape

Degrees of Innocence (Prestian Series, #1)Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Katarina is too focused on her career and has no time for a romantic life, even one that ignites her darkest desires. With a dreamy romantic location for her next work retreat, she might find herself not in control of her own destiny. Katarina is faced with saving a man’s life and a hot man who steps in to help her. Chase walks into the bar to hear the commotion of someone giving a man CPR. He goes to offer his help when he finds an attractive woman who is performing CPR. Chase and Katarina become pretty inseparable but Chase happens to be the CEO of the big company that will be working with Katarina on the new project. Katarina has no clue how much her falling in love with Chase will really change her life.
This is the first book I have read by this author but it won’t be the last book. I can’t wait to continue reading this series.

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Tink (Devil’s Handmaidens MC Book 1) by D.M. Earl – Review by Jess Dimmock

Tink (Devil's Handmaidens MC-Book One)Tink by D.M. Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Trigger Warning! This story has some serious brutality; however, it is full of sisterhood, family both blood and chosen and Woman-power! Throughout this tale about an all-woman MC there is the interwoven stories of our main character opening up to love, the perseverance of a young girl never giving up hope on her family, and women turning their own tragedies into a fire to save other women.
Generally, I’m not a fan of female tragedy as a story plot point, but this one is done so well and so strongly I really enjoyed it and couldn’t put it down! By the end I was ready to go out, buy a motorcycle and join an all-woman MC.

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And Then She Fell by Dreena Collins – Review by Devon Pulliam

And Then She FellAnd Then She Fell by Dreena Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First off… OMG… this book is a MUST READ! Once you start it sucks you in and good luck stopping until the last page. This is the first book I have read from this author and I’m sure it won’t be the last.

I always read the writeup to see what a book is about before I choose to read it or not. I knew from the get go I wanted to read this story. I am so glad I did.

Catherine going thru the grieving process of losing her daughter Susie in a tragic accident. Trying to make sense of the accident a year later. She wants so badly to know exactly what happened to her. Even going back to Crete where the accident happened. Even reaching out to Daniel who was the boyfriend at the time.

Things are mysteriously happening to her at home while she is talking to those who knew Susie during that time. I love how the author has excerpts from Susie that are changing from the night of the accident. I found myself comparing the changes each time one came up and trying to solve what happened.

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The Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Ashley Cooper Hammontree

The Final BiteThe Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Highly recommend for readers who like short stories with suspense and interesting twists. With vampires, magic, werewolves, and ghosts, you don’t know what else will be thrown your way! Short, to the point, and with fated mates, you can not go wrong with this book. If only it was a little longer, but there’s plenty other stories by the author to keep us going!

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Master Catteneo (Masters of the Consulate Book 5) by Sylvia Black – Review by Ashley Hasting

Master CatteneoMaster Catteneo by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the fifth book in the series from the fabulous author! I love her books and especially this series! We now move to our next potential mate bond, Master Catteneo and Allesia. A psychic and a mafia vampire. What can go wrong, or right, or both? Their romance is so good to read, the drama in here ties to all the other books but can still be read as a standalone with just enough information. Seriously a great series!!!

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Glass Houses by Sinister Styx – Review by Ashley Hasting

Glass HousesGlass Houses by Sinister Styx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is only 20 pages, but OH MY GOSH do you wish it was so much more because it can be. It’s such a dark story, but so good. It has a lesson in there, and I’ll let you read it to see what it is. Ivy and Falcon have a troubled relationship, but for a certain reason. It always leads to a bad place.

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Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Ashley Hasting

Dream-ShifterDream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gwendolyn is a really sweet pre-teen who has an interesting trait. When she sleeps, she becomes the animal she dreams of, then wakes up as a human again. The only problem is that if she is startled awake, she stays as the animal she is. Turns out it happens to her by an alarm, and she is stuck as an elk till she finds a way to get it fixed. She is told of a magician and goes to them for help. She has an adventure doing so and learning things along the way. It’s a cute read for teens.

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Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by Deb Robinson

Amaleigha and the Big IdeaAmaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved the spirit of this book. It definitely promotes listening to a young child’s ideas and dreams. A young child is pure of heart and enjoys things we grown ups tend to take for granted. Amaleigha’s idea was marvelous and helped the whole community. This book made me look at the possibilities of just one person’s ideas and making them happen.

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The Sacrifice (Dragonpets Book 1) by R. L. S. Hoff – Review by Ashley Cooper Hammontree

The Sacrifice (Dragonpets #1)The Sacrifice by R.L.S. Hoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can’t believe the first part to this series is over. I love the character development between Rilla and Vidar as they struggle between their new bonds and fight against Sir Drake and the purple dragon. The telepathy, bonds, and a protected library full of magic captivated me to the fullest. I need the second book to come out asap so we get more of the map magic and Rilla’s powers, maybe more of Vidar being human and children between the two!!

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And Then She Fell by Dreena Collins – Review by Heather Watson

And Then She FellAnd Then She Fell by Dreena Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I haven’t read anything by Dreena Collins before and this was a different book then I’m used to. The author choices to the audience to write to. I wasn’t used to this, and it was a little weird at first but as the book went on, I understood why she used this tactic. I really liked this story by Dreena Collins, and I will be looking for more books by her and I hope that she uses the audience as she did in this one. I wanted to see what Susie really did to fall. I had to keep reading until the end to find out. This is an author I will definitely be keeping an eye out for.

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The Magical Summer of Miranda Stone (The Emergence Duology Book 1) by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Heather Watson

The Magical Summer of Miranda StoneThe Magical Summer of Miranda Stone by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book by A.D. Brazeau that I have read, and I was glad that I picked it up. If you are looking for an easy book to read, get this one. I am ready to keep reading this one to see where the story is going to go with Miranda and her friends are going to go. The author wrote a well, but I wish it had a little more action. The author did end the story in a good place to be able to continue with what is going on. I would read them in order to be able to keep up with it is going on. I will be on the look out for more by this author.

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Lucas the Spy Cat (Jake the Growling Dog) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Deb Robinson

Lucas the Spy CatLucas the Spy Cat by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really good book. The illustrations are very bright and vivid. My grandson loved Lucas. He asked so many questions wondering what Lucas did at night time when he was outside. All the different animals Lucas met made the story intriguing to a 3 year old. He was able to follow along. He loved that the girls used a spy camera like superheroes.

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More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by Devon Pulliam

More ThanMore Than by Diane Barnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a good feel good, read in one sitting book!

Peggy raised her twins on her own for 14 years after losing her husband in a plane crash. She was consumed by taking care of the kids and like many moms neglected to take care of herself. That changed when her kids left for college and got her a gym membership.

Peggy was consumed with this TV medium, and wanted to re-connect with her late husband. Her and 2 of her new gym friends were able to get tickets. However she had many doubts during the show. Which the truth is later revealed to her in the most unsuspecting way.

The best part wasn’t Peggy finding herself and transforming, it was finding a new happy ever after!

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Raine Down (The Shadow Guardians Book 1) by CB Samet – Review by Ashley Hasting

Raine Down (The Shadow Guardians, #1)Raine Down by C.B. Samet
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So when I first saw the cover of this book, I immediately thought of the Shadowhunters series. Raine is a Shadow Guardian which helps saves humans from shadows that they don’t even know mean harm or exist. She ends up saving an FBI agent Will which leads to her helping him with his case. There is alot of mystery, adventure, romance, and drama. I’m excited to go to the next book! 🙂

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Deb Robinson

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This entire series was absolutely amazing. I got my daughter hooked on it. I loved the variety of characters. I will miss all the characters as the author made them come alive in every book. It was like you were part of the family as they went through life in the mafia.

This prequel was about Marissa who we have heard about in every book but did not know her exact story. We all know she died and that the ladies were all close like sisters. I wish this prequel had been longer as I was not ready to say goodbye to these characters yet. Here’s hoping we all get to read about them again.

To the Author: This series has been an amazing ride. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to the mafia books. Bravo.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Helen Dawkins

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely LOVED this prequel 🖤 I definitely recommend for everyone to read this book even if you have already started or finished the series! Even though I knew a few details of what had happened their senior year from already reading the Mafia Elite Series, it was amazing to read exactly how everything unfolded. I highly recommend to start with this prequel if you haven’t started the series yet. Amy McKinley captured all of the Mafia princesses personalities perfectly in the short amount of pages. It gave you an excellent picture of who they were at their core and what was anticipated to come in their futures. Seeing their senior year in detail was a great addition and gave me much more love for the Mafia princesses.

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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Ashley Hasting

Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #1)Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Elinor, or would you say Madame Chalamet, is a trained medium. She works with the police but also solves mysteries. In this story, she searches for her father’s killer, and also has some other mysteries to solve. We also have a love interest in the making as someone who keeps getting in her way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and ready to read the next book!

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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Helen Dawkins

Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #1)Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this ghost story. It kept your attention throughout the whole book. I loved the sub plot about Mysir de Duke Archambeau’s dead wife, I cannot wait to read more of their story in book two. Madam Elinor Chalamet is a well-known ghost talker (medium), she frequently assists on criminal investigations to figure out who someone may be, how they died, and who killed them. The book is set in a country named Sarnesse, in a time period where a lady was allowed education but still upheld to a certain standard. The case that Madam Chalamet is brought in to assist with, is the death of the Giles Monet, and has the crowns attention. Because it is such a high-profile case, Madam Chalamet is brought to Mysir de Duke’s house to be on house arrest and restricted from speaking to anyone about the case. I love the connection between Madam Chalamet and Mysir de Archambeau, while it is not an immediate attraction, I love the way they interact with each other, both strong personalities battling out to win dominance. The ending was amazing, coming to a close of the criminal investigation, but leaving you still with some questions about all of the characters, more specially, if Madam Chalamet will investigate the Duke’s wife’s death.

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A Christmas to Remember by 5 Prince Publishing – Review by Ashley Hasting

A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince PublishingA Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince Publishing by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When you get an Anthology, you get multiple little stories. My favorite part is that these are all little Christmas stories and with Christmas around the corner, I’m so happy. Each story was cute and perfect to put together in this one anthology. A couple of my favorite authors are in this which is why I gave it a shot, and I was happy I did! Give these a read to get you in the Christmas cheer!

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Borrowed Time by Lane Cohen – Review by Rayne East

Borrowed TimeBorrowed Time by Lane Cohen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Timeless
A beautifully written book that had me turning the pages late into the night. The author captured each moment within the adventures and didn’t skimp on the details. I felt I was present in every moment. The story follows the group as they invent the ability to time travel and then navigate the possible implications and moral dilemmas of doing so. The author has clearly done their homework with the accuracy of past events. There is definitely room for a sequel- which I will definitely read.

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Mis-Spelled (The Stellaluna Chronicles Book 1) by TH Leatherman – Review by Ashley Hasting

Mis-Spelled: Book One of the Stellaluna ChroniclesMis-Spelled: Book One of the Stellaluna Chronicles by T.H. Leatherman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Evan had to diffuse a bully situation, but it led him to end up in another world. He went from Texas to the Fae world in just a matter of seconds! He works with the elves to figure out what happened and how he can get back home. The queen offers two solutions: either complete 3 tasks that get harder after each is completed or serve under her for 10 years. Even if he fails the first, he’ll have to do the servitude. He gains friends, enemies, frenemies, and a crush as well. It’s a great read!

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Gunner (Hollins & Haring Book 3) by T.J. Beach – Review by Devon Pulliam

Gunner (Hollins & Haring #3)Gunner by T.J. Beach
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First off this is book 3 but a great standalone read. I don’t feel like you miss anything by not reading the other 2 first. This book does have some trigger parts…. I say that not to spoil but to warn it does talk about a suicide and a miscarriage. It also talks about the struggle and then turn around of a covid patient. Plus the struggle families had in the early days/weeks/months of the pandemic when a loved one was in the hospital.

Gary and Debbie end up quarantining together when Debbie’s mom comes down with Covid. They aren’t just co-workers but also friends as well. So this book is taking place early 2020 and mentions several times at how strict the lockdown(s) were at that time and being the first case in that area.

Debbie knows Gary has a past and during their time in quarantine she talks Gary into telling her his story. And what a story it is! His military background and training were working for him when he got mixed in with basically the wrong people. As he is telling his story to Debbie he changes into what I would like to think his old self… the one before getting caught up “chasing the money”.

All while they are working towards being private investigators. He tells Debbie about his past life and why he is now in Australia and under a new name. Seeing how hard Gary worked in his past life and let the bad over take his life I felt bad for him and his journey.

Now I am off to read the other 2 books as I need to know more of Debbie and Garys story! Hopefully there is a 4th because I’d love a follow up to this one!

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Ashley Lape

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this series and when I found out that this was a book from the point of view of the ladies of the mafia I could not be more thrilled. I loved reading the backstories of The Five Families Princesses Liliana, Emiliana, Sofia, and Eva, along with Marissa’s death. This prequel really gives a different point of view about the struggle of the women of the mafia and that they are not invisible to the danger they are born into. I genuinely wish it was longer but I have high hopes that this is not the end for this fiery bunch of women. PLEASE keep the stories coming!!

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Faultless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 1) by KG Fletcher – Review by Stephanie Chapman

Faultless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #1)Faultless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After five years of being in prison, Ted Bennett is on his way home to his hoe in Langston Falls. He has one year left on his parole and he intends to stay out of trouble. His parole officer, Ms. Sam McNeil, automatically meets him at the Family Christmas Tree Farm and Winery. She is adament about Ted staying at the farm but only doing the work for the Christmas trees as a condition of his parole.

What did Ted do that made him serve prison time? Robyn Morgan, his high school sweetheart, knows exactly what he didn’t do. She was a law student but quit pursuing her dream when she watched the justice system fail when Ted was sentenced to prison. Now, she works in a flower shop and has a horrible relationship with Anderson. Anderson tries to get her to go for the bar exam and move to Atlanta, but Robyn feels that Langston Falls is her home. Her relationship with Anderson falls into the backdrop when Ted walks into the flower shop. Their love never died.

Ted and Robyn begin spending more time together and prepare for an annual Festival on the Bennett farm. However, Robyn never broke off her relationship with Anderson. Anderson drops in at the festival. Ted is crushed when Robyn leaves with Anderson back to her house. Robyn and Anderson break off their relationship, both admitting there was no love between them.

Later, during the music concert that Ted’s brother Hank performs in, Ms. Kirby approaches Ted and asks to speak to him in private. She tells him about the security video that proves his innocence. Before anything else could be said, Glen Kirby finds his mother and Ted. He tries to instigate a fight only to be held back by Ted’s brother Walt. Robyn enters with Ms. McNeil. Walt lets Glen go and he knocks her out by punching her in the face. Ted hit Glen twice, dropping him to the ground. Then Glen laughs “I’m pressing charges, you just violated your parole murderer!” Violating his parole means Ted will return to prison. What does Ted do now? What about Robyn?

This is a well-written story about how justice isn’t always served in a nice box like many of us would like to think. I found the story relatable in some aspects since I have experienced the court system on both sides as prosecuting and defendant. The label of justice being blind is true; in all ways. Read this story to see if Robyn and Ted can continue their relationship or will everything fall apart if Ted is sent back to prison. The end is unpredictable to say the least.

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Shadow and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 2) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Heather Watson

Shadow and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns, #2)Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I would read the first book of this series first but read these books by Kay L. Moon. This book picked right where the last one left off. I was happy to get this book so I could see where Chole’s story was going lead. After reading this book it was good to see that she is still her old self but has grown. There is a love story inside this action-packed world. The first book is world building, and the second book builds off that world but really adds to the characters. I love how the characters will surprise you. I’m ready for the next installment to see where this story goes.

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The Magical Summer of Miranda Stone (The Emergence Duology Book 1) by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Deb Robinson

The Magical Summer of Miranda StoneThe Magical Summer of Miranda Stone by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thought Provoking, Enchanting characters, Strong Females, and the Discovery of Magic. What more could you want in a book?

This author never fails to bring out so many emotions out of me as I read. She has a way of tearing my heart apart one minute and making me laugh the next.

Miranda, Neeta, and Billie are a very unlikely trio, all with varied pasts. When these three come together, they finally find people they can trust and rely on. Miranda, being a 16 year old runaway, pretending to be 18 years old, finds herself in New Orleans after discovering she has magic powers. With the news showing many females are suddenly acquiring magic she is terrified to be caught. Women are disappearing and being reported to authorities. No one knows where they are going or what is happening. When a new character is introduced you are on the pins and needles wondering if something terrible is about to happen.

I was totally swept into the story as the characters and surroundings are so full of depth. When the author describes the rug in the motel room, my toes actually curled and I lifted them off the floor.

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The Magical Summer of Miranda Stone (The Emergence Duology Book 1) by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Helen Dawkins

The Magical Summer of Miranda StoneThe Magical Summer of Miranda Stone by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wonderful book for a range of ages, teen to older adult. It is an interesting read, and I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. The beginning of the book is a little slow, but once it gets going you won’t want to put it down. The setting is in New Orleans, a place I absolutely love, and the author did an excellent job of making it such a magical place, like it is in reality. One of my favorite things about this book is how diverse the characters are. There is a little bit of everything, from a sheltered young teen to a prostitute, and I love that the author includes LGTBQ as well! This book is modern day Salem Witch Trials mixed with teenage runaway and an added flair of girl power. Miranda, a 16-year-old, starts noticing that she has magical powers, and decides to run away to New Orleans from her conservative family. Not only is she running away from her family, but she is terrified of what is happening across the United States to other women showing magical abilities, even young women who used their abilities against vicious male attackers. She has spectacular character growth from a naive teen to a power and confident young woman. I highly recommend this book!

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Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

Pardon Me, PleasePardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book! Albert the turkey is a cute character. He has a problem, though – a family wants to buy him for Thanksgiving dinner. I enjoyed reading this book to my son. We were excited to see if Albert found a solution to his problem. I would recommend this book for early independent readers as well as reading aloud to young children.

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Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

Pardon Me, PleasePardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book! Albert the turkey is a cute character. He has a problem, though – a family wants to buy him for Thanksgiving dinner. I enjoyed reading this book to my son. We were excited to see if Albert found a solution to his problem. I would recommend this book for early independent readers as well as reading aloud to young children.

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Dia’s Lure (A Solstice Quartet Book) by Catherine Peace- Reviewed by Stephanie Dulac

Dia's LureDia’s Lure by Catherine Peace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dia’s Lure is book 3 in the Solstice Quartet series. Dia Lure is a Paranormal Romance, this book has magic and shapeshifting, romance it is a great read. I have not read the other 2 books in this series so i had to go back and read little of the other books i would recommend reading the other 2 books in the series first but dont let that stop you i was still able to read the book and enjoy Ember and other Charaters in this series. I honestly love the way this Author writes you can feel everything all these Characters go through. The way this Author Describes the places it takes place makes you feel like you are there. I look forward to reading more books by this Author and plan on going back and reading more. If you are into Paranormal Romance i would highly recommend you read this book. Thank you to This Author for writing a wonderful read.

@stephaniedulac25
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