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The Cold Kid Case (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series Book #1) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Angela Hayes

The Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

Stars

 

The Cold Kid Case is the first book in the Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery series by Rosalind Barden. It is an historical cozy mystery set in the 1930’s Las Angeles with a spunky, street smart, precocious tween named Sparky as our MC.
I love cozy mysteries, and this promised something a little different, so I was intrigued by what I might find under the cover.
Sparky takes us on a crime and investigation adventure when she becomes a murder suspect and has to work to clear her name. The story contains all the historical detailing, language, sights, and societal norms that you would expect from that era- it is richly detailed, and the descriptions are quite ‘visual’, and the characters are many and varied- but all are quirky and ‘colourful’. The author definitely did a great job of bringing everything to life.
From murder to mobsters, movie stars, and a little mayhem this turned out to be an intriguing and fun read.
Looking forward to ‘The Cannibal Caper’ (Book #2) and ‘Monkey Island Murder’ (Book #3).
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Rosalind Barden!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series Book #1) by MJ Murray – Review by Angela Hayes

Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book SeriesDetective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

3.5 Stars

 

Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail is the first book in A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series, and debut novel, by M.J. Murray.
Budding detective Dylan is on the case when his neighbour’s mail goes missing. With the help of his sister, Emily, and their dog Theodore, these sleuths are determined to solve their first case. What ensues makes for a fun read.
This is a children’s chapter book with an easy to read and understand plot that captures the imagination by engaging the reader with a fun story that contains some ‘learning’ opportunities along the way. There are some fun, black and white, illustrations sprinkled throughout that help inspire the imagination.
This is aimed at children who are just starting to read ‘chapter books’ on their own, or with help- and contains a few ‘harder’ words to challenge them as they read (Reading Tier 2). There are also lessons in problem solving, working together, perseverance, taking initiative, finding ‘clues’, family, friendship, and more.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, M.J. Murray!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Vanishing Day (Logan McKenna Series Book 4) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Amelia Stansell

Vanishing Day: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Logan Book 4 (Logan McKenna Series)Vanishing Day: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Logan Book 4 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 4th book of the series. It was so good! Logan become friend with a neighbor that just moved in with her three-year-old daughter. Her neighbor, Lori is hiding from her dangerous husband things take a turn when her husband shows up. can’t wait to read the rest.

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Shattered (Logan McKenna Series Book 1) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Amelia Stansell

Shattered: Logan Book 1 (The Logan McKenna Series)Shattered: Logan Book 1 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is the first of the series. I am hooked! Logan just lost her husband in car crash and found out her husband was having an affair. A murder in the middle of a festival and her friend being accused, has Logan diving in to clear her name.

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Lies That Bind (Logan McKenna Series Book 6) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Amelia Stansell

Lies That Bind: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 6 (Logan McKenna Series)Lies That Bind: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 6 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book 6 of the series. It is great just like all the others. It just keeps getting better and better. Moving on with life, she bought a house that needs some work with Ben. Like always she finds her self in the midst of a murder. I can’t wait to read the next.

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Forest Park (Logan McKenna Series Book 2) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Amelia Stansell

Forest Park: Logan Book 2 (The Logan McKenna Series)Forest Park: Logan Book 2 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book of the series. It was awesome! Logan is recently widowed. There is a murder outside of their hotel room. The point of view changes, it gives you different perspectives.

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Truck Stopped (Satan’s Devils MC) Audiobook by Manda Mellett – Review by M Policicchio

Once again this author has us delving into the world of the Satan’s Devils MC and finding happiness.  There is such a feeling of home and friendship each time I hop into this world.  Sure the characters are rough and grumbly.  This may not be everyone’s idea of family.  But through each and every book I have read or heard in this series, love, friendship, family are the overarching themes.  They, down to every last man, do what they need to do for the ones they love, including their brothers.  

 

This one was unique as it is told through a series of flashbacks as two of the mainstay characters reflect on the past.  Drummer and Peg tell this story.  As I listened, I came to realize that this was the series ender, at least of this chapter.  So let me set the stage.  

 

Truck had gotten patched in and was off doing his firefighting duty in California.  Truck was injured on the job.  He returned to Arizona but not to the club.  He has put off seeing everyone.  

 

Allie has been at the Club for going on 10 years.  Not that she hasn’t enjoyed the life that being with the Club has offered her but she is realizing that she might want something more.  She isn’t looking to be an Old Lady, she just doesn’t want to be what she is anymore.  When the Club members start noticing that she hasn’t been fulfilling all of her club duties, Drummer calls her into his office and has a discussion.  

 

Allie is tasked with a special job.  Reach out to Truck and see if she can talk to him.  Get him to come back to the club.  When Allie does make contact with Truck, it only highlights that Allie doesn’t want to be what she is anymore.  There has to be something else for her in this life.  

 

This is where I wanted to smack some sense into Truck.  The way he talks to and about Allie.  UGH!!!  I get it.  I do.  But, just ugh!  Luckily for both myself and Allie, one of the brothers manages to talk some sense into Truck.  *insert happy dance here!*  But even after getting what you want, life isn’t all rainbow colored candy and beer.  Each, Truck and Allie, make some life-altering decisions that have ripple-effect consequences.  

 

In the end, Truck and Allie find their version of happiness.  If I haven’t mentioned it before, I love, love, love this series.  I have slowly started branching out the other chapters and 2nd Gen, but my heart will always be true to the mother chapter.  One day, I will learn to ride a motorcycle or get some really good AI app, and ride off into the sunset with these characters.  Until then, I will slowly add book after book to my library!!  Satan’s Devils ride together!!  Ride Satan’s Devils!!! 

Truck Stopped (Satan’s Devils MC) Audiobook by Manda Mellet – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

Truck Stopped by Manda Mellet is your typical motorcycle club Romance with lots of twists, turns, and lots of unexpected events. Manda Mellets writing is up there with the greats for this genre. This is book 11 in the Satans Devils MC and apparently the last book in the series. Truck is a veteran and a firefighter, recently inducted into the Satans Devils MC, who is severely injured during a fire. He is struggling so much that no one can reach him. The club sends in Allie, a “sweet butt” of the club, to try and reason with him because things were “different” between them than just biker and sweet butt, wasn’t it? Truck can’t quite believe it and Allie feels like he’s a lost cause, but is he? I ran the gamut of emotions with this one. I loved Truck, and then I thought he was a jerk, in nice terms, but he was able to be redeemed. Allie had been through an immense amount of crap and she was able to maintain a good outlook on life which I admired. The audiobook was performed really well, voices for each of the characters, and I didn’t want to stop listening. I have a hard time listening to audiobooks usually, I zone out, lose time, or have to back track, but this one pulled me in and it didn’t let go until the end. I had to listen through headphones most of the time due to the 18+ content and having kids but I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Truck Stopped.

Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol – Review by Ayla Phipps

Kneading a Winning IdeaKneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beautiful and fluffy. This book was beautiful and honestly not the best thing to read while hungry. Lol. I love how it has Ben sticking to what he loves to make as he learns a “new” way of making it the try and finally win first place over Sofia. It’s always the simple differences that make all the change and love how Miss Kitty is his inspiration to try something new. The recipe at the back yes please I will certainly be trying it soon.

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Whisper Creek (Logan McKenna Mystery Book 7) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Tonya Merritt

Whisper Creek (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 7)Whisper Creek by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have read one Valerie Davisson book before and I enjoyed it so I figured this one would be just as good. I wasn’t really disappointed but I definitely need to get caught up on the rest of the stories in her series. All the characters are the same and are great but I did feel I missed a lot by not reading all the books leading to this one. So make sure to read the series start to finish first!

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Ross (Central Florida Stories Book 4) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Kay Stritesky

Ross: Central Florida StoriesRoss: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ross: Central Florida Stories can be read alone or as part of the series! After reading it I will be going back to read the others! It kept my attention and felt fresh. I had not discovered this author before reading this story!

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Rise of the Y (The Y Chronicles Book 1) by Angela D. Shelton – Review by Carla Clemmons

Rise of the YRise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love this book! It helps that it is my favorite genre. I am all for dystopian reads and this one did not disappoint. You read from Lexi’s point of view and she has so much character growth. Even though she was so naive about how things are, she still felt something was off. I could definitely see this happening in real life. You may think you have the storyline figured out but then the author hits you with another plot twist. I was not expecting the ending at all and am looking forward to book 2 even more now. I also really like the cover of the book and the way the author writes. I plan to look up more books from her, even the other genres she writes. I wanted to hurry and finish the book to see the ending but then was sad it was over! I will definitely be reading book 2!

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Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol – Review by Julie Johnson

Kneading a Winning IdeaKneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a cute book about a young man who is ready to enter a baking contest. He makes really good biscuits, but they are pretty basic and not “good enough” to win the contest. With the encouragement of his dad, who becomes his taste tester, he finds the perfect recipe for his biscuits.
This book is about practice and perseverance. It would be a great teaching tool for a young child experiencing life’s difficulties. It could be a great encouragement if read to them/with them by someone who would become their “taste tester” and cheerleader in life.

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Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series) by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Audrie Harrington

Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series)Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Both of the main characters in this book have a past they are trying to heal from. Elijah is a best selling romance author who is in the middle of a writing block. His latest book is very personal and he is reeling from a few bad reviews. So, he follows the advice of his therapist and books a spot at a writing retreat. Austin has recently been hired as the head chef at the resort where the writing retreat is located. He works a lot and keeps saving to send his mom and sister money. Then he sees Elijah staring at a blank screen and avoiding all of the other authors who are excited to mingle, so he introduces himself. They start talking, taking walks around the resort, and open up one night in the hot tub. They both have a past that they are trying to avoid talking about and that they are trying to heal from. Austin needs a place to stay for the Christmas break and he talks Elijah into taking him home as his fake boyfriend. Austin tries to help Elijah heal and Austin is starting to understand what a family should be like. This was a good read and a sweet romance with a bit of spice!

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My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Ayla Phipps

My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters)My Big Red Monster by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I honestly love Lois Wickstrom’s children’s books not just for my kids but for me. They are always so nicely illustrated and such wonderful stories that have a neat little twist. I know as a mom of two little boys I would love to have a monster under my bed that has to do whatever task I tell him to do, that does it in a whirl and it’s done. The ending made me hope that another book would be about the girl’s brother finding the “they don’t exist” monster under his bed. Lol

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Murder at the Wedding (Modern Midwife Mysteries Book 1) by Christine Knapp – Review by Kay Stritesky

Murder at the Wedding (Modern Midwife Mysteries #1)Murder at the Wedding by Christine Knapp
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a fun fast paced read that kept my attention from start to finish! I look forward to the rest of the series. From the very beginning I tried to solve the mystery as I read and never felt bored with the story! The characters were cute and relatable!

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My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kay Stritesky

My Big Red MonsterMy Big Red Monster by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My daughter always loves these books! There are such a cute read and always age appropriate. Its a bonus how much I enjoy them as an adult!

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Lies That Bind (Logan McKenna Series Book 6) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

Lies That Bind (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 6)Lies That Bind by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Valerie Davisson is a new to me author and I have caught myself picking up a fantastic sounding book in the middle of a series. Lies that bind drew me in with such an interesting premise from the blurb of the book and it definitely delivered. There is lots of mystery, danger, and Intrigue. I’ve come to understand the main character has had a lot of unfortunate events occur but as I haven’t read the other books in the series I cannot fully attest to this. I also feel like could be read as a stand-alone but the characters continue on from the others books also so they are connected a little bit throughout the series. Lies that bind was engaging, definitely kept me guessing, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. Great read.

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My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo

My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters)My Big Red Monster by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is another cute fast read by Lois Wickstrom! It is packed with bright, colorful, detailed illustrations that help you visualize the scenes and get more involved in the story. The Giants and Monsters Series Books can be read as standalone, but they are all cute and entertaining, so I’d suggest reading them all. This is the third in the series.

My Big Red Monster is a fun children’s story about a girl who is afraid of the monster under her bed. After the monster taunts her about doing bad things unless she gives him jobs to do, she finally confronts the monster and stands up to him, allowing herself to overcome her fear. She then sends the monster to her brother’s room, because he didn’t believe her when she told him she had a monster under the bed, so hopefully now he will see for himself.

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Lies That Bind (Logan McKenna Series Book 6) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Robin Rankin

Lies That Bind (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 6)Lies That Bind by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lies That Bind: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 6 (Logan McKenna Series)

I seem to stick to the same genre once I have found one I like whether it be books or music, I know what I like and have a hard time trying something out of my norm. This book is definitely out of my norm and I throughly enjoyed it.

It was a little hard for me to keep up sometimes since I was not caught up on the series but it ended up making sense to me in the end.

The murder of Charlie Collins was a fascinating mystery for me. Something bugged the back of my brain until all of the information was revealed. Though I was unable to put it all together I was quite close.

I definitely need to go back and read the earlier books and then this one again to see if it’s different with the full history.

Definitely recommend reading the book and series.

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Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series) by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Michelle Marlow

Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series)Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am a sucker for a well written male male or MM romance. Not to mention I am a Halloween girlie so for a holiday romance to grab me is a challenge in itself. Also please there is some triggering content so check out other reviews to make sure it is right for you. I really liked this and the characters Elijah and Austin will have you happy kicking your feet.

Reviews by @michellerenee6590

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Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes (Hot Flash Hookups Book 1) by Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart- Review by Heather Knalls

Hot Flashes and Hockey SlashesHot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Olivia is a woman in her 40’s going through menopause and is CEO of her own business. She has recently been invited to her ex husbands wedding in Belize and her kids are just hoping she will go. After giving in and saying she will go her daughter decides she needs to be set up with a fake date so that she isn’t a laughing stock at the wedding. Holly, Olivia’s daughter and Hannah her roommate have decided that Olivia needs to be set up with Hannah’s dad, Roman LaFontaine. Roman is a professional hockey player for the Florida Storm Chasers. A fake date for her ex husbands wedding, what could possibly go wrong? Especially with both of them being big names in the public. Could she just keep this a casual week of pretending to date Roman or will she begin to fall for him?

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Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series) by MJ Murray – Review by Candice Estes

Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book SeriesDetective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dylan is excited for his new Youth Sleuth kit to come in the mail so that he can become a detective like the Youth Sleuths on his favorite program. When his kit arrives, he and his sister Emily and their dog Theodore set out to help their neighbor figure out what has happened to her missing mail. Their neighbor usually has another neighbor pick up her mail, but doesn’t this time, and suddenly her mail has gone missing. As the kids set out to uncover clues and try to solve the mystery, they learn to ask questions, research and interpret clues together. This is a great book for young kids; rather it is read to them by a parent or as a newer independent reader.

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Lies That Bind (Logan McKenna Series Book 6) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Paula Sayers

Lies That Bind (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 6)Lies That Bind by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Logan must help solve a murder that is tied to many years ago during Prohibition. Logan’s life is in danger. I enjoyed this dual timeline book. Such a great addition to this series.

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My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley

My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters)My Big Red Monster by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the story of a girl and the big, red monster that lives under her bed. Her brother doesn’t believe that there’s a monster under her bed, but there is! She finally gains the courage to face the monster and she has to give his tasks in order for him not to eat her. She makes him do all of her chores and then when there’s nothing left for him to do; she stands up to the monster and sends him over to her brothers room. I really love the illustrations in this book…they are bright and funny. This is an adaptation of a Hindu teaching tale and I think that Wickstrom does a nice job. I always love how Wickstrom is able to weave lessons into her children’s books in ways that kids are going to be able to grasp and understand. This is a great addition to any bookshelf!

Reviewed by @meggs1717
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Joy’s Christmas Escape (The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1) by P. Creeden – Review by Candice Estes

Joy’s Christmas Escape: The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1Joy’s Christmas Escape: The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1 by P. Creeden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Joy Stewart is a woman who has just lost her grandmother, the last family member she has. As the funeral is wrapping up, a man claiming to be owed money by her grandmother makes her a proposition of forgiving her grandmother’s overinflated debts, if only she would agree to be his mistress. After Joy’s reputation is trashed and her job as a schoolteacher is ended due to the influence of the “business man” in question, who has local law enforcement, and judges in his pocket, Joy runs away from Memphis, the only home she’s ever known. At the same time, Marshall Jack Bolling is becoming the guardian of not only his 4-year-old twin niece and nephew, but also the caretaker of his mother, after his sister and her husband die in a fire. Both reach out through their pastor’s to a matchmaking service to try and solve their respective issues. What neither of them expects is to find a happily-ever-after. This is a good book, and I don’t even normally like historical fiction, but I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one day. This book does have a Christian basis to it, but it’s not so much a part of it that it feels “overdone”.

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 2) by K. L. Small – Review by Paula Sayers

The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series, Book 2)The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this addition to the Brass Ring series. Rusty wants to buy a Christmas present for his grandfather but does not have enough money. Rusty goes on some great adventures with the brass ring his grandpa gave him. Maybe Rusty will learn the true meaning of Christmas.

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Devil’s Claw (Logan McKenna Series Book 3) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Amelia Stansell

Devil's Claw: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Book 3 (Logan McKenna Series)Devil’s Claw: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Book 3 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 3rd book of the series. It was great! Logan is a widowed teacher. Her and her daughter Amy discover a baby otter. After and horrific attack happens, Logan finds herself in the middle of another mystery. I cannot wait to read the next one!

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The Men of Eden Cove Manor by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

The Men of Eden Cove ManorThe Men of Eden Cove Manor by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great paranormal book with a romance brewing between Lucifer and Mordecai. It’s a short read, but this doesn’t mean it’s lacking at all.
The story is written well, told from two points of view and the storyline itself is both entertaining and unique. It flowed nicely and was an easy read, perfect for a cosy autumn evening.
The characters are fun and the chemistry between them leaps off the page. The characters are distinct and well developed, and you can’t help but get emotionally invested in them. I loved Lucifer the most – determined and ‘chaotic’, Lucifer was great fun!
I do wish the story was longer, so that I could be immersed in the world and characters for longer but it’s great as it is. Well worth a read. I’ve read other books from the author and have never been disappointed, but this one if my favourite by far!

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Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes (Hot Flash Hookups Book 1) by Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart – Review by Jade Brunton

Hot Flashes and Hockey SlashesHot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book in a day and a half (with a FT job.) I loved it so so much. This is a second chance at love story and written so incredibly well. It’s an easy read, a page turner and such a good story. The characters were both relatable, the friends in the story were great and supportive. There was struggle, triumph, acceptance, discomfort, comedy, and growth. I have read a few of Sylvie Stewarts books but this was my first time reading Marika Ray, but I will certainly be picking up books by her in the future. It’s a good read for vacation or just sitting on your couch cuddled under the covers. I would recommend to anyone who like a good romance with a little bit of spice.

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