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Stumble & Fall (A Legacy of Silence Book 2) by Amy Rivers – Review by Jess Engel

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Stumble & Fall (A Legacy of Silence, #2)Stumble & Fall by Amy Rivers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just wow. This series continues to draw me in. The author does a wonderful job crafting together this crime thriller and creating a believable world. She deals with extremely difficult subject matter in a very real way (TW sexual assault).

While this can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first book as it sets the stage and helps with the continued character development in the second book. We get the opportunity to know Tilly better through this story with the book alternating between her and Kate’s points of view. We also get to see Kate continue to both grow and struggle with her new world as a result of everything she learned and experienced in the first book.

The author has an extremely engaging writing style. I finished each book in just a couple of days. I also appreciate the realness and believability of the story. The author doesn’t force happy endings or tie things up neatly, but rather let’s the reader and the characters sit in the emotionality and traumas experienced by these characters. The author also does a wonderful job using multiple character’ experiences and giving the reader a true picture of how sexual assault can affect survivors. The author is clearly well researched on the subject matter.

I’m looking forward to the 3rd book to see how this story continues to develop and conclude.

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Ice Dance by Vik Azeem – Review by April McCoy

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Ice DanceIce Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With magic and mystery and secrets galore, this book was just great! A completely new author for me but one of those surprisingly loved ones for sure! The book flowed and held so much magic, literally and figuratively. It was so well planned and executed and the characters were just everything! I couldn’t have put this down if I tried!!

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Stumble & Fall (A Legacy of Silence Book 2) by Amy Rivers – Review by April McCoy

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Stumble & Fall (A Legacy of Silence, #2)Stumble & Fall by Amy Rivers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was just insane! I was ensnared, and there is just no better way to even describe it. It was a rollercoaster ride for me that I was more than happy to be on! Kate and Tilly were well thought out characters and they seriously just made the book! READ THE FIRST BOOK. I don’t think I necessarily missed anything but I guess I will find out because I will definitely be going back to read the first one! It was so thrilling of a read that there were moments my palms were sweaty, and my heart was pounding in my chest! This is a series I will have to see through to the end!!

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Cooked: The Chef Blows Her Lid by Cari Schaeffer – Review by Robin Rankin

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Cooked: The Chef Blows Her LidCooked: The Chef Blows Her Lid by Cari Schaeffer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cooked: The Chef Blows Her Lid

Poor Olivia I all I can say. Her marriage falls apart, she picks up the pieces but her Mother….. Blanche reminds me of a friend’s mom. I have heard so many stories about this woman and 95% of those stories do nothing but infuriate me.

Even with her mother being the way she is Olivia doesn’t stop putting her life back together and searching for her happiness.

The characters are all over the place in personality and quite entertaining. Lots of frustrating feelings for me but also plenty of laughs.

She is a new to me author and I fully intend to make sure she’s not a one and done for me. I was drawn in from the beginning and it never let me go.

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Julie McComas

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Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Divided Lives is a historical drama unlike any other I have had the pleasure of reading. When I started reading, I had no idea it was a lesbian/bisexual romance, or that it would be a steamy romance. Those steamy scenes just aren’t for me, and I don’t think they add anything to the story line. That is the reason I am giving the three stars, and I’d give it three and a half but it won’t let me. I’d give it that half a star extra because I just had to know what happened to Lottie, Rose, Frank, Hen, and all the other fabulous characters.

I recently read the Notebook Mysteries by the same author, different pen name, and was so pleased to be back with those people. I love K.R. Mullins writing style, the details of the time period, and the way she develops her characters. It did take a little bit for me to get used to the flashbacks, the flip-flopping between past and present, but I did get comfortable with it by the end.

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

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

Degrees of Innocence was a great 5 star read and book #1 in the Prestian Series.

Katarina is getting ready to start a big project. While spending some time at the resort waiting for the meetings to start she ends up meeting a very handsome man, Chase. She spends several days with Chase and they are both equally attracted to each other. Problem is, Chase has a little secret. What will Katarina do when she finds out who Chase really is?

During the first day of planning Katarina is shocked to see Chase come walking into the room. When she discovers who he really is, things come crashing down on her. How will it ever work between them now?

Chase is determined to be with her and will make it work no matter what. As these two move forward they have some very hot and steamy scenes. These two have such great chemistry. I really liked both Chase and Katarina. I was pulled right in by their story and didn’t want to stop until I was done. This is my first read from Via Mari and I loved it, I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series and the author.

Reviewed by @Mab54615
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Cooked: The Chef Blows Her Lid by Cari Schaeffer – Review by Lucy Machard

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Cooked: The Chef Blows Her LidCooked: The Chef Blows Her Lid by Cari Schaeffer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book combines two of my favorite things- books and food. As someone who used to (and still does) dream of one day being a professional chef, this book gave my heart so much joy. It’s mixed with heartbreak, adversity, tenacity, and humor! Honestly, this is a book I’ll probably make my mom read! It’s a bit of a longer book, but it’s so worth it! I was enthralled with it from the first page! The author really knows how to suck the readers in, and I look forward to reading more books written by them!!

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Devlin by Angela K. Parker – Review by Kiana Corley

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DevlinDevlin by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fantastic read with a good amount of drama and spice. Well written and a great read if you enjoy reading a book and getting both characters’ points of view.

This book follows the story of two co-workers, Devlin and Eve. Eve is an intelligent, driven, young woman fresh out of a relationship. Devlin is the playboy, the heartthrob of the office, with a passion for annoying Eve. They have a banter like no other and know how to push each other’s buttons.

Everyone knows that alcohol can lower your inhibitions. What happens when you put a man and woman in a secluded place with alcohol and tension? Will it lead to sparks or will it lead to war? What happens when one alcohol and lust-filled night changes the dynamic between the dynamic work duo? Can one night indeed be enough when you see someone every day? How well can something stay a secret in an office that loves gossip and drama?

Read this book to find out what happens between Eve and Devlin. Their story is one for the books and hard to put down. You will fall in love and get frustrated like those in this story. Welcome to a world of what ifs and who knows.

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Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Stephanie Nicole

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Order of VespersOrder of Vespers by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is the first installment to this authors new series and trust me when I say that this dark urban fantasy is original, intriguing and full of good and evil. This very complex story is full of drama, action, suspense, mystery and so much more that I simply can’t wait to see what happens next. The characters were well developed, the plot was intriguing and intense. But needless to say the beginning of this story and its beautiful cover has left this reader wanting more, I can’t wait for book two.

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Bycatch by Alexander Blevens – Review by Megan Pesek

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BycatchBycatch by Alexander Blevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rex though he had escaped his past, until he ran into the man whose life was forever changed by Rex’s actions in Vietnam. Over the course of a few decades, Rex has every chance to make amends with Captain Nguyen. Rex is a Mississippi shrimper, an absent father, and a drunk. Only when Rex’s sons are caught up in sinking a shrimp boat and drowning a man is Rex confronted with his past. Rex can’t change the past, but can he make amends with his past in hopes of a brighter future?

Blevens catches the reader from the very beginning and never quits reeling them in. Bycatch gives the reader a glimpse into the Gulf Coast shrimping industry after the Vietnam War. It’s a story of family, forgiveness, and growth.

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The Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Beverly Finnie

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The Final BiteThe Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Final Bite was good! A short paranormal romance. I actually didn’t realize I was almost done till I saw the bottom of the screen. It went really fast.
3 days. 3 days is all the gods will give to find a mate otherwise it’s banishment to purgatory. Dropped in the middle of nowhere Quinnlan has been left in a motel with 3 outfits to complete the task. A Vampire, that has been told he can use his powers of influence. Which makes things more difficult.
Of course I relate to Quinnlan because he’s selfless. Giving up his right to choose and his mate’s right to accept him, to save his life. He risks purgatory to save someone near death.
Garrett has just had a bomb dropped on him and doesn’t know how to handle it. Saved by a gorgeous vampire who wants him to be his mate.
What does he choose?
Does Quinnlan succeed in his task?
This story felt a bit rushed, however looking past that the concept though different worked.
If you enjoy paranormal short story mm romances, this book is for you.

@placexba

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Divided Lives by K. R. Mullins – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

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Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is 1912 and Lottie Flannigan is a young woman with a divided life in New York, in one half, she is a conservative lawyer who works in Midtown as a clerk for Justice Goff, who is also very conservative in his manner and expects that of his clerks too, however, her other side is a bohemian lifestyle in Greenwich Village, a mixing pot of cultures, lifestyles and it is somewhere where tradition is flouted and individualism is expected.

Lottie is happily living both sides of her life and keeps them well separated, that is until one day her office takes on the very publicised and controversial trial of Police Officer Charles Becker. The trial is one of conspiracy and also one where it could either make, or break a career and that is not just for the officer on trial, it also applies to this involved professionally as well.

This is also where her private and public lives begin to meld when some aspects of her private life are used by an unknown individual to blackmail her into making a choice between keeping her private life just that, private, or not by making demands of her, but they have picked on the wrong person and Lottie goes digging to find out who is behind it and why, all while working long hours on the trial. This is a story of scandal, mystery, crime and love and what the consequences of living a divided life can be in this story which will captivate you from the start and keep you that way all the way to the end.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Dia’s Lure (Solstice Quartet Book 3) by Catherine Peace – Review by Stephanie Nicole

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

This paranormal fantasy romance was definitely worth the read. When I first saw this book I decided to try it just because I thought the cover was so beautiful. However once I actually started it I realized it was the third installment and I was a little confused having not read the previous to. But the story was so interesting I decided to stop and read the first two so I could understand the story as a whole. Overall the characters were great, the plot is amazing and well put together, and the book as a whole is a great installment to the series. So if you’re looking for a new book make sure to not only pick up this one but pick up the whole series and read it in order to enjoy this amazing story.

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Borrowed Time by Lane Cohen – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

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

Throughout scientific studies throughout the ages, the idea of time travel has always inspired conversation, theoretical analysis and discussions around the how, why and who, how would it work, why would you want to move through time and who would be the first to make theory into reality.

Up until now, all these conversations have been theoretical in nature, that is until two scientists stumble upon the answers to the how, between the two minds, they manage to convert an old movie prop from “The Time Machine”, a film made in 1960, which inspired them and create something new.

So now they have the who and how, they just need a why, where and when, but what will happen once they have it all figured out, will it all end in disaster, or is this the future in the making? This is a fantasy novel where science fiction becomes science fact and the adventures which go along with it, as you are sucked into an adventure which nothing could prepare you for.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Lucas the Spy Cat (Jake the Growling Dog) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

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Lucas the Spy Cat: A Children's Mystery Adventure with Creativity & Imagination Boosting Activities (Jake the Growling Dog)Lucas the Spy Cat: A Children’s Mystery Adventure with Creativity & Imagination Boosting Activities by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Short and sweet kid book. I recommend. Love the little plot twist of trying to spy on Lucas. Then when reviewing the video your in for a surprise. Can’t wait to read more from this author.

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Devlin by Angela K. Parker – Review by Stephanie Nicole

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DevlinDevlin by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This romance novel really blew me out of the water. I have read a couple novels from this author but this one really took the cake. The characters were amazing, the spice was just the right level, and the way the author brought everything to life was just perfect. There is plenty of tension, angst, secrets, lies and so much more that you won’t be able to put it down. The author has a way of writing that everything just seems to flow together just right. So if you’re looking for your next read make sure to pick this one up today.

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Ashley Hasting

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Divided LivesDivided Lives by K R Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Who would think the Author would come up with the brilliant idea of this story? We have Lottie, who is the niece of Emma from the Notebook Mysteries, in her own mystery. To think of her grown up when she was just a baby in the last book I read is mind blowing how that can happen with stories so quickly, but I love it. Lottie ends up on a case that clashes two sides of her life. She must now figure out how to work that out while solving the mystery. It was such a good read just like the Notebook Mystery series is! If you haven’t checked that one out, please do!

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Lucas the Spy Cat (Jake the Growling Dog) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Rachel Moss

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

This was such a cute read! I love the rhyming scheme and the illustrations! The story was adventurous, and had a really good message at the end. My daughter loved looking at the pages but she’s a little too young for the story so she lost interest pretty quickly but I definitely plan on reading this to her again when she gets a little older! And the activities at the end were definitely a nice bonus as well! I highly recommend reading this to younger children!

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Devlin by Angela K. Parker – Review by Kay Stritesky

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DevlinDevlin by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Forbidden love is what makes it the best love right?!? Or so that’s what our brains tell us, even from a readers standpoint. This book was a great, easy read that kept readers attention from start to finish! The chemistry can be felt coming off the pages and the characters are relatable!

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Elemental Fire (The Hidden Realms Book 1) by EG Manetti – Review by Jessica Stone

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Elemental Fire (The Hidden Realms #1)Elemental Fire by E.G. Manetti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elemental Fire (The Hidden Realms Book 1) by EG Manetti – Review by Jessica Stone

This is the first book in a new series from an author I’ve never personally read yet, but one I’ve heard and read, nothing but amazing things about.

Right off the bat it’s easy to tell how vividly this author pictures her stories while writing them, the depth in the world and characters she’s creating is astounding. All the characters in my opinion were complete, not leaving out much that you need to know other than a desire for more time with them each individually.

The story was terrific, or female lead is a strong, witty, independent(without being to head strong), woman with a career and a wonderful moral compass. Our make lead is masculine, intelligent, loyal and a total hunk of course. Now through these two together and you have a WHOLE lot of page turning steamy goodness. It’s not often that I get invested into characters as deeply as I did with Sin and Raz, their chemistry was addictive, it was all I could hope for when I started this book, and it did NOT let me down.

Without giving away to much, Sin is a PI with a knack for seeing through glamour, which not only comes in handy with her line of work, but also the realm the live in full of magic and “other” beings hiding in plane site.
Rad is a man of many things, power that he’s honed for century, wealth a name for himself, you name it. The only thing he wants now is Sin, because to him she’s just that, pure Sin. Except there’s a whole lot of unexpected luggage that comes with what he thought would be a simple thing between him and her.

Anywayssss, if you want to know more you’re going to have to read this brilliant story, I promise you won’t regret it. You may just fall as deeply in love with the characters as I did. I Can’t wait for the next installment!!

Elemental Fire, The Hidden Realms Series, EG Manetti, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Paranormal, Romance, Jessica Stone, October 2022

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Ice Dance by Vik Azeem – Review by Heather Goodman

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Ice DanceIce Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is magical and funny. It has a bit of romance, action, and comedy in it. It’s takes you on an adventure from the first chapter until the very end. The main character is very relatable.

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

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

Part coming of age, part runaway, and part girl-power. This book is a good story that has an urban fantasy twist that isn’t too far out from reality. Our main character Miranda starts to develop powers. In her terror of her ultra conservative family, and the tales of women like her going missing she packs up what she thinks she needs and what cash she has and runs. At the age of 16, she thinks she knows how to survive, but she finds out different. However, her character growth from terrified teen to strong young woman is believable and well written. The peripheral details are the only things I feel are lacking. They would help to enrich the story a great deal, but the story is still very well done. I look forward to the rest of the series.

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Dessalynn Acosta

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Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Dessalynn Acosta
3.5 out of 5 stars
Lottie is a bisexual lawyer in the times of police corruption and Suffragette riots. She frequently visits “The Tea Room” a meeting place for supporters of Women’s Rights, where she meets Rose, a polygamist lover who is more than meets the eye, as Lottie falls for Rose, strange occurrences start taking place! As Lottie is handed the biggest case of her life, she is also hit with her own form of blackmail…but who is really to blame? Excellent period drama with sexual confusion, family love, and betrayal.

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Euphoric Wonderland by Ryan M. Becker Reviewed by Amanda Meady

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Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the MindEuphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The author has a talent for blending the relatable and the bizarre. I found myself experiencing emotions from different times in my life as I read different poems. The author has a raw talent in truly keying in on the readers inner thoughts and feelings, both those you wish to relive often and those we’d rather forget.

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Elemental Fire (The Hidden Realms Book 1) by EG Manetti – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Elemental Fire (The Hidden Realms #1)Elemental Fire by E.G. Manetti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another one on the ‘best stories I’ve read’ list! This is the first book I’ve read from this author and was drawn in by promises of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. The world-building and immediate drop into the main character’s shoes grabbed my attention from the beginning and had me on the edge of my seat throughout. I loved the twists and turns this story contained as it progressed and the hints of intrigue that begged me to finish reading quickly! I can’t wait to see what book two brings!

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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #1)Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This novella is book one in a series of six books, and the reader is introduced to, Madame Elinor Chalamet, who is a ‘Ghost Talker’. Elinor was trained as a medium by the elite Morpheus Society, and she now uses her skills to help the police when needed. However, her main goal is hunting for her father’s killer. The police ask for Elinor’s help when a dead body is found in the canal, and she would succeed in solving the mystery if Tristan Fontaine, duke de Archambeau, wasn’t interfering and getting in her way. Told from Elinor’s POV, the storyline flowed well and the intriguing plot had me hooked from start to finish. Elinor is a great main character who brings the story together, and the descriptive narrative brings the setting to life. This gaslamp story has a mix of fantasy, ghosts, mystery, drama, and a slow burn romance. I look forward to carrying on Elinor’s adventures in the next novella!

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More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by Kerry Baker

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

This is such a heart warming and emotional story. It is a story all about second chances and new beginnings. I loved the main character and how relatable she is. You can feel he journey she goes on through each and every page of this book and, as the reader, it felt like you were with her every step of the way.
I really enjoyed the fact that the book wasn’t quite what I thought it was going to be. The author has created a lasting and touching story that I really felt I connected with. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and can’t wait to read more from this author.

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Revenge Honeymoon by K.J. Gillenwater – Review by Kerry Baker

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Revenge HoneymoonRevenge Honeymoon by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fast paced and entertaining story that is fun from the word go. I loved reading about the antics of Emily and her attempt to cheer up her friend. She seemed like one of those people that you would want to know if you met them. Life would certainly never be dull with her around.
This is a well written book. It is quick and easy to read, mainly because I didn’t want to put it down! The author has managed to keep the book light-hearted but also interesting. I thought the book was easy to connect with and an overall enjoyable read.

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Bycatch by Alexander Blevens – Review by Breanne Christian

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BycatchBycatch by Alexander Blevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bycatch follows the paths of many people following the Vietnam War. Some are Vietnam Veterans, others are shrimpers, while others are Vietnam Veterans turned into shrimpers. Mystery after mystery and tragedy after tragedy unfold and with a tough relationship between Americans and Vietnamese, who is to blame? Especially when one of the tragedies involves a South Vietnamese Veteran? Alexander Blevens takes you through the minds and eyes of each of his characters, while answers are sought.
Bycatch is an amazing read full of relatable characters and feelings. It did get a little confusing at times jumping from one person’s viewpoint to another, but it is still a 5-star read. I could not put it down.
If you are looking for a post-Vietnam War story that focuses on the tensions between the Vietnamese and Americans after the war, but is mixed with action and mystery, look no further. Bycatch is a quick read that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

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Lucas the Spy Cat (Jake the Growling Dog) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Christine Baranek

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

Lucas the Spy Cat
by Samantha Shannon
5*
This is the cutest story about Lucas. Lucas is a normal family cat except for at night. When he meows goodbye and just leaves. He disappears all night and returns in the morning. His family wants to see exactly where he goes, so they attach a camera to his collar. What they discover is the most surprising. Their normal cat is busy keeping their neighborhood safe from harm and being a friend to those in need.
I love that the story is not all that is included. There are extra pages to extend the fun. I also love that there is a website with even more activities.
I definitely will be getting a few copies of this book for my classroom library. I also will get more of the series. I absolutely love this story about Lucas and his friends!

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