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Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Shannon Fowler

Enchanted in TimeEnchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story seems like a dream at first. Getting paid to take care of an aging author, a chance to pick that person’s brain and listens to an accomplished story-teller. See? Sounds like a dream. But wait…there’s a twist. The house seems to have a story to tell as well. And then there’s the vision? The ghost? The guy that Roxanne can see and hear and speak to! What’s his story?! Is he a figment of her imagination due to her personal trauma? Can Roxanne save him unlike the others she couldn’t save? Will her life always be one traumatic story after another?

Famous aging author Claudette Grayson needs help. Help getting out her very last story so everyone knows the truth. Claudette is draw to Roxanne, but is there enough time to find the truth?

This is not my first story by this author and I always enjoy reading her stories. Definitely recommend this author and this standalone.

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Reviewed by @shannonlovesbooks

Shield & Shade (Ascended Guardians Series Book 1) Audiobook by Misty Hayes – Review by Emily H

When she was five, Zoey Taylor, got lost in the woods she was found but nightmares have been her constant for the last ten years. Zoey has a close knit family but she finds it stifling at times, but what she doesn’t realize is that secrets are surrounding her. When Gabriel Stanton, a wealthy philanthropist shows up Zoey finds out the carefully crafted bubble she has surrounded herself in is a bout to shatter.

I really enjoyed this one, the narration is done extremely well. Liked the concept of this story and was pulled in right away. Kept me guessing. Great beginning to a new series.

Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Ashley Lape

Enchanted in TimeEnchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Roxanne applied to work as a caregiver for Claudette she never thought it would be a life-changing opportunity. Claudette is best known as bestselling author Claudette Grayson. Roxanne does not have much time to get to know Claudette but they formed a bond that would not be broken even after Claudette passes. Shortly after Roxanne agrees to help finish Claudette’s latest book, strange things start to happen to make Roxanne question her sanity. When the “fictitious” world starts to collide with what Roxanne believes is the real world anything is bound to happen. Once Roxanne explains to Claudette what has been happening, Claudette asks Roxanne to help save Phillip. Little did Roxanne know that it would send her into a totally different universe.
This is my first book by the author and I am a new reader of time-travel/alternate universe. This book kept me engaged and eager to keep reading. I enjoyed the growth of all of the characters as well as the progression of the plot.

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Reviewed by @alape

Watcher (Star-Crossed Celestials Book 1) by A.L. Morrow – Review by Breanne Christian

Watcher (Star-Crossed Celestials Duet #1)Watcher by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Watcher by A.L. Morrow
5 stars

It has been Watchers and Demons against Messengers for years. In Las Vegas, Watchers and Demons live on the bad side of town, Nocturna, while Messengers live luxuriously in Nova. One Watcher, Jace, has a terrible love history of falling in love too quickly and with people he should not fall in love with, especially Messengers. When Jace meets Messenger Cyrus, it is no different. With a war still brewing, Watcher follows Jace and Cyrus on their journey for love. Will love prevail? Or will the war between the kinds destroy their love? Find out in Watcher.
The characters in Watcher are relatable along with their emotions. Between power hungry Messenger Xavier, sweet Messenger Cyrus, mischievous Demon Cassian, and the sibling love of Watchers Jace and Hesper everyone will have someone they can relate to. A.L. Morrow uses the term “latter” quite a few times which sounded awkward after a while, but nothing to make this read not a 5-star. I enjoyed the story and its characters.
If you are looking for an exciting, celestial, love story that is like Romeo and Juliet, look no further. Give Watcher a try.

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Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Heidi Sturgess

Enchanted in TimeEnchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Roxanne had experienced some deep heartache and Lisa so when the opportunity roses for her to be caretaker to one her of favourite authors , Claudette Grayson , she jumps at the opportunity, I mean hello who wouldn’t !?

Claudette is 93 and she has lived a good life but now with her age , damaged hip and the onset of dimensia , she needs care but won’t leave her home and it’s comforts and she recognises something in Roxanne and asks her to help finish a book before it’s too late ….

Roxanne cat turn the offer down and so starts a journey that has me in tears more often than not. Roxanne is riddled with guilt and my heart breaks for her with the “visits” she gets from Derek and Aiden and my heart really did feel like Humpty Dumpty 💔

This is one of those reads that haunts you long after you’ve read the last page ❣️📕

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Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Mary Espinoza

Enchanted in TimeEnchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is definitely one of a kind, it is everything in one! It has romance, mystery, time traveling, and a little bit of thrill. Characters in this novel deal with loss, and love. Some issues arise related to time travel, and a possible ghost. An unexpected twist occurs and despite the twists and turns, this novel ends beautifully!

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July 2022, Mary Espinoza

Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Felicia Bates

Enchanted in TimeEnchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVE the cover art of this book. Admittedly it was what attracted me to the book in the first place, the author was a close second.
I have read several books from this author and as usual, this didn’t disappoint. The storyline was unique and drew me in from the first few pages. The book itself is fairly short and reads quickly, so not once did my interest fade. What I’ve come to love from this author’s writing is the strong, lovable characters you become invested in.
If you’re interested in a well written, captivating storyline… give this book a go!

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Shield & Shade (Ascended Guardians Series Book 1) Audiobook by Misty Hayes – Review by Alison Risher

This was an absolutely fabulous listen! Quite frankly, it exceeded my expectations. The author had angels and demons as characters, yet remained respectful of traditional Judeo-Christians beliefs. The characters were amazing. Life is rough enough when you are a high school student, but having to navigate the hallmarks of teenage drama, in addition to supernatural elements, gives listeners an added sympathy for the characters.

Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Tanya Wall August 2022

Enchanted in TimeEnchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Roxanne takes a job as a caregiver to Claudette Grayson, an author who is on her deathbed. Claudette asks Roxanne to be a ghost writer and finish her final book. Prior to this, Roxanne was reeling from a loss so great, she was struggling to get past it. She is hoping this new job will help.

As Roxanne begins to read through notes and get things in order for writing, she finds strange things happening in the house. The music box plays music, a fresh rose is left behind…she hears voices. But whose? Could it be the character from the book she is helping to write? Is it someone else who has passed?

This is a book with quite a few twists and turns – ones you would never guess! The ending was not what I anticipated – good one, Nikki Barrett!

Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Megan Watson

Enchanted in TimeEnchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting read for me. I was just as confused as Roxanne a majority of the time with what was happening. It is like an episode of the Twilight Zone. I like the idea of this story, but I think the pacing of it fluctuated a little too much for it to remain believable for me throughout the entire read. The ending threw me for a loop though!! I definitely did not expect all that! This book is a quick read with a touch on grief and a happily ever after ending.

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Death & Mirrors (All Things Dark & Deadly Book 1) by SF Benson – Review by Yellowtulips11

Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book OneDeath & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this first book in the series. Evaline is an intriguing protagonist who is witty and smart. You are immediately captivated in the story. The wheels in her head are always turning as she notices every small nuisance. I can definitely relate to that myself! The life of an overthinker!

The book follows Evaline, as she is lost in a parallel world that is dark and dangerous. She is not one to give up and meets some very interesting characters along the way. I really look forward to seeing what Book 2 has in store!

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Shield & Shade (Ascended Guardians Series Book 1) Audiobook by Misty Hayes – Review by April McCoy

This audiobook blew me away! I will be buying a hard copy for my shelf asap! While I think this book is excellent for YA, As a full grown adult I thoroughly enjoyed! This is my first from the author and WOW, I will be getting more ASAP. The book flowed nicely, narration was great and I found myself zoned out to anything else while listening. It was fascinating, relative with a fantasy spin and just an incredible story!! Would recommend all the way!

Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Christina Gran

Enchanted in TimeEnchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett

Excellent read….kept me guessing at every turn! Quick read, left me captivated long past my bed time. My first paranormal read, but definitely won’t be my last. Thoroughly enjoyed the book

Claudette Grayson, a well known author, needs some help getting around and is looking for a caregiver…Roxanne is perfect for the task, as she is healing from her own trauma. As the two ladies find common ground and develop a friendship, Claudette asks Roxanne to help her write her next novel. As the story develops, mysterious things start happening at the house & Roxanne struggles to identify what is real & what is fiction.
Amazing story filled with friendship, love & laughter, woven together with a captivating mystery that will leave the reader guessing until the last page! 5+ stars! Highly recommend.

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Watcher (Star-Crossed Celestials Book 1) by A.L. Morrow – Review by Ashley Hasting

Watcher (Star-Crossed Celestials Duet #1)Watcher by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What I like about this book us the telling like Romeo and Juliet, but with way better results and great tellings! What I like even better is the MM romance in this series as well! Jace is a watcher, and not many like him for it. One of his enemies, a messenger, is looking for peace and not war and is in the interest level for Jace. This is where you read to see where it leads. It even tells you which characters relate to the Romeo and Juliet scene. Great read!

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Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Savannah Schwarz

Enchanted in TimeEnchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
This book is a quick read, but i found the interactions between two women, Roxanne and Claudette nostalgic as it quickly took me back to when I would sit on the porch with my grandma and talk about old times in the family while sipping coffee and eating cake. It immerses you into the life of Roxanne who becomes a ghostwriter for Claudette, an eclectic stubborn, famous writer who has dementia. As I read the pages I kept waiting and kept intrigued enough to keep going. I became so interested and anxious for the next page, the next line. I like that the author didn’t spend a great amount of time laying the foundation for the characters. Instead, you read it as is and learn as you go. It’s a quick read that is overall worth the read.

Watcher (Star-Crossed Celestials Book 1) by A.L. Morrow – Review by Rosanna Ingram

Watcher (Star-Crossed Celestials Duet #1)Watcher by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars!

This was a great take on Romeo and Juliet…with more focus on the love story than the tragedy!

In Sin City, there are three types of celestials: Watchers (fallen angels), Demons (the offspring of an angel and human), and Messengers (almost like enforcers). There has been a war going on between them for years, with the Messengers wanting to rid the world of the other two.

Jace is a Watcher and his best friend, Cassius, is a Demon. While an unlikely pair, they have been around each other for centuries and have a special bond…oh, and Cassius is in love with Jace’s sister Hesper. Jace is looking to find that forever man for himself…but so far has found himself heartbroken and always wanting the man that’s wrong (or forbidden to him). He finds himself in the same predicament again when a new Messenger comes to town…Cyrus.

Cyrus is assigned to Sin City…but he does not have the same disdain for other celestials like his former lover, and leader of the Messengers, Xavier. Xavier is having a hard enough time with Astra, an archangel, who is over all the war between the celestials and wants peace. He is hoping that the arrival of Cyrus will mean another on his side..but that is not the case. Cyrus, however, is in search of peace.

The connection between Cyrus and Jace is instantaneous (and viewed as forbidden among many). They, however, don’t see each other as enemies…but as being on the same side. As they are falling in love, and a war continues to brew around them, Cyrus and Jace’s time may be limited. When Xavier finds out about them, he is determined to put an end to Jace. When the moment comes, will Cyrus choose Jace or will his loyalty always be to the Messengers.

This was an interesting story that pulled me in from the beginning. I found myself enthralled with the different celestials and the history of their war. I can see the resemblance to Romeo and Juliet…but I was too into the story to think about it at the time. I enjoyed Jace’s character…and the supporting characters were great. I found myself reading for long periods of time because I did not want to put it down!

Note: This story ends on a cliffhanger and Jace and Cyrus’ story will continue…and I am looking forward to it.

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Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Carisa Saenz-Videtto

Enchanted in TimeEnchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story. It connects so much to real life and I loved, being able to put myself in that situation without feeling impossible. I also enjoyed how the author lets the story build up instead of throwing you into action. In a way, I could see myself as Roxanne because I enjoy writing stories, and maybe who knows I could find an author and join.

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Watcher (Star-Crossed Celestials Book 1) by A.L. Morrow – Review by Beverly Finnie

Watcher (Star-Crossed Celestials Duet #1)Watcher by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I haven’t found many MM romances I like but I loved Watcher. A new twist on “Romeo & Juliet” leaves you wanting more. I started it and didn’t put it down till I was finished.
A war has been going on for years between the Messenger and the watchers and demons. The Messengers view both as an abomination. Everything that’s wrong with society. The Messenger ChanCellor Astra wants to bring peace and end the fighting/bloodshed between them. Unfortunately there’s some among her ranks who don’t agree.
Xavier would end all watchers and demons if it was up to him. Now that his ex-lover Cyrus has been assigned to Nova he hopes to have him in his corner.
Cyrus on the other hand has caught the eye of watcher Jace. It’s a beautiful love affair, essentially love at first site. Some misunderstandings between the two early on, but no prejudice on either side. They view each other as equals in the celestial world, despite watchers being the fallen.
What happens when Xavier finds out?
Do Cyrus and Jace stand a chance?
It’s not your everyday romance novel, but it’s a very good and well written one at that! Take a chance!

@placexba

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Death & Mirrors (All Things Dark & Deadly Book 1) by SF Benson – Review by Jasmin Marie

Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book OneDeath & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a great start to this series! While I have never read anything by this author, I was interested in picking up this book based on its description– “a darker, grittier Alice in Wonderland” and I was not disappointed. This fantasy story includes everything you might be looking for — a mirror world, magic, family, loss, danger, adventure, and more! The main character, Evaline, has hopes of becoming a detective but due to a recent tragedy, her father has hopes of her marrying their (older) neighbor. When a stranger asks the family for help, Evaline finds her chance to follow her dreams. Her adventure begins as she is sucked into a different dimension to battle a doctor of death with a goal to stop him from reaching London. The beginning was a bit slow but once the action began, I could not put this down. I am looking forward to reading more in the series.

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Death & Mirrors (All Things Dark & Deadly Book 1) by SF Benson – Review by Charlene Gonzalez

Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book OneDeath & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

S.F Benson did a fantastic job putting fantasy, mystery, and magic into one book. Evaline has no clue at first what her Mother left behind, she wanted to find out more. Between the two worlds one in the mirror and the other where Evaline is, there was something trying to come into her world as well. Evaline tries to find out what it is but without her Mother helping to understand her powers it becomes harder for her.

This book is so much page turning it reminds me of Alice in Wonderland. If you love mystery, spinning, page-turner, and fantasy this is the book for you.

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Death & Mirrors (All Things Dark & Deadly Book 1) by SF Benson – Review by Sara Grantham

Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book OneDeath & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book first transported me back in time to London in the late 1800’s, and then it transported me into a mirror world! I am a big fan of fantasy and mystery, which made delving into this book and discovering new worlds so much fun.
I highly enjoyed Evaline’s strong-willed personality, her independence, and her tenacity! I cannot imagine being a woman in her time with all of the societal pressures and what a “woman’s rightfully place” is. She handled it with spunk and never stopped being true to herself.
This book brought in so many elements of classic stories (Jack the Ripper, Sherlock Holmes, etc) and spun them into one with magic and mystery and mayhem. Definitely a worthwhile fantasy read and I am excited to see where the story goes from here!

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Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Christine Baranek

Enchanted in TimeEnchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Enchanted in Time
By: Nikki Lynne Barrett
5*

I truly enjoyed this story. It kept me guessing throughout. I have to say that I normally shy away from books that include paranormal elements. However, I went out of my comfort zone with this one and it was an excellent choice. While some of these elements featured prominently in the story it did not feel forced or even farfetched. I really really found myself loving these characters and invested in their futures.

Roxanne has just faced a major tragedy. She carries around the blame and guilt for that day and it is manifesting itself in her life in different ways. To help distract herself she takes a job caring for the award winning author Claudette. Claudette is dying and refusing to go into a hospital or nursing home, rather she would prefer to stay in her house.

As the job begins, Roxanne is warned that Claudette is not amenable to having a caregiver. However, on Roxanne’s first day she discovers that is not necessarily the case. Claudette takes a quick liking to Roxanne and she asks her to help Claudette finish her final book. She also asks that Roxanne become her ghost writer after she passes away.

As Roxanne begins to read over the notes Claudette has for her, strange things begin happening to Roxanne. She is hearing music coming from a music box in the attic. Then she begins to hear voices. She believes at first that she is losing her mind and that what she is seeing and hearing is related to the tragedy she experienced. However, she quickly realizes that ghost writer has a completely different meaning to Claudette. Roxanne is seeing and hearing the main character in the book Claudette is asking her to help finish. As time goes on, Roxanne realizes that this book is far more personal than Claudette has ever let on and that Phillip, the main character in the book she is writing may not be as fictional as she once thought.

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Death & Mirrors (All Things Dark & Deadly Book 1) by S.F. Benson – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book OneDeath & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Evaline Wainwright is the daughter of a well to do gentleman, who is also a practitioner of magic and Evaline has inherited this talent as well, although in London in 1888, this is frowned upon and can lead to a whole host of problems if it is discovered that you practice magic without a license and as a woman, Evaline is not likely to be able to procure one any time soon. As well as practitioners of magic, her parents are occult archeologists and have spent most of their lives researching into and finding artefacts of great power, that is until Evaline’s mother passed away and her father retired from the field because of it, but Evaline wishes to follow a similar path and become a great detective, but this is frowned upon as well.

As Evaline starts her day in the usual manner, she is about to start helping her father with some work when a strange woman clothed all in black with a severe countenance requests a meeting with him. Her father ushers Evaline out of the room so that the discussion can be held with privacy, however, Evaline cannot help herself and listens in. This is where she overhears the woman asking her father for help to retrieve an artefact which can not only save her world, but the one the mystery woman inhabits as well. This news of alternate worlds is news to Evaline, however, she just cannot resist a mystery and a chance to prove her skills, so when she overhears where the woman will be staying, she makes up her mind to go and speak to her herself, even though it is against the wishes of all those around her.

While all this is happening, Evaline is also trying to avoid an arranged marriage and spend time with her beau without the watchful eyes of her father and the staff whom he employs, however, when the two of them end up being transported to the mysterious world of Londinium by the mystery woman, the decision as to whether to investigate is taken out of their hands. As they learn more about their surroundings, Evaline and her beau realise that the sun never shines there, the weather and the purple are perpetually miserable and Doctor Death is the one pulling all the strings, but how does this all connect to the strange woman’s request of Evaline’s father?

This is a historical mystery which will keep you on the edge of your seat as you explore Londinium and solve the clues in this fast paced fantasy, with elements of Sherlock Holmes and the paranormal throughout.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Death & Mirrors (All Things Dark & Deadly Book 1) by SF Benson – Review by Santana Hicks

Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book OneDeath & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Evaline is a necromancer who sees herself as a future detective. She looks up to Sherlock Holmes and wants to follow in his footsteps. Life has other plans for her. Being a woman in the late 1800s, she doesn’t have many rights. Her father has arranged a marriage to a man she does not like at all. Everything she wants to do is frowned upon, even her magical abilities.

A woman, named Nerezza, shows up seeking help from Evaline’s father. A creature called Dr. Death is wreaking havoc upon her world and there is an artifact she thinks can stop the creature. Unfortunately after the death of his wife, he stepped back in his normal job for unearthing valuable artifacts. Evaline’s interest is piqued and she decides to follow the woman and offer her help.

Nerezza decides to take advantage of Evaline’s offer and flings her into her own world which is a mirror version of London. Evaline has to use her wits and magic to help find this artifact and Dr. Death.

Someone else said that this is like Alice in Wonderland meets Sherlock Holmes and I completely agree with that statement. It was exciting and mysterious and kept me on the edge of my seat. Ending on a cliffhanger, I cannot wait for the second book of the series!

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Death & Mirrors (All Things Dark & Deadly Book 1) by SF Benson – Review by Cintia Leyva

Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book OneDeath & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was such a fun read. I read a lot of reviews comparing it to Alice in Wonderland, I was iffy about it, but it’s not a retelling, and it only has some similarities.
It is the perfect combination of paranormal, adventure, mystery, magic and so much more. it was so exciting to read about Evaline’s adventure and story. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. would definitely recommend it!

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Death & Mirrors (All Things Dark & Deadly Book 1) by SF Benson – Review by Jennifer Reimer

Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book OneDeath & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Evaline is a necromancer and the daughter of an important man, who I felt was controlling to keep both him and her safe. But Evaline has different plans, she was set on helping others and making a difference in life, that she was finding herself in some interesting situations. This rabbit hole of a book I fell in love while reading just kept me wanting more and more of what was going to happen. I found the character development was done extremely well, and the back stories that go with it was just as entraining. Along with the world building in this book it really made me feel like I could imagine with detail what it was like.
This amazing mystery, paranormal and magical, with artifacts and ancient things is amazing and something I thoroughly enjoy reading about. This book kept me in my toes and wanting to read more and not put it down. It was really well written and thought out, it’s a must read.

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Death & Mirrors (All Things Dark & Deadly Book 1) by SF Benson – Review by Amelia Stansell

Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book OneDeath & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book. It is a darker spin on Alice in Wonderlond. Evaline wants to be the next great detective (Sherlock Holmes) and practice her magic. Her dad wants her to have nothing to do with and wants her to marry the guy next door who is 10 years older than her, when she has her eyes on an old friend Delbert. When a mysterious person comes and ask for help to get back an artifact, she is intrigued. She dives into an unknown world, where she discovers Dr. Death. Can she find the artifact and save the mirror world before it’s too late? I cannot wait for the next book to find out what happens next.

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Death & Mirrors (All Things Dark & Deadly Book 1) by SF Benson – Review by Vanessa Watts

Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book OneDeath & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I started this book it seemed it might be another one of those just taking up space on my bookshelves kind of books. But as the story unfolds and each layer is peeled back you get a rather fascinating gem that made me gasp when it was over because I am dying to know what happens next.

Evaline just wants to be able to study the subjects she wants and to one day be a detective. Unfortunately, that all goes away after tragedy strikes her family. Now, her father, who doesn’t want her to practice her skills or become a detective, insists she learn more ladylike pursuits and marry the neighbor who is far too old to Evaline. Then a stranger approaches her father asking for help only he refuses but Evaline isn’t willing to let go without a fight especially with a bigger mystery on the horizon. Sucked into a different dimension to battle a deadly doctor and secure an artifact can’t be that difficult. However, no one seems forthcoming and everyone has their own agenda. They are all pawns in someone else’s game but just who will come out on top? Can Evaline solve the mystery in the mirror dimension and return to London?

This book is reminiscent of a history romance in how females are expected to behave and portray themselves. Overall it was a slow build up until the action unfolds and then it draws you in until the very last page. If you like quirky female characters solving mysteries and dealing in magic then this is for you. It reminded me of the Netflix movie Enola Holmes and I could picture that character in this novel for sure.

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Watcher (Star-Crossed Celestials Book 1) by A.L. Morrow – Review by Kerry Carr

Watcher (Star-Crossed Celestials Duet #1)Watcher by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this romance story. It is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet but with a MM romance. This story is full of Forbidden Love, and the twists and turns to find their happy ever after. I also loved the twist of it being about messengers(angels) and watchers (fallen angels).
There is a war between them and with watchers being left on earth they teamed up and supported the demons to fight against the angels.
I’m not going to give too much away but the romance is between a watcher and a messenger so you can imagine the problem that brings with the sides being at war.
The author does an amazing job at retelling the classic tale and adding the unique twist of the paranormal storyline. The characters are really well written and their personalities really jumped off the page. You will feel like you know them personally but the end.

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Caged Fire (The Vigilant Book 1) by LM Preston – Review by Shelly Kittell

Caged Fire (Vigilant, #1)Caged Fire by L.M. Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book packs a punch. It is a definite knockout. EmVee is one brave young woman with some supernatural talents that is out to find out who killed her father and what happened to her family. Favorites from The Void such as Kyson, Rachel, and…eh…Megan are back to help EmVee get answers along with new friends, Demi and Sax. Secrets abound, along with monsters. This author writes a book that has you holding your breath because the action gets more intense the further into the story you go. We learn so much more about The Vigilant as you get into the story. (Is that the group EmVee’s father was part of?) The characters are insanely complex and yet, young adults just wanting to live life. The plot is smooth with twists that fit right in. It comes together like the perfect waterfall. The antagonist just wants to cause trouble and not be found. They do that so very well. EmVee will not give up I like the message the story gives. It’s okay to ask for help. Girls can do anything they put their mind to. It’s also a body positive story. She’s a fighter but also wants to be seen as feminine. Great story. I love the whole series. This is book #1. You should reada this.

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