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Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Rayne East

Boss's Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance (Sicilian Gods Book 1)Boss’s Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Engaging and intense
This is the first book in the Sicilian Gods series and it is a very strong start. The book has depth in characterisation, an intriguing plot and intensity that took my breath away. Salvatore is a dark and fierce alpha male and Adrianna is far from a wilted flower. These two create fireworks and have a chemistry that just melts the pages. There is so much between the pages from mafia politics, revenge, gun fights to drama and an unavoidable romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to secure book 2.

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Chevalier (War Horses Book 1) by Scott Warren – Review by Rayne East

War Horses Book 1: ChevalierWar Horses Book 1: Chevalier by Scott Warren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mech warrior
As a child one of my favourite games was Mech Warrior. This book bought back memories of playing that game. I enjoyed the action, battles, mystery, intrigue and dashes of humour. I found myself quickly swept up in a unique sci-fi adventure and vested in the characters survival. The characterisation was very well done. Now to wait for book 2.

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The Victor (The Freemasons Book 1) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Rayne East

The Victor (The Freemasons #1)The Victor by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Intriguing quick read
This is an unexpected find. I found the storyline fascinating and even at the end I just wanted to know more. I love the way that the reader gets the closure around the romance between Cole and Ava but the underlying story about the Freemasons is left wide open. My curiosity is piqued and I can’t wait to get my hands on book 2 The Hunter.

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Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Rayne East

Hungry BusinessHungry Business by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Short but riveting story
There is so much within these pages that it didn’t feel like a short story. With a quirkiness that one comes to expect from this author the story delves into the pitfalls of dating in a post apocalyptic world. The imagery and storyline are very well done and had me totally hooked. It’s written in an amusing and unique way. Recommend.

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Lab Spill (The Cool Thing Series Book 2) by Robert Rife – Review by Rayne East

LAB SPILL: A Dark Comedy. Maybe. (THE COOL THING SERIES Book 2)LAB SPILL: A Dark Comedy. Maybe. by Robert Rife
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Comedic madness
This book was such an entertaining read. The second book in the series and the madness continues. The fantastical world that this author brings is original and engaging. The laugh out loud moments are interwoven amongst the mayhem, monsters, suspense, action and a strong plot line. This book is fast paced, has dark humour, is creative and is not to be missed.

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Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Rayne East

Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume TwoMafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My favourite Mafia Series
This is Volume Two of the Mafia Elite Boxset. I have loved every single book in this series.
This boxset includes:

Book 4 – Savage Secrets
The brilliance continues. If you haven’t read the first three books in this series, please do so. This series needs to be experienced as a whole. Each book focuses on an important couple within the family. This is Marco and Elena’s story who both have secrets and a past that threatens their future. The author makes me feel so connected with each of the characters. Each book has just blown me away and this one was just as amazing.

Book 5 – Ruthless Heir
This book brings in Luc and Summer. Each has their baggage and must face the trials of their past. The action, drama and romance is off the charts. With old and new characters this book doesn’t miss a beat. I devoured every page and at the end I just wanted more.

Book 6 – Collateral Damage
Mafia mayhem continues with book 6 of the Mafia Elite series. With strong alpha males and equally strong females, this whole series has gripped me from the start. In this book we get Trey’s story. We have met him in book 2 as Sophia’s brother. He has been mentioned a few other times and along with his brother Marco. This family, being mafia, has several people gunning for them. Trey has his hands full but once he meets Hailey, all bets are off. The author brings a brilliant twist to this second chance romance. A must read!

Book 7 – Rivals
Mixed emotions
What a ride! Rivals is the 7th book in the Mafia Elite series and is the last. I have loved every single book in this series. Each pair of characters has become like family and I am so torn now that it is over. Happy to see that there will be a spin off series and that I can still catch up with the Five families in these books. This book us Nico and Mia’s story. Both characters have appeared in previous books. As always, action abounds, along with drama and some stolen steamy moments. It’s everything I have come to expect from this excellent author.

Recommend reading the whole series starting from Volume One!

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Sessrúmnir (Antipodes Series Book 5) by T.S. Simons – Review by Rayne East

Sessrumnir (Antipodes #5)Sessrumnir by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just brilliant!
I have put off reading this book due to it being the (possible) last book of the series. I have thoroughly enjoyed every book and this just made reading this one a little bit harder. The author has brought the whole series brilliantly together and the imagery draws the reader into a dystopian world that has so many parallels to our own. I loved seeing the characters grow and how the tribe came together to face adversity time and time again. This instalment has heightened emotions as it focuses on the children. I can not recommend this series enough. A keeper.

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Euphoric Wonderland by Ryan M. Becker – Review by Rayne East

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

Inspiring and thought-provoking
This collection of works was intriguing as it was inspiring. Many of the poems spoke to me emotionally. The author is very talented and has a way of stringing words together that just speaks volumes. The tempo at which the words are written just had me immersed. Each poem focuses on different aspects and the range is diverse. I was particularly drawn to the illustrations which added so much more to the experience. This will be one that I will return to time and time again. Kudos!

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My Bronc Riding Cowgirl (My Cowboy Series Book 6) by Brooke May – Review by Rayne East

My Bronc Riding CowgirlMy Bronc Riding Cowgirl by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ranches, rodeos and romance
I have read several books by this author and each time I have come to love the story. This contemporary western romance is interwoven with drama, unexpected attraction, plenty of angst and lots of bronc riding. Tori and Cord’s relationship was well written and as usual the characterisation was on point. Both are from well respected families within the rodeo scene but Tori, as a female, feels she has so much more at stake. What follows could lead to possible disaster or something more. Highly recommend.

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Necrosis by C.L. Schneider – Review by Rayne East

NecrosisNecrosis by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Emotional roller coaster
Lost for words. This book is an amazing quick read. Raw, real and riveting this book will have you going through all the emotions. Amy is a formidable character, aware of her flaws but strong regardless. The setting is an apocalyptic zombie world and had me on the edge of my seat. This is a short story but packs so much between the pages. The sacrifices were plentiful. A must read!
“I’m not crying, you are!”

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Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga Book 1) by A.E. Bennett – Review by Rayne East

Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga #1)Gathering of the Four by A.E. Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Engaging dystopian adventure
An unexpected intriguing read. I was hooked from page one and read late into the night. The world building was amazing and the storyline original. The reader is taken on a dystopian adventure alongside Leora, Roland, Aurora and Leopold as they navigate the Realm in order to survive. There was magic, action, a journey, and witty dialogue throughout the pages and I enjoyed every moment. I am eagerly looking forward to Book 2 of this saga.

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A Love Restrained by Becky Flade – Review by Rayne East

A Love Restrained (Philly Heat series, #1)A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Slow-burn romance
This book was a great find. The story has a depth in characterisation that allows the reader to connect easily and to get a better understanding of the decisions that were being made. There was a realistic balance between the drama, angst, suspense and romance that made for a very strong storyline. There are time jumps within the book but I felt they were handled very well. I love dual POV but this author weaves this in an interesting way that was clever and not too distracting from the overall flow. If you are a romantic suspense fan this is one not to be missed.

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Operation Pinpoint (Space Force Rejects Book 1) by Landra Graf – Review by Rayne East

Operation PinpointOperation Pinpoint by Landra Graf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sci-Fi Enemy to lovers
I was apprehensive but ended up pleasantly surprised by this book. This is a hold your breath adventure interwoven with romance, betrayal and suspense. The unique world building and characterisation are well done and there is even a ‘fated’ mate storyline thrown in. I enjoyed Ravena’s character she was strong willed, courageous and has a shell around her. Davros is the ultimate sensitive and needs a strong partner by his side. This is a great start to a series and I am looking forward to seeing where the author takes Ravena and Davros’ story.

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Dainty Damsels by J.N. Sheats – Review by Rayne East

Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022 by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Crafty, cute and creative
This is a delightful colouring book that would appeal to all ages. The characters and scenes are cute but mature and imaginative. The pictures are drawn to allow for creativity with different mediums, colour and lines. I really like the addition of the check page at the start to ensure that colours don’t bleed through to other pages. A book that will inspire hours of fun.

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We Blend (Falling for the Rockstar’s Daughter Book 1) by Willa Drew – Review by Rayne East

WE Blend (Falling for the Rockstar's Daughter Series #1)WE Blend by Willa Drew
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Secrets, music and a budding romance
This was an engaging read and had me staying up way into the night as I could not put it down. The whole way along we are treated to an insight into El’s life as a child of a rockstar and Will’s complex life lined with secrets. I love the dual POV as it gives the story so much depth. The layering of the story is brilliantly executed and there is the right balance of tension and tender moments. Warning there is a cliffhanger at the end leaving the perfect opening to book 2.

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones Book 2) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Rayne East

Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones, #2)Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gripping and highly emotive
This starts off a few years after book 1. We find Ian Troy in prison and left for dead. It was only a matter of time though before someone needed him. I found the connection to Troy different this time with his magic suppressed and amnesia we get to see the person underneath.
There is so much between the pages of this book and the author interweaves the connections flawlessly and brings the reader to a world that is as beautiful as it is broken. Characters that I came to love in the first book are back and the action, dialogue and the wide range of emotions kept me glued from start to finish. The storyline just keeps getting stronger and as much as questions are being answered, more things are being discovered. The stakes are high and there is still one more book to go. Highly recommend to fantasy fans – you won’t be disappointed.

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From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan – Review by Rayne East

From Brick & DarknessFrom Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Creative adventure
This was a thrilling original fantasy adventure. There’s action, drama and a teen whose curiosity bites him in the butt. Bax has his share of teen troubles but all that takes a turn when he finds a ring and brings into the world more than he bargained for.
I loved the writing and it would appeal to a wide range of audiences. It is a multilayered clean novel and covers the awkwardness that comes with navigating the high school scene balanced with the fantasy aspect. Totally recommend.

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Rebel of Fire (The Vigilant Book 3) by LM Preston – Review by Rayne East

Rebel of Fire (Vigilant, #3)Rebel of Fire by L.M. Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The adventure continues
The Vigilant Series is a brilliantly written paranormal adventure that just gets better with each book. The author does a great job at developing the world a bit at a time and ties it all in with a mix of reality and fantasy.
Book 3 is Rei’s story within the Vigilant series, her sister and older brother have each played a role in previous books and Rei has found herself unsuspectingly dragged in through tying herself to Megan. Now bound in contract, and on a quest to free her father, Rei must rely on Asher and that is just another dilemma.
I recommend reading the previous books, especially the novellas, to get the backstory and interwoven threads. Looking forward to Reece’s story next.

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Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Rayne East

Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner book 4)Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Adventurous tale
This is the first book I have read from this author and the fourth book in The Forerunner Series. Thankfully there was some backstory provided so I didn’t feel lost at all. If anything, I now feel the need to go back and read from the first book. This is an historical adventure, set in the era of Vikings and has lots of action and battles. The imagery is amazing and it’s very easy to like Thorfinn and Kara.
Love a good fantasy adventure and this did not disappoint.

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Burn (Elemental Warriors Book 1) by Joanna Morgan – Review by Rayne East

Burn (Elemental Warriors, #1)Burn by Joanna Morgan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Immersive and thought provoking
Absolutely love me and Elemental based paranormal book and this one did not disappoint. I was totally hooked from the first page and the whole world and concept presented was so original I wanted to know more.
Based in the mortal world there are Elementals, pretty much an alien species. Then there are Sleepers hidden amongst the mortals and then there is the Chaolt- pretty much the mortal enemy. I’m not going to say much more as I don’t want to add spoilers but it is all exciting stuff. And yes there is definitely romance – so check out this great first book in the Elemental Warriors Series.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Rayne East

Emma (Notebook Mysteries, #1)Emma by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The start of something good
I have loved every book in this series. Unfortunately I read all the others before this one but that just means I will have to read them all again – lol!
It was so great to see where it all began. Emma is a brilliant character – strong willed, full of inspiration and desire to help others. The book has suspense, drama and mysteries to be solved and 16 year old Emma is right at the forefront ready to do some sleuthing. The world building is excellent with the imagery of the township and townspeople so vividly depicted. Even though each book is a new mystery I highly recommend that the series be read in order as there are ongoing threads that develop throughout the series.

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Break The Darkness (The Vigilant Book 2.5) by LM Preston – Review by Rayne East

Break The Darkness (Vigilant, #2.5)Break The Darkness by L.M. Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Enjoyable novella
This is a great instalment in The Vigilant series. This is between book 2 and 3 and we get to know Rei and how she ended up working with Megan. There are events that occur that need the perspective from reading previous books in the series so it is best to read from book 1. With mystery, action, a little bit of romance and secrets uncovered, this is an exciting treat. Looking forward to see where this story goes.

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Tropical Date (Postscript Island Book 3) by R.S. Jonesee – Review by Rayne East

Tropical Date (Postscript Island, #2)Tropical Date by R.S. Jonesee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Friends to lovers and second chances
I really enjoyed this tropical romance, with childhood sweethearts finding their way together again. This was no straightforward HEA either. With drama and mysteries following in their wake Marissa and Weston have their work cut out for them. The characters, the island setting and the condom puns had me laughing and feeling all the feels. The author has hit all the right spots for a great rom-com escape. This is definitely a recommend.

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Felines and Fatalities (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Rayne East

Felines and Fatalities (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery, Book 2)Felines and Fatalities by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kitties, Kafe and Kat-astrophes
Book 2 of A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery series has Ellie hosting a cat show for the rescue kitties. As with the first book in the series this was a cute cozy mystery with fun banter and a zany story that has a pinch of romance. Detective Dare is right there along with the feisty feline Templeton. Loving this series and can’t wait to see what the crew gets up to next.

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The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Rayne East

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls, #1)The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Intriguing
This dual timeline thriller had me engaged from the start. It is a multi-layered story, centred on soul mates and discovering events from the past. I loved the descriptiveness, the imagery of Venice and the pacing of the adventure. The relationship between Nick and Julia was not overly done and felt a bit forced at times but that could be due to the contrast to the soul mate connection. This is book 1 and it will be interesting to see where book 2 goes.

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I Loved You Yesterday (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 1) by Julie Navickas – Review by Rayne East

I Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats TrilogyI Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats Trilogy by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Secrets and a love triangle
I loved you yesterday is an intriguing contemporary romance with twists and turns as long buried secrets had a way of surfacing. With angst, drama, emotional heartache and betrayal this book unfolds in a realistic way. This is the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed the writing. The characters are very well developed and easy to connect with. I am happy to see there is another book coming.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Rayne East

Notebook Mysteries Haunted ChristmasNotebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mini Christmas Mystery
The Notebook Mysteries series is brilliant and is even better with this bite-sized Christmas themed novella. This book brings Emma’s crew together to solve a crime based at a haunted house. Even though this is a quick read, it is written with depth and includes suspense, action and adventure. It can be read as a stand-alone but is so much better if read within the series. I have loved every book in this series – absolutely recommend!

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Battling Beckett by T. Christensen – Review by Rayne East

Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother RomanceBattling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Totally great!
Battling Beckett is a contemporary step-brother romance told that runs the high school ‘enemy to lover’ line. Beckett is an interesting character – one that I went through a lot of feelings over – he was not a very nice person. Greer was so strong and went through so much. This was an easy read but I feel that this would have been even better being told in first person and multiple POV allowing for a deeper connection and understanding of the motivations behind the characters. Light on steam and romance but still for mature readers.

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Unearthly Magik (Black Cauldron Detective Agency Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Rayne East

Unearthly Magik (Black Cauldron Detective Agency Book 1)Unearthly Magik by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Magik, elementals and mysteries
This was an unexpected find. I absolutely enjoyed the characters, world building and story line. Ava is one tough chick and her partners in the Black Cauldron Detective Agency are worthy side kicks. I was thoroughly intrigued from start to finish, with magik, action, mystery and even some light comedic relief this was a worthy read. I am looking forward to continuing this series.

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River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Rayne East

River WitchRiver Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book takes a more mature approach to fantasy. The writing is easy to follow and the story is multilayered as the adventure unfolds. Unexpected twists left me wanting more and eagerly turning the pages. The characters develop right along with the story and as Hester discovers more about what she wants, Aaron has to come to terms with his past. Hester is an easy to relate to character, her need to stay true to herself is endearing. If you are looking for a fantasy adventure with strong characters and an intriguing storyline, this is the book for you.

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