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Dating the It Guy by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Rayne East

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Dating the It GuyDating the It Guy by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cute, clean YA romance.
This was a super-sweet YA story. Emme is a very self-conscious teen that is open to astrology and who faces so many trials. I found most of the characters relatable, even if they came across shallow. Emme and Brandon’s relationship spent most of the book being tested, which started to wear thin (too much angst) but did redeem itself. The book deals with a mix of issues and there were some good messages throughout about trust, honesty and communication.

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Runaway to the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, Book 2) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Rayne East

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Runaway to the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, #2)Runaway to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Self-discovery in the outback.
The second book in the series and it was just as well-written. This time it’s Jonas and Pandora’s story of unexpectedly finding love and some self-discovery along the way. I really love the setting in the outback town of Bunya Junction. The author did a wonderful job of capturing the small Australian town vibe once again. One more Curruthers sibling to go and I can’t wait.

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Family Secrets (A Whispering Pines Mystery) by Shawn McGuire – Review by Rayne East

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Family Secrets (Whispering Pines Mystery #1)Family Secrets by Shawn McGuire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Quaint, quirky and a little bit more
This is a very different cozy mystery. The setting is a quaint town with a little bit of bizarre. I felt that I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. Jayne is likeable and also a bit on the quirky side. There was enough to keep my interest and I still have some unanswered questions – which makes me curious about book 2.

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Scarlet Princess (Lochlann Feuds Book 1) by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison – Review by Rayne East

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Scarlet Princess (The Lochlann Feuds, #1)Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Royalty, Romance and Retribution.
Wow! What a roller coaster of a ride. This book took awhile to build momentum and even then it dipped in spots. Now that the world, characters and premise is established I am looking forward to seeing where the story goes in book 2. I really liked Rowan and I know that she is going to be a force to be reckoned with after that cliffy.

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Potager Plot (A Backyard Farming Series Book 5) by Vikki Walton – Review by Rayne East

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Potager Plot (A Backyard Farming Series, #5)Potager Plot by Vikki Walton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gardening murder mystery
What a brilliant cozy mystery. This is the 5th book in the series but a first for me by this author. The writing is easy to read and I quickly connected with the characters. There is a bit of comical banter throughout the story which was amusing and kept the storyline light. I loved the small town setting and the author really captured the interconnected nature of the community. A quick, witty and fun story.

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The Boss Prince (It’s Raining Royals) by Alix Nichols – Review by Rayne East

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The Boss Prince (It's Raining Royals, #1)The Boss Prince by Alix Nichols
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Light, fun read
This is my first book by Alex Nicolas and it did not disappoint. It was a really enjoyable quick-read rom-com that ticked all the boxes. I connected quickly with Lucie and Max, their adventures were comical. The world this was set was so intriguing (& hilarious) with its own royalty and customs, and I am keen to learn more as I delve into the rest of the series.

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Something Lost (Funerals and Weddings Series Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Rayne East

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Something LostSomething Lost by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A strong start to the series
A contemporary romance with a second chance feel. The story has all the feels. The focus for this book is on Craig and Rachel and overcoming their past demons. I hope this is a series where we still get glimpses of each couple in future books as I would like to see where Craig and Rachel end up. I liked each of the members of the team and I look forward to their individual stories. An easy to read, sweet romance series starter that most will enjoy.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Rayne East

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mafia action and romance
What a thrilling ride this book was. I could not put it down and ended up reading until the early hours – so be warned. Amazing writing, characters and what a world!! My heart raced, stilled and melted as I read Liliana and Max’s story. Did not want the book to end and I can’t wait to continue what I know will be an amazing series.

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Swindler’s Revenge (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 5) by Ellen Butler – Review by Rayne East

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Swindler's RevengeSwindler’s Revenge by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Totally loved this book!
This is book 5 of the Karina Cardinal series and I totally fell in love with Karina and the team. The writing is spot on and the storyline just draws you in. Even though I had not read the other books, not once did I feel left out of the loop. There were glimpses into past events which now has me wanting to go back to the start and read the series as a whole. If you are looking for an awesome mystery series led by a FMC that will have you laughing out loud while taking you on an exciting ride, then this is the series for you.

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THE BOW (HER THREE IMMORTALS Book 3) by HAZEL STORM – Review by Rayne East

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The Bow: A Fated Mates Greek Myth Paranormal Romance (Her Three Immortals Book 3)The Bow: A Fated Mates Greek Myth Paranormal Romance by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brilliant series and author
I’m loving this series. It has everything I enjoy in a paranormal romance adventure. Even though it had been a little while between books, I was instantly transported back to Vanessa and her world of Gods. There is just so much to love about the story: the characters, the world building and the pacing are just spot on. Hazel Storm you are truly a masterclass author. This is a series not to be missed and really must be read in order. Can’t wait for The Box.

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Return to Alpha by Wesley Britton – Review by Rayne East

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Return To Alpha: A new saga beginsReturn To Alpha: A new saga begins by Wesley Britton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Interesting sci-fi adventure
An unexpected intriguing story. There are a wide variety of characters and range of adventures. There is a lot for sci-fi fans to enjoy. At times I found the writing became too wordy which had me losing momentum when reading. Overall a very good read packed with a gambit of emotions and even some romance that kept my interest until the end.

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Unsettled Scores (DAG Team Series Book 2) by Kel O’Connor – Review by Rayne East

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Unsettled Scores (DAG Team #2)Unsettled Scores by Kel O’Connor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Romance, crime and revenge
Book 2 of the DAG series and it just gets better and better. Loved Amy and Hugh’s stories and their relationship. Amy is a strong FMC, who knows what she wants. Straight up I connected with her. Hugh is adorable and has a strength all of his own. The DAG team are brilliant and I can’t wait to find out more about each of them. Some unfinished business leaves the door wide open for book 3. An excellently written book that will keep you engaged from start to finish.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Rayne East

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and PossibilitiesNotebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

History and mystery
This was an absolute delight to read. Fell instantly in love with Emma and her creative, industrious mind. The author is spot on with the characterisation and world building, I felt instantly transported into the 1800s and into Emma’s life. The book consists of several cases, which kept the story moving along and me turning the pages. I can’t wait to continue this series. I highly recommend this book for teens and up.

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Rayne East

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A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gripping and thought provoking

This intense, psychological thriller puts you through the wringer and spits you out with no apologies at the other end. I was so riveted to each page and felt so many emotions after each reveal. The turbulent journey left me breathless and the twists kept me guessing. Even after I finished the book the story kept going through my mind. The author really captured the multifaceted aspects of mental illness. So brilliantly written – a must read!

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Dangerous Curves Boxed Set #1 (Dangerous Curves Books 1-3) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Rayne East

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Dangerous Curves Boxed Set 1: 3 Cozy Christian MysteriesDangerous Curves Boxed Set 1: 3 Cozy Christian Mysteries by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Intriguing cozy mystery set
Who doesn’t like good mystery? I absolutely adored Sunshine and her penchant for sleuthing. This box set had me from the first page and reading well into the night. All three stories are well written and developed in their own right. My favourite though was Shooting at the Shore which is a murder mystery. With quirkiness that will have you laughing out loud and characters that up you will fall in love with – I highly recommend picking this set up today.

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The Girl and the Gargoyle (The Girl and the Raven Book 2) by Pauline Gruber – Review by Rayne East

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The Girl and the Gargoyle (The Girl and the Raven, #2)The Girl and the Gargoyle by Pauline Gruber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gargoyles, demons and witches
Book two of the series and the drama continues. Loved being back with Lucy, Marcus and Dylan. This takes off straight from book one and what a roller coaster of action and emotion. Lucy is faced with so many choices and sometimes everything isn’t what it seems, especially when demons and gargoyles are involved. Her relationships are questioned time and again and I was so frustrated with Marcus and Dylan. Can’t wait for book three – need some closure now.

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Caught by Him by Tammy Mannersly – Review by Rayne East

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Caught by HimCaught by Him by Tammy Mannersly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cute short romance story
This was very well written. It covered all the elements in a very concise little package. The story kept me glued from start to finish and I was quickly vested in Brody and Willa’s relationship. Recommend this romantic quickie read.

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Hazard in Hawaii (A Doctor Danger Mystery BOOK 1) by Heather Silvio – Review by Rayne East

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Hazard in HawaiiHazard in Hawaii by Heather Silvio
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Island mystery with a sidekick of fun!
What a fun ride. The mystery kept me guessing and the twists and turns kept me on my toes. I really enjoyed the blend of paranormal, mythology and cozy mystery. The characters were so quirky and really kept the story flowing along. The way that Sarah describes her empathic abilities and how she uses them was fascinating. I highly recommend this for teens and up.

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Sweet Nightmares (The Dream World Chronicles Book 1) by Chynna Pace – Review by Rayne East

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Sweet Nightmares (The Dream World Chronicles #1)Sweet Nightmares by Chynna Pace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nightmare battles and magic
This was a good YA fantasy. It has a really great plot that kept me turning the pages even when there were moments that felt really stilted. The characters and world building took a long time to develop but once things were established the story took off. The events at the end opens things up for more adventures so I am very curious to see where book 2 goes.

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Rayne East

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Creative, educational and fun
This is the 3rd book in the series and continues to follow Jake as he navigates through friendships, anxieties and the world around him. It is filled with gorgeous illustrations and a beautiful message of acceptance, tolerance and inclusion of others regardless of their differences. This is another book that is a must for any home or school library. The included resources are educationally rich and build onto the story so well. I highly recommend this book to schools and families of all abilities and ages.

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Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Rayne East

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Hairballs and HomicideHairballs and Homicide by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sweet little cat-themed mystery
This was a super-cute cozy mystery based in a cat cafe. Absolutely adored the cats especially Templeton. There were moments where I felt the story lost momentum due to getting caught up on the descriptions of the cafe and cat accessories but these were few and far between. The characters all had their amusing moments. A quirky, fun read with a dash of romance that will keep you entertained until the end.

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Cursed Touch (Broderick Coven Series Book 4) by AJ Renee – Review by Rayne East

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Cursed Touch (Broderick Coven, #4)Cursed Touch by A.J. Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Magical romance
Loved Carter and Vanessa’s story and had me turning the pages well after bedtime. Each of the books in this series is a worthy read and some favourite Broderick (or soon to be) characters make appearances. AJ Renee has a really great writing style that allows the reader to create their own imagery, with wonderful characterisation and world building. This was a brilliant quick-read with magic, mayhem, mystery and mates – definitely not one to miss.

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Forbidden Mate (The Shadow Chronicles Book 2) by CR Robertson – Review by Rayne East

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Forbidden MateForbidden Mate by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gets better and better!
I am totally smitten with this series. Tasha and Levi are now on my list of favourite book couples. The story just keeps getting better and just when you think there just couldn’t be more, another twist and off we go! The author has taken the cross-species paranormal theme but evolved it into something brilliantly different. I can’t recommend this series enough if you are after a refreshing paranormal fantasy.

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Forbidden Wolf (The Shadow Chronicles Book 1) by CR Robertson – Review by Rayne East

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Forbidden WolfForbidden Wolf by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Paranormal masterpiece
Such an excellent piece of writing. I was drawn in from the first word and held captive right til the end. Tasha and Levi hold a special place in my heart. I really enjoyed their story and the roller coaster they endured to be together. Characterisation is on point and the world building brilliant. The journey is far from over – I can’t wait to check out book two and get some more answers. Highly recommend this awesome series starter.

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Journeys Through TimeSpace (Journeys Through Book 2) by James Talisman – Review by Rayne East

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Journeys Through TimeSpaceJourneys Through TimeSpace by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sci-fi fantasy with punch!
Wow – this goes from strength to strength. The book takes off right where book 1 finished and does not stop. I devoured each of the words and just wanted to keep going. The intricate layers are excellently interwoven and lead to an ultimate climax. The characters I had really connected with in the first book really come unto their own as things start to align. Building on my understanding of the multiverse from book 1, I found this easier to follow. There is a cheeky little cliffhanger at the end which leaves the door open for more to come – Excellent!

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Flirting with my Enemy (Love is a Mystery Book 1) by Laura Burton – Review by Rayne East

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Flirting with my Enemy: A Sweet Romantic Comedy (Love is a Mystery #1)Flirting with my Enemy: A Sweet Romantic Comedy by Laura Burton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cute Rom-Com
This was an easy quick-read, romantic comedy that had several laugh-out-loud moments. The characters were relatable and the story had a good flow. The romance was clean and very little fuss. It does have a ‘You’ve got mail’ vibe but with its own little twists. A nice escape story that can easily be read in an afternoon.

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AWAKENING THE GODS (RISE OF THE CELTIC GODS) by KRISTIN GLEESON – Review by Rayne East

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Awakening the Gods (Rise of the Celtic Gods #1)Awakening the Gods by Kristin Gleeson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Irish Urban Fantasy
What a fantastic tale based in Irish folklore and legend. There was a lot of world building and character development in the beginning but halfway through the story starts to take off. The world is beautifully presented and the legend interwoven throughout. A magical journey filled with music and love.

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The Dream Catchers (Prestoria) by J. U. Menon – Review by Rayne East

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The Dream Catchers: PRESTORIA Series Book 1The Dream Catchers: PRESTORIA Series Book 1 by J.U. Menon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A wonderful adventure
This brilliantly written paranormal adventure conveys the important messages of loyalty, friendship and forgiveness. The storyline was strong and kept me entertained from start to finish. The author has created some unique characters and a fantastical world of Prestoria. Aimed at older children this book can easily be enjoyed by all ages. I’m excited to see where the author takes this series.

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THE GOD (HER THREE IMMORTALS BOOK 2) by HAZEL STORM – Review by Rayne East

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The God (Her Three Immortals, #2)The God by Hazel Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sexy Gods and the underworld.
Unputdownable – what a ride. This series is just getting better and better. The setting and characters are amazing. Vanessa is a strong FMC and stays true to herself. There is substance to the storyline, a mystery to unravel and the slow burn starts to ramp up in this book. A bit of a sneak peek into book 3 has me anxiously wanting it now!

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The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Rayne East

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The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight #2)The Singer and Her Song by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A uniquely beautiful piece of writing. The author’s talent in creating this world continues in book 2 of the Empire at Twilight series. I was absorbed into Uqnitum’s life and had all the feels. I wanted to throttle her for being so stubborn and prideful. The skilful presentation of the era bled of the pages and I greedily soaked up every word. Highly recommend this series.

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