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Noah’s Not So Super Summer (A Super Series–Book 1) by Brittany Tucker – Review by Rayne East

Noah's Not So Super Summer: A Super Series--Book 1Noah’s Not So Super Summer: A Super Series–Book 1 by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brilliant YA superhero fantasy
I loved this book. Noah is an awesome MC and so relatable. The author’s take on Supers is fascinating and her writing style is engaging. The storyline sucked me in – the Supers, their powers, the mystery surrounding the mutants and the science – I was left wanting more at the end. Can’t wait to see where the author takes Noah next. Highly recommend.

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Doctor Frank Enstein (Doctors of Eastport General) by C.A. King – Review by Rayne East

Doctor Frank Enstein (Doctors of Eastport General)Doctor Frank Enstein by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sexy with a side of drama and medicine
This short contemporary romance is part the multi-author Doctors of Eastport General collection. It is a quick read but has all the necessary parts to give the reader enough to sink their teeth into. The storyline is entertaining and the characters diverse and charming. Looking forward to checking out other books.
Recommend.

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Fallen Soul (War of Destiny Book 4) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Rayne East

Fallen Soul (War of Destiny # 4)Fallen Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Suspenseful fantasy
This is the fourth book in the War of Destiny series. I really enjoyed this instalment. Lane is an intense and intriguing character. The storyline continues from the previous books with so many layers cleverly interwoven creating an amazing paranormal fantastical adventure.
Highly recommend.

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Rayne East

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1)Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bully, Enemy to lovers romance
I really enjoyed the sneak peek into Cole and Riley’s life in Savage Start which set the foundation for this book. What an emotional roller coaster. The author builds the tension, angst and highly intense emotions so well. With a mix of scandals, family drama and darkness intermingled with romance and high school. There is still more to come for Riley and Cole in book 2- which I can’t wait to read. Highly recommend.

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His Forever Muse (The Echo Series Book 2) by C.R. Alam – Review by Rayne East

His Forever Muse (Book 2 of The Echo Series)His Forever Muse by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Romantic and deep
This is the second book in The Echo Series and I really enjoyed the friends-to-lovers complicated second-chance romance. The layers of the story were delivered seamlessly and the characters well developed. I was vested in Brandon and Callie from start to finish. I think I enjoyed this even more than book one , which makes me even more excited for book 3. Highly recommend.

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What Loretta’s Katydid Did (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Rayne East

What Loretta's Katydid didWhat Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Picture story book
This book would make a great addition to any 4-8 year olds collection. It has some great illustrations (especially the cover) and has a scientific mystery that will get imaginations racing. This is part of the Loretta’s Insects series and is as much educational as it is fun. Recommend.

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Chicken Little Investigates (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Rayne East

Chicken Little InvestigatesChicken Little Investigates by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Classic
What a cute reimagining of a brilliant classic tale. This has the same characters as the original but with some clever twists. There’s humour, fun and some learning to be found amongst the pages. I can see this quickly becoming a favourite and would be a great addition to any home or school library.

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Falling for You (Buckeye Falls Book 2) by Libby Kay – Review by Rayne East

Falling for You (Buckeye Falls, #2)Falling for You by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Like coming home
I’m absolutely in love with Buckeye Falls and this series. This is the second book in the series and it exceeded my expectations. It has all the feels, romance and drama that makes these books so amazing. We met CeCe and Evan in book 1 and I knew that they had chemistry. It was so good to watch their banter and friendship turn into so much more. Reading this book is like visiting with your favourite aunt who loves to cook. Can not wait for book 3 with Nat and Anthony’s story. Highly recommend.

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Master Calabrea (Masters of the Consulate Book 6) by Sylvia Black – Review by Rayne East

Master Calabrea: Dark Vampire Romance (Masters of the Consulate Book 6)Master Calabrea: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dark and suspenseful paranormal romance
Book 6 in the Masters of the Consulate had all aspects that I have come to expect and love from this series. With a sexy, alpha vampire and a strong, sassy female lead, the stage is set for another brilliant instalment to the series. With mystery, suspense, action, romance, magic, witches, vampires and wolves there’s something for everyone. It is worth reading the previous books, as there is a continuing storyline and it’s great to get the background of all the reoccurring characters, though this can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. Each book is getting better and better (still loving Embry- lol). Bring on book 7! Highly recommend.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions (Notebook Mysteries Book 5) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Rayne East

Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions (Notebook Mysteries book #5)Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brilliant historical mystery series continues
I have loved every book in this series and book 5 is just as good. This instalment sees Emma and Jeremy back to their sleuthing ways. This story has action, mystery, suspense and lots of emotion. It was great being back amongst the Pinkertons and all the characters from past books. Jeremy and Emma’s relationship, though strong, is tested. Highly recommend this whole series.

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The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Rayne East

The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand)The Empty Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Imaginative children’s book
This cute children’s picture story book is the first in the Invisible Magic Wand series. We meet Caspian on his unbirthday as his grandpa gives him his ‘silly’ present. This year is different. What follows is a fun, magical adventure. The book has brilliant illustrations which capture key moments and is easy to read. This would be a great addition to any home library.

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Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Rayne East

Ale's Fair in Love and War (Love on Tap, #1)Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Enemies to lovers Rom Com
This was an hilarious read. I loved the dynamic between Hollis and Cash. The book launches straight into the story and the reader is immediately swept up into their battle. The banter, chemistry and steam is well written and it is told in dual POV which makes for a better connection with the characters. This is book #1 in Love on Tap series about the Brooks family but there is a novella with Denny and Rosie’s story which is worth checking out. Can’t wait for Carter’s book, Smooth Hoperator. Highly recommend.

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Shadow Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 1) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Rayne East

Shadow Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 1)Shadow Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A good start
The first book in the Protector Wolf Shifter Series and we meet wolf shifter Kodiak and human Tamaska. It is a fast paced, dual POV story with a mix of action, romance, sexy times, paranormal, mystery and drama. The wolf/vampire aspect is well done. It ends on a cliffhanger and the reader is literally left hanging with unanswered questions leading into book 2. Looking forward to seeing where this goes. Recommend.

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Cry Baby (Pierce Brothers Book 4) by Belinda Williams – Review by Rayne East

Cry Baby: A Grump Sunshine Slow Burn Romantic Comedy (Pierce Brothers Book 4)Cry Baby: A Grump Sunshine Slow Burn Romantic Comedy by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Emotional rom-com
I love this series. This is the fourth book in the Pierce Brother series and it had me all sorts of emotional. This is Noah’s story and how Amy came into his life. There’s a lot to pull at the heartstrings from loss and heart ache to becoming a parent and finding love. Highly recommend this whole series.

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Ocean’s Three (Made In Heaven #2) by Elena Kincaid – Review by Rayne East

Ocean's Three (Made In Heaven, #2)Ocean’s Three by Elena Kincaid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Emotional
This is the second book in the Made in Heaven series and I loved it as much as the first. Cameron, Reed and Jocelyn have so much to work through to get to their happy ever after. There’s mystery, paranormal, drama and, of course, romance. The chemistry is sizzling. I really enjoyed the down-to-earth feel from the characters. They weren’t flashy or fake. A great addition to the a wonderful series. Recommend.

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Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson – Review by Rayne East

Manipulator's War (Ruarnon Trilogy, #1)Manipulator’s War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A wonderful mix of fantasy
This is the first book in the Ruarnon Trilogy and is a well written YA fantasy that has portals, battles and plenty of adventure. The author delivers an overall strong first book with only a few parts that were not as smooth as the rest of the book. Having said that I love the strong Australian undertone and the storyline. There are multiple POVs but it’s Ruarnon who dominates the story. I am keen to see where the story goes from here in book 2.

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Echoing Hearts (The Echo Series Book 1) by C.R. Alam – Review by Rayne East

Echoing Hearts (Book 1 of The Echo Series)Echoing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enemies to lovers contemporary romance
This is the first book in The Echo Series and it was very well done. I quickly connected with Rae especially with her straightforward manner and the way she justifies everything. Dean was also an easy character to like, though he has some very sharp edges. Their path to happiness is especially rough but I really like how the author kept their romance mature and realistic. There’s a bit of everything thrown in from angst to a bit of steam. Looking forward to getting to know Brandon more in book 2. Recommend.

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Taming Brooklyn (The Club Kings Series Book 1) by Charlotte St. Pierre – Review by Rayne East

Taming Brooklyn (The Club Kings Series Book 1)Taming Brooklyn by Charlotte St. Pierre
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Suspense and romance
This is a good contemporary reverse harem (why choose) romance. I liked Brooklyn and all the guys. Each one had their own personality and it is told in multiple POV which also adds a deeper connection to the characters. There’s also an underlying stalker storyline. This is the first book in The Club Kings series and ends on a cliffhanger. Looking forward to reading book 2.

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A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small – Review by Rayne East

A Dress To Remember: A Fairy TaleA Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wonderful fantasy
This is a fantastic children’s fantasy book with great imagery and storyline. A spoilt Princess finds herself stuck out in the kingdom and needs to find her way back to the castle. There’s lessons learned and challenges faced, along with a magical dress, that keeps the reader engaged. The author cleverly weaves a story that crosses over from light to dark and back again. Thoroughly enjoyable – highly recommend.

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A Mountain in the Air: A Trilogy by Laura Koerber – Review by Rayne East

A Mountain in the Air: A TrilogyA Mountain in the Air: A Trilogy by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Engaging magical trilogy
This is the complete trilogy.
The first is a short novella “Coyote’s Road Trip” is a unique story with shapeshifters, drama and mystery based in a dystopian world. It takes the reader on a journey told by Coyote. The author has done a fantastic job of bringing the reader into Coyote’s mind and interweaving the world as interpreted by him. There are a lot of layers to the story that will appeal to many readers from climate change to grief and finding happiness in the smallest of things.
“Raven Woman’s Tavern” is a short dark tale which features many characters all trying to survive. I liked the character Raven, she is always observing everyone and everything and has a sense of justice.
“A Mountain in the Air” is the third instalment and brings everything together. I felt a lot of emotions reading this one as it draws closer parallels to our world and the struggles with climate change, habitat destruction, survival and animal migration.
A worthy read.

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The Exchange by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Rayne East

The Exchange: A NovelThe Exchange: A Novel by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thrilling and twisted
This was so unexpected and very unpredictable. The story builds over the time with many twists, suspense, mystery and drama. This leads to a very emotional and intense read. There were times where I felt the story didn’t flow as cleanly as it could but overall there was enough to keep me engaged right through to the unforeseen ending.

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The White Knight Cowboy (The Studs of Clear Creek County) by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Rayne East

The White Knight Cowboy Stacy-DeanneThe White Knight Cowboy Stacy-Deanne by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Historical Romance
This is an interracial western romance based in a time where it was against the social norm. This was a good story but a bit thin on the ground. Dusty and Jo make a great couple but have to overcome some obstacles to get there. There’s the age gap, some drama, a crime, debt and of course romance. A novella sized story but worth a read.

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The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Rayne East

The Man In BlackThe Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Deep and intense read
This book delves deep into a time where outlaws were common and loving another man was not. The author has intricately woven together a story that is engaging and heart racing. The adventure starts immediately and follows Fenimore as he navigates his position in the outlaw gang and the violence that follows. The mystery of the Man in Black will have you reading late into the night. Recommend.

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Three Made In Heaven (Made In Heaven #1) by Elena Kincaid – Review by Rayne East

Three Made in Heaven (Made in Heaven, #1)Three Made in Heaven by Elena Kincaid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Why choose” with a paranormal twist
This was an unexpected find. The first book in the Made in Heaven series and I really enjoyed it. Cole, Charlie and Maddie’s journey from friendship to more has an unusual twist and outside forces are not going to make it easy for them. Even though this was a quick read for me, the story has depth and has me intrigued for book 2.

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Grace Under Fire (The Anderson Sisters Book 2) by Jennifer Raines – Review by Rayne East

Grace Under Fire (The Anderson Sisters Book 2)Grace Under Fire by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Romantic and emotional
This is the second instalment in The Anderson Sisters series and just as good as the first. I really enjoyed Grace and Ryan’s story. This has a bit of everything for romance lovers – angst, drama, sabotage, loss and past history. All this is well written and drenched in emotion. Recommend.

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Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Rayne East

Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Heart stopping
This story was like an adrenaline rush. Starts of calm and builds and builds until your heart is pounding so hard. I felt so much for Jacklyn and the author writes this so well that I felt I was right there. Soon I was flying through the pages as the story took me away. The suspense, action and betrayal are interwoven so well. Looking forward to the next book. Highly recommend.

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My Inner Critic by Christine Bernard – Review by Rayne East

My Inner CriticMy Inner Critic by Christine Bernard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kindred spirit

What an awesome read. This had me devouring every word as I related very closely with Emily. The author really understood the daily struggle someone with anxiety faces and at several times I thought she was writing about me. Aging can make people realise things about themselves and others with so much more clarity. Such a beautiful ending, I even shed a tear. This book is not to be missed. Highly recommend!

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Titanian Warrior (Titanian Chronicles Book 3) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Rayne East

Titanian Warrior (Titanian Chronicles #3)Titanian Warrior by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mythology, paranormal and romance
I really enjoyed this book. This is book 3 of the series and I have not read any of the other books, though I now feel I need to go back and rectify that! I have read other books by this author and thoroughly loved them, so I knew this was going to be good. The mix of fantasy, romance, mythology and paranormal was brilliantly executed and the characters just drew me in and held me captive until the end. Highly Recommend!

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True Colors (Landry’s True Colors Series Book One) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Rayne East

True Colors : Landry's True Colors Series: Book OneTrue Colors : Landry’s True Colors Series: Book One by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Engaging teen read
This was an interesting YA read. The author covers many issues faced by a teen who is navigating tween-hood. I liked the voice of Landry, she was an easy character to relate to. There’s teenage angst, questions about what makes a good friend and family dynamics that all come into play. Recommend for tween and teens.

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Vaughn’s Xena (Dirty Rockhard Billionaire Book 1) by M.I. Rosegold – Review by Rayne East

Vaughn's Xena (Dirty Rockhard Series, #1)Vaughn’s Xena by M.I. Rosegold
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mixed feelings
The overall premise of this book kept me reading – there were just moments I felt were forced and the dialogue didn’t quite match my idea of the characters. I struggled to connect with Vaughn, which didn’t help. I liked Xena though. There’s steam and some drama and angst but it was the disjointed writing in places that distracted me when reading. Willing to give book 2 a go.

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