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Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater – Review by Rebecca Hill

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IllegalIllegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thought this book was a unique story. Selena Hernandez found out her mother has been lying to her for her whole life. When her mother is arrested and taken to jail, Selena finds out that she is actually from Mexicao and not a legal citizen. Selena is led to believe that deporting herself to Mexico is her only option. She thinks it will be a rapid turn around to going back to her life in Arizona. She doesn’t count on discovering that her birth father is an important man in the drug cartel. Wyatt Demko didn’t plan on getting involved in everything going on with Selena, but he knew that he needed to warn her. Together they end up on quite the adventure, not knowing who they can trust. I was so sad for Wyatt as details of his abusive past came to light. I could see myself in Selena’s inner dialogue, especially when she would give herself a pep talk. This was an enjoyable read and had some small twists that I enjoyed!

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The Wolf’s Shadow (The Lycanthropy Files Book 1) by Cecilia Dominic – Review by Rebecca Hill

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The Wolf's Shadow (The Lycanthropy Files #1)The Wolf’s Shadow by Cecilia Dominic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found this book fascinating. I loved the idea of approaching werewolves from a scientific standpoint. Dr Joanie Fisher is a research scientist who is studying CLS – Chronic Lycanthropy Syndrome. When she seems to have lost everything, from her job to her boyfriend, she discovers her grandfather has passed and left his estate to her. What she doesn’t know is that Wolfsburg Manor is a hot spot for people with CLS and that werewolves are real. She begins to find out more about the werewolves and how her research could possibly help them. The writing kept me interested as well as the mysteries in the story. It was an enjoyable read, and I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.

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Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Rebecca Hill

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Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 6)Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is the sixth in a series and can easily be read as a stand alone book. Each book follows one of the 5 Italian American mafia families from Chicago. This book is about Trey La Rosa and Hailey Carmichael. Hailey’s stepfather, Allen Mitchel, is corrupt and is Trey’s boss at the hospital. When Hailey is abducted, Allen asks Trey to use his mafia affiliations to find and rescue Hailey. What Allen doesn’t count on is Trey rescuing Hailey, falling in love with her, and discovering just how corrupt Allen is. Hailey knows that Trey is dangerous and from the mafia. Knowing that he is in the mafia is one thing, but trusting him is another. Will they be able to overcome the hurdles to be together? FInd out in this awesome book!

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The Last Cabin Girl (Detective Josie Thompson Series) by Tom Swyers – Review by Rebecca Hill

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The Last Cabin GirlThe Last Cabin Girl by Tom Swyers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a ride this book took me on! I found myself experiencing an array of emotions. I was irritated with the main character, Josie. I couldn’t stand her ex husband, Eddie. I was suspicious of the new man Josie was dating, Travis. This book tells us the story of Josie at the start of the pandemic then through it. She is dealing with a crazy ex while trying to raise 2 kids. Then in the midst of all that, she finds out a secret her parents have kept from her. I have a little bit of pandemic fatigue, so I struggled with that part of the book. But let me tell you – I didn’t have anything figured out. I thought I knew who the bad guy was. I had no idea the scope of the end of the story. It is well worth the time to read!

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The True Purpose of Vines (The Winemakers Book 1) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Rebecca Hill

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The True Purpose of VinesThe True Purpose of Vines by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was the first book I have ever read by this author, and I really enjoyed her writing! This book is the first in a series, but it works well as a stand alone book. The story follows Julia Costa in Portugal in 1870. This is a time when women are not highly respected as business owners. Julia is left little choice after her husband’s death and debt left to her. Julia is a powerful woman and force to be reckoned with even while she grapples with her own feelings. Well worth your time to read.

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The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas – Review by Rebecca Hill

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The Scent of GardeniasThe Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the first book I have ever read by this author, and now I am a huge fan! This book was descriptive in its characters and well written all around. This book begins in 1941 in Milton, Florida following Margaret Rose. Margaret is a strong woman who only knows she must keep going and persevere through whatever life throws at her. She pushes through countless struggles, marriages that have ended (in a time where that was almost unheard of), through raising her daughters alone, and even losing one of them. The author’s note after the story is an absolute must! It is there we learn about the basis of truth for this story. A portion of the author’s note talks about gardenias needing acid to bloom. She then goes on to say that Margaret endured constant struggles during the first part of her life, but they only ended up causing her to bloom later. I cannot think of a more apt description for this book.

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Ruthless Heir (Mafia Elite Book 5) by Amy McKinley – Review by Rebecca Hill

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Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite, #5)Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is the fifth in a series and can easily be read as a stand alone book. Each book follows a leader of one of the 5 Italian American mafia families. This book is about Luc Savino and Summer Johansson. Luc is the heir to the Brambilla family. The only problem is that he doesn’t know it yet. Summer finds herself in the middle of the Chicago mafia as they bring Luc into the fold. She has her own skeletons in her closet and is hoping they don’t find out. Luc must make some choices in his life. Will he protect Summer and keep her safe? Will Summer be able to let her guard down to let Luc and the rest of the families in? Will they be able to make their love work? Find out in this fantastic book!

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Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Rebecca Hill

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Lost Soul (War of Destiny # 1)Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a great story! It is kind of like the movie, Interview With Vampire, taking place in 1492, and is a good combination of historical romance and vampires. I warn you, though, that there is quite graphic abuse and could be a trigger for some. The main character is Juliana Kendrick or Julia. Her father marries her off at the age of 15 to a nasty man, Gregory Smith. Gregory treats her quite horrifically, brutally beating her, and even murdering her baby. Samuel steps in to save her when it looks like all hope is lost. He tells her that he and others are actually vampires and gives her the option to join them. She accepts which allows her to heal from her physical injuries, but it can’t fix her psychological and emotional injuries. There is a love story mixed in with what is largely a story about domestic violence recovery. I enjoyed this so much and am really looking forward to the next book in the series!

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Faithful in Love (Cliff Walk Cousins Book 1) by Cecily K. Wolfe – Review by Rebecca Hill

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Faithful in Love (Cliff Walk Cousins, #1)Faithful in Love by Cecily K. Wolfe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a lovely clean historical fiction! This book takes place in 1914 in Newport, Rhode Island. The main character is Faith Davenport. Faith is pure, sweet, and a little naive. At times, she is so naive and innocent that it was a little annoying and almost unbelievable, but regardless, she is a likable character. She has a strong faith in God, but that faith is tested. Faith is very close to her adopted cousin, Thomas. That relationship is tested when they meet and work with Nico d’Amici. Nico comes to Newport to work with Faith’s uncle where Nico and Faith fall in love. When Nico is in trouble, Faith and her close family come to help him. It was a great story that kept me interested and is worth the time to read!

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Kiss of the Swan by Natalina Reis – Review by Rebecca Hill

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Kiss of the SwanKiss of the Swan by Natalina Reis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love retold fairy tales, and this one did not let me down. I love the way the story was artfully told and how it drew me right in with the evil king. I loved Swan Island and was cheering for Cathal and Eala to find their happily ever after. The twists and turns were exciting, and I couldn’t wait to see how it all resolved. Definitely a fun read that appeals to my inner kid that loves fairy tales and happily ever afters.

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Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Rebecca Hill

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Depending On YouDepending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ok, hear me out, or rather, give this book a chance. I thought this book started a little slow, or maybe I just had trouble getting into the story. But I know that I love this author, so I stuck with it. It was so good! Once again, I thought I knew the twists that were coming in the story of Patti and Cate. And once again, I didn’t see something coming!! Patti and Cate are best friends from childhood. They reminded me of Tully and Kate from the book, Firefly Lane. Patti and Cate both suffered for 20 years from a tragic incident. It was a sad story with a beautiful ending. Small warning about child abuse in the story. What a read!

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The Billionaire’s Slave by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Rebecca Hill

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The Billionaire's Slave by Stacy-DeanneThe Billionaire’s Slave by Stacy-Deanne by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This story takes place in Collingsworth, South Carolina in 1864, a time in which slavery is legal and very much the norm. Rose’s family has owned Penny since Rose was a little girl. Rose and Penny even grew up together. Penny was never treated like a slave until the family is desperate for money, and Penny must be sold to settle the debt owed. She is bought by Leon Falcon who finds Penny irresistible. He is determined to show Penny love and one day even marry her. Their love for each other is sweet in the face of racism and hatred. However, be warned that this book was quite graphic in the sex scenes.

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A Bride for Noah (Brides of Broken Arrow) by Cheryl Wright – Review by Rebecca Hill

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A Bride for Noah (Brides of Broken Arrow #1)A Bride for Noah by Cheryl Wright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book so much! This story takes place in Halliwell, Montana in 1880. Noah Adams’ father has died, and his will dictates that Noah must marry. If Noah doesn’t marry, he will lose his home and his land. In Angel’s Pass, life is just as desperate for Mary Stanton. She is slowly starving to death while caring for her father. Her prospects are bleak until her friend tells her of Noah’s need for a wife. She is just desperate enough to agree to marry him sight unseen. Noah assures her that the marriage will be in name only, and she can leave after a year. Will Noah and Mary learn to live with each other and maybe even love each other? Find out in this sweet and charming love story. It is a quick little read that is certain to make you smile!

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Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, book 4) by Amy McKinley – Review by Rebecca Hill

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Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, #4)Savage Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is the fourth in a series and can easily be read as a stand alone book. Each book follows a leader of one of the 5 Italian American mafia families. This book is about Marco La Rosa and Elena Caruso. The Bratva killed Elena’s mother and have been after Elena all of her life. A few years ago, she made a desperate move to appear dead, run for her life, leave all her family and friends, and be off their radar for good. But now, that has no longer worked as they have found her and come to kill her. Marco steps in to save her; but can he be trusted? Elena is forced to trust him as they work together to find out why the Bratva want her dead. The story moves quickly and is read just as quickly. I loved the twist towards the end of the story and had not figured out all of the answers. Small warning, there is a semi graphic sex that can be easily skipped over if that’s not your thing. Fantastic book in an enjoyable series with a talented author!

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Nite Fire: Smoke & Mirrors by C. L. Schneider – Review by Rebecca Hill

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Smoke & Mirrors (Nite Fire #3)Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is the third in a series and can be read as a stand alone. However, the characters really build as the series goes on, and it helps to read the other books to relate and care about the main character, Dahlia Nite. Dahlia is a strong female character who is so conflicted. She is trying hard to hide this other world from humans while maintaining a foot in both worlds. She wants to save the city from monsters, but all of the hiding and being in both worlds wears on Dahlia. A great story with the solid and relatable Dahlia!

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Exiled South by Harriet Cannon – Review by Rebecca Hill

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Exiled SouthExiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What would you do if you discovered the worst about your husband? What if you found out he had a double life that you knew nothing about? Even worse, what if you didn’t find all this out until his death? LizBeth Gordon is living an idyllic life with her loving husband, good job, and two grown sons. Her world is rocked when her husband unexpectedly dies and leaves her life in shambles. She is left wondering who she is. She sells their home and goes back to South Carolina to rediscover who she is and where she came from. That road leads her to Brazil and more discoveries about her ancestors. Ultimately, this story is about LizBeth learning about the past on the road to finding out who she really is.

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Shake Loose the Border (Thunder on the Moor Book 3) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Rebecca Hill

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Shake Loose the Border (Thunder On The Moor Book 3)Shake Loose the Border by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in a series. The books definitely build on each other, so it is best to read them in order. Also, there are a lot of characters, so it is easy to get lost if you haven’t gotten to know them all along. The series is a time travel romance. Maggie’s father, Robbie, has been killed. Her wedding to Will is coming up if they can fight through her relatives and someone killing Johnnie Hetherington. It was a wonderful story and hard to put down. Cannot wait to read the next (and last, I think) in the series!

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Face the Fire (Moore Family Saga Book 5) by Michele Sims – Review by Rebecca Hill

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Face the FireFace the Fire by Michele Sims
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is part of a series; however, I did not read the series and did not have any trouble following the story. Miles “Ari” Moore is the main character in the story along with his wife Bella. Together, they own the production company, AriMusic. Miles is also a well known singer with a genetic condition to produce fireballs. One of his proteges is Pharaoh. Miles has taken him under his wing and on as a musician on his label. This book is about the tragic story of Pharaoh. It was heart wrenching to watch him spiral out of control and eventually lose his life. The love that Miles and Bella share is the standout ingredient in this story and how they deal with Pharaoh together.

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The Traveler (The Traveler, Book 1) by Deborah Dugan – Review by Rebecca Hill

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The TravelerThe Traveler by Deborah Dugan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fantastic sci-fi novel! It grabs your attention from the very beginning, and I could hardly put it down. I loved following Tristan’s journey as he learns of the aliens around him. It was strange but also appealing. I would definitely not call this a fluffy read, because it does make you think. I can’t wait to read more from her. If you like sci-fi or fantasy, then this is the book for you!

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No Names to Be Given by Julia Brewer Daily – Review by Rebecca Hill

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No Names to Be GivenNo Names to Be Given by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book centers around three women: Sandy, Faith, and Becca. All three women find themselves unwed and pregnant in the 60s. This was not socially acceptable during the 60s. They are whisked away to a home for unwed mothers to live during their pregnancy and birth. Once they have left the home, they find themselves unprepared for the feelings of leaving behind their babies. Sandra goes on to do well for herself, but she thinks often of the daughter she never knew. Becca lived a sheltered life but goes on to live amongst the elite and wondering what happened to her child. Faith grew up in a religious family and is left with her faith shaken after leaving her baby. She goes on to become a famous singer but is always missing a piece of her heart. Will they ever get to meet their babies? I loved reading their heart wrenching stories and being surprised with the twists and turns!

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Holiday Hope (Holiday Express Book 1) by Shanna Hatfield – Review by Rebecca Hill

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Holiday Hope (Holiday Express Book 1)Holiday Hope by Shanna Hatfield
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a lovely, sweet book! This is a historical fiction set in 1884. Cora Lee Schuster has lost her parents and is left alone with no money or real way to care for herself. She decides to become a mail order bride. She travels to Holiday, Oregon to marry Jude Coleman. Upon her arrival, his father, Grant, picks her up and takes her to their ranch. Jude is nowhere to be found, and Cora Lee has a sneaky suspicion that things aren’t as they seem. She spends a lot of time with Jude’s twin brother, Jace, and finds herself falling in love with him. Will Cora Lee and Jace untangle the mess around his brother and find a way to be able to marry? Find out in this book! It is charming and well worth the time!

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Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite Book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Rebecca Hill

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Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite, #3)Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have enjoyed this series so much. This book is about another Mafia boss, Stefano. His own father is sadistic and abusive. Some of the incidents of abuse are hideous and hard to read. Even growing up so mistreated, Stefano is still capable of love and treating people well. Emiliana has always loved him, but Stefano has refused to acknowledge his feelings for her in order to protect her from his father. Emiliana is amazing all on her own. She has refused to let anxiety and ptsd over being kidnapped keep her from living her life and loving Stefano. I loved both of their stories and really enjoyed this book!

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price by C. L. Schneider – Review by Rebecca Hill

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Magic-Price (The Crown of Stones, #1)Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed how the story drew me in from the beginning. It was a wonderful tale about good versus evil. But are things really so black and white? As we delve into the story and into Ian Troy’s life l, we discover there is much more gray than we could imagine and that things aren’t always cut and dry. I recommend this book that will make you think. I also recommend 18 plus due to sexual stuff and violence.

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Whatever Tomorrow Brings (Embrace Tomorrow Duet Book 2) by Amy Argent – Review by Rebecca Hill

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Whatever Tomorrow Brings (Embrace Tomorrow #2)Whatever Tomorrow Brings by Amy Argent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fantastic sequel! The first book left me wondering what would happen with Tori and Will. This book takes right back up where the first book left off and more than answers all of the questions I had. It was heart wrenching to follow their story and to read whether or not Will would beat cancer. I grieved for both of them as they loved each other so deeply, not knowing whether tomorrow would be their last. I highly recommend this series!

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Caught in Midnight Shadows (The Caught Series Book 4) by Sharleen Scott – Review by Rebecca Hill

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Caught in Midnight Shadows (Caught series, #4)Caught in Midnight Shadows by Sharleen Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book so much. The characters were well written and had a lot of depth. Brant Bellamy is a ranch owner whose mother just died. He is struggling to find out who is behind his mom’s death and to make sense of her last words. She told Brant to find him and make it right. Brant doesn’t know who he is and what Brant needs to make right. Brant goes to Oregon in search of the mystery man. While there, he meets Aubrey. She is one of the most fascinating women he has ever met. They both know that Brant’s time there is short and that a relationship can go nowhere. They also have a mystery man that is harassing and threatening them. Can they put a stop to the mystery man? Can they find the man Brant’s mom wanted him to find? Will they find a way to love each other? Find out in this fantastic, hard to put down story!

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Born to Fall (Can’t Resist You – Book 2) by Brittany Anne – Review by Rebecca Hill

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Born to Fall (Can't Resist You, #2)Born to Fall by Brittany Anne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in a series, a post apocalyptic series following the leaders of the Resistance. Here, we are following the story of Derek. Derek was determined to never fall in love, but he found something irresistible in the woman he rescued. Julia was kidnapped and held hostage and has had many scars, both mental and physical. I enjoyed watching Julia overcome her past and learn to trust again. She tries very hard to grow and trust Derek. Derek has to try hard to be patient with her and not scare Julia away. This was a sweet love story amidst fighting to free people, mystery in the community around them, and dealing with a fallen world.

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Twilight’s Curse (Twilight Realm Series Book 1) by K. M. Wray – Review by Rebecca Hill

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Twilight's CurseTwilight’s Curse by K.M. Wray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Twilight’s Curse is the first book in the Twilight Realm Series. The series is about elves in one of the five realms: Day, Night, Dawn, Light, and Twilight. This book focuses on the royals in the Twilight realm. The book starts out with Prince Phoenix being woken up and whisked away from the danger that has invaded the Royal Tree. He watches as his parents are murdered, and he is helpless to defend them. The rest of the story follows him as he grows up safely tucked away and going by the name of Nix. As a reader, we grow to love Nix and the man he is becoming. We share in his bewilderment of Zoe, but we grow to love her as he does. Together, they must work to defeat the evil in their realm and reclaim what has been stolen from them. I loved this book so much, and I loved watching the characters grow. I cannot wait for further books in the series!

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Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, book 2) by Amy McKinley – Review by Rebecca Hill

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Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, #2)Blood Oath by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Blood Oath is the second book in the Mafia Elite series by Amy McKinley. This book follows another Mafia princess, Sofia, as well as the Vitale underboss, Enzo. Enzo and Sofia have always had a connection to each other. When a marriage contract between Enzo and Elena is signed, Sofia is sure her heart will never be the same. But can Enzo and Sofia really deny their connection? Ruthless killer, Ivan, has set his eyes on Sofia for no apparent reason. The families race to stop him and save Sofia. Will Enzo save Sofia in time and find a way to be with her? Find out in Blood Oath!

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Come Back Tomorrow (Embrace Tomorrow Duet Book 1) by Amy Argent – Review by Rebecca Hill

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Come Back Tomorrow (Embrace Tomorrow, #1)Come Back Tomorrow by Amy Argent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Come Back Tomorrow is the first book in the Embrace Tomorrow duet. You will definitely want to read both of these books! We meet Tori Somerset, a psychologist who wants to help people who are dying alone. Tori meets William Everson, a young man who is dying from cancer, but Tori hadn’t planned on falling in love with Will. Can Will find the strength within himself to fight to live? Can Tori help him overcome and give him the will to live? Find out in Come Back Tomorrow!

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Rebecca Hill

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gledé Browne Kabongo is a talented author. At first, though, I didn’t like this story. I was confused and struggled to keep up. I kept going, because I know how much I’ve loved her stories. I was so glad I did! Shelby Cooper is being harassed by a stalker and then is wrongly arrested for murder. Shelby does not want her hidden past to come out and is terrified that her stalker will hurt her family. There were several twists in the story that I did not see coming. It was a fantastic story. Once it got going, I couldn’t put it down!

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