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Elemental Fire (The Hidden Realms Book 1) by EG Manetti – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Elemental Fire (The Hidden Realms #1)Elemental Fire by E.G. Manetti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this fantasy romance story. This is a new author for me which I enjoyed and look forward to seeing what is next for them. This is a well written story where the author used details to bring the story to life. The characters are connectable, strong and creative. They are characters that may not be all they are cracked up to be. Control can be something powerful but what will happen when you realize you may not have control at all. There are some twists and turns that had me sitting on the edge just waiting to see what would happen next. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down. An engaging story that I highly recommend. You don’t want to miss what happens with these characters.

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Review by @bjwagner

An Inheritance to Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For Book 4) by Judy Moore – Review by Bobbi Wagner

An Inheritance To Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For, #4)An Inheritance To Die For by Judy Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this mystery story. This is the fourth book in this series which I enjoyed by this author. I have enjoyed this author’s writing skills from the first book I picked up from her. This is a well written story about a farther’s murder or was it suicide? This is a story that also has a touch of romance added to it. You don’t want to miss what happens in this book between Beck and Devon. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down. I found the characters to be relatable and truly made the story for me. They have great growth throughout the story which makes it easy and entertaining to read. I really enjoyed what the characters added to the story. I highly recommend this book and this author.

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Review by @bjwagner

The Warrior (The Freemasons Book 3) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Lorrene Huisman

The Warrior (The Freemasons #3)The Warrior by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been a fan of this captivating series since the first book installment in the series. Each one, I swear just keeps getting better and better! I can never put these books down, and this one so far is my favorite!

Loved this one and all the suspense it held. Greatly liked Jude, and how much his sister meant to him. Sienna was awesome too! She saw something in Jude that he could not even see himself. I loved how much they grew to care for one another, as well as relied on each other. Not just for safety, but for comfort and trust. I was very mesmerized by their story. The moments they shared, stuck with me, and I could not let go. The series captivates me and every book amazes me more and more! Loved this book installment!

Amazing series by an author that knows how to write a perfect book, literally. I highly recommend this book, author and series! All are a must read for sure! The series and this book are impossible to put down!

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The Gauntlet (The Soppranaturale Series Book 1) by Ashley Pagano – Review by Carrie Reed

The Gauntlet: The Soppranaturale SeriesThe Gauntlet: The Soppranaturale Series by Ashley Pagano
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent! Such a different take on the paranormal world, and I am addicted! It is nice to see that different paranormal beings can live together in harmony, except when a specific nasty woman gets jealous and wants a fight. Ommily is so naive to the world she truly belongs to and it is good to see her finally surrounded by her own people. Her and Link have an instant connection due to them being the last two fae, and it seems they are destined to be together. Watching their journey to each other and Ommily coming into her own as a fae in her new world is a fun ride. Them fighting in the gauntlet, and using their powers together and seeing how they work together is a great scene. I can’t wait to see what comes next for this pair.

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Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1 Books 1-3 by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Lorrene Huisman

Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1 by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a collection of cozy mysteries that literally was to die for! I absolutely fell in love with every mystery that unfolded right before my eyes! Ruby was a wonderful heroine!

I loved how each one was surrounding a cozy mystery around a theater and production. Ruby was a great character to relate to, larger than life outlook, and she was real as one can get. I enjoyed her insight and her quest for the truth. I found these books lovely, full of a good time, and funny at moments as well. I loved how Ruby was perfectly imperfect, and was in fact, human. I read these books. and laughed, gasped, smiled, you name it! So much to enjoy! I could not have asked for a better time! Loved this box set!

Wonderful author that really captivated me in every single book in this collection. I highly recommend these books in the box set as well as author! Must read for sure! Join Ruby and solve the mysteries!

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Nightfall in Deptford (Crescent Moon Chronicles Book 4) by L.E. Towne – Review by Erin Vosters

Nightfall in Deptford (Crescent Moon Chronicles #4)Nightfall in Deptford by L.E. Towne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series is amazing! Very fast read and I love the story line, even though I read it out of order!

Everything you need in a story; conspiracy, judgement, love, action, time travel, and so much more!

You’ll meet Tam who isn’t your ordinary every day detective in Philly, instead she’s got a secret second life that she’s been dealing with since the age of 15. You’ll also meet all of her friends that help her through everything that she has to face. In this book, Tam gets sent back to 1593 and has to deal with life during that age. The smells, the work, the norm back then is way different than what she’s used to.

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

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

I thoroughly enjoyed this heartwarming, slow burn friends to lovers romance, and was fully engaged in the story throughout. The main characters, Wil and El are so likeable and relatable, and their chemistry really comes across in the narrative. El loves music but is escaping from her famous rockstar step-father’s shadow, and also the paparazzi. In order to sing her melodies, El wears a disguise and sings at a bar off campus and it’s here that she meets Wil. As the pair sing together on stage their connection is instant and it only grows stronger off stage too. However, El is not the only ones with secrets and Wil, who’s in the States on a scholarship also has a rather big secret of his own.
El and Wil just blend together, but they will either have it all or lose their hearts. The storyline flows well and the plot kept me happily turning the pages late into the night! El and Wil are so well defined that I felt like they were old friends and I loved how their relationship changed and grew over time. An enjoyable and engaging read, which I definitely recommend, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

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Moby Plays the Flute by Eeha Bhatt – Review by Moriah Venable

Moby Plays the FluteMoby Plays the Flute by Eeha Bhatt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Moby is a little girl who wants to excel in school but also has trouble in school. She sometimes gets made fun of and prefers to sit in the back of class to not draw attention to herself.

A day before her birthday, Moby’s Dad has to leave again because he is a Marine. She can’t open the gift until the next day. When she does open up, she sees a flute and she loves it.

Unfortunately, no matter how many times Moby blows into the flute, it does not make any sound. So she gives up.

A year later, on her next birthday, Moby is excited to receive a gift from her day. The special day passes and no presents from her dad arrives. This causes her to look for the flute.

Still doesn’t make a sound. She looks into the flute and notices a note from her dad in it. She tried again and this time, she can make sound with the flute.

Because of her attempting to try again, she was able to play the flute. She applies this to school work.

This was such a cute story. I loved learning about Moby and the important lesson here about putting in hard work and effort. It really is an important lesson for kids

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Curse of the Elf Lord (Kingdom of the Elf Lords Book 2) by Heidi Vanlandingham – Review by Moriah Venable

Curse of the Elf Lord (Kingdom of the Elf Lords Book 2)Curse of the Elf Lord by Heidi Vanlandingham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Émilien Elasalor concentrates on his brother and sister in law’s disappearance, knowing that he probably won’t be able to lift the curse so he can be with his wife, Hel.

This is a story about an Elf who has been cursed to have the body of werewolf? Sign me up cause I would have never thought of that.

The two finds themselves at odds when they have to work together.

I really enjoyed this novel, it was really captivating even though I didn’t read the first novel, I wasn’t confused at all. The writing style I really liked to. It didn’t take me long to be engrossed in the story.

I didn’t see anything online about a third novel but I would love to read about Émilien and this world.

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Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Angelina Frazzini

Breathe UnderwaterBreathe Underwater by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is all about second chances. It was a good read!!

Damian is an undercover FBI agent in the mafia. Damian no longer exists, on paper anyways. That’s never really bothered him even though he loses a little of his soul every time he has to do any job he has no choice but to do. Damian ends up in Texas for another job and runs into the last person he expected to see after so long. Evelyn pushed passed all the hurt and betrayal to move on with her life. Damian left her and that was all there was to it. These two have had their own struggles. Will they be able to reconnect and move past the hurt? Or is there too much history and now too much danger for these two to make it work?

There is a lot of chemistry between these two and you can’t help but root for them. There were so many emotions evoked with this book. I couldn’t put it down!

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The Veil by Wanda Luthman – Review by Terri Jo McAllister

The VeilThe Veil by Wanda Luthman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is a big day for Samuel and his family. Today is his thirteenth birthday, and the day he becomes a man. He has been studying and preparing for this day and he is confident all will go well. This is a coming of age story, and the incredible retelling of the veil that was torn at the moment Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross. This is a very short and sweet retelling that I think would be great in a children’s sermon.

Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister

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Elemental Fire (The Hidden Realms Book 1) by EG Manetti – Review by Shelly Kittell

Elemental Fire (The Hidden Realms #1)Elemental Fire by E.G. Manetti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With a name like Sin, I went into this thinking it had to have some steam. I have to say that I LOVED this story. Some fantasy, romance, drama, mystery, suspense, etc. make for an intriguing tale that you just cannot miss. I had to finish this in 2 sittings (I had to feed my child). I found myself wanting to know what was going to happen next. Sin gets herself in some deep things. Being able to see past the glamour is pretty important in this world (or Terra) as its called. Finding out about the Hidden and having to work with one was a surprise and then things got hot from there. What a fantastic book! Another new author and I hope to read more from this author.

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Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1 Books 1-3 by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Shelly Kittell

Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1 by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Sound of Murder
The West Side Murder
Little Shop of Murder

Oh my goodness, Ruby finds herself in mixed in up in trouble again. The author does a fantastic job with this boxed trio of cozy murders set amongst a musical theater troupe. Ruby and her buddy, Nova, find themselves solving murders around famous musical plays. The stories are quite entertaining. They will have you rolling in laughter. You will probably even find yourself humming Ruby’s “clue songs” to the tune of songs from the play. I do love the stories because they are clean and wholesome. This is always a nice change for me. It is sooo very refreshing. The tone is light; yet, the mystery is always serious. The characters, both supporting and main, are well-developed and relatable. West Side Murder was my favorite as the main story involves a senior living community at odds. It was just like the plot of West Side Story. These were seniors with attitude. Loved everything about it. On top of it, she had to deal with a new boyfriend and whether or not she wanted a long distance relationship and a colleague out to get her (still waiting to see how that one will end up). This is quite the entertaining, exciting, and humorous set. I do believe that you must read this set. You’ll have a great time reading it and trying to figure out who did it. It’s not that easy to figure out. The author did a bang-up job hiding the killer. Jump in and solve the mysteries.

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Borrowed Time by Lane Cohen – Review by Jenni Bishop

Borrowed TimeBorrowed Time by Lane Cohen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Borrowed Time is a sci fi tale that takes you on a journey through time. I usually don’t look at covers, blurbs etc but this cover caught my eye and had my imagination going. Lane incorporates the time machine from the classic 1960’s movie The Time Machine bringing about his original take on time travel and new adventures. You can tell where his passion lies.

In this book we see present day characters duelling it out with outlaws in an old western saloon. I immediately pictured cowboy hats, swaggering with the spurs on their boots, guns blazing, a table or two being tipped over with cards and tokens and chips falling to the floor.

The story is intriguing and interesting and will keep you interested till the end.

Everyone is at odds on where the team should travel and what to do. Who will be the one to get what they want? How will what they do affect the here and now?

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Grave Digger Academy II (Grave Digger Academy Book 2) by C.A. King – Review by Mandy Kneale

Grave Digger Academy IIGrave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Once again the Gave Digger Academy is full of adventure and shenanigans.

It’s Makayla’s second year attending the Grave Diggers Academy and they need participants for the inter-academy games. Win or lose, they are in for more than expected!

I thoroughly enjoyed being back in this world! The magic just keeps getting better and the school setting is fun and full of excitement. We see more of Makayla’s family and I’m falling for the different characters all over again!

Definitely recommend!
Now for book number 3.

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Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Jenni Bishop

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

I was so excited to see that Via has another series just waiting for me to devour. I have high expectations and Via ticks each and every box.

Boss’s Vendetta is another fantastic read from this very talented author and a great start to another of her fabulous series. With so many families already having their stories told this one is more of the Larussio Mafia family.

The story is delightfully gritty and dark with hot and sexy alpha men. This enemy to lovers is sizzling to the point of needing a shower. The magic has been woven in this story where there is loyalty and passion, drama and secrets, fear and pain, love and lies. The suspense and intrigue are palpable. There is conflict with some of the most powerful and dangerous men in the world.

He has lost all decency and is looking for revenge but there is one thing that could bring him to his knees. Will it be his salvation or ruin?

Can’t wait for book 2.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Borrowed Time by Lane Cohen – Review by Kerry Carr

Borrowed TimeBorrowed Time by Lane Cohen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting read. The author is new to me so I wasn’t sure what to expect but was very pleasantly surprised. I loved the whole concept of time travel and the authors attention to history detail really made this story come alive for me.

I also like how the author shows the story from two different peoples perspectives. We have the teacher who wants to travel back in time to stop a love affair he had from ending in heartbreak. That is his main reason for creating the time machine and that’s all he cares about.
The student on the other hand has a more worth cause. He wants to travel back in time to stop the killing of the Indigenous people. But what effects will their time travel have on the current time?
This book is a interesting read, full of adventure and historical knowledge. It is also a good example of how different people would treat a time machine in different ways, some for their own ends and others to help people in need.

I really enjoyed this book and getting caught up in their journeys.

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Borrowed Time by Lane Cohen – Review by Amy Dean

The Girl Who EscapedThe Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was one that was so hard to put down. The chapters were well written and flowed. Every time I got to the end of one of the chapters, I had to remind myself I had things I needed to do and had to stop reading. The writer wasted no time to get into the juicy crime that followed the whole book. It had me rooting for the heroine right off the bat and continued as she became stronger and more confident in herself until the very last page.

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lottie is living what could be deemed a double life. By day she is a law clerk working for Judge John Goff; by night she seeks the company of a certain female companion which is unheard of during the time period the book is written. When a case involving an officer comes across Judge Goff’s desk, Lottie is thrown into the middle of the case and her career is threatened. Someone who knows what happens with her outside of work is blackmailing her and she intends to find out who. Will she be able to keep her night life private by finding her tormentor? Or will she be outed and possibly ostracized?

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Julie Johnson

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lottie, who is kin to Emma in the Notebook series of books by this same author, is serving as a clerk of the court. There is a high profile case that has come to the judge she is working for and the judge is pushing to get this case through quickly. So many things aren’t adding up to Lottie, and then some pictures arrive at her home. Lottie isn’t ashamed of her bohemian, free-spirited, bisexual lifestyle but these pictures come with a threat. Can she keep her private and personal live separated until this trial is over or is she going to have to disclose some very intimate and private details?

This book is based on actual historical events that have taken place. That’s one thing I really appreciate about this author! This book is definitely more geared for adults as there are some highly sensitive issues covered in it. I love the suspense of the story and how Emma and other characters from the Notebook series make small cameo visits!

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Angela Hayes

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins (aka-Kimberly Mullins) is a more ‘grown-up’ story from this talented author. It is a bit of a spin-off from her YA series, Notebook Mysteries- as Lottie (our MC here) is the niece of Emma (our MC from Notebook Mysteries). I loved this connection, as it added more interesting layers to the whole story. And I loved the more ‘grown-up’ elements, topics, and storyline.
This is an intriguing historical mystery with plenty of dramatic developments, blackmail, conspiracy, secrets, suspense, crime & investigation, political ideals of the times, steam, romance, exploring sexuality, a progressive MC, wonderful world-building, and is all based on a true-life trial. The blending of fact and fiction was so cleverly achieved by Ms. Mullins, woven into a truly believable and engrossing story. I love Emma from Notebook Mysteries, but Lottie has given her some serious competition.
I can’t wait to see what Ms. Mullins does next.
Happy Reading!

Thank you, K.R. Mullins!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Chevalier (War Horses Book 1) by Scott Warren – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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

This is an interesting sci-fi story with a Pacific Rim feel to it. I like that the author included a glossary of terms for the reader and it was helpful to reference throughout the story. Chevalier is an action-packed story that will keep you turning the page. This Mecha sci-fi has war, combat, high-stakes, tension, danger, and great world building. Over coming the odds against them makes for an engrossing story!

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Into the Light (Moon Harbor Series Book 3) by Kate McWilliams – Review by Amber Howard

Into the LightInto the Light by Kate McWilliams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First and foremost I loved the trigger warnings in the front of the book. The thought that and care to how the story may affect the readers is always welcome. This is the first book by this author that I’ve read. (Now I have to go back and read the others).Although this is a romance novel it does touch upon a lot of dark areas. It’s a bit of crime thriller. Each character was developed nicely and relatable. Definitely kept my interest enough to finish in one sitting. There is a lot of trauma in the story but also a lot of love, friendship and healing.

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The Second View (The View from Here Trilogy Book 2) by Leon Stevens – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Second View (Book 2 of The View trilogy)The Second View by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Second View is book two of The View trilogy which is a sci fi adventure story. I really liked the first book in the trilogy and this one just as much. I love the unexpected and this is what we as readers and the characters come across.

April and Thomas continue in another adventure where everything is unknown. Another place or another time? This imaginative story will entertain whilst keeping you guessing and on your toes. I was once again drawn to Leon’s quirky and vivid imagination. He definitely has a way with words.

I can’t wait to see where Leon takes us for the next adventure.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Hate You Later (Lit Lovers Series Book 1) by Ciara Blume – Review by Jenni Bishop

Hate You Later (Lit Lovers, #1)Hate You Later by Ciara Blume
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ciara Blume’s Hate You Later is an original and light hearted Rom Com that will have you laughing out loud at times. It is an enemy to lover’s tale where you can’t help but fall in love with the characters.

This is my first read of this author’s work and I will certainly be reading more of her work. Her narrative flows easily and is a refreshing read.

The banter and antics of both animals and humans in the story make this feel-good tale a wonderful afternoon delight to escape the stress of the day.

I loved the snark, the claws, the chemistry and the fun and I know you will not be disappointed either. Make sure to add to your TBR list.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Curse of the Elf Lord (Kingdom of the Elf Lords Book 2) by Heidi Vanlandingham – Review by Jenni Bishop

Curse of the Elf Lord (Kingdom of the Elf Lords Book 2)Curse of the Elf Lord by Heidi Vanlandingham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Curse of the Elf Lord is the second book in the Kingdom of Elf Lords series. It is a wonderful romantic fantasy with lots of suspense. Heidi has incorporated and Norse mythology into this series and it enriches the intrigue. There is plenty of action and danger, magic and adventure, emotions and drama.

With elves, shifters and characters of all types, this tale will keep the pages turning just waiting to find out what is going on. Add in many twists and turns and you have a thrilling and suspenseful tale.

As I said about the first book and it also applies to this book the beautiful descriptive narrative, intricately woven threads, and great world-building leads to a tapestry of enjoyment.

I eagerly await the next book.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Jenni Bishop

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you liked KR’s Notebook Mysteries then you will like Divided Lives which is more adult themed aimed at a slightly older audience. Set in 1912 this historical tale takes us to a time so different than it is today. Where social norms are different and sexuality was a taboo topic and being Bisexual was even more frowned upon and it is because of this we see Lottie caught up in a web of deceit, lies and blackmail. This cozy mystery unfolds with a series of flashbacks and some steamy scenes.

Lottie soon finds herself looking to find the one person who thinks it is ok to expose her private life but she finds so much more.

I look forward to what comes next.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Kylean Sprosty

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K R Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lottie gets caught up in blackmail that threatens to reveal her secret life. If it comes out she could lose her job as a lawyer, and she knows it’s somehow tied to an upcoming trial she is working on. But how does Rose fit in to all of this? A great spin-off from the Notebook Mystery series with Emma, Lottie follows in her aunt’s footsteps. Not letting society dictate what or who she should be, Lottie follows her own path. But will that lead to her eventual undoing?

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Ice Dance by Vik Azeem – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Ice DanceIce Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was definitely not sure what to expect when I decided to read this book, but I am very happy I did! I thought the author did a great job of keeping the book grounded in reality, while also adding in fantasy piece in a way that felt realistic. I absolutely adored the relationship between Hassan and his niece Kassia, they had a cute relationship and their interactions were always fun, even when there was danger present. I thought that the relationships between all of the characters were well written and getting to see the character development in Hassan and Yasmine was awesome to see. The title of the book did confuse me initially, but after reading the story and getting to see the significance between Hassan and Yasmine, I thought it was a very sweet title. I definitely couldn’t put the book down and if you like fantasy, action, and a lot if humor, this is a great book!

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Into the Light (Moon Harbor Series Book 3) by Kate McWilliams – Review by Robin Rankin

Into the LightInto the Light by Kate McWilliams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Into the Light (Moon Harbor Series Book 3)

I love finding new to me authors and when I enjoy their books as much as I enjoyed this one it’s a double bonus.

I quickly connected with the story even though it’s the third book in a series. The relationship between the characters is explained easily and I was to jump on in without feeling like I was missing super important information. But I do hope I have time here soon to go back and read the rest of her catalog.

Rafael broke my heart plain and simple. He felt responsible for so much bad that has happened and because of that he wouldn’t allow himself any happiness.

Ellie is a wonderful woman and a talented jewelry artist who is finally starting to find a little bit of success even if it’s on the local level. Her feelings have been there a long time without acting which I have no idea how she held out so long.

Definitely worth the wait.

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