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Depending on you by Jessica Aiken-Hall- Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

Depending On YouDepending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Depending on you was a great read. It was interesting and it definitely kept my attention. I didn’t want to put it down! I really liked the characters, and the way their relationships developed, and grew together. Patti and Cate were so dedicated to each other through thick and thin. I’m so glad they got the happy ending they deserved after all they went through. I did feel the dialogue was stilted in some places, and the characters behaved a little immaturely in some areas. They had a lot on their shoulders at some points. It didn’t take away from the story and I was still invested in the girls. The author even had me second guessing myself a few times after the accident occurred. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a page turner. This is one you won’t have trouble getting immersed in.

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Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Kerry Carr

Bella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan's BeginningsBella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

These two books are the prequels to the Logan Mckenna mystery series. Both books give us more of an insight into Logan’s life and her family history.

Bella is a beautiful story about how Logans great grandmother Norah met Giovanni. Giovanni is a very skilled man and makes beautiful creations. One of his creations ends up becoming a family heirloom that is passed down through the generations. This story is heartwarming and interesting to read about how life was in the past and how hard times were.

JAGGED DAWN- The second story catches up to present day and follows Logan’s life. In this story we live through her pain as she goes through the trauma of losing her husband. Through all the fear and grief we see signs of the Logan we know from the other stories as we see her strength and determination shine through.

Both these stories give us a better insight into Logan’s family history and explains in more detail the pain and trauma that was mention in the following stories when Logan progresses from music teacher to murder detective.

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The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Angela Packard

The Ghastly GumballThe Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by this author, but I am adding her to my favorites list. The last two weeks have been an absolute roller coaster for me, and this book gave me the laughter I needed. I have always wanted a penguin, but a cigar smoking octopus wouldn’t be so bad either.
Lockwood’s whole life changes with one nasty tasty gumball. His best friend Brix helps him to navigate the magic within him. This is a MM romance, and I LOVE LGBTQ positive stories.

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The Thunderbird Academy Trilogy by Valia Lind – Review by Audrie Harrington

The Thunderbird Academy TrilogyThe Thunderbird Academy Trilogy by Valia Lind
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I started this one and was hooked by the characters right away! Maddie is a typical teenage girl except she is a witch with magical powers and attends a magical school. She helped her sisters battle evil over the summer and doesn’t like all the stares in the halls. Aiden is a hunky teenage boy who is also a wolf shifter. He is new to the school and there is tension right away. Maddie and Aiden become sparring partners as they learn combat training and it is fun to watch them deal with all their feelings. The world building is really well done and described in detail: the school grounds, the Spring Court in the land of Fae, and all the travels through the forest. Maddie and Aiden are fighting each other and the dark forces around them. They are surrounded by really great friends who are constantly trying to help them understand their feelings and how to figure out the conflicts. I got hooked and finished the entire trilogy in just a few sittings because I couldn’t put it down and had to know what was going to happen next! This is a YA paranormal romance and I loved that it was clean and definitely could be enjoyed by all levels of readers.

Reviewed by @bibliophilenerd
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A Second Chance (Powder River Pack Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Karyn Taylor

A Second Chance (The Powder River Pack #1)A Second Chance by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in a paranormal romance series. Each book can be read as a standalone. I have already started the second book and can see that the stories are running concurrently. This is an author that I have read several times in the past and have always enjoyed reading their books: and this was no exception. I really enjoyed this book.
As the title suggests, this is a second chance romance. Werewolf Derek let his true love and mate slip through his fingers many years ago, now she’s back in town as her father is very ill and he’s determined that this time he’ll get his mate back for life.
I really enjoyed reading Derek and Annabelle’s story. It’s quite angsty as you would expect from a second chance romance. I enjoy a good angsty read so this book was just what I needed.
Derek and Annabelle are great characters to read. Derek is a moody pain in the backside since losing Annabelle many years ago. Both believed that the other broke their heart and the hurt that both are feeling makes this a very good read.
The author did a great job of pulling me into the story from the very beginning and keeping me engaged and wanting to read more, right up to the very end.

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The Hunted (Vampire Navy SEAL: Sam & Layla Book 1) by S.B. Alexander – Review by – Ashley Showalter-Bourgeois

The Hunted (Vampire Navy SEAL: Sam & Layla, #1)The Hunted by S.B. Alexander

I really enjoy a good romance novel. Like, beyond enjoy them. Throw in some vampires and I’m even more intrigued. This book was no exception. I very much enjoyed the author’s take on vampires, and how they were able to blend in with the people around them, as well as the people who hunt them. The ways that vampires were able to be neutralized in this novel were much different than other types as well. I very much enjoyed that. Besides that, the story was compelling and rich. The author makes you want to follow every one of her characters from begining to end and know what happens, leaving you on the edge of your seat. Bravo!

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Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson

Bella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan's BeginningsBella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Two short stories bundled into one volume; these are prequels to the Logan McKenna Mystery Series. The story of Bella, a beautifully crafted violin that becomes something of a family heirloom, is mainly told through the voices of Norah and Giovanni. We get to hear all about the bright and sad moments that led Norah and her family through a time when living a simple life meant struggling and persevering through whatever life threw your way. Woven through Norah’s story, we also learn about Giovanni, an Italian immigrant who would eventually come into Norah’s life and create Bella. Though the story of Bella was short, I felt like the magic of the Appalachians came through both narratives and breathed life into the tale. It was a beautifully written novella that had me smiling – if a little sadly – by the end. Jagged Dawn introduces Logan McKenna and sets the tone for what promises to be an intriguing mystery.

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The Killer Jack Mystery (The J.D. Pierson Case Files) by C.H. Sessums – Review by Sarah Vanscoy

The Killer Jack Mystery (The J.D. Pierson Case Files)The Killer Jack Mystery by C.H. Sessums
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“The Killer Jack Mystery” written by C.H. Sessums is a historical mystery taking place in Texas in the year 1936. Jenny Dee is determined to keep her father’s private investigation business thriving while he is struggling with alcoholism. When he is unable to take a call, she goes in his place and stumbles upon a mystery within her own family. This is a very well written book, with an excellent story line that keeps you guessing! This is the second book in the JD Pierson Mystery Series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone book.

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Seductively Yours (Titans of Manhattan Book 3) by Anise Storm – Review by Dawn Mitchell

Seductively Yours (Titans Of Manhattan, #3)Seductively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is Book Three of the series. It is a quick, fun, steamy read from this author! I love how this book shows how fear can hold someone back even when its something they want sooo bad. This book shows how strong women can be an will do everything they can to make their dreams come true. However in the end is it too late an is love enough?

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(UN)Loved (Mixed Emotions Series) by Katy Hunter – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

(Un)Loved (Mixed Emotions, #1)(Un)Loved by Katy Hunter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was a great read! I felt the author described the main characters’ chemistry with one another in enough detail to feel it as a reader. I enjoyed the characters in the story and feel they were well-developed and believable. I fell in love with Gil’s eccentric family. A plot twist near the middle of the book left me wanting to not put down the book until I the end. I recommend this book for anyone wanting a feel-good romance story.

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Checking Boxes by Magdoline Ward – Review by Kaitlynn Taylor

Checking BoxesChecking Boxes by Magdoline Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Checking Boxes by Magdoline Ward

4-stars

This was my first book by this author so I had no real expectations going in and I can say I was pleasantly surprised. I really appreciated how well written it was, all of the detail made everything really clear and easy to picture everything playing out in my head.

The chemistry between the two characters was really believable and could almost be felt through the pages, the trauma that they have both endured had me feeling all kinds of emotions and really feeling invested in their story.

I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!

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

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

This book is so beautiful. Faith goes through so many challenges. Her faith may quiver a couple times but it never dies. She has a strong belief in God. She is such a strong character. Thomas and Nico bring her joy and pain but she holds firm to God’s plan. Very engaging from the beginning, I found it had just the plot had just hte right amount of twists to keep it exciting. A beautifully written, Christian romance that warms your heart and leaves you feeling good. I strongly recommend it. I just can’t say enough as to how much I enjoyed it.

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(UN)Loved (Mixed Emotions Series) by Katy Hunter – Review by Bethany Rollins

(Un)Loved (Mixed Emotions, #1)(Un)Loved by Katy Hunter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While I did enjoy the overall storyline, especially the family dynamic of Gil’s, I did find (Un)Loved a bit difficult to get fully immersed in. The main characters were just not that likable to me and Sophie’s inner dialogue was frustrating and annoying. Gil and Sophie are co-stars who begin dating and fall in love. However, Gil’s commitment issues and Sophie’s life crisis and needs for change are hinders to these two being together. I do appreciate that they came together and found some balance but I just could not fully connect with them. I also like that the story also deals with a woman taking a stand for herself and letting her own life be first. I wish I was able to because it was a nice read and good start to the Mixed Emotions series.

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The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Anna Hirsch

The Ghastly GumballThe Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie
5 Stars

This is not only a hilarious read but a truly unique story as well. This author has a wild imagination. The story follows Lockwood King who’s life changes irreversibly after eating a gumball. What follows next is a zany adventure filled with humour, magic, sea witches and tentacles. The characters are delightful and quirky especially the cigar smoking octopus. I would love to read more about these characters. There are so many possibilities to turn this into a series. Hint, hint!

Review by @Anna Hirsch
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The Traveler: Book 2 by Deborah Dugan – Review by Darla Yocom

The Traveler: Book 2The Traveler: Book 2 by Deborah Dugan

Book Two was a very interesting installment of this series and I could not put it down. If you enjoy sci-fi fantasy storylines with a bit of adventure, you will enjoy this book.

If you’ve read book one, you know that it ended with Harry diving into stasis. While in stasis, he dreams of his other lives while he was living outside of stasis. In book two you follow Harry as he faces his next adventure and challenges, all while contemplating his next step.

The author excels at constructing a magnificent story and fills us in with Harry’s backstory. She left plenty of room for more adventures in this series. I hope she plans on writing more engaging additions to Harry’s life story. She really makes you think about what would go through your mind if you were in Harry’s shoes and lived through multiple lives/life forms.

I enjoyed this compelling gem of a book and think other sci-fi fans will too.

I give this book 4 of 5 stars!

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Cosplay Worthy by Quiana Glide-Review by Elena Tobar

Cosplay WorthyCosplay Worthy by Quiana Glide
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a cute romance. I really enjoyed how it brings you into the world of cosplay and comic cons. Layla is such a huge fan of Vic’s and she can’t help but fan girl like crazy when she bumps into him. I love that because it’s just so relatable. It shows the struggles to make it in that industry and the obstacles that can pop up particularly for a woman like Layla. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Vic and Layla. He’s just so sweet and down to earth and they’re absolutely adorable together! They face some pretty rough stumbling blocks along the way. I just couldn’t put this book down, I had to see how it would end and I was more than happy with the sweet ending.

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Call of the Alpha (Powder River Pack Book 2) by Brooke May – Review by Alexandria Richard

Call of the Alpha (The Powder River Pack #2)Call of the Alpha by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Alpha fated mates romance, with a smart FMC and swoon worthy single dad

4.5 rounded up

Book 2 in a (currently) set of 3, but each can be read as a standalone. There’s some easter eggs and hints as to what occurs in the other books but as they seem to run simultaneously in time there’s not many big spoilers if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

I absolutely love the pairing of Mason and Riley. This book also kind of gives us two books in one as we also see the fated mate pairing of Alexa and Miles occur at the same time (and do I want to read that book to know what they’re thinking and feeling!).

An insta connection is formed due to the Mason and Riley being fated mates, but the journey of them being together isn’t forced and feels organic outside of that connection. I loved that Riley is so taken with Archer, Mason’s son, and is a supportive role model right away. I also really enjoyed that Riley isn’t your average pretty FMC, she’s an outdoorsy scientist type who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. I found Mason’s love and devotion to his son to be swoon-worthy and made the character more well rounded than just being the pack alpha.

Also, I abhor Thea as a character and the tension she’s adding on the building relationships in the books so far, but I also want her to find her person and see her get her just deserts in having to fight for that relationship.

CW: Workplace sexual harassment.

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Kiss of the Swan by Natalina Reis – Review by Amber Poole

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

Love, love, love this story. Growing up one of my favorite stories was the Swan princess. To this day I love fairy tales and fantasy stories. This hit it on the nose. We have the evil with, the royal family that doesn’t listen( always the king), we have romance, violence, an evil curse, etc. I highly recommend this book. I hope there’s a sequel, a prequel, and anything else that could possibly happen.

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It Just Comes Natural (Powder River Pack Book 3) by Brooke May – Review by Alexandria Richard

It Just Comes Natural (Powder River Pack Book 3)It Just Comes Natural by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A shifter based paranormal romance. Includes military, fake identity, accidental pregnancy romance.

Right off the bat I have to say that I really enjoyed the levity that Goose the Goat and little hellion Miranda brings to this mostly serious book. This one is also a fairly quick read of only a few hours, but it kept me thoroughly engaged and rooting for Macy and Brandon to make it work.

Macy is the daughter of the alpha of a rival pack, and is expected to wed another when she meets her fated mate Brandon, a soldier, out at a club. After one passionate night they’re lost to one another for five aching years. When Brandon stumbles into Macy again the connection is still there, but is the desire to be together?

I enjoyed the military aspect of this novel, and the fact that Brandon’s unit was a covert one which utilized their shifter abilities. I also enjoyed seeing a bit of Macy’s strength, for ex her struggle of finding her own feet while being a single parent to baby and young child Miranda. I enjoyed the pairing of Macy and Brandon and hope to read more about them in snippets in the future books (hopefully there will be more as I am really enjoying this series).

I also enjoyed the little catch ups we got to see of the main couples from books 1 and 2 (and more), though they’re more easter eggs to get you to want to read those rather than straight out spoilers of what occurred in those books.

CW: PTSD, military action, murder.

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A Second Chance (Powder River Pack Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Alexandria Richard

A Second Chance (The Powder River Pack #1)A Second Chance by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Second chance paranormal shifter romance. An emotional wringer.

4.5 rounded up.

A fairly short read (a few hours), this is the first book in a series. This novel is not a straight forward romance and will put your emotions through the wringer! Heads up that this book has easter eggs as to things that happen in the other books as they read as if they are happening simultaneously for the most part.

This book follows Annabelle and Derek, and their journey back to one another.

I enjoyed the slight murder mystery that occurs in this book alongside the journey Annabelle and Derek must go through to be back together. There’s hesitancy on both their parts, which is understandable after being apart, and thinking the other didn’t care in the same way, for eight years.

In this series the men are the shifters (werewolves) but it’s not the kind we’re used to reading about, where they’re larger than normal wolves but basically the same; here, the werewolves are some hybrid animal that takes over control of the body only on the full moon and sometimes when emotions get too extreme.

I really enjoyed the additional input of side characters, some of whom we see more of in the future books in this series.

CW: murder, degenerative disease, heartache

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Weep, Woman, Weep: A Gothic Fairytale about Ancestral Hauntings by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Carla Clemmons

Weep, Woman, WeepWeep, Woman, Weep by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is so good! It was like having a conversation with a neighbor one evening on the porch sitting in a rocking chair. Hearing their story because they trusted you to share it with. I really enjoyed the authors easy writing style and how the story just flows. I had never heard of La Llorona until this book. The weight that is carried because of her tale and the burdens of ancestors can flow through generations. Mercy is so much stronger than she realizes and deserves all of the happiness. This book will make you want to hug Mercy and tell her its ok to let the light in. I will definitely be reading more by this author!

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Bella: An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn: Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson – Review by Julie Johnson

Bella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan's BeginningsBella-An Appalachian Love Story & Jagged Dawn-Logan’s Beginnings by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Both of these stories included in this book are prequels to the life of Logan. In Bella-An Appalachian Love Story we read the background of Logan’s great grandmother, Norah and the struggles and hardships she faced in the Appalachian country. We also meet Giovanni, an Italian immigrant and his gift for creating beautiful violins. Reading the back history was helpful as we moved into Jagged Dawn, the story of Logan’s beginnings.

Logan finds out some of her family history and is gifted a beautiful violin. She rarely has time to play anymore with all the demands of work and married life. She’s asked to take over the training for a specific company and questions the request since her husband did the vast majority of the family training. On the way home, tragedy strikes this family. Will Logan ever be the same again? Will she ever make beautiful music on her family heirloom again?

I enjoyed both of these stories. I was attracted to this story because of the cover as well as my love for music. I’ll be checking out more of this author’s work as I’d like to read even more of Logan’s story!

Reviewed by: @faithfulgirl4

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Checking Boxes by Magdoline Ward – Review by Anastasia Dodson

Checking BoxesChecking Boxes by Magdoline Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Romance story is the first book that I have read by this author and it won’t be the last. This story followed Ian and Grace. They met by chance and their story was a whirlwind. Secrets were kept and when they came out hearts may or may have been! I enjoyed following their story and I am looking forward to more by this author!
Happy Reading!

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The Hunted (Vampire Navy SEAL: Sam & Layla) by S.B. Alexander-Review by Elena Tobar

The Hunted (Vampire Navy SEAL: Sam & Layla, #1)The Hunted by S.B. Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a great paranormal romance book. Sam is a vampire and Layla has been trained to hunt and hate vampires. They are immediately drawn to each other but Layla tries her hardest to play it off and pretend that she isn’t. As they’re forced to work together to save her sister she starts to realize that she has some preconceived notions that were wrong. They face so many obstacles if they want to stand any chance of making a relationship between them work. This book is full of action, the paranormal, heat and romance that will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what will happen next. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!

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Apocalypse (Guardians of the Garden Book 2) by Theresa Pocock – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Apocalypse (Guardians Book II)Apocalypse by Theresa Pocock
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh snap Batman! The twists and turns that happen in this second book kept me on the edge of my seat! To take vengeance or not to is the question Seth asks himself daily. He is still hurt by the way his life has taken, but his love for Miriam is what keeps him going, or I hope it does. Miriam has placed a huge amount of trust into Seth hands, and hope that he doesn’t completely crush it in his hands. Peter the poor kid is so lost and trying to find his place in the world. I can’t wait to read more!!! The apocalypse is happening and our Edanians are trying to find their way!

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(UN)Loved (Mixed Emotions Series) by Katy Hunter-Reviewed by May Leadstone

(Un)Loved (Mixed Emotions, #1)(Un)Loved by Katy Hunter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Modern romance story that keeps the reader engaged about the life and intimate struggles of celebrity influencer Sophie Smith! Miss Smith allows you to be totally enveloped inside her head and see things through her eyes with her views on fame, self-expression, and life as a celebrity since she was 14. I truly enjoyed the perspective as it wasn’t one in which I have read often. Once I got started though I really had a hard time putting it down unless my eyes were drooping close. It was a pleasure to experience the paths that Sophie had to explore in order to reflect upon her own expectations. Do yourself a favor and take the stroll with the famous Sophie Smith! Though I struggled a little with the character talking to herself or to the reader (it seemed like both at times), the book is still something I would recommend for a modern romance!

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The Billionaire’s Slave by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Corine Lombardi-Quiles

The Billionaire's Slave by Stacy-DeanneThe Billionaire’s Slave by Stacy-Deanne by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was not what I expected.
The content was different and I didn’t know how to feel starting it.
I found this empowering.
One of the most original stories I have read in a long time.
A slave owner that already owns it all?
A woman that has nothing willing to take a huge risk?
I don’t know if it was just me but this book touched me.
Four stars, I am interested in reading more from this author.
A great take on history and romance and interracial couple.

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The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Erin Wolf

The Ghastly GumballThe Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a fun, unique book! I haven’t enjoyed a book this much in a long, long time. It was so unique, I have never read anything like this before. The characters were each individual and had their own personality. They were well-rounded and entertaining. I so want them as friends. The creatures in this book are not ones I have read about before. I really want to see more of the characters — especially Clyde. He is my favorite in this book.

The story itself, is again something I have not seen before. It all revolves around a gumball. Who would think of that? And who in their right mind would think this is perfect! Such a brilliant mind is behind this wonderfully fun, unique, and interesting book. I highly recommend it and need to read more books set in this world.

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Cosplay Worthy by Quiana Glide – Review by Stephanie nicole

Cosplay WorthyCosplay Worthy by Quiana Glide
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This romance is so absolutely perfect I just couldn’t put it down. Layla loves the Nerd scene all the way from regular super hero’s to making the best cosplay costumes. As a nerdy girl myself I totally related to Layla, but when our author introduced Layla’s crush Vic I related even more. This author did such an amazing job with this book from its originality, to its wonderful character development, and the atmosphere was perfect. While there was some pacing issues in this novel, it is still one of the best romances that I have read this year and I will be definitely looking forward to more from this author.

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Kiss of the Swan by Natalina Reis – Review by Stephanie nicole

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

This was truly a beautiful and wonderful read. I mean true love, a fairy tale, romance, secrets, and some drama what more could a girl ask for. While this author was a new author to me I will definitely be looking out for more from her. Her character development was just simply amazing, then storyline and romance was perfect in every way, I just simply couldn’t put it down. So if your looking for a great fairytale romance to read this weekend make sure you pick this one up today, trust me you won’t be disappointed.

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