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Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, book 4) by Amy McKinley – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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

Savage Secrets is a very fitting title for the 4th book in the Mafia Elite series. There was so much going on in this book that caught me off guard. It is action packed, and lots of surprised and twists. I loved it. While the book mainly focuses on Elena and Marco, there is added details to the other family members along the way. While you probably could read the book out of the series, I wouldn’t recommend it. They are all wonderful, and the characters and their stories overlap. The Five Families are all married into each other, in this new generation Chicago mafia series. The characters are great, and I love that the women are strong independent women, with an amazing support system for each other. At the same time, the men have a softer side that shows when around their sisters or wives. I can’t wait to finish the series, as I’m totally hooked.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Nite Fire: Chain Reaction by C. L. Schneider – Review by Emily Beehler

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Chain Reaction (Nite Fire #2)Chain Reaction by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chain Reaction hits a new point in the Nite Fire series for Dhalia. In thin book Dhalia is faced with the fact that her power is evolving, and with it so will she. She is back at it with Detective Creed in solving murder cases, all the while still making sure to keep the detective off the trail of finding that supernatural creatures are real. We see just how corrupt the species have become from Dhalia’s home realm, and what measures they are willing to take in order to take and maintain power. There are many secrets revealed, which leave both the reader and Dhalia with questions. Another phenomenal book in the Nite Fire series.

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Wild Hare’s Daughter (Wild Hares) by Laura Koerber – Review by Lyndsay withey

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Wild Hare's DaughterWild Hare’s Daughter by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow! From the first page I was hooked! I couldn’t put this book down! I absolutely loved how the story is laid out so you know exactly whose point of view you are following at every stage. Growing up in a small town, it always felt like you couldn’t ever have a secret because everyone knew everything but this story showed it is still possible not to know everything even if you think you do.

I will say there were many points in the story where I was shocked or thrown. It was not as predictable as I initially thought it would be! I loved it!

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Nite Fire: Flash Point by C. L. Schneider – Review by Emily Beehler

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Flash Point (Nite Fire, #1)Flash Point by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In Flash point the reader is introduced to Dhalia Nite, a lyrriken (dragon hybrid) that fled from her home realm, whose been living amongst human for close to a century. We fallow Dhalia on an investigation of murders caused by those like her, where simultaneously she is trying to understand why her kind is murdering, and brutally so, all the while making sure to cover up any notions that these murders could be supernatural. This becomes hard as she is joined in this investigation by Detective Creed, who to Dhalia’s detriment, wants nothing less than the truth even if is supernatural. What I enjoyed about this book was the powers that Dhalia has, and how she is able to feel and see into a persons perspective, which does come in handy when trying to solve a murder case. This book is a unique storytelling, with AMAZING world building, and complex characters. Flash point is only the beginning to an intriguing world of dragon hybrids, and Dhalia Nites story.

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Jo Frizzell

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The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book fascinated me from seeing the cover and reading the summary until the very end! I read the summary and immediately wanted to know everything. This author does an amazing job building the world and enticing their readers to want to be there. The characterizations and their development were truly fabulous! One of my favorite parts of reading any book is watching the relationships between the characters grow and change, and this author did a marvelous job drawing me in from word one!

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

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The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book checked every box for me. I loved the writing, the characters, the fast pace and all of the drama! I couldn’t help but speed through this book.

Adrijana Mironacht had often dreams of visiting the capital city and seeing the palace, but rarely do dreams meet reality. Dazzled by her surroundings, she can’t understand her fathers reluctance to stay until she ends up in the dungeon. Her father must then explain to Adrijana that she is a Mesmerist, one who can read and manipulate others’ minds.

With each new intrigue, Adrajana is determined to find the truth of what is going on and clear her own name. Get this book, you will not be disappointed!

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Kayleigh Allen

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The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my first book by Claire Luana. I absolutely loved this story. There are so many twists and turns. The plot is also amazing. I fell in love after the first few pages. I normally wouldn’t read something like this, but I am so glad that I did because it is such a perfect story. I highly recommend!

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Crystal Jimmo

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The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holy cow Batman! This book definitely pulled me in from the first chapter! Just when you think you and Adrjiana have it all figured out, the author throws a curveball and everything you thought you knew was completely and totally wrong and now you have to question everything and anything. I enjoyed reading this fast paced book and wonderful writing. This author really knows how to pull you in. I connected with the characters and the story. I cant wait to read more by this author and see where else she takes me!

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Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 1) by CJ Cartwright – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder #1)Power Play by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love me a good sports romance. Also a second chance and forced proximity romance.

I really enjoyed the role reversal that this author uses: I usually see the female as the one who knows who the other person is and is the one going after their love interest, but here Levi is the one who realizes who Brynn is and is the pursuer.

I liked that there was still a buildup of the chemistry between the characters rather than a “I used to love you as a kid, now you’re here, lets fall into bed” situation.

I love the sexy calendar fundraiser aspect to this story. Of the ones I’ve read that does something like that I found that this author did it the best. Also, I want that cabin in the woods for myself! Maybe Levi can make a guest appearance ;-P

I absolutely adore the side characters, with Tia and Bridger being the most prominent (oh the tension there!). I can’t wait to read their story (book 2) and how they find their HEA (this is romance, so a HEA— Happy Ever After— is expected). I also adored Xander and his gentleness. I can’t wait to read about him.

This book does mention characters from another book, and whets the appetite for that story., but that one is technically not part of this series. As this is the first book I’ve read from this author I’ll certainly be adding that to my TBR list.

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The View from Here by Leon Stevens – Review by Felicia Bates

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The View from HereThe View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I don’t read many sci fi books but I stumbled across this novella and I figured with such a short page count, what did I have to lose? I wasn’t sure what to expect, as I was taking a chance on a new to me author but as I find more often than not, I was pleasantly surprised. This story was captivating from start to finish and left me craving more. The imagery and attention to detail did not go unnoticed and the characters were well developed. I enjoyed this brief escape from
reality!

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Jordan Allen

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The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book absolutely deserves to be a New York Time’s best seller!

Adijana enters into a life she didn’t ask for when she goes to visit her best friend Simeon. Upon arriving the queen is killed. Adijana learns that she has power that may make the truth of the murderer become apparent. However, she finds herself in murky waters as she muddles through politics, deception, and her new found mystical abilities.

Claire Luana knocked it out of the park with this one! I found myself staying up until midnight and waking up at 4AM just so I could read this book. I couldn’t find the self control to put it down! Every page leaked with passion, murder, fear, and betrayal. I didn’t know who to trust or where the story would lead. The last hundred pages Claire wrapped it all up in a beautiful box and set it on our laps.

I am really sad this book is over! I wish I could read it again for the first time. I will be anxiously awaiting the second book!

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Etched in this Moment (Etched Series Book 1) by Calla Zae – Review by Skylar Daniels

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Etched in this Moment (Etched, #1)Etched in this Moment by Calla Zae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Etched in this Moment by Calla Zae is my first book by the author, but it’s definitely not going to be my last. It had me engrossed from the first paragraph and I wasn’t able to stop reading it until the very end. Tia and Theo meet by chance, but that very moment changes everything in their lives. Sofia finds it hard to trust again and Theo is driven to keep her safe. Their relationship progresses fast but it suits them very well. This story will absolutely amaze you with its brilliant plot, fascinating characters, and beautiful romance. It has everything, angst, suspense, mystery.

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A Hundred Wishes (Band of Sisters) by Marianne Rice – Review by Angela Shirley

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A Hundred Wishes (Band of Sisters)A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gina has steadily been putting her life back together from the tragic roadside bomb from her army days. Gina is comfortable with showing herself from behind a computer but when she gets close to Bryce someone who is prepared to get inside the walls she has built up.

This story was heart warming and engaging, the characters were well developed and I related to Gina’s character and her reluctance to involve herself with Bryce in the beginning. Although she has scars on the outside of her body the ones on the inside are more powerful and more deadly.

The story was well developed and you are gently woven through the backgrounds and the present day for both of the main characters, the secondary characters also add a depth to the story which is great to read. I can’t wait to read more books by this great author.

Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 1) by CJ Cartwright – Review by M Policicchio

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Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder #1)Power Play by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 1) by CJ Cartwright

5 out of 5

I love hockey and I love steamy romances. This book brings those two things together in a wonderful story of second chances and finding the one.

Brynn Mackintosh is starting over. Brynn needs to find a place where she can be happy and escape the past. Brynn has decided to follow her dream of becoming a fine art photographer but she finds that it isn’t as easy as she thought it was going to be. On a chance, Brynn takes a job that offers to double her normal fee. At this event she meets Bridger, a man that will help change the course of Brynn’s life.

Levi Fawkes has been playing for the Astoria Bay Thunder for ten years. He is the team captain and resident man of mystery. Levi is always ready to help out with the many charities that the team funds. When a promotion between one of the charities is combined with a radio contest winner, Levi is brought face to face with the one that got away, the one he walked away from when he was 18, the one he has missed and longed for everyday since.

Can Levi explain what happened when he left? Can Brynn forgive Levi? Can the ghosts of Brynn’s past haunt her future with Levi? Is there any hope?

The cast of characters starting with Brynn, Bridger, Levi and Tia are fun and enjoyable. I can’t wait for the next book. I love the way the stories are interwoven and will be a part of each other’s stories. The author is amazing at making you feel each character’s emotion. The details in the descriptions paint vivid pictures, like the photo shoot in the shower or with the lumberjack! Jump into this series now! Don’t wait. It is going to be one helluva ride!!

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Allyson Ware

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The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I honestly do not even know where to begin. I knew I would enjoy this book from reading the synopsis, but I had no idea just how much I would enjoy it. There are twists and turns in every corner of this novel. I think my jaw dropped, at minimum, five or six times while reading it.

If you are a fantasy lover, like myself, then you will adore this book. You will also love Adrijana and the adventure she gets sucked into at 17 years old. I know I will not be able to go into detail without spoiling the book, but just trust me on this and read it.

Review by @aware

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Kerry Baker

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The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author has done it yet again. Every time I pick up a book by this author I think there is no way she can possibly create something as good as the other books. And every time I am proven wrong! This book was absolutely brilliant. I was pulled straight into the story and could not stop reading until I had finished. I always find this authors stories to be so vivid and imaginative. I was fully invested in Adrijana’s journey and couldn’t wait to see how everything would play out.
This is such a well written and exciting story. I would highly recommend it to everyone!

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The View from Here by Leon Stevens – Review by Whitney Morrison

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The View from HereThe View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m actually very surprised by how much I enjoyed this novella. It really had a way of pulling me in and I devoured it very quickly. It was such an interesting time going with Thomas on his very different hike. Then we meet April and things just keep on getting more interesting and captivating from there. I just overall loved it! Highly recommended if you enjoy science fiction.

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Santana Hicks

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The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The concept of this book was very interesting. The main character, Adrijana, lived a poor life with her father longing to live in the city where the royal family lived. Little did she know her wish would be granted but not in the way she thought. Adrijana was always able to see peoples emotions but she didn’t really think anything of it. When her and her father went into the city to deliver a herb to the queen, she is found to be an undeclared Mesmerist. Her powers were suppressed and she had no idea. The two royal Mesmers take her in to train her. Overnight, Adrijana’s life is turned upside down.

Someone is killing the royal family one by one and Adrijana is trying to get to the bottom of it with the help of the other two Mesmers in the royal court. Nothing is as it seems and no one can be trusted.

This book was filled with suspense and mystery with a splash of romance. I would love to look into some more works from this author. This book has for sure been my favourite read thus far in 2022.

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Amanda Swindle

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The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was unfamiliar with this author and decided to give it a chance based on the synopsis and very glad I did! The story is so captivating and engaging, the characters well written and the plot had me wanting to stay up into the late night hours reading! I appreciated how down to earth and relatable the characters are, and the growth they show throughout. Adrijana is the main focus, and the Royal Family is being targeted, one after the other. Now she has to figure out the who and the why. With the help of some magicians that can control thoughts and emotions, the story intensifies. This is one of those “I never expected to like this, but what the heck” books turned into “OMG, I LOVE THIS” and definitely not sorry to have grabbed The Mesmerist. I will be looking into more works by this author, definitely worth the chance!

Reviewed by: @zoltrixes

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Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 1) by CJ Cartwright – Review by Whitney Morrison

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Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder #1)Power Play by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazing!

I loooved this story so much! Brynn and Levi couldn’t be anymore perfect. I’m so happy they got thrown together for a second chance and it was a wild ride to be on. I loved everyone from the Astoria Bay Thunder team and I’m so excited to read all the stories we’ll get from it. If you are in the mood for a fun second chance romance this is definitely the right book for you!

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Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, book 4) by Amy McKinley – Review by Tausha Treadway

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

Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, book 4) by Amy McKinley. So Amy McKinley is one of my very favorite authors and this series has not disappointed! I LOVE it! This is the continuing story of the Elena Caruso and her Italian Mafia Family. In the last book Elena has been in hiding for a long time and the secret is out that she is still alive. There have been so many changes in the Family that she can hardly keep up. Chicago Mafia Boss Marco La Rosa has been roped into an arranged marriage with Elena and he’s all for it but he has to convince her and keep her from getting killed. Elena has secretly been in love with Marco but he had been with the love of his life but she had died several years prior. He didn’t think he could ever love again but Elena has changed that. Their chemistry is electric and if they can both stay alive they may actually make an arranged marriage work! Read Savage Secrets to find out if Elena survives!

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The Clockwork Witch (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 1) by Michelle D. Sonnier – Review by Vanessa Watts

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The Clockwork WitchThe Clockwork Witch by Michelle D. Sonnier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love all things having to do with witches and magical beings so I was absolutely excited to give this book a try. This book lived up to all expectations having read it in two days or mostly nights. I do not recommend reading this late because you will definitely get sucked in and may find yourself losing sleep over having to find out what happens next.

We start out meeting Arabella the seventh daughter of a seventh witch who has seemed to do nothing except embarrassing her extremely gifted witching bloodline. Called a brown bud for lack of revealing any magical talent or affinity whatsoever it seems the heard prophecy may not be about Arabella at all. This all changes when for the first time Arabella is around working machinery and she sees the glow which is the tell tale sign of magical ability. As she now must prove to her family what she can do with her technomancy power and now her future seems more uncertain than before. Will the council acknowledge this new magical power or will it result in Arabella’s death if she cannot manifest other normal abilities?

This book is a force to be reckoned with and unfortunately my good nights sleep was the loser. From the world Ms. Sonnier builds to the characters she describes and their interactions are phenomenal. This is an amazing book written by an amazing author and I for one can not wait to read the second book in this series!

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The Clockwork Solution (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 2) by Michelle D. Sonnier – Review by Tausha Treadway

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The Clockwork Solution (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 2)The Clockwork Solution by Michelle D. Sonnier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Clockwork Solution (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 2) by Michelle D. Sonnier. This is a fun young adult story with sci-fi, steampunk, fantasy and magic with witches. It’s a page turning story about a young girl named Arabella who feels like she is constantly letting her family down. Her dream is be a part of the Sisterhood of the Witches and she fulfills that dream. Her first assignment is a big one, to find a cure for the famine in Ireland and she goes about it with gusto. If she can achieve this job her family will treat her totally different. This task is not easy and its full of danger trying to secure her future. They’ve already lost 2 witches on this same job. Will Arabella be able to make her family proud or will she fail just like her family expects her too or even worse lose her life? Read The Clockwork Solution to find out! This can be read as a standalone but would be better enjoyed as a series.

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Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, book 2) by Amy McKinley – Review by Terri Jo McAllister

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

Enzo Vitale is being groomed to succeed his father and take over as boss of the Vitale family. But he knew the weight being in charge carried. All those you loved were a target to get back at you. His sister had been sold into human trafficking at the same time his arranged fiancé, Elena, had died. His sister was safe now, but how could he get close to anyone again? Sofia La Rosa had always had a crush on Enzo since they were young. He had hung out with her older brothers when they were young and always took time for her. Enzo had been promised to Elena, her best friend. Would they be able to finally be together?

Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister

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Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite Book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Terri Jo McAllister

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

Stefano Rossi has lived under the rule of his cruel father for long enough. The only one left at home, he lost his brother at a young age, his father went his older sister to be married to a Russian mafia family, their mother jumped to her death, and his younger sister was murdered. But his father thought him weak and not worthy of leading the family. Emiliana Vitale was abducted and sold into human trafficking. Her brother Enzo had rescued her, but it had been Stefano who had found her and carried her out, leaving a trail of blood behind them. He had always been there for her, would he continue to do so?

Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Piper Foster

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The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Firstly I love the cover in this book the colour and visual are very appealing. The royals are Adrjssian royal and are been killed off but who is doing the killing and why. There are a lot of twist and unexpected turns in this book many which has me on the Edge of my seat. Thus is a well written fantasy book. The ending I didn’t see coming

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Etched in this Moment (Etched Series Book 1) by Calla Zae – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Etched in this Moment (Etched, #1)Etched in this Moment by Calla Zae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was a great read for me no words can define otherwise. I fell in love with the first few pages, and I could not get enough. I loved the characters and how things played out. I was left by the end wanting more. The writing was perfect, and held my interest all the way to the very last page and word.

This one was impossible not to love. Sophia and Theo were two characters that had pasts, but still knew deep down they were missing something. Their chemistry was undeniable. I related to Sophia a lot cause of her past, as I have been in a similar situation. Theo was a good guy from the start, he wanted to only protect her, but I got the impressing from their time together, Sophia really rescued him.

There was a lot of build up. You got so much at a time, and you were able to take it all on. I was under this book’s spell from the start. I fell in love with this book so much. I wish it could have lasted longer. I was not ready to let Sophia and Theo go. Amazing character developments between the two of them!

Loved this book truly. I will be looking forward to reading more by this gifted author. I rally loved the book, you get hooked right from the start. You then go down the tunnel and don’t want to look back or stop till you finish. it holds you and doesn’t let go. Amazing read!

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A Hundred Wishes (Band of Sisters) by Marianne Rice – Review by Jacque Flynn

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A Hundred Wishes (Band of Sisters)A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A heartfelt and steamy coming together between a fire investigator and an injured soldier. With many obstacles to overcome, Gina and Bryce, tackle them together with more time spent in lust than in conversation. Everyone seems to work as hard as they play, and the group of friends coming together would be a fun group to spend time with anywhere. This book is so touching because we know that Gina is not alone, and terrible things happen. She has a great group of friends to help her through her trials and Bryce is worth helping him figure out his stuff as well.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Terri Jo McAllister

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

Maximus Caruso was thought dead. Growing up and learning the family business in Italy, Max was biding his time. Well now is that time and change was coming to the Italian American mafia. First he had to secure a few things. Liliana Brambilla was a captive in her own house. It was only her and her father, the boss of the Brambilla family and that’s all she was to him, his property. Planning her escape before her father marries her off to who knows, she is aided by her father’s newest hire, but is she trading one prison for another. This book is the first in a new generation of mafia families.

Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Naomi McDonald

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The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wonderful read! Intriguing characters. Superb world building. Suspense. Danger. Masterful plot twists.
I loved the reading adventure this author took me on.

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