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The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Jennifer Crain

The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a parent or pet owner, you’re likely looking for a children’s book that not only entertains but also educates kids about responsible pet ownership. “The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About” by Giselle Nevada and Jennie Chen is an excellent choice! This engaging tale follows CJ and Lora as they embark on a journey to train their puppies, Porter and Midge, for the Independence Day Parade. The story is both fun and informative, teaching kids the importance of early socialization and training for puppies.

What sets this book apart is its ability to balance entertainment with education. The colorful illustrations and lovable puppy characters will captivate young readers, while the helpful checklists and real-life adventures encourage kids to participate in their own pet’s socialization. The story is also relatable, as it highlights the challenges and rewards of training a puppy, but can be a little wordy at times.

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@bookworm1909

Murder by Moonlight (Felines of Fairytale Forest) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Kerry Baker

Murder by Moonlight (Felines of Fairytale Forest Book 1)Murder by Moonlight by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just as I have come to expect from this author, this is a surprising, unique and well written story that caught my attention right from the word go! It has a fun feel about it, despite the overall nature of the story, and yet still managed to be intriguing to read. I loved the way the author developed the overall story and I found it to be a really interesting book to read.
This author is one of those that I no longer bother to read a description for. Her books are always great to read and I pick them up without hesitation. I would highly recommend all of her work and this book is just another one to add to the collection!

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Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Kerry Carr

Five Tries to Get It RightFive Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such am emotional story. The author deals with such emotional topics such as grief, loss, betrayal, and the biggest on of all mental health. It is a beautiful story of friendship and the struggle of finding yourself and learning to live again.

Lydiahas found her life hard after losing her husband and her daughter leaving for college. She finds herself alone and not knowing what to do with herself. Until she gets a call to help her friend Kate.
Kate has hit rock bottom and doesn’t want to live anymore. When she wakes in hospital with Lydia she isn’t happy. Lydia means well but she doesn’t understand why Kate wants to end her life.
In an attempt to bring her friend back from the brink of despair Lydia suggests taking a trip, travelling to all the places they went in their 20s.
Could this journey help them both heal and learn to live again? What happens if Kate is still set on ending it all?
And when someone from Lydia’s past returns will she lose her focus on protecting and saving her friend for a second chance at love?

This story is very emotional, heartbreaking as much as heartwarming. The characters are well developed and i feel for them both but how can you save someone who doesn’t want to be saved?

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Percy’s Brides (A Double Trouble Romance) by Ivy Hart – Review by Kerry Baker

Percy's Brides: A Double Trouble RomancePercy’s Brides: A Double Trouble Romance by Ivy Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I first started reading this book, I wasn’t sure if it was going to turn out that the MC had a choice to make, or if it would turn out to be a MFF book. The description did a great job of leaving just enough breadcrumbs to pique my interest without giving away too much. When I started reading it was easy to connect with both the story and the characters and I was pulled into the story with ease.
I enjoyed the dynamics between the characters. It was interesting to watch how things played out and I can’t say I was ever sure how things would end up. This is the first book by that I have read by this author but I enjoyed it enough to say for sure I will be reading more!

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Finding Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 2) by Julie Navickas – Review by Tori Mitton

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211230555-finding-love” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Finding Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 2)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1712953297l/211230555._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211230555-finding-love”>Finding Love</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21857451.Julie_Navickas”>Julie Navickas</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6586303833″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I like that Miguel and Rachel get together in a good time. It’s not super fast pace but also not a slow burn either. It’s like a romcom. Which I absolutely enjoy. I like getting both perspectives. Definitely a must read.<br />
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Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Byrd Nash – Review by Mary Espinoza

Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #2)Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What does every busy career woman want…. just a brief moment to themself, and unfortunately Elinor can’t seem to catch a break! This is the question Elinor seems to be asking herself as she and her friend Charlotte head to the countryside for a few days of r&r. It seems to be that Elinor finds herself in a predicament and that is when a funny…. not so funny thing happens on the way to this place of rest and relaxation. Elinor finds herself in a situation doing what she does best, getting into other people’s business to try to solve the mysterious death that has fallen in the path of her restful days.
Elinor finds an irritating individual in her way and the Duke is making sure that he tries to solve the mystery before Elinor has a chance to!
Byrd Nash is a new author for me, and she didn’t disappoint one bit! I found myself lost in the world of Madame Chalamet’s mystery. Apparently, this is volume 2 in the series, and I wasn’t lost one bit with the detailed descriptions that Byrd put into her writing. I definitely plan on going back and reading the first volume in the series and I really look forward seeing what else Byrd brings in the Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries!
There is so much more to this book, and I don’t want to post any spoilers, so why don’t you pick up a copy and find out for yourself what happens!

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Mary Espinoza, June 2024

Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Chrissy Spulak

Five Tries to Get It RightFive Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This lovely story is about sorrow, heartache, and loss but is also about everlasting friendship, travel, and adventure. It has to do with suicidal ideations but also finding one’s self and place in life. Two friends, Kate and Lydia, help each other find their way back to life in a harrowing and also heartwarming journey together. Anyone who has ever found themselves at a crossroads or even what seems like a dead-end in life will be able to relate to the emotions and sentiment of this story. It’s a good reminder that life is not always sunshine and rainbows, but it’s the people we have alongside us that make the journey worth it. Grab your box of tissues and settle in for this wonderfully written story that will grab you and whisk you away for the ride. I highly recommend this book and this author!

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Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 2) by MK Harkins – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #2)Red by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this fantasy fairytale romance story. This is an author that I never hesitate to pick up. I enjoy this author’s writing style and her ability to make her characters come to life on every page. This book is no different. It is the second book in this series which I highly suggest reading the previous book as well. This is a well written story that is full of romance, fairies, angels and mortals. This is a story that has a lot going on but the author did a great job of keeping you engaged throughout. I enjoyed how the characters pulled you into their world with ease and kept you there with them to the end. They are connectable and truly add so much to the story. They have great growth throughout which make the story easy and entertaining to read. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story and one you don’t want to miss. It is a must read! What will happen when all these characters collide? I highly recommend this book and this author.

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Review by @bjwagner

Sashimi (Evil Sushi Book 2) by C.A. King – Review by Michelle Troyer

Sashimi (Evil Sushi #2)Sashimi by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Evil Sushi series. It pulls you in right from the beginning and keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way through. Very good series picking up from where left off on the first book. It had love, mystery, suspense all in one. Can’t wait to begin the third book in the series!

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Wasabi (Evil Sushi Series) by C.A. King – Review by Michelle Troyer

Wasabi (Evil Sushi Book 3)Wasabi by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Good book, but not the ending I was expecting. Can’t wait to read more from author.

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Bad Enough (The Deadman’s Tribe Series Book 2) by Nicole Craig – Review by Michelle Troyer

Bad Enough (The Deadman's Tribe #2)Bad Enough by Nicole Craig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the series… and it was great!!! Love, romance, mystery… great book! It hooked me from the beginning and couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend this series!

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Homicidal Innocence by V.J. Lee – Review by Rose McCaskey

Homicidal InnocenceHomicidal Innocence by V.J. Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

About halfway through this book, I thought I had the killer figured out, but I was wrong. There was so much more to it than what I thought. I was maybe 1/8 right, but what a twist in the end. Then that ending, geez. It leaves so many questions and now I need more, I need to know what happened next. It does keep you on your toes.

Besides being a thriller, it also has some romance involved. I do like how the main female character isn’t described as being like most main female characters. She doesn’t look like a supermodel but the men and some women she comes into contact with become infatuated with her due to her caring and loving nature as well as what is described as a “heavier curvy woman”.

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Stout of My League (Love on Tap Series) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Amy Sprau

Stout of My League (Love on Tap #4)Stout of My League by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 4th book in a series about 4 brothers and a younger sister, Lynn. It can be read as a stand alone, but I think there are a lot of things that come together from the first three books in this one. This book was my favorite out of all 4. It’s the story of Lynn and Joey, a baseball player from a local baseball team. They have a rough start to their relationship, but they find each other and the banter is off the charts. They have the greatest chemistry and it’s fun to see where they fit into the entire family dynamic. Definitely a must read!

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Toasted (Love Burns Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Angela Shirley

Toasted (Love Burns #1)Toasted by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Libby has been in the town no more than minutes it seems like but who would know that her toaster would catch on fire and cause a storm. Who knew that this is a thing, not her. When the fire brigade comes to the rescue all she can do is feel embarrassed and angry.

Zach turns up to a woman in Disney Pj’s shouting about no-one told her about the secret of toaster fires and how dangerous they can be but all Zach thinks is she is adorable and really wants to get to know this woman. But can he charm her to go out with him or have to jump through hoops?

This is a quick lunchtime read that was light and just a lovely story. The chemistry with these two characters jumped off the page and was just wonderful to read. I have read a few books by Isobel and this one does not disappoint, can’t wait to read more.

Fire Meets Fire (Wretched Soulz MC #2) by Manda Mellet – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

Fire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MCFire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love Manda’s MC romances? I always do. There’s usually some undercurrent of trauma, strife, and the usual MC shenanigans, but I was wholly unprepared for the emotion behind Helo’s character in this novel. Chaz was your typical overprotective, alpha, MC member but he totally changed his whole persona to make him seem less threatening and easier for Helo to come to terms with her PTSD while realizing she still had so much life left to live, with him he hoped. I finished in just a few days because I didn’t want to stop reading it. You also get a little glimpse into other characters previous stories as well, for example Storyteller, I really liked his story as well, and what happened after their book ended. Overall a very enjoyable, emotional, quick read.

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The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and AboutThe Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was quite the adventure. My grandson and I read this. He had a lot of questions about why they were training, etc. We love these stories. They are fun and they teach so much information. The pictures will gain your child’s attention. I really enjoyed how the story incorporated real challenges into the story and made them seem like normal events and how they were handled. A wonder addition for dog families.

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Moonlight Drive by A.R. Hadley – Review by Angela Shirley

Moonlight DriveMoonlight Drive by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dani’s life as a child was hard, the abuse she encounter was not for young eyes or ears but her saving grace was finding Nick. New to the neighbourhood but wanting to protect her and then becoming more than friends in the end, until one day Nick decides to move away promising he will come back for her but will he fulfil his promise and come back to rescue her.

Nick is lost in a world were his mother is the neighbourhood bike and constantly pushing him and mental abuse of constant being not worth anything. The only person who loves him and cares is Dani but he needs to prove himself and to make something of himself, so he can provide a life fitting for her but as life goes on and he gets caught up in the world of celebrity can he remember the one person who loved him for him.

This is a story of lost love and friendship, where no matter how hard you love someone it maybe just not enough sometimes. I loved the split story of being back when they were young remembering the simple love they had but then the heart-breaking story of the adult side of the relationship.

The chemistry was brilliant and the characters just pulled at my heart with the journey they both need to go through to eventually come together but it was a rocky journey to get there. The secondary characters just enhance the story with the compassion they have towards each other.

This was a beautiful story and I was crying happy tears in the end, can’t wait to read other books by this author.

The Book of Fears: A Collection of Short Stories by K. S. Gantt – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Book of Fears: A Collection of Short StoriesThe Book of Fears: A Collection of Short Stories by K.S. Gantt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book does have a Trigger Warning right up front. 8 short stories dealing with some crazy phobias. As I came on here to type up my review, I noticed that the author grew up reading King. Oh, do I feel that in the stories. I grew up doing that too. The creep factor is off the charts. I have to say that I loved every minute of it. When I’m reading a horror book, I want horror, creepy and a bit disturbing. I feel like I got it all. I want some more from this author. New to me and I’ll be looking.

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Salt Love by Marika Ray – Review by Alicia Furlan

Salt Love: A Summer Romantic ComedySalt Love: A Summer Romantic Comedy by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Salt Love is everything you want in a beach read! Kenna Cugly’s life implodes after finding out about her husband’s infidelity. With the death of her aunt, she heads down to Sunshine Key for the reading of her will. There she meets the gorgeous and gruff Dec Boggs. Along with her aunts beach house she also inherits half ownership in her aunts boating company. Who is the other co-owner? None other than Dec, who is also her new neighbor. Dec’s hiding secrets of his own but can’t resist the growing attraction he feels for Kenna. Will Kenna be able to find herself again? Will Kenna and Dec be able to overcome their pasts? You won’t be disappointed.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

One-Quarter VillainOne-Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper

One Quarter Villain is a wonderfully written YA Fantasy that once I started reading I couldn’t put it down till I finished. I absolutely love the cover I can’t stop staring at it. This is a fun fast paced YA Fantasy about Maddy. She’s always following the rules and making the right decisions. That is until her seventeenth birthday. Her grandmother gave her a DNA test . Oh things she discovered from that one test will amaze you. Maddy now has to decide what is the right choice now? I don’t want to give anything away so I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. This may be aimed for kids ages 10-18 but others will enjoy reading it just the same. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.

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Opposite Day for Dinopotamus (Dinopotamus Series Book #3) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Hayes

Opposite Day for DinopotamusOpposite Day for Dinopotamus by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3 Stars

 

Opposite Day For Dinopotamus is the third book in the Dinopotamus series by Lois Wickstrom. It’s a fun children’s storybook, with cute (naïve style) illustrations that help to ‘teach’ children what ‘opposite’ means, giving many examples.
Dinopotamus and all his classmates learn to do the opposite of what the teacher says. Having a bit of an adventure along the way.
This is a very quick and easy read. My grandson loves dinosaurs and he enjoyed the story.
Happy reading.

 

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Flying at Recess by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Hayes

Flying at RecessFlying at Recess by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

2.5 – 3 Stars

 

Flying At Recess by Lois Wickstrom is a cute children’s fantasy story with a ‘flying adventure’, friendship, school recess fun, and interesting & colourful illustrations.
The illustrations are really cute and beautifully colourful – bringing the story to life. They really held my grandchildren’s attention.
We follow Soara as she takes to the skies during recess at school. Her friends Lulu and Zanie get a bit worried when she hasn’t returned by the time they need to be back in class. Will Soara make it back safely?
The story was cute, even if it doesn’t make much sense to me – as no ‘reason’ was given for Soara’s ability to fly. Was she daydreaming? Or does she have ‘magical/superpowers’? And if she does have ‘powers’ why not take her friends along for the fun? Why leave them behind? I just felt like the story was ‘unresolved’- but my 3-year-old grandson and granddaughter seemed to like it nonetheless.
Happy reading…

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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In the Midst of Omens (The Legacy of Gilgamesh Series) by Nicole Bailey – Review by Crystal Jimmo

In the Midst of Omens (The Legacy of Gilgamesh Book 1)In the Midst of Omens by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I first read this book I was a little leery sine I don’t read MM very often, but I’m really glad I picked up this book. The chemistry between Gilgamesh and Enkidu was absolutely beautiful. It is by far my most favorite LGBTQ+ book to date. The healthy polyamory that is depicted between Gilgamesh and his wife Shamat and her relationships made me absolutely weep for joy. Those two are a forced to be reckoned with. I have never heard the story of Gilgamesh, so reading this book was very interesting! Although that cliffhanger at the end???? Definitely took me out. I loved, and laughed and absolutely wanted to throttle the characters a few times in the book, but what good book doesn’t make you want to do that? The word and character building was phenomenal and I can’t wait to see how it ends!

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Moonlight Drive by A.R. Hadley – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57292048-moonlight-drive” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Moonlight Drive” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1614810169l/57292048._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57292048-moonlight-drive”>Moonlight Drive</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15517905.A_R_Hadley”>A.R. Hadley</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6585225943″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Nick and Dani were sweethearts at one time. Now Nick is the bass guitarist for one of the biggest bands on the world, Moonlight Drive. Dani gets the opportunity to join them on the road and she hopes that Nick will recognize her. Imagine the disappointment when he doesn’t recognize her and that he is also a far different person than she once knew. He’s living the lifestyle of a rock star and it isn’t good. These two will have to fight to get back to where they once were. Moonlight Drive was a good book and will take you on a bit of a ride. It’s got a good storyline and well developed characters.
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The Husbands by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Hannah Porter

The HusbandsThe Husbands by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read multiple books by author Naomi Valkyrie, I’d say she has done it again. Another fantastic book that I made quick work of, finishing in no time. Although not my usual trope, the love story of Dorian and Augustine made me forfeit all about that. This book had me on an emotional up and downs. From laughter to tears I was really waiting til the end to finally see if that got their HEA. I mean it was fated to be because what were the chances of their wives becoming quick friends lol. It has forbidden love ,suspense, drama and romance/polyamory. You will totally love it. I definitely recommend reading this 100% hands down . The more the merrier right? lmao

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Catch a Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Meghan Lee-Mueller

Catch A Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Book 2)Catch A Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Catch A Cowboy is the second book in Rachelle Paige Campbell’s Match Made in Montana series but it could also be read as a standalone. I love the small town feel in this book. It’s a quick, fun ready that’s super cute. The character development is done flawlessly. Ted and Stephanie have amazing chemistry. I enjoyed the fact that the main characters learned life lessons along the way instead of just looking for romance. This book is a must read!

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Opposite Day for Dinopotamus (Dinopotamus Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Natalia Gonzales Castrejon

Opposite Day for DinopotamusOpposite Day for Dinopotamus by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book! I love Dinopotamus and how fun he is in school. I loved how him and all the kid learned how Opposite Day works! I love that he plays with the kids and has a lot of fun! I’m gonna definitely read this book to my 3 year old! It’s something I definitely think he’d enjoy.

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Opposite Day for Dinopotamus (Dinopotamus Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

Opposite Day for DinopotamusOpposite Day for Dinopotamus by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great read by a favorite author! My favorite thing about this book (ok, so there are 2 things) is that there is a person in a wheelchair featured. It’s rare that this is seen in a children’s book but so very important as it opens up avenues for conversation. My second favorite thing about this book is the hand drawn and colored illustrations. I feel that it makes this book more authentic.

Dinopotamus is going to school again today but it’s “opposite day”. The teacher instructs everyone to the opposite of what she says. At first, it’s a bit confusing to Dinopotamus, but then it becomes more enjoyable.

A fun way to teach opposites!

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Toasted (Love Burns Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Anastasia Dodson

Toasted (Love Burns #1)Toasted by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun read! I’ve read a few books by this author before so i knew i would like this one as well. This is the first book in the Lover Burns series and i hope there is more! I was pulled in from page one and stuck around because i liked this authors writing style and the main characters were likeable and funny. The chemistry was hot hot hot and i laughed quite a few times during this book too. Def looking forward to more by this author in the future!
Happy Reading!

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Whiskey Throttle (Moto X Series Book 6) by Brooke May – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Whiskey Throttle (Moto X #6)Whiskey Throttle by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4 1/2 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Whiskey Throttle is Book 6 in the Moto X series…and I love this series and recommend reading from the beginning, but can I say….this story was heart-wrenching and intense…the emotions on this of how I feel…when you have everything right in front of you…until you could lose it all in a flash. This is the story of Parker Bartin….and it was one heck of a ride…

Parker has it all…or so you think. Fast Motocross…fast women….drugs…but being a father was not expected until it happens. Megan and Parker bring a beautiful little girl in the world and all Parker wants to do is be the best father he can be. With past trauma that haunts him….and not dealing with them…things spiral downhill. As this happens, he is on the verge to lose everything including Megan and their daughter. Will Parker be able to over come what haunts him and make way to getting the assistance he needs to be better….

This is a great read….wow…..my heart over this story…..

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