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Dating the It Guy by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Karen Pearman

Dating the It GuyDating the It Guy by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am extremely familiar with this author as she is one of my favorite young adult romance writers. She has an amazing ability to capture the characters and their angst to perfection. This was no different. I am always able to read her books and feel like I am in these characters shoes at the same time and place. While I may not have enjoyed my teen years back then, I love going back and reliving it through these characters and their stories. As usual with her books, I was unable to put it down until the end. And once it was over I wanted I pick up the next book to keep the story going. If you love to read about teenage angst as much as I do, please give this story a read.

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Swindler’s Revenge (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 5) by Ellen Butler – Review by Debi Kircher

Swindler's RevengeSwindler’s Revenge by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Swindler’s Revenge (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 5) by Ellen Butler

5 +++++ Stars

This series has seriously become one of my favorite series ever! I think this one might be my favorite, I say might because it changes every time I read one! This author already sits up in my favorites and when a new release comes out it’s just automatic no matter the title, the synopsis or the cover, if it has her name..It’s an auto one click!

You could read all of these as standalones. Although I couldn’t imagine not having all of the books read in order to get the full effect. Especially this one, as I believe you would feel like you’re missing something. Also the connection to many of the characters truly needs to be made and understood to fully appreciate this story.

Miss Butler never stops making me smile and many times laugh out loud with Karina’s antics, and I’ve mentioned many times how I’d love to be her friend and partner in solving these mysteries she keeps falling into. I connected to her in the first book and absolutely love her!

The story kept me guessing and there were times I was so far off base I just laughed at myself.

I can not recommend this series and this book high enough and I can not wait to start at the beginning and read them all over again in the future!

Grab them all! You won’t be sorry!

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Notebook Mysteries- decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – review by Stephanie Driskill

Decisions and Possibilities (Notebook Mysteries #2)Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Notebook Mysteries by Kimberly Mullins is a fantastic book. Emma, our main character, is bright, witty, and such a strong female lead! I found myself walking in her shoes to solve each mystery and to fall a bit in love with Jeremy and rooting for their romance. The book is set in 1880’s Chicago and is such a wonderful tale of family, business, and mystery. The relationship between Emma and her sister Dora is so strong and supportive of all the characters I find myself envious of that relationship as I do not have a sister. Emma is such a strong well written character, and the supporting cast is quirky, balanced and exciting. I never thought I would pick up this book to read on my own but look forward to many more by Mullins. Mystery, intrigue, and family all rolled into one great book. As a woman who comes from an abusive relationship many years ago, it was refreshing to read about how these abused women are helped and nurtured to create lives for themselves with the help of Emma and her family. Absolutely a heart-warming book that really touched my soul! I totally give this book 5 stars in hope that others will read Notebook Mysteries and fall in love with such a warm and caring family who only lives to help others. This is exactly what I like to read in books and is so needed currently.

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Something Lost (Funerals and Weddings Series Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Something LostSomething Lost by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Something Lost (Funerals and Weddings Series Book 1) by Bernadette Marie

Something Lost is the first book in the Funerals and Weddings Series by Bernadette Marie. This is a Contemporary Romance about second chances. I absolutely loved this book and being pulled in from the beginning I was lost in the pages and had to know what was going to happen next. I’ve read several books by this author and I’m a huge fan and this looks kike this series will go on my re-read list as well. There were parts of this story my heart ached and my emotions were all over the place but it could have had something to do with my life at that moment. This is Rachel and Craig’s story. These two were a thing in high school he was the star football player and she was the coach’s daughter. Things happened and it tore them apart but they are brought back together years later after her dads funeral. Can these two get a second chance? But will past secrets tear them apart again? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

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Love’s Refrain (The Stardust Duet, Book 1) by KG Fletcher – Review by Jenni Bishop

Love's Refrain (The Stardust Duet, #1)Love’s Refrain by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love’s Refrain is book one in The Stardust Duet by K.G. Fletcher and is a time travel romance adventure story. Love’s Refrain is a beautiful heart-warming story told over the past and the present as our heroine travels in time. It is one of those stories that once read you have the desire to read all over again and not let go. These wonderful characters found their way into my heart. Once you start this book you will not be able to put it down. I enjoy KG’s easy flowing writing style.

It starts with a locket and a mysterious message and a portal that thrusts you back in time. It takes her on an unexpected journey where she finds a strange world where love, jealousy and war reside. One man but two different versions in two contrasting worlds.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Entwined (Stone and Cinder Book 1) by A.L. Morrow – Review by Jenni Bishop

Entwined: A Cinderella Retelling (Stone and Cinder Book 1)Entwined: A Cinderella Retelling by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Entwined by A.L. Morrow is a Cinderella retelling and the first book in the Stone and Cinder series. It is a fairy tale with a major twist. It is a MMF tale that is scandalous and sexy and a bit fabulous and it is definitely original and different. We have magic and myths, Prince Charming, his hubby and as AL puts it a killer pair of shoes. It is a menage a trios fantasy romance tale where things go bump in the night and turn in to more than just pumpkins at midnight.

 

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Stand Your Ground by A.J. Ullman – Review by Charlene Yates

Stand Your GroundStand Your Ground by A.J. Ullman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stand Your Ground
I enjoyed this book. Cady has a lot to lose in this race against time and crime itself in this murder mystery/thriller. There is suspense with some typical triggers of things such as BLM movement and Cady has to stand her ground and try to fight against her status being stripped from her. The question is will she be able to? Is this typical white privilege? Is this even about white privilege or is there more to the story going on and can she hold her own against the world? Read on and find out.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, Book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Charlene Yates

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

No Way Out
Love loss constantly, right? What can go wrong in the mafia life? Well everything. It’s a gamble who you love, who you lose and who you could be sold off to in terms of a better foothold in the mafia life. What does Max get out of this. Who is Matt? What is going to happen to Lil? Can’t something happen to this piece of crap Benito because he’s just no good for anyone. This book had me entranced and I read it in less than a day. The author Amy McKinley wrote this book so well you can’t help be pulled in. I be reading the next in her series as this is only book 1.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Beth McKitrick

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book pulled me in immediately! With lots of engaging characters, No Way Out will definitely keep you on your toes. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing, as well as some romance, so there’s a little bit for everyone. Of course, there is also lots of action to be had. Even though I’m more of a sci-fi/fantasy reader, this easy read was a page turner that I would highly recommend to anyone!

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite Book 1) by Amy Mckinley – Reviewed by Laura-Jane Minnie

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

Amy Mckinley is starting to become one of my favourite authors. This book was brilliant I could not put it down. Liliana is the daughter of the Mafia boss and Max is assigned to be her bodyguard. But she isn’t allowed to choose who she wants to be with, her father has a marriage arranged for her but it is only for his gain. Maybe yet she can’t fight the pull towards a certain sexy bodyguard.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Corine Lombardi

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

No Way Out: An Arranged Marriage Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 1)
By: Amy McKinley
Genre: Romance
Pages: 242

Well this is the type of love and care I now need in my life. Liliana is a strong independent woman that carries some heat.
What gets me is the mystery and the wonder what can happen next, and they did amazing with the cover art Max is yum!
This is a story about an abused child that finds protection with a sexy man and his cousins.
If you are a fan of mafia, crime, romance and wonder then read this.
Five stars all the way and this is just book 1 I can’t wait to read more.
I was completely immersed into this book, read it in one sitting and your still going to want more.
This is the best so far by Amy McKinley.
This writing has you truly visualizing the characters.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Lucy Vincent

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

No Way Out is a riveting Romeo-Juliet type tale about two Mafia members. I’d heard a lot about Amy McKinley, so I had high expectations going into this book, and let me tell you- Yall. She does NOT disappoint! While it did take a second into the book for me to fully get a grasp of everything that was happening as all the characters were introduced, once you get past that part, it’s hard to put the book down! I absolutely loved it, and loved the way she wove the story around. 10/10, will be reading more of her books!

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Unsettled Scores (DAG Team Series Book 2) by Kel O’Connor- Review by Lauren West

Unsettled Scores (DAG Team #2)Unsettled Scores by Kel O’Connor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was amazing! Revenge at its finest. Kel O’Connor has woven this tale that is original, suspenseful, and a complete page turner. The characters were well developed and you could easy relate to each of their plights.
Amy is tormented by guilt regarding her sisters death, and becomes obsessed with getting revenge. With constant emotions of guilt and pain she is estranged from her family who she believes finds her to blame. When her team accepts a case that is related to the very drug lord who murdered her sister she becomes closer to catching the killer and getting her closure. What she does not expect is Hugh the man who hired her agency to be someone who brings out her lust and possibly even her love. With many twists and turns this dramatic and suspenseful story will have you unable to put this book down until the end.

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Saratoga Roan by Bree Lewandowski – Review by Lucy Vincent

Saratoga RoanSaratoga Roan by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There is NOTHING like a story with romance, horses, and healing in it. Saratoga Roan is one of the best ranching stories I’ve ever read, and if you enjoy Amanda Cabot’s Texas Dreams books, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one too! Rhett is a hard-working man keeping the family horse ranch running, when out of the blue, his first love returns to the ranch. Cassandra, hoping to re-spark the relationship, wonders if it might be too late. With a medical complication thrown in the mix, who knows how their story will unfold?

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Stand Your Ground by A. J. Ullman – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Stand Your GroundStand Your Ground by A.J. Ullman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Stand Your Ground is a suspense filled crime thriller by A.J Ullman. I have read and enjoyed his books in the past, so I looked forward to reading this one. It had a bit of a John Grisham Law and Order feel to it. I like the way it was told, starting out with the main character Cady shooting someone. We don’t really know the back story yet, and it slowly unwinds as the book progresses. I felt that was a good way to tell the story, because it gripped us from the beginning and got us hooked and wanting to know more. Then we were led through a wild ride of discovery and interviews wanting to know if Cady would be tried for murder or if it was justified self defense. There are always secrets or skeletons in the closet on these cases, and it was unrolled at a good pace. My main complaint is the story seemed filled with a lot of rambling fluff. Cady had a lot of analogies and tangents she would go off on, which seemed to take away from the action of the actual story. The book is very current, referencing BLM, George Floyd, #metoo, and being “woke.” It did not end as I expected in the beginning. Cady did not turn out to be what I thought she was, but I liked that it was not all known from the beginning. It kept the sense of mystery.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Unsettled Scores (DAG Team Series Book 2) by Kel O’Connor – Review by Michelle Austin

Unsettled Scores (DAG Team #2)Unsettled Scores by Kel O’Connor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great 5 star read. I was pulled in right from the beginning and was on the edge of my seat the whole time.

Amy I would say was obsessed with revenge, she wanted justice for her sister. When she is hired to investigate some drug smuggling she finds her opportunity to finally get what she has been waiting for…Revenge.

Hugh is the lawyer that hired Amy. He wants to find out who is smuggling drugs into his mother’s charity. The more time they spend around each other the closer they get. There is something about Amy’s strength that Hugh really likes.

Will Amy get her revenge?

Overall this was a great read, I highly suggest reading book one so that some things make more sense in this book. We get suspense, action, danger and so much more. We get twists and turns and secrets that add a great element to the story. The author does a great job of pulling you in with her writing. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. 1-click and get started today.

Reviewed by @mab54615
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Entwined (Stone and Cinder Book 1) by A.L. Morrow – Review by Angela Packard

Entwined: A Cinderella Retelling (Stone and Cinder Book 1)Entwined: A Cinderella Retelling by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Stone and Cinder series, and I got so involved!! Warning: it ends on a cliffhanger.
Ashling Glasby has the evil stepmother and two horrible stepsisters. She does all the housework, cooking, and taking care of the animals. But Ashling is not one to be held back. When she realizes the nightmare creatures have broken through the barrier, she rushes to the castle. Prince Callum is having a ball, he needs an heir. He has told his husband that they will both agree on the woman chosen.
Ashling is a strong woman who has had enough of being pushed around. She has had enough of her stepmother, but can she make it on her own?
The Prince is looking for Ashling, will he be able to find her? I will be waiting anxiously for the next book.

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Swindler’s Revenge (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 5) by Ellen Butler – Review by Faith Jackson

Swindler's RevengeSwindler’s Revenge by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love the element of surprise from the beginning to the end. The rabbit hole this sends you down, you’ll be more than happy where this book ends. The mystery and suspense will leave you mesmerized: This is entertaining, witty, and full of wonderful characters to make this read enjoyable.

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No Way out by Amy McKinley – Review by Crystal Jimmo

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

Wow!! Just wow! This breath of fresh air in the form of a book was absolutely wonderful. Reading about Liliana and her badass self was absolutely wonderful. She did not need anybodies protection and she let people know it. She was a force to be reckoned with. Max is the perfect partner for her. He wasn’t overly possessive at all. He was protective but still let her have her freedom too. There were some pretty steamy scenes that just added to the story instead of overwhelming it. I can’t wait to read more in this series and see what happens to the rest of Liliana’s close group of friends!

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Something Lost (Funerals and Weddings Series Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Rachel Moss

Something LostSomething Lost by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Something Lost was a really good read! It was entertaining, romantic, emotional and had some funny bits in it as well. If you’re looking for a feel good, happy ending type of story this one is it. Bernadette Marie’s books all seem to follow a similar style and this one is no different. Picking up one of her books is like a comfort because you always know what to expect. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series!

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Unsettled Scores (DAG Team Series Book 2) by Kel O’Connor – Review by Robin Rankin

Unsettled Scores: Book 2 of the DAG Team SeriesUnsettled Scores: Book 2 of the DAG Team Series by Kel O’Connor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Unsettled Scores: Book 2 of the DAG Team Series by Kel O’Connor

My only regret is I didn’t read the first book in this series before reading this one.  This book grabbed me from the very beginning and I couldn’t put it down.

Amy and Hugh work well together in personal life and in business and I really like them period.

There are so many little things about this story that make everything work, from the work relationships Amy has with her co-workers to the family relationships to how she interacts with new to her people.

I highly recommend this book.

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Swindler’s Revenge (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 5) by Ellen Butler – Review by Erin Wolf

Swindler's RevengeSwindler’s Revenge by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I give Swindler’s Revenge by Ellen Butler, 5 stars.
**This review may contain spoilers from previous books in the series.**

I constantly forget just how good this series is until I get into the next book. I swear, each book gets better and better. Each story is unique but still stays within the realm of the series. This book being about stolen money was interesting, especially when the suspect is someone we know. There are many twists and turns, keeping us on our toes and wondering just who all is involved.

Karina, as always, is yet again a great main character. She goes all out for those she cares about, jumping in head first to solve this. I also like the direction this series is heading and focusing more on the Silverthorne group. They have been my favorite since we first met them and really help define this series. We need to see much more of all of them in the future.

If you are a fan of intense mysteries with spectacular characters, this book and series are definitely for you. It can be read as a standalone, but the whole series is definitely worth your time.

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Scarlet Princess (Lochlann Feuds Book 1) by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison – Review by Betsy Melano

Scarlet Princess (The Lochlann Feuds, #1)Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison is the first book in The Lochlann Feuds series. From the start, I was sucked into this book by the feisty and outspoken Princess Rowan and had to keep reading to find out what happens. Rowan and her cousin Davin find themselves in trouble but this time it’s not with the king but in Socair where they might be punished for smuggling. While they wait their fate, things get interesting in the romance department. I can’t wait to read more about Princess Rowan and Lord Theo!

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Krista Vaughan

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

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Krista Vaughan

Lil is under her father’s evil thumb. He only wants to use her to grow his power. Liliana’s grandfather sends Max, disguised as an assassin named Matteo, to protect her from her father’s dangerous ways. She is a prisoner and she needs to escape before her father does something unimaginable. She thinks she has no hope, but she soon realizes that Matteo is more than he seems and she hopes she can trust him. She certainly is falling for him. Amy McKinley has done it again in this fast-paced novel of evil Mafia families and the men who would make them better.

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Scarlet Princess (Lochlann Feuds Book 1) by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison – Review by Jo Frizzell

Scarlet Princess (The Lochlann Feuds, #1)Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holy mother of goodness this book was AMAZING. I read it in only a few hours, unable to stop for anything because I needed to know more of Princess Rowan. She makes me think of Merida from Brave and honestly, Merida is one of my all time favorite princesses. Prince Theo is the man every headstrong princess wants to find and their relationship and the way it develops is beautiful! I legitimately cannot wait until I can find out what comes next in this captivating and breathtaking world with the people that I wish I knew.

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Love’s Refrain (The Stardust Duet, Book 1) by KG Fletcher – Review by Trish Ann

Love's Refrain (The Stardust Duet, #1)Love’s Refrain by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a beautiful story. I really liked the way the time travel was done in the context of the plot. Kat and Phillip had a beautiful story. The author did a great job creating deep dislike for Spencer and creating a thorn in the side of Kat. I loved that the time travel was to the 1940’s and especially that the author compared Kat’s voice to that of Judy Garland at one point in the book. Definitely hit the mark for me. I look forward to reading Book 2!

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Sophie Rae

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Soooo… let’s all point fingers at Amy. Because I was 100% sneaking off to read this book in full. I loveeee a good mafia romance and this hit it out of the park!! Between Max & Liliana everything was spot on. The characters themselves are intense and so easy to love. Falling in love with this book is so dangerously easy. Happy reading friends – you won’t be disappointed!

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Stand Your Ground by A. J. Ullman – Review by Beverly Finnie

Stand Your GroundStand Your Ground by A.J. Ullman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Okay well I’m going to start off by saying this book definitely has “trigger warning” potential. Stand your Ground by A.J. Ullman is definitely a story that currently goes with the narrative of this country’s current narrative. In saying that I struggled getting through the book. It was definitely a trigger warning for me but I still pushed on.
Cady, a lawyer, who is on the verge of making partner at her law firm. Chooses to ride her bike home rather late from work. When she makes it to Jefferson Park, she runs into the one person who has silently threatened her, Mingo. Next thing she knows is her clip is empty and Mingo is dead. Cady decides to “stand your ground” stating it was self defense because she feared for her life.
Does she get arrested?
Does her “stand your ground “ explanation hold up?
Back to the trigger warning, though not a member of law enforcement, this is a story about a “white woman” showing up in an offbeat neighborhood shooting and killing a “black man.” Despite the person Mingo is, the public is screaming for his justice due to “white privilege.”
As someone who stands behind the “black lives matter” movement, to get equal rights no matter the skin color and educate those about the prejudices that they face on a daily basis. It rubbed me the wrong way coming up in a book of fiction. That being said, character development was fantastic. As well as the book itself was well written. I just didn’t care for that aspect. I feel like there’s more to this movement than what can be presented by 1 person, in a book of fiction no less.

@placexba

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Stephanie Nicole

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

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley is absolutely one of the most amazing mafia books that I have ever read. I have read several of Ms. McKinleys books and they are making her quickly become one of my favorite authors. Her plot lines are always so perfect, her characters are wonderful and very detailed, and she makes sure that no stone is left unturned when it comes to descriptions. Max aka “Matt” is the very definition of mr tall, dark, and handsome. Meanwhile Liliana is a beautiful mafia princess who just wants out. Will Max get her out safely? Will she trust him to protect her and get her away from her horrible father? Or will she find a way out on her own? You’ll have to to read No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley for yourself to find out.

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Unsettled Scores (DAG Team Series Book 2) by Kel O’Connor – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Unsettled Scores: Book 2 of the DAG Team SeriesUnsettled Scores: Book 2 of the DAG Team Series by Kel O’Connor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you love a good romantic suspense book, definitely pick this book up and read!! I really enjoyed the story and I am new to Author Kel O’Connor. Three years prior, Amy Stuart’s sister dies and she has been blaming herself since. When Amy is hired to be part of the DAG Team to find out who is smuggling drugs into Hugh Bainbridge IV mothers charity, Amy wants revenge. Will Amy get the revenge she so desperately wants or will love get in the way? I really loved this story, the character and suspense!!! It is so hard not to give so much away, but this is truly a fantastic book!

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