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It Comes From Within (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Kristin Boutelle

It Comes From Within (House Valdis #2)It Comes From Within by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Again the second book in this series pulls you in from the beginning. The story does flow very well from one point of view to the others. I love how all of the main characters are integrated together especially Matthew, Xen, and Onyx. This book is very unique, I’ve never read one like this, I would highly recommend it. Plus, it’s a very easy read and has you wanting more.

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It Comes From Within (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Amber Howard

It Comes From Within (House Valdis #2)It Comes From Within by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Not the book ending on a cliff hanger of that magnitude. I was sucked in and didn’t even realize I reached the end. The villain of the book took me by complete surprise but in hindsight it shouldn’t have. This was the best installment so far. The characters are fantastic. There isn’t a dull point in the book. I cannot wait until the next one comes out.

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Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story (A Better Man, Book 1) by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Brandy Rymer

Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story (A Better Man Book 1)Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amy Q. Barker wrote a great romance that proves that old-fashioned values are alive and well. Bailey and the CEO was an amazing read that shows that you can have a good clean romance filled with family values, good morals, and a fun storyline that keeps the reader interested from the first page to the last. Bailey and Fox are a match made in heaven and go to show throughout the story that past baggage does not have to hold people back from finding true love. Both of our main characters are parents of 2 kids each, Bailey has 2 daughters, and Fox has 2 sons. Neither one has taken much time for romance, until fate has other plans for them, although workplace romance is never easy, especially when one of the parties involved is the CEO of the company. This was a great romance that had me cheering for our main characters to fight for what they wanted and had a lot of wonderful lessons that parents of teens deal with regularly. This story was very realistic which made it an even bigger joy to experience. Bravo, I cannot wait to see the next book in this series.
@Brandy Rymer
03/2024

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Managing Mischief (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Managing Mischief (Shattered Embrace #2)Managing Mischief by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this second book we see Zach and Ashton in their sub/Dom relationship. A lot has happened and they are much stronger for it. But, just as things were getting settled in, a new contender has shown up. A once in a lifetime opportunity comes up for Ashton to lead a research team. But will this affect their relationship, just as Zachary is getting used to having a long-term relationship. I loved reading their story and I was not expecting that plot twist at the end. I hope to read more by this author!

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Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story (A Better Man Book #1) by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Angela Hayes

Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story (A Better Man Book 1)Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

4.5 Stars

 

Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story is the first book in A Better Man series by Amy Q. Barker. First of all, can we just take a moment to appreciate this beautiful cover, it is what drew me to the book. When I realised it was another of Ms. Barker’s books, it was an immediate one-click for me. Having loved her previous book, Lap Baby, I was excited to see what was on offer here.
This was a wonderful story about finally seeing and appreciating what’s right in front of you. It is a women’s fiction story that had all the warmth and emotion I was expecting from Ms. Barker’s work, woven with touching and tender moments, likeable characters, realism, depth, and substance.
As always, Ms. Barker has lovingly crafted her characters into really well-developed individuals with their own unique personalities, quirks, and flaws- making them very relatable, which resulted in an interesting and engaging story.
I am definitely looking forward to reading more from Ms. Barker, ASAP.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Amy Q. Barker!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Hidden Mischief (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Hidden Mischief (Shattered Embrace #1)Hidden Mischief by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story between Ashton and Zachary was really good. I enjoyed the back-and-forth between the two characters. Ashton is a widow who is still grieving. When she finally decides to attend a munch she finds that she has jumped into the lap of her boss the CEO. Zachary takes an interest when he sees that Ashton has applied to his club Shattered Embrace unbeknownst to Ashton. Ashton has dual personalities. She’s a strong independent woman, but when she falls at Zachary’s feet she becomes submissive. This was a great BDSM read that I enjoyed a lot. I can’t wait to read more!

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It Comes From Within (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

It Comes From Within (House Valdis #2)It Comes From Within by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

It Comes From Within is Book 2 in the House Valdis series and I highly recommend reading the prequel along with the first book as this story is the continuation…. and wow…..just when I thought I had it figured out. This author continues to be one of my favorites and the thought of the whole storyline along weaving in all of the details…I am totally amazed. Told in multiple POV’s, which I love to really get to know all the characters and how they come into play in this book… I can only hope that maybe there will be another book……fingers crossed.

Xenobia has so much riding on her shoulders. Protecting the ones that she loves, there is an imminent threat and trying to figure out whom is behind it all. With Matthew, Onyx, Chi there are multiple connections. The merge of two houses is a LOT…and Xen is trying not to feel that it is to much. With illegal blood den and secrets….trust if a big issue….especially feeling betrayal. Having the White Queen on your heels and lurking in the shadows…will Xen be able to protect everyone she cares about and will she find out the true identity of the White Queen….

I highly recommend this series…it is fantastic. The twists and turns had me turning the pages and glued to the story-line.

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Murder At Music Hall (True North Murder Mystery Book 1) by A. J. Ullman – Review by Alison Risher

Murder At Music Hall (A True North Murder Mystery Book 1)Murder At Music Hall by A. J. Ullman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As an English teacher, I am thrilled to have read a book that used one of our vocabulary words from last week- kowtow. One character wonders what a character is holding over a third character, that makes the third character kowtow to the whims of the second character. Information is power, and sometimes power is used for nefarious purposes. As an amateur musician, I love the backdrop of the symphony orchestra. As a reader, I enjoy the thrill of the whodunit genre.

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Murder At Music Hall (True North Murder Mystery Book 1) by A. J. Ullman – Review by Tausha Treadway

Murder At Music Hall (A True North Murder Mystery Book 1)Murder At Music Hall by A. J. Ullman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Murder At Music Hall (True North Murder Mystery Book 1) by A. J. Ullman. This is the first book in the True North Murder Mystery series and I can’t wait for the next. Its the story of retired detective Trueman North. He is now and PI and has turned his horrible past into helping people find justice. North has been hired by a man who thinks the wrong man has been accused of the murder of his son. He wants to right man to pay. As his investigation gets deep the secrets get deeper and the rich and snooty people are trying to hide more than they are helping him. North needs to prove that the guy they have isn’t the killer and find who is guilty. With so many obstacles in the way this may be one case that leaves him stumped. True is not used to being among such wealthy people and he is surprised by all their very dark secrets which are not helping in his investigation. Will he be able to prove that they have accused the wrong man. Read this fast paced thriller to find out!

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Murder At Music Hall (True North Murder Mystery Book 1) by A. J. Ullman – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Murder At Music Hall (A True North Murder Mystery Book 1)Murder At Music Hall by A. J. Ullman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Murder at Music Hall is a good start to a new series, which I intend to continue reading. It takes place in Ohio in the the 1960s, which I was kind of surprised by. It was well written and I was happy to not figure it out. We follow Trueman North, a retired homicide detective as he re-investigates a murder. There was someone convicted, but the victim’s father doesn’t believe he was the real killer. He hires True to investigate and we follow along as he digs up all the dirt. We expect the victim to be a high class upstanding citizen, since he is a member of the orchestra, and comes from a rich family. But as True investigates further, he uncovers a tainted history. There are a slew of people who may want him dead, but True is left to find the killer. The book had a good level of suspense that kept me engaged, and I look forward to more in the series.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Fuller Sight by John Stone – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Fuller SightFuller Sight by John Stone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fuller Sight is not the type of book I would normally read, but I really enjoyed it. It starts as the story of Danny, a teenager with a rough life. A tragic day is a huge turning point in a downward spiral that results in his death. But that’s just the beginning of the book. Danny is greeted in the after life by his mother who acts as his guide through the rest of the story. We follow along as they review the events leading up to and through the end of his life. Then the story introduces the idea of previous lifetimes. That was well done and I love how the author connects all the characters throughout time. He even threw in a little real history which was nicely done. I was most happy that the book was easy to follow. Often these type of books get twisted with the timelines and become convoluted.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Make Me Burn (North Fork Series) by Alicia Street – Review by Jenni Bishop

Make Me Burn (North Fork Series Book 9)Make Me Burn by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Make Me Burn by Alicia Street is the ninth book in the fabulous North Fork series. It is a brother’s best friend forbidden tantalizing tale that heats up the pages. I really enjoy reading Alicias work.
This wonderfully written tale this is a quick and easy read that will delight readers. I was drawn into the story and turning the last page before I knew it.
I was so engrossed and drawn into the characters’ lives and their journey to HEA. There is steam and a few twists, angst, passion, anger, love, steamy scenes, drama and a lot more in between. The want is intense and palpable that it oozes off every page. The story lived up to its title because burn they did.
She has been in love with him forever, but he has always been off limits in more than one way. But now she will take what she wants consequences be damned. She is going in full steam ahead.
When a sexy siren walks in his direction, he decides to make her his after all this time, brothers be damned. Challenge accepted!
I am excited to read more of the series.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Managing Mischief (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn – Review by Jenni Bishop

Managing Mischief (Shattered Embrace #2)Managing Mischief by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Managing Mischief is the second sexy tale in the Shattered Embrace series and the second in Zachary and Ashton’s duet. It can be read as a standalone, but you need to read the first book Hidden Mischief before this one. Well, I think so anyway.
Alyndras narrative lends to the feeling of being surrounded by sights, smells and feelings. Its easy to fall into a mind set of exploration and self-discovery with just her written words. Written words that make this BDSM story seem more real than other authors write about.
This is an opposites attract sizzling tale with BDSM that will have you sitting up and taking notice. Alyndra invites and ensnares us to a world of D/s relationships and the sinful Club Shattered Embrace where deepest and darkest desires come to life.
He craves his dominance and the power over her body. Things heat up with her learning his world but is this house of cards about to fall down around them.
I look forward to more.
Enjoy!

Reviewed by @jennadb

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The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand)The Hidden Present by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 stars

It’s another Unbirthday for Caspian and another magical gift from Grandpa only this time when Caspian wakes things are a little different from the usual.
Lois gives us another charming, original and imaginative tale for children between the ages of 4 – 8 years old.
Like all of Loi’s stories this story has magic and adventure and there is always a message featured with each one.
The Hidden Present is a children’s story that has colourful illustrations, is fun, and educational.
What is an Inquisitive Indicator you ask. Well have a read to find out.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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A Girl, Stuck (Found Families Series) by Kelly Elizabeth Huston – Review by Jenni Bishop

A Girl, Stuck (Found Families #3)A Girl, Stuck by Kelly Elizabeth Huston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars

This is the first book I have read by Kelly, and I found I really liked it. I have read this as a standalone and not read the first two books. Although they follow on from each other they can be read as standalones as I did, and I did not feel as though I was missing out.
A Girl, Stuck is a fun fast-paced crime story that is at times dark but intriguing. It is full of suspense, mystery, some violence and heartache but there is also laughter to be had at times too. It is a well written and engaging tale one that I could not be put down.
Harry is no wilting flower; she is witty, and she can give as good as she gets but she also has a vulnerability about her hidden under her tough exterior. Whilst trying to solve her police detective dad’s murder she risks it all, reputation and career when she trespasses into the underworld of crime. Yet it is within this criminal world that she happens upon one that will change her world.
A Girl, Stuck is the third book in the Found Families Series that should not be missed.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Managing Mischief (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn – Review by Katie Kearney

Managing Mischief (Shattered Embrace #2)Managing Mischief by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ashton and Zachary truly will always be a small bit of my heart. Their characters are some of my favorites this year. Once again this author does a great job of blending steamy scenes with a full storyline. There’s bits of suspense which I liked but I’ll be honest they felt thrown in at the last minute. I don’t know they just felt a little out of place in the progression of the storyline but truly the story is still really good and I’m sad it’s over. I am however really am looking forward to book three. Four stars and highly recommended.

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Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Candice Estes

Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray)Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hay the Fox is headed home for her mother’s birthday party, and she is taking Cray the crab with her. Along the way, Hay and Cray learn how to be braver and how to ask for help. From being afraid of crossing rapidly moving water, to being afraid of an unexpected animal in a cave, the friends must learn how to manage and find their way safely home. The illustrations are beautiful, and the story is short with a rhyming cadence that makes it quick and easy to share with young children. I would recommend this book for any child who may be struggling with feeling scared or unsure. This is a great book for young kids, preschool age or older.

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The Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu – Review by Kerry Baker

The Missing Red EnvelopesThe Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I first started reading this book with my daughter, I expected a fun and lighthearted story, but what we got felt like so much more. This was the perfect kind of book for my daughter to try an read herself and it tied in perfectly with her learnings about New Year. I loved this book because of how excited she was to read it.
The story was really well thought out and engaging. The characters are what really brough it to life and Ioved seeing how they developed as the story progressed. This is a great book and I hope we get the chance to discover more.

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Detective Dylan and the Hunt for Home Plate (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book) by MJ Murray – Review by Kerry Baker

Detective Dylan and the Hunt for Home Plate (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series, #2)Detective Dylan and the Hunt for Home Plate by M.J. Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is the second in the series and it just as fun and entertaining as the first one. It was great to revisit these characters and be taken on more adventures with them. My kids absolutely loved this story, probably even more so than book 1. The illustrations in the book really bring it to life. It makes it so much easier to visualise the characters and the story overall.
This series are the first books that we have read by this author but, if they are any indication as to what to expect, then I think we will become much more familiar with their work. This is a fantastic book that the whole family enjoyed.

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Fearless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, Book 5) by KG Fletcher – Review by Lisa Helmick

Fearless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #5)Fearless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was not as a huge fan of this one as I have been of the others in the series. I just didn’t like how James was portrayed. He has had a solid gf through most of the series but in here he falls for a completely different girl. His antics and thought process just was not favorable to me. I fid like the whole way that Sara and James officially met. She surprised me with her “momma bear” attitude in her employers home. But anyway the there was plenty of stuff that kept me reading as well. I always love time being spent with the Bennetts. Seeing where everyone is at in their relationships and lives. Sadly this is the last in the series. I know that every series needs to end and I look forward to seeing what this author comes up with next.

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The Mating Chance (Long Claw Pride Series Book 3 and LumberCats Series Book 2) by Brooke May – Review by Lisa Helmick

The Mating Chance (Long Claw Pride)The Mating Chance by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

These stories always bring me joy. I enjoy the storyline and the characters all have their quirks. In here I was frustrated at the female lead more than once over her negative attitude towards mating. Life throws curveballs..just embrace them. I did get irritated while reading since frequently things were repeated. Usually either in the same paragraph or the next one. That leads to me skipping areas here and there. I have read this author multiple times. Usually I either really love the book or struggled with it. This time I felt about half way between the two. It isn’t great but not horrible either in my opinion. I do enjoy this series and am looking forward to Sheridan’s mating call.

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A Girl, Stuck (Found Families Series) by Kelly Elizabeth Huston – Review by Kerry Baker

A Girl, StuckA Girl, Stuck by Kelly Elizabeth Huston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a great story that is full of twists and turns the whole way through. I expected the story to be a mystery and to be intriguing, but I wasn’t expecting to find it so entertaining and amusing. I found it really made me connect to the characters even more. The book is the kind of one that has enough going on that I had to read it all in one sitting to see how it played out.
This book is the first one that I have read by this author and I really enjoyed her writing style. It let you as the audience connect to the characters and everything that was going on. I thought this was an exciting read that I thoroughly enjoyed and I am looking forward to reading more of this series.

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It Comes From Within (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

It Comes From Within (House Valdis #2)It Comes From Within by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It Comes From Within is the second book in the House Valdis series. I’d recommend beginning with the prequel, House Valdis Origins: Xenobia, as that provides vital background to this story. I’ve enjoyed many books by this author, who consistently delivers exciting and original urban fantasy stories with LGBT+ characters, and the House Valdis series is certainly no exception!

Xenobia is settling into her role at the head of the newly expanded House Valdis. She needs to strike a balance between doing what she can to protect and help those she loves, and not pushing herself too far. The growing threat from rogue vampires needs attention from her and her friends, before it gets out of hand.

I like that in this book we have more relationships developing between side characters. It’s good to see more of them, and have a broader spectrum of romances! The narrative shifts between multiple points of view, sometimes just for a page or two, so we get to see the perspectives of many characters on the story. Some of my favourites are Sylvia and Ezrah, who both get to play important parts in this story!

I’m looking forward to reading more from House Valdis! The story comes to a satisfying conclusion but there are still questions for a subsequent book to answer.

This book gets five stars from me! I’d recommend the series to paranormal romance fans looking for something with plenty of familiar characters and tropes, but also loads of original ideas to spark your imagination!

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Outcast (Her Royal Harem: Ember) by Catherine Banks – Review by Shelly Kittell

Outcast (Her Royal Harem: Ember Book 1)Outcast by Catherine Banks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh my, this book makes having exotic animals look fun. I loved the story. Magic and shifters with a reverse harem made for a winning story in my book. The characters were entertaining, sexy and absolutely wonderful. She’s a new author to me and I hope to read more if they are like this. What a fun concept and a great book. I sure enjoyed the smile it brought to my face as I read.

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Managing Mischief (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn – Review by Shelly Kittell

Managing Mischief (Shattered Embrace #2)Managing Mischief by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ooh, I loved this book. It continues the romance of Zachary and Ashton. Life brought some challenges but they got through it. This couple is so hot as a Dom/Sub pair. Ashton is still a strong woman and they make this work. I liked reading more of their relationship. They had challenges yet make it work. This author does such a wonderful job writing that she really has you feeling the story as you go along. I can’t wait to read the next book.

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The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain

The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand)The Hidden Present by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand)” by Lois Wickstrom is a delightful and heartwarming story about a boy named Caspian who receives a mysterious gift from his Grandpa on his Unbirthday. The story captures the magic and wonder of childhood, as Caspian goes on a hunt to find his hidden present with the help of an Inquisitive Indicator.

The relationship between Caspian and his Grandpa is beautifully portrayed, depicting a bond built on love and shared experiences. The author does a wonderful job of creating a sense of anticipation and excitement as Caspian searches for his gift, keeping readers engaged and invested in the outcome.

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Murder At Music Hall (True North Murder Mystery Book 1) by A. J. Ullman – Review by Callie Luna

Murder At Music Hall (A True North Murder Mystery Book 1)Murder At Music Hall by A. J. Ullman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I highly enjoyed following Trueman “True” North to find the true murderer of Stoddard Skidmore. As True digs into the case with his investigation skills he realizes that it isn’t quite as open and shut as it seems. Not only is there a compelling murder, but the reader also gets to learn more about True and his backstory as well. The book is set in 1977 with some embellishments in historical details, which the author explains at the end. It is a dark crime mystery; the pacing of the story is fantastic. The clues are there for you to find out the murderer before the reveal, but the reason why is even more compelling. I personally won’t hesitate to pick up the next book in this series!

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The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand)The Hidden Present by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a cute book. His unbirthday present is to be found and he gets to use a compass. Oh, what fun he has with grandpa. An entertaining story with bright, fun illustrations that will keep any child glued to the story. We love reading this series. Another welcome addition to our family library. It will also go well in the classroom.

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Make Me Burn (North Fork Series) by Alicia Street – Review by Shelly Kittell

Make Me Burn (North Fork Series Book 9)Make Me Burn by Alicia Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an excellent read. I am such a fan of this series. They are hot, sexy and entertaining. The chemistry in this book is off the chart. No bro land is where we go this time. You shouldn’t go for your enemy’s little sister, but hey, do it anyway. The story is well-done. You can feel the heat. The characters have excellent chemistry. I love the spark factor. I couldn’t put the book down. This is one I highly recommend for romance lovers.

It Comes From Within (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Shelly Kittell

It Comes From Within (House Valdis #2)It Comes From Within by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This continues the story from The Rise of Valdis. I would suggest you read the prequel and Book 1. The story is very good. The characters will hold your interest through the whole story. I find it interesting that they can enchant themselves to loook like normal people. I really enjoyed the story. It’s action, romance, a bit of everything.

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