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Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig – Review by Jenni Bishop

Productivity is Power: Five Liberating Practices for College StudentsProductivity is Power: Five Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As you have probably gathered by the title this book is specifically aimed at college students, but it would serve anyone well. It is a helpful model with teaching tools, tips, strategies and the like to becoming re-empowered, to finding your lost enthusiasm and being productive once again.
There are many solutions within the book such as:
Re-Empowerment
Compassionate Objectivity
Timed Work Intervals
Randomization
“Dialoguing with the Critic”
The Joyful Dance
Values-Based Time Management

What works for one may not work for another, but I am sure there is something in this book to help you achieve goals that may have slipped or seemed unattainable. All you have to do is want it.

Productivity is Power: Five Liberating Practices for College Students is just what you need to get out of a funk or pull yourself from that rut. It has some good principles and methodologies that won’t cramp your style and are easy to put into practice.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Luca Magoo, Don’t Eat The Glue (Luca Magoo Series) by Megan Delgado – Review by Jenni Bishop

Luca Magoo, Don't Eat The Glue: A back-to-school tale that encourages positive classroom behavior and creative expression.Luca Magoo, Don’t Eat The Glue: A back-to-school tale that encourages positive classroom behavior and creative expression. by Megan Delgado
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What is that saying, “Curiosity killed the cat”. Luca Magoo is a typical boy who is full of curiosity and wonder and definitely someone who needs to be watched. Wherever he goes there is mayhem and madness especially in the classroom. However, he does learn some valuable lessons about is inquisitive nature. Not only does Luca learn but his teacher does as well.
Luca Magoo, Don’t Eat The Glue is a wonderful and colourful picture book that is good for school but also for everyday life. Kaylee Hawley fun pictures bring the story to life.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Miss Georgiana Darcy’s Quest For Love ~ A Pride And Prejudice Variation Novelette (Love Through The Ages Series) by TL Clark – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Miss Georgiana Darcy’s Quest For Love: A Pride And Prejudice Variation Novelette (Love Through The Ages; stand-alone historical books by TL Clark)Miss Georgiana Darcy’s Quest For Love: A Pride And Prejudice Variation Novelette by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Pride and Prejudice variation novelette is a captivating historical romance. Having been compromised by the wicked Mr Wickham, Miss Georgiana Darcy has been living with her brother and his family at Pemberley. Although content she would like her own happy marriage like her brother and Lizzy have. Whilst Lizzy enjoys playing matchmaker, Mr Darcy keeps a watchful eye on any potential suitors. Georgiana must discover if any of them can be trusted. This is a very short read but full of wonderful characters and an intriguing storyline based on a Jane Austen classic. I liked the optional epilogue which contained some marital bedroom scenes. The Regency era was brought to life as was Pemberley through the descriptive narrative. Although part of a series it is a standalone story.

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She’s My Rhinestone Cowgirl (My Cowboy Series) by Brooke May – Review by Lisa Helmick

She's My Rhinestone Cowgirl (My Cowboy #7)She’s My Rhinestone Cowgirl by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a good story the follows a couple from teens to adult. I like the idea of this and it reads very easily. It does move along at a slow pace letting the reader see where these two are now in their lives and thoughts of a future. Life revolves around the rodeo for these two. I loved that! The secondary characters are great! Some are annoying and others are ones we have seen from other books in this series. I wish more could have come from her bff to see where the jealousy came from. I also thought maybe his friend he met in sheriff school would have come into play as well.

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Master Bistrita (Masters of the Consulate Book 11) by Sylvia Black – Review by Kerry Carr

Master Bistrita (Masters of the Consulate #11)Master Bistrita by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 11th book in the Masters of the Consulate series. This is another dark paranormal romance which has elements of danger, twist and turns, betrayal, in this one with have a Dom/submissive relationship. Each one of these books is the story about a different Master finding his fated mate however I would recommend reading them in order as there is a story that runs underneath which is a battle between the pure bloods and the rogues both fighting for ultimate control over the underworld.
In this story we are with Master Bistrita and Chara.
The rogues have moved into Master Bistrita’s territory so all the Masters have to work with him to try and defeat the rouges once and for all.
What he didn’t expect was meeting his fated mate in the form of Chara.
However it wasn’t love at first site. When Chara barges into their meeting to warn her friend about a danger her reaction to Bistrita wasn’t very warm.
However she soon starts to realise that there is something between them that neither can deny.
But when Bistrita start putting his rules and orders in place will she willing obey or will her feisty attitude and disobedience lead them back into more danger.

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Luca Magoo, Don’t Eat The Glue (Luca Magoo Series) by Megan Delgado – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Luca Magoo, Don't Eat The Glue: A back-to-school tale that encourages positive classroom behavior and creative expression.Luca Magoo, Don’t Eat The Glue: A back-to-school tale that encourages positive classroom behavior and creative expression. by Megan Delgado
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Luca Magoo, Don’t Eat The Glue (Luca Magoo Series) by Megan Delgado

  • Luca Magoo,Don’t Eat The Glue is part of the Luca Magoo Series. What a fun little story with colorful illustrations that brought the story to life. It’s Art Day and the students are told to use their imagination and make something wonderful. Luca grabs the glue but then is very tempted to have just a little taste. What does glue taste like? Let’s be safe and not eat the glue. This was a fun read. My son loved it. We highly recommend reading this book and look forward to reading more from this Author.

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Good Things Take Time (Buddy the Blue Corgi Series) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Good Things Take Time (Buddy the Blue Corgi, #2)Good Things Take Time by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Good Things Take Time (Buddy the Blue Corgi Series) by Suzanna Lynn

Good Things Take Time is the second book in the Buddy the Blue Corgi Series. Another wonderfully written children’s book that children of any age can enjoy. My six year old son loved this book and kept saying it’s ok buddy your forever family is coming very soon. Sometimes being patient is hard. Good Things come to those wait. Buddy was starting to get sad and felt unwanted but he stayed calm and his forever family came. We loved this book and the colorful illustrations help to bring the story to life. My son and I highly recommend reading this book and look forward to reading more from this Author.

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Luca Magoo, Don’t Eat The Glue (Luca Magoo Series) by Megan Delgado – Review by Shelly Kittell

Luca Magoo, Don't Eat The Glue: A back-to-school tale that encourages positive classroom behavior and creative expression.Luca Magoo, Don’t Eat The Glue: A back-to-school tale that encourages positive classroom behavior and creative expression. by Megan Delgado
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ok, admit it, when you were little you wanted to try the Elmer’s glue to. This story is awesome. Let your imagination roam with what would happen if you tried to taste the glue. Oh the things that could happen. This story let’s the creative imagination roam. I loved it. An awesome story that makes you remember those olden days as you’re reading this to your child or grandchildren. It’s funny and entertaining.

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Good Things Take Time (Buddy the Blue Corgi Series) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Krista Moulthrop

Good Things Take Time: A picture book about learning patience (Buddy the Blue Corgi)Good Things Take Time: A picture book about learning patience by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Buddy was a pup from a litter of 5, and as they all grew, the time came for them to be adopted to new families. One by one, buddy’s siblings were chosen and left his farm. Buddy starts to blame himself and wonder why nobody wants him. His mama reassured him that his perfect family just hadn’t come yet, but they will. Eventually he gets his family and finds out that they traveled extra just to get him!

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RELEASE (REWIND Series) by Rowan Shaw – Review by Shadel Ayerbe

Release (Rewind #5)Release by Rowan Shaw
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

RELEASE (REWIND Series) by Rowan Shaw is a great romance series.

The entire setting of the romance book REWIND is France. This is a stand-alone narrative without a cliffhanger, even if it is a part of a series.This compilation of interconnected short stories features all of the REWIND series’ characters in a novel-like format.

Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. I loved seeing all my favorite character. The story really transports you into this world. I couldn’t put the book down.

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Decisions Matter (Buddy the Blue Corgi Series) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong (Buddy the Blue Corgi 3)Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Decisions Matter (Buddy the Blue Corgi Series) by Suzanna Lynn

Decisions Matter is part of the Buddy the Blue Corgi Series. What a wonderful story about being honest and telling the truth. There seems to be a trash bandit getting into the trash and knocking over the trashcan. Buddy is determined to catch the trash bandit except he’s the one being blamed since he’s the only one there. Buddy is trying to prove it’s not him but someone else. He figures out who it actually is. Will he tell Donut who the trash bandit is? It’s always good to be honest. I tell my six year old to be honest and always tell the truth. Make good choices because bad choices have consequences. Another wonderful story. The colorful illustrations brought the story to life. I highly recommend reading this book to children of any age. We can’t wait to read more from this Author.

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Made to Love Her (Moore Family Saga Novella) by Michele Sims – Review by Kerry Baker

Made to Love Her: Romantic Suspense Novella (Moore Family Saga)Made to Love Her: Romantic Suspense Novella by Michele Sims
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a brilliant novella, forming a great addition of a series I have enjoyed from the first book. Although a short story, this book really did have everything you would expect from a full length novel. It was great to get a glimpse into these characters and their lives, and even better that it had the gorgeous setting of Greece.
I have read a few books by this author now and I have enjoyed each one I have picked up. Her writing style is one that I find draws you in with ease and I become invested in both story and characters. this was a great book and one I thoroughly enjoyed.

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Decisions Matter (Buddy the Blue Corgi Series) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Krista Moulthrop

Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong (Buddy the Blue Corgi 3)Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Buddy lives with his two cat brothers, Salem and Donut. Donut is the older responsible sibling and keeps the others in line when needed. When someone keeps knocking over the trash at night, Buddy is determined to stay awake and catch who did it but the culprit keeps getting away in time and Buddy gets blamed. Buddy eventually sees who did it but is afraid of tattling on them. Donut teaches Buddy that he should never take the blame for something he didn’t do.
This was my first book from this author. It was super cute and had a great lesson.

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Mr. Lucky (Trentbridge Crime Series Book 1) by Lee Wood – Review by Anastasia Dodson

Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales #1)Mr Lucky by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oo this is the 1st book by this author that I have read and I liked it! It was well written and kept me on the edge of my seat.
I liked the main characters and the world that they were in. Crime/bosses, thrilling action and some twists and turns made this book enjoyable. I am very much looking forward to reading more by this author in the future.
Happy Reading!

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A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella – Review by Krista Moulthrop

A Pig and A PokeA Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kids have gathered at a pig wrestling contest to try to win a pig. Angela stands by and waits patiently for most of the kids to give up, so she has more space to try and grab the slippery pig. She also has a bully, Bruce trying to get the pig. But in the end her patience pays off and she’s able to grab the pig and win. This was a cute book with great graphics. I always love this authors stories!

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RELEASE (REWIND Series) by Rowan Shaw – Review by Heather Goodman

Release (Rewind #5)Release by Rowan Shaw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I want to start off by saying this book wasn’t quite my cup of tea. It had too much descriptive romance for me. But on another note. It was very well written and it did have a great story line that weaved together well. I think if I would have read the other books first it might have made a little more sense quicker. The characters are very relatable and despite what they’ve been through they are making the best of it the best way they know how. If you love a lot of descriptive romance, relatable characters, a little suspense and action thrown in to the mix with an HEA then this is the book for you.

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She’s My Rhinestone Cowgirl (My Cowboy Series) by Brooke May – Review by April Smith

She's My Rhinestone Cowgirl (My Cowboy #7)She’s My Rhinestone Cowgirl by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This a cute second chance romance. Shooter and Trinity were high school sweethearts until she decided to part ways with the relationship. Several years later, Shooter is back in town with a new job and Trinity is finishing up her rodeo commitments. Trinity has decided she needs a chance of pace and wants to experience her life by making her own choices without her mother dictating her every move. You meet several characters in this read that are a part of this series.
If you are looking for a quick read, make sure you grab this, it doesn’t disappoint.

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Made to Love Her (Moore Family Saga Novella) by Michele Sims – Review by Shannen Kern

Made to Love Her: Romantic Suspense Novella (Moore Family Saga)Made to Love Her: Romantic Suspense Novella by Michele Sims
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the first book I had read by this author, and even though it was a short read, it was still wonderful! I didn’t realize it was connected to a series, but I think it did perfectly fine as a standalone. I definitely want to pick up the rest of the Moore Family Saga now that I’ve gotten a taste of it. This book was the perfect balance between romance and suspense which made it so captivating. Cade and Lecia are very well-developed characters, and their chemistry is off the charts! It also made me want to travel to the Greek Isles as the author used beautifully descriptive imagery. The twists and turns this threw at me made me wonder how the author fit everything into such a small number of pages. If you are looking for a story to keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat then you should pick this quick romantic suspense up right now!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Made to Love Her (Moore Family Saga Novella) by Michele Sims – Review by Julie Johnson

Made to Love Her: Romantic Suspense Novella (Moore Family Saga)Made to Love Her: Romantic Suspense Novella by Michele Sims
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

This is a pretty short read (about 60 pages) so the story moves pretty quickly. Cade and Lecia are going to Greece where Cade is playing several concerts with his band during the Millennial Olympic Games. It’s been awhile since Cade and Lecia have been away by themselves having small children at home. Pretty quickly, drama starts to ensue in an elevator (I hope I never experience what they did!) and things escalate from there.

This book kept my attention throughout and I read it in just under an hour. I have not read any of this author’s previous work and I felt a little disjointed at times, like I should already know these characters. An enjoyable book overall with a suspenseful storyline!

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You Are Special (Buddy the Blue Corgi Series) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

You Are Special (Buddy the Blue Corgi, #1)You Are Special by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
You Are Special (Buddy the Blue Corgi Series) by Suzanna Lynn

You Are Special is part of the Buddy the Blue Corgi series. This is a wonderfully written children’s book that children of any age can enjoy. I love this author and how all her stories have Special meanings. The lessons we learn from her stories are incredible. My six year old son loved this book and kept saying God made you Special for a reason buddy. Being different is okit makes us each different in our own ways. Learning to embrace being different can be difficult. We loved this story and the colorful illustrations. We highly recommend reading this book. We can’t wait to read more from this Author and this series.

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The Places We Call Home by Kim Ann – Review by Arianna Westmoreland

The Places We Call Home: A picture book to remind us that home is where all love begins.The Places We Call Home: A picture book to remind us that home is where all love begins. by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book with my two sons – D (age 6) and S (age 2.5). They absolutely loved it! This book takes a look at all the different places that animals and people can live matched with fun, rhyming words.

A review from an actual kid:
D (age 6) – “Animals and people live in all different places.”
S (age 2.5) – “They all have a home like me!”

We gave this book 5 out of 5 stars.

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Porter and Midge: Paws and Pastries A Kid’s Guide to Homemade Dog Treats (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Angela Plate, September 2024

Porter and Midge: Paws and Pastries: A Kid's Guide to Homemade Dog Treats (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws and Pastries: A Kid’s Guide to Homemade Dog Treats by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was so cute. The rhymes were well thought out. The illustrations are beautiful. This author also included very easy to follow tasty dog recipes. My daughter is looking forward to trying a few for her very picky eater.

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Miss Georgiana Darcy’s Quest For Love ~ A Pride And Prejudice Variation Novelette (Love Through The Ages Series) by TL Clark – Review by Jenni Bishop

Miss Georgiana Darcy’s Quest For Love: A Pride And Prejudice Variation Novelette (Love Through The Ages; stand-alone historical books by TL Clark)Miss Georgiana Darcy’s Quest For Love: A Pride And Prejudice Variation Novelette by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars
Miss Georgiana Darcy’s Quest For Love is T. L. Clark’s interesting version of one of the characters from A Pride and Prejudice. It is a very short tale but an intriguing tale even if it was a little slow to get into.
This drama filled historical romance tale is set in Regency times. It is the story of Miss Georgiana Darcy whose reputation is in tatters and gossip is rife in the Ton. Trust has been destroyed; hope is but a dream. She was young, vulnerable, naive and beautiful and found trouble, lies, deceit and heartache. I found myself drawn into the story, to Georgiana’s plight and her life. At least she had Lizzy to help her along.
Take a journey to a different time where women were on the market for a good match as deemed by others was a given. A time when women didn’t inherit. A time where status and standing meant everything.
Will Lizzy find someone who cares for her wellbeing to find true love? Or will she be forever shunned due to her mistakes?

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Lapidius: Book 1 (A Nation Found Series) by Matthew Runals – Review by Jenni Bishop

LapidiusLapidius by Matthew Runals
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s easy to become caught up in this YA tale as Runals paints a vividly rich narrative of a life at military school called Lapidius and those of the students. His passion shines through his words. At times I felt the story had a few repetitions and was sometimes a bit wordy, but I enjoyed this tale non the less. This intriguing tale has a bit of everything from a dystopian world with fantasy, sci fi to a touch of horror with a fast-moving plot.
Lapidius takes readers on an epic journey through a magical world filled with unique cultures, creatures and characters. A world where survival is the name of the game where battles, greed, danger, monsters and adventure become one in the fight.
I watched with keen interest as the children of the future learned, developed and & grew in strength, bravery and came together with conviction, a far cry from their humble beginnings. Compelling characters Kyle, Joey, Brian, and Lucas learn to fight for what is theirs and the bond that surrounds them.
I enjoyed this Young Adult book. I’m 62 and a woman and it kept me entertained and reading to the end. It’s a great tale for those who enjoy battles and adventure.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Forever to Fall (Buckeye Falls Book 5) by Libby Kay – Review by Samantha Cleaver

Forever to Fall (Buckeye Falls, #5)Forever to Fall by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the fifth book in the series but I read it as a standalone. Each book is about a different couple; this one about Mallory and Beckett. They are all small town clean romances. I loved the character development and how I felt as if I was apart of the story. I was drawn in with every page. Definitely recommend this book!

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Decisions Matter (Buddy the Blue Corgi Series) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Alicia Furlan

Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong (Buddy the Blue Corgi 3)Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Buddy is growing up with his new brothers, Salem and Donut. Buddy keeps being blamed for something he’s not doing and he tries to figure out who is the culprit. Donut helps the brothers to understand that telling the truth is always the most important thing.

What another great lesson taught to us by Buddy the Blue Corgi. I love the simple approach to these books. One small but meaningful lesson in each book. Can’t wait to see what Buddy and his family get up to next.

Reviewed by@aliciaknoke

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A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella – Review by Charlene Pryke

A Pig and A PokeA Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A pig and a poke is a very fun book written by Tricia Gardella and beautifully illustrated by Bar Fabian.
A tale of perseverance and persistence. A snapshot of country life of children – a pig wrangling competition. Angela stepped back at first but was waiting for the courage to jump in and get her pig.

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Good Things Take Time (Buddy the Blue Corgi Series) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Kristin Boutelle

Good Things Take Time: A picture book about learning patience (Buddy the Blue Corgi)Good Things Take Time: A picture book about learning patience by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As always there is a lesson to be learned in this book. Sometimes what we want takes more time than expected. Buddy goes through a few emotions which is typical in the waiting process. The author engages the reader in a way they can understand the value of waiting. The artwork is very well done.

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Forbiddenly Yours(Titans of Chicago)by Anise Storm- Review by Heather Knalls

Forbiddenly Yours (Titans of Chicago #2)Forbiddenly Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Callum is one of the Titans of Chicago and he has spent the last few weeks in Marbella Costa Rica savoring the beauty before going back to work as a second year professor. While there he meets Nicole at a retreat and they have fun the last few days in Costa Rica thinking they will never see each other again. Nicole turns out to be a Titan in California but has decided to move to Chicago to finish out college and then hopefully take over a managers position at one of her uncle’s properties. She feels Chicago will be better for her as it’s a fresh start and no one knows who she is. However she is worried about her mother due to her illness and she’s gradually getting worse. Will the two run into each other at the college, will things become more between them?

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Driving into the Night by Amanda Kay – Review by Brandy Rymer

Driving into the NightDriving into the Night by Amanda Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a great M/M fantasy romance that was completely original. I love the angle that Amanda Kay took in developing this awesome storyline around good versus evil and having the ring be the protagonist in the story. The ring represents the world’s evil and tries to influence the hunter to kill the demon angel despite the attraction they feel for one another. This made for a great fantasy romance as we see our two main characters fight against all that they have been taught as their responsibility and follow along as they choose where their destinies will take them. This book was not a long read, but every page will have you on edge rooting for a happily ever after that may or may not be possible. You won’t want to miss this fast-paced adventure as the two main characters work against time to seek out the answers they need…will the past be able to help them save their future? Find out by reading Driving into the Night by the amazing author Amanda Kay who has a skill like no other! Until next time my friends, I’m off to find another great read!
@Brandy Rymer
09/2024

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