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Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Ten Little Starfish: A Counting BookTen Little Starfish: A Counting Book by Kim Ann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a cute counting book that any child would enjoy. It is full of illustrations to keep them engaged and asking questions. It not only will help them learn about numbers but it takes them on an adventure along the way. It is easy to understand and read. This is a fun story that brings an educational aspect as well as the imagination. I highly recommend this children’s book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Regaining Integrity (Code of Honor Book 4) by Brooke May – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Regaining IntegrityRegaining Integrity by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the fourth book in this series which I highly suggest reading the previous books in this series but they can be read as a standalone. This is a great series that you will enjoy reading for sure. I have enjoyed this author’s books from the first one I picked up and I am never let down. This book is no different. It is a well written story about second chances and what fate has planned for these two characters. I enjoyed watching the growth as well as the chemistry with these two. Their attraction heats up the pages and leaves you coming back for more. This is a fast paced romance story that is hard to put down. A story that you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this book and this author.

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Review by @bjwagner

Flowers of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Kristin Boutelle

Flowers of Evil (Hani's Daughter Mysteries Book 1)Flowers of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like how the author has written in such a way to let the reader actually see what is going on in the story. The characters are very well developed and well thought out. The story is slow to start, however, it does pick up the pace as the story goes on.

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Reticent Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Jenni Bishop

Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend's Older Sister Forbidden Romance (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 2)Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend’s Older Sister Forbidden Romance by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reticent Hawke is the second book in the wonderful The Hawke Family Second Generation series. A forbidden romance best friend’s older sister trope.
Gwyn is one of my favourites to say I was excited to see this book out is an understatement. I have read every book by Gwyn and have fallen in love with each and everyone but the Hawkes past and present have a special place in my heart. The second generation are here and are just as loveable.
This page turner is full of tension and angst, secrets and lies, fear and danger and so much more. Reticent Hawke is just as fantastic as the others. Gwyn has a gift with her story telling and she intricately weaves multi layered and complex threads that are well written and well thought out.
It is not hard to fall in love with the characters who are well developed and did I mention sexy. Told in different POV’s I love that we get a more comprehensive insight into these commanding characters.
I am not going to give anything away you need to grab a copy and find out what happens for yourself because it is that good.
Now I just must wait anxiously for the next instalment.

 

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Love, Only Better (Bold Journeys Book 1) by Paulette Stout – Review by Jenni Bishop

Love, Only BetterLove, Only Better by Paulette Stout
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Love, Only Better is the fun first book in the women’s fiction Bold Journeys novels by Paulette Stout. I have not read anything by this author before and was pleasantly surprised. She brings forth stories that are often not talked about, taboo or a tightly held secret.
This is a story of one’s sexuality and discovering oneself, one’s needs and wants, of intimacy. It is well written and is an honest exploration of sexual problems. I think this is one story that you will either really like or not.
Men and women can be cruel, and many take their words to heart but sometimes it just takes the right person to know the way around a woman’s body.
Rebecca has been through the wringer in every aspect of her life and herself confidence is rock bottom. Rebecca doesn’t like sex. Instead of packing it all in she decides to take a stand and go after what she wants and what she wants is the sexy man that lives across the way. She wants intimacy. She wants to be special. She wants spice. She wants to be sexy and God damnit she wants to be able to enjoy sex to full completion. She wants her Big O!
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale, and I was drawn to the characters facing real life problems in real life settings. As a bonus I got to explore NYC.
I now want to read the second book What We Never Say.

 

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Regaining Integrity (Code of Honor Book 4) by Brooke May – Review by Shelly Kittell

Regaining IntegrityRegaining Integrity by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

These two had me chuckling at the flirting, the sparks and the chemistry. He wants her. She wants him, but doesn’t. Ridge wants to have a crush on her. This is the sweetest romance and I still love the moments when Cera gets hers. A fun story where the tables turn, hearts shine and love is found. Characters are fantastic This is one of the best series out there in the romance genre. I love it when the author takes us back there. I can’t wait wait to return again. Take me back to Montana.A quick read that you will enjoy.

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Rayne East

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Delightful, magical read
A great fantasy read for young and old, this brilliantly written book has a unique storyline. The author weaves a story filled with imagery and quirky characters that keeps the reader engaged right through until the end. With an easy to relate to MC and nostalgia of the carousel ride, this story would appeal to a wide audience. Highly recommend.

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Regaining Integrity (Code of Honor Book 4) by Brooke May – Review by Jenni Bishop

Regaining IntegrityRegaining Integrity by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars
It has been a while since I have read one of Brooke’s books. I was excited when I saw this one as Brooke is one author that you just have to have the book.
Regaining Integrity is the captivating fourth book in the Code of Honor series. It could be read as stand-alone, but I recommend that you read them in order to get character backstories.
This military romance story is so easy to lose time as the pages turn.
Brooke’s writing style make the story flow well. My only complaint is once again that the story is too short. It is a steamy, sweet read and it will leave you wanting more as all of Brooke’s stories do because they are good.
The well-developed characters are beautifully written and feel real and it is easy to become invested in them.
I cannot wait to read what comes next.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Love, Only Better (Bold Journeys Book 1) by Paulette Stout – Review by Shelly Kittell

Love, Only BetterLove, Only Better by Paulette Stout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rebecca is a character that I could totally relate to for personal reasons. Reading this story was like reading about my life. I found the story to be powerful. The start built at a slow start but I found that it was building to a story that let us watch Rebecca find out what True Love was and could be, with Kyle. She learned to want to love and be herself. Sure, she has issues. Sometimes, it’s refreshing to read a story and watch someone get through it. Even being fiction, it still brings hope. I enjoyed it all, though her friends left something to be desired. I look forward to reading more. I already have the second book up next.

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Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Rayne East

Ten Little Starfish: A Counting BookTen Little Starfish: A Counting Book by Kim Ann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Love the illustrations
This engaging picture story counting book is brilliantly presented. With so much to engage with on each page from the illustrations to the language, this book would make a great addition to a home or class library. I really like the wide range of descriptive words used as it can appeal to older children too. Recommend.

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Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Michelle Mulvey

Ten Little Starfish: A Counting BookTen Little Starfish: A Counting Book by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great counting book for the littles. They even enjoyed the song that comes with it. Every day the 4 and 3 year old ask to read it and sing along with it. Beautiful colorful illustration!

review by @xchellex

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Magic Carousel is the unique award-winning first book in this series the Brass Ring. It is an adventure story for tweens between 8 – 12 years old but will capture the heart of anyone.
Rusty soon learns there is more to the crazy old man he calls Grandpa, and his adventure begins.
Time travel, a brass ring, magical powers, a gateway to magic are what you will find in this magical adventure fantasy.
There is fun, heartache, drama, tragedy, bullying and much more. The characters are relatable with the story is told in the first-person.
The Magic Carousel is an exciting educational history lesson. It is original and imaginative and an action-packed wild adventure where a young boy Rusty learns true courage and bravery.
I wonder what new adventure will come next for Rusty.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Jenni Bishop

Ten Little Starfish: A Counting BookTen Little Starfish: A Counting Book by Kim Ann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ten Little Starfish is an imaginative and fun counting book. It is aimed at children aged 2 to 4 years old and impressionable little minds.
With its vivid bright and colourful pictures, it is a winner with children as they learn to count to ten. It also full of interesting facts of creatures and nature that the world has to offer.
Kim Ann stories are valuable tools that help with shaping and the development of young minds and skills as they get to enjoy sea creatures, the beach and nature.
The story is told in a rhyming manner which delighted my grandchildren. What more could you ask for.
This wonderful adventure story is a must as a gift for a special occasion or just because.

 

Reviewed by @jennadb

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fun story. Russell has to take his grandfather to the carousel at the park every day. The same routine…. One day, his grandfather opens an adventure and the fun starts there. This is an amazing history adventure that brings stories to life. Each chapter is a history lesson brought to life. A fun chapter book that will be a great addition to any child’s library. I will be adding it to our homeschool library.

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Christie Mitchum

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cruel Start is another great installment in the Hidden Valley Elite Series, and now it’s Phoenix’s turn to share his story with readers, and he didn’t disappoint.

Cruel Start is a great title for this book as it is somewhat of a cruel start for Phoenix and his “surfer girl,” Aspen! The chemistry between these two is electrifying, but they have a lot of things to overcome before they find their happily ever after!

This book is a little different from the previous books as now the characters I have come to love have now moved on to college, and I actually liked Phoenix a lot earlier on than I did the male characters in the earlier books. He wasn’t all that nice to Aspen in the beginning, but now that he knows she is pregnant, he has no intention of shirking his duties as a father.

What I have come to discover about Aspen, I like. I don’t know as much about her as I do about Phoenix because I have gotten to know him just a little bit in the previous books. Both are going to be complex and complicated characters because of the parents they have. Each has issues with relationships and love because of their parents, with the exception of Phoenix’s mother, but I am hoping they work through those for the sake of their relationship and because I like them as individuals.

The book isn’t very long as this serves as a prequel for the upcoming books, but Vaughn packed a lot of things in those pages that just give us a little taste of what is to come. Looking forward to getting to know more about these two in the next few books!

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Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Shelly Kittell

Ten Little Starfish: A Counting BookTen Little Starfish: A Counting Book by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a sweet little counting book for children. It is bright, colorful and a fun way to learn some new facts about starfish. The illustrations are so cute that they will catch children’s attention and start conversations. The activities and fun facts at the end of the story help to continue that learning. This would be a wonderful addition to any child’s library.

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Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Tonya Merritt

Ten Little Starfish: A Counting BookTen Little Starfish: A Counting Book by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a cute book! A perfect book to read and help teach your littles about counting and ocean life. At the end there is a scan code to hear the song which is just as fun as the reading. An interactive search at the end of the book will have your children searching and having fun!

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The Secrets They Hide (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Brandy Vaughn

The Secrets they Hide (Commissario Scala #2)The Secrets they Hide by P.J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Secrets they Hide is the second book in A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome crime series. This book may be part of a series, but it reads easily as a standalone novel. This crime thriller has plenty of action, suspense, tension, with twists and turns to keep you turning the pages. I appreciate that this was based in Italy. It was interesting how another country solves crimes. I look forward to the next book!

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How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

How to Catch Little Boys and Eat ThemHow to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I always enjoy getting an opportunity to check out this author’s works and again this story did not disappoint. Even in Kindle format the illustrations were delightful. I enjoyed the twist on a classic story and getting to see things from a giant’s perspective. I found his methods of infomercials and selling his tricks to other giants hilarious. For kids, I think this would be a great way to open up some engaging conversations about problem solving and safe ways to interact with others. It had a cute twist at the end that was very entertaining. This is a great book for younger youth and even some older grade school youth as well!

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The Finding (Berrycreek Heights Series Book 1) by A. M. Porto – Review by Ashley Sugar

The Berrycreek Heights Series: The Finding.The Berrycreek Heights Series: The Finding. by Adry M Porto
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A couple pages in and I’m already loving this book! The tragedy that Victoria is going through at such a young age, shatters my heart. But Logan’s mom is such a saint! Her caring for Victoria makes my heart full because Victorias home life, is terrible. That little girl needs love and it’s sad a stranger shows it to her instead of her own stepfather. And Logan? He loves Victoria so damn much. He’s there for her, always. As much as this book angered me it kept my attention the entire time. Turning the pages because I just had to know what happens next. I can see how this book can be triggering, so please read the warnings. Book isn’t recommended for anyone under 18. Has a lot of dark topics/scenes. But I thoroughly enjoyed it!

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Descendants of Time and Death (The Gods’ Scion Book 2) by Winnifred Tataw-Review by Shadel Ayerbe

Descendants of Time and Death (The Gods' Scion, #2)Descendants of Time and Death by Winnifred Tataw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Descendants of Time and Death (The Gods’ Scion Book 2)) by Winnifred Tataw is a great young adult fantasy

The author tells a timeless story. In order to achieve in the future, you must be aware of and take lessons from the past, the author encourages you to acknowledge.The major characters are superbly developed by the author, who also builds a compelling narrative around them. Sometimes the secondary characters’ traits may have received a little too much attention, but it doesn’t take away from the overall impact of the story.

Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. The story really brings into their world.I couldn’t put the book down.

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The Sisterhood of Secrets (The Gods’ Scion Book 4) by Winnifred Tataw – Review by Shadel Ayerbe

The Sisterhood of SecretsThe Sisterhood of Secrets by Winnifred Tataw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Sisterhood of Secrets (The Gods’ Scion Book 4) by Winnifred Tataw is a great young adult fantasy.

In the story, Arcelia, her damaged family, and Prince Rodrick travel through the deserts and the Siesa Arid underground metropolis. Since she learned that her mother might be a murderer, everything has been odd, and she has been haunted by rumors of falsehoods and unfulfilled promises. She is hoping that a trip to Siesa Arid, the country of her twin cousins, will lead to the kind of family reunification she has been waiting for. Threats from a criminal organization disturb Arcelia and Rodrick, who are also troubled by moral dilemmas about right and wrong. The Archangel and God of Life assisted in all of this while keeping a close eye on it.

Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. The story really brings into their world.I couldn’t put the book down.

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Forbidden Blood (The Shadow Chronicles Book 4) by CR Robertson – Review by Cindy Rushin

Forbidden Blood (The Shadow Chronicles Book 4)Forbidden Blood by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed returning to this world and further exploring it. Kimber and Fabian’s story is full adventure and of course love. Their journey to finding a happy ending had some dangers and many twists and turns but they came out alright in the end. This author has created a vibrant story and I look forward to reading more from her.

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How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shea Gilkerson 7/26/23

How to Catch Little Boys and Eat ThemHow to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another win, this is an updated version of “Jack and the Beanstalk” told from the giants side of things. He is selling instructions and items needed to catch little boys to eat! It leads through the steps of the story while he is trying to make Jack stay comfortable. There is a twist at the end showing Jack is more than the giant gives him credit for.

How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elisha Johnson

How to Catch Little Boys and Eat ThemHow to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

How to catch little boys and eat them by Lois Wickstrom- 3 out of 5 stars

Similar to the classic fairytale Jack and the Bean Stalk but with a twist. The clever giant devises a plan to catch a boy and eat him while advertising his method to other giants via an infomercial to make money. The giant’s plan was going as planned when the boy’s curiosity took him up the bean stalk. The first time was pure curiosity but the many times after was greed. The boy had stealing items from the giant’s house to make money. Since the boy was never caught, he felt comfortable returning to steal more. The giant revealed that he had set up the boy and he was trapped. The boys quick witts saved him in the end when he was able to convince the giant to let him go.
I was personally not a big fan of this book. I did like that the author kept some key items from the classic fairytale but I find it to be very greed driven. I don’t really think the message of the story was portrayed in a positive way.

Review by @elishajohnson

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Broken. (Green St. Girls Series) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Erin DeRoma

Broken. (Green St. Girls #2)Broken. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My second book from N.D Jackson, second in this series and this didn’t disappoint. Although it could technically be read as a stand alone, reading book one in the Green St. Girls series would give some background information. This book is focused on Indigo where the first focused on Athena.
I am really impressed on how I am totally captured and sucked into Jackson’s writing. I feel all the emotions deeply.
I do hope this series continues on with the other Green St Girls.

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Love Bites More ( The Darkness and Light Duology, and the Love Bites World ) by T.L. Clark – Review by Caralee Loonat

Love Bites MoreLove Bites More by T.L. Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am just in seventh heaven as this is one of my most favorite authors. I love paranormal romances and this did not disappoint. I really like the way the author is able to build a world and bring the characters to life. I really felt as though I was right in the middle of the action. There was also a great balance of drama and adventure mixed in with the romance. As I have said before this is one of my most favorite genres. I really like how there was a sort of forbidden love with a wonderous outcome. I like how everything just really fell into place and the chemistry between the characters really just added to the story. I look forward to reading much more from this author in the future.

Review by @caraleeloonat.
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How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

How to Catch Little Boys and Eat ThemHow to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Well, this was a weird retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, with really not that much from the original story. This blue genie lives in the clouds via the stalk and likes to eat little boys. He tricks them because he says earth boys are lazy. Well, Jack climbs the stalk but our wits the genie thing, while stealing his stuff. Once he “got caught” they make a deal to help each other out. However, once again Jack outsmarts him to destroy the stalk but get rich at the same time. Did that sound like a weird summarization, well that is how I felt when I read it. This story to me made no sense, especially toward the end. The title and concept were just creepy, in this form. The illustrations were fine but no real message or point for a kid’s story.

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The Sisterhood of Secrets (The Gods’ Scion Book 4) by Winnifred Tataw – Review by Manda Kelly

The Sisterhood of SecretsThe Sisterhood of Secrets by Winnifred Tataw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 4th in a series, I absolutely feel like you CAN read this book without reading the others, I personally believe I would have followed along and enjoyed the story and been less confused at times, had I read the other books first. With that being said, let me clarify. This story is amazing. Our leading lady is awesome. She is well written and her world is well defined. This author has put forth amazing thought and detail into this world, building a place for us to get lost in. Her characters are strong and defined. Her plots are well thought out and executed. I highly recommend this series for readers of Fantasy, young and old, alike.

Reviewed By: Manda Kelly 2023

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When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve – Review by Kerry Baker

When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy TalesWhen Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was really surprised when I started reading this book. I hadn’t read the description or any reviews when I picked it up so was expecting one single, full length story. Instead, this book is a collection of brilliant fairy tales with a modern twist. Each of the stories was different and interesting and I loved discovering each of them.
This is a new author to me and I think this was probably to best way to discover their work. Each story have an insight into their writing style and it was good to get a feel for the books. This was an enjoyable collection and I am looking forward to seeing what else this author will produce.

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