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Streets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Shelly Kittell

Streets of ShadowStreets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I sure enjoyed this book. A definite mix of everything from mystery, adventure to romance. I love stories that start with the main character scaling walls, especially in times where that wasn’t common. This young lady goes through a lot. The story is wonderful. The characters are terrifically written. Oliver is such a scoundrel. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading more from this author.

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Falling for You (Buckeye Falls Book 2) by Libby Kay – Review by Shelly Kittell

Falling for You (Buckeye Falls, #2)Falling for You by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh man, CeCe and Evan’s story is as sweet and touching as Ginny and Max’s. We got a sneak peek at them in Falling Home. I loved this story. A blast from the past heartbreak comes at CeCe and Evan is there to help. The question is, will she let him. The story is delightfully touching and heartwarming. These two have chemistry that you feel sparking through the whole book. The characters are delightful. Max and Ginny, Natalie and Evan’s family are entertaining. Such fun characters. Some are not, they are putz, but they play a role. This a beautiful story that adds to the romance that one can find in Buckeye Falls. I hope this author will share more Buckeye love with us.

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Ruthless Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Angela Shirley

Ruthless Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 1)Ruthless Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Isaac Hawke is back home in New Orleans and still thinks of the girl Jack he had the most incredible weekend with. Having used all his resources to find her all her remembers is the head in the back of the black car driving away into the distance.

Five years on and he still wonders until one day after a rather bad day in court he is summoned by his Uncle Gabe to help with a situation they had and will be helping out a friend, as he arrives into his uncle’s office he hairs stand on end and sitting on a chair in his Uncle’s office is Jack after all these year’s.

Giacomina Jackson – Marconi aka Jack is from a brutal family, her mother the head of the Marconi Mob and her father a well assassin for hire. She has lived her life in a castle of security and fear of something happening to her but that one night she slipped away from her security and walked into the arms of NOLAN her world fell away and she saw what she could have, until the faithful morning when her father had tracked her and threatened to kill the man she was with, that’s why she left him chasing after her in the street.

As she sees Nolan aka Isaac again there is a secret even, she now can’t keep, they only thing is does he still want her, and can he forgive her for the secret she is keeping.

I loved the first generation books in this series and oh my the secondary generation come out with a bang. I did read the prequel to this book which gives you the history between Jack and Nolan but I don’t think this is a must to read to start the series. The characters are brilliantly, and I loved the feisty nature of Jack, and the heartbreak Isaac went through understanding what had gone in. The secondary characters are also brilliant and love to see how the dynamics of the family and extended family work.

The story was well written and had suspense and drama which you associate with this family and can’t wait to read the next book in this instalment.

Creatures of the Night by C.A. King – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Creatures of the NightCreatures of the Night by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Creatures of the Night by C.A. King

Creatures of the Night is a wonderfully written Dystopian Fantasy with some Paranormal / Romance that once you start reading there’s no stopping until you finish. This author is one of my favorites and each book they write is my favorite yet but this one is definitely my favorite yet. Her characters are well developed, real yet raw at times and they make the story come to life. I always feel like I’m apart of the adventure. Zoe has been training her whole life to fight demons and monsters but now she’s faced with making a hard choice. Will she betray one to save the other? Will she follow her heart ? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.

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A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small – Review by Rayne East

A Dress To Remember: A Fairy TaleA Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wonderful fantasy
This is a fantastic children’s fantasy book with great imagery and storyline. A spoilt Princess finds herself stuck out in the kingdom and needs to find her way back to the castle. There’s lessons learned and challenges faced, along with a magical dress, that keeps the reader engaged. The author cleverly weaves a story that crosses over from light to dark and back again. Thoroughly enjoyable – highly recommend.

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Cry Baby (Pierce Brothers Book 4) by Belinda Williams – Review by Moriah Venable

Cry Baby (Pierce Brothers, #4)Cry Baby by Belinda Williams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Determined to make this job work as a live in nanny, Amy Highgate is optimistic despite the issue with her boss being gloomy.

After the passing of his friend, Noah Pierce, who is bachelor takes in the daughter of his friend but he has no idea how to take care of her or who her father is.

This brings the two people together and along the way the two of them find some common ground.

I really enjoyed this novel more than I thought I would. I wasn’t in the mood for an instalove story and the cover and premise caught my attention.

I do enjoy slow burn romance and the characters getting to know each other before romantic feelings get involved.

I saw this was the most recent novel in a series of standalones but I will be reading the previous books to get to know the brothers.

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Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Candice Estes

Ale's Fair in Love and War (Love on Tap, #1)Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hollis Hayes has just opened her own dog grooming business next door to the Blue Bigfoot bar, own and run by Cash. The two initially get along like oil and water…or worse. A prank war, started over a dumpster, eventually leads to more when Cash mistakes a real inspector for a fake, hired by Hollis to antagonize him. When he mouths off and makes some comments he really shouldn’t, his family bar is hit with a list of complaints that will cost a bunch of money. Hollis assumes that the inspector is really a plant from her stepfather, after it comes out that Cash’s younger brother briefly had a relationship with Hollis’s teenage sister. While trying to raise the money to save the bar, the pair discover that they are much more alike than they originally believed, and begin to have a real relationship. This book is a guaranteed happily ever after, with lots of humor, love and relatable characters.

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A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small – Review by Jamie Truex

A Dress To Remember: A Fairy TaleA Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a story of a young, spoiled princess. Her royal advancement is coming up and she wants a special dress that is better than everyone else’s. She learns about someone who makes special dresses and seeks them out. Her dress turns out to be more than she bargained for. I was pleasantly surprised by this slightly dark fairy tale.

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A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small – Review by Dahnielle Hibbert

A Dress To Remember: A Fairy TaleA Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love fairy tales and I loved the cover of this book. So of course when two things you love in literature coincide you definitely want to read that novel. Princess Zarina… well what else is there to say, but she is a princess who makes a bad decision and gets involved with the wrong person. Now trapped with the consequences of that decision she must avoid capture and save her kingdom. This is a fast paced fairy tale with all the magic and allure you would expect from one. I very much enjoyed it although I would have expected more details, as when I read I get images of the places and things and there weren’t quite enough to get a complete picture. Other than that this was a excellent story.

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A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small – Review by April McCoy

A Dress To Remember: A Fairy TaleA Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book to my daughter and just wow. Her eyes sparkled with wonder and the author spun a tale that transported you to a different place and time with real world lessons from right now. She adored this book and so did I. Beautifully written, well thought out and a magical read through and through!

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The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Barbie England

The Man In BlackThe Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Man in Black is story about exploring your dreams. Fenimore James has been obsessed with crime stories that he clips from the newspaper, and decides to leave home to join a gang. He decides to go by the name Simon, and when he meets the leader of a notorious gang, Red, he is introduced to the rest of the gang by that name. The story begins in the fall of the year 1880, and as Simon lives with the gang he discovers that he is interested romantically in one of its’ members. There are all kinds of escapades that happen along the way as they explore the physical terrain and also Simon lives with the choices that sometimes feel uncomfortable to him. While all of that is going on members of the gang are getting murdered one at a time, Simon sees a mysterious Man in Black, and tries to figure out who is after them before its too late.

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A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small – Review by Angela Hayes

A Dress To Remember: A Fairy TaleA Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small is a captivating children’s chapter book- an epic fantasy with magic, action, adventure, life-lessons, evil villains, witches, castles, an enchanted dress, agendas, invaders, and high stakes.
This is a story about how a spoiled princess steps up to save her kingdom- setting off on a magical adventure she could never have imagined. The story isn’t all flowers and rainbows, as the author added some darker, heavier tones to her storyline that bring their own challenges for our mc to overcome. We follow and get a front row seat as Zarina has responsibility thrust upon her under almost impossible circumstances- and watch as she navigates her new situation. Add in an enchanted dress- and the story takes an even more intriguing turn.
There are several wonderful illustrations that also help to bring the story to life.
Happy Reading…

Thank you K.L. Small!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

A Dress To Remember: A Fairy TaleA Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Princess Zarina receives a dress for a ball honoring herself. In the beginning she is disappointed in dress but soon she realizes it’s power. Zarina as youngest child is spoiled and she doesn’t try to hide it. With the help of her dress and socializing with people in town has helped change her. I like this book. I plan on letting my 11 year old daughter read it and ask her for her thoughts and opinions.

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A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small – Review by Ashley Hasting

A Dress To Remember: A Fairy TaleA Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Princess Zarina is a princess with many siblings, but she is proud to say she is the prettiest. She is a very selfish lady. She has her crowning ceremony in a couple weeks, and has a dressmaker make her the dress to remember. Doing so, the dressmaker makes it where it can only be Zarina that takes the dress off. Zarina has to learn some lessons on her way back and also stay alive! So much happens and it’s great for kids to read! 🙂

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The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand)The Empty Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s Caspian’s Un-Birthday and Grandpa has gifted him with a box. Only problem is, it’s an empty box! Grandpa tells Caspian that there’s a wand inside and that he needs to name it in order for it to work. Once Caspian gives the wand a name, his world becomes so much more interesting!

I love the adventures that Caspian and his Grandpa have! I wish I’d have had a Grandpa like him! Lois Wickstrom writes engaging stories for youngsters and I have loved all her books so far! The illustrations are also very vivid and appealing.

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The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Melissa Saxton

The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand)The Empty Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Caspian and his Grandpa are back for another “unbirthday”. What is Caspians gift?
He is initially frustrated as the box grandpa gave him was empty. His grandpa however tells him there is an invisible magic wand!! But Caspian has to name it before it would work. Fun things happen after this with magic lessons and fun lessons with “time”.
This is another cute series with a lot of imagination perfect for the preschool kindergarten aged child. My daughter thought this was great and wanted me to get her a wand too!

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A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small – Review by Julie Johnson

A Dress To Remember: A Fairy TaleA Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Princess Zarina is a very selfish princess. She’s the 13th child of the King and Queen and is definitely very spoiled as well. Her Royal Advancement is coming up in the next couple of weeks and she is need of a new dress. However, her parents call a family meeting and announce that things will be a bit different for this ceremony.

Princess Zarina decides to take matters in her own hands when it comes to her dress. Afterall, the royal dressmaker will be busy with the Queen and other Princesses’ dresses. Zarina’s dress MUST be special. Auntie tells her about a dressmaker so one day, Zarina pays her a visit and puts in her order.

The whole world changes when Princess Zarina picks up her dress. It’s not at all what she wanted and things just start to fall apart for Princess Zarina and her kingdom. Can they ward off those who’ve come to destroy their dynasty?

This book reminded me a little bit of the Wizard of Oz. It seems like that kind of fairy tale. I’ve seen others who’ve compared this book to Brave and Cinderella. All are fitting. Young readers will love the story and will hopefully learn from Princess Zarina and her mistakes. Watching her grow throughout this story should inspire people who are reading.

This was my first read by this author but I’ll be looking for her other works.

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A Mountain in the Air: A Trilogy by Laura Koerber – Review by Alison Risher

A Mountain in the Air: A TrilogyA Mountain in the Air: A Trilogy by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With three short stories weaved into a trilogy, the author packs quite a punch. Ancient Celtic tales bring to mind similarly named characters of Native American lore. If you seek a journey into a mystical land of long, long ago, you can’t go wrong with this three-in-one. The imagery is amazing. I felt myself transported to an ancient land and an ancient time.

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Shadow Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 1) by Lillian Rose Review by Darla Yocom

Shadow Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 1)Shadow Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 1 of this series introduces the main heroine of this series, Tamaska. Work is her life and she has a big event coming up that requires a last minute change in security. This is when she meets the abrasive and prickly head of security, Kodiak with Shadow Protection. He’s a tall drink of water that immediately gets on her bad side. Yet, there’s something about him that she cannot ignore. The attraction is instant but she tries to ignore it since she has to focus on this big event. Things quickly go wrong and the Blood Opal is mysteriously wrong. Now her job is on the line. She’s still on the fence if Kodiak had anything to do with it even if he vehemently denies it. She needs to find the Opal, save her job, and shake off this pull she feels every time she looks at the handsome security guy. Who can she trust? How can she find the Opal? Can her friend Tahla help without getting into danger?

This book is a romantic mystery that will have you feeling all while falling for the characters.

I cannot wait to read book #2!

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Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson – Review by Alison Risher

Manipulator's War (Ruarnon Trilogy, #1)Manipulator’s War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is unique because it features a nonbinary main character in one of its amazing dual story arcs. I like the way the author was sensitive with her nonbinary character. The other story arc features a group of teen students who find themselves transported to another place or time. The nonbinary character grapples with sudden responsibility that follows in the wake of abducted parents. The teens must figure out what they need to learn, in order to cope with their new reality.

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Creatures of the Night by C.A. King – Review by Jennifer Reimer

Creatures of the NightCreatures of the Night by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read numerous books written by the author and absolutely loved every one of them. and this book did not disappoint. im a big fan of urban fantasy and love reading others take of their view on what the fantasy world is like. A black mist descends onto earth, and with it brought monsters, that no one wants to have to deal with. Zoe who is a strong female lead in this book, she and her family fight to rid the world of these threats of monsters and the mist that brought them to life. But as she’s doing so, she finds herself in a situation that she now is questioning what she was taught and told of these monsters. This book is filled with action, adventure, witches, magic, drama, paranormal, extraordinary characters and thrill. I could not put this book down till I was done. It was super easy to follow along, and a must read.

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A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small – Review by Kerry Carr

A Dress To Remember: A Fairy TaleA Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story. It is a moving story about a young princess who is always selfish and how she changes by the experiences she has. The author does an amazing job of creating this story and our princess.
Princess Zarina is very head strong and as the youngest child she is used to getting things her own way but this isn’t a good thing as she has grown up to become selfish, only concerned about herself.
When she get a dress made for a ball being held in her honour, the dress isn’t all that it seems. It’s magical and the stories it unravels will teach this princess that by helping and thinking of others it will make her a better person.
What happens once she is in the dress turns into an adventure as she matures and finds herself. There is danger, loss, unexpected reunions and a snake in the grass determined to destroy the Kingdom.

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A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small – Review by Kerry Baker

A Dress To Remember: A Fairy TaleA Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a brilliant introduction to the fantasy world for any young adult readers. It was a well written and accessible story, that really draws you in and keeps you hooked until the end. The main character was such as strong and interesting one to read about. The story fit around her and you definitely wanted to know more.
This is an entirely new author to me and I enjoyed getting to learn about their writing style. The pace of the book was well though out and fit with the story that was being told. As the first book to read I think this was perfect. I am looking forward to reading more by this author in the future.

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The Forlorn Cowboy (The Studs of Clear Creek County) by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Christine Baranek

The Forlorn Cowboy by Stacy-Deanne (The Studs of Clear Creek County)The Forlorn Cowboy by Stacy-Deanne by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Forlorn Cowboy
By: Stacy Deanne

I truly enjoyed every second of this book. It took a sensitive historical topic and handled it wonderfully. I loved the characters so very much. Minnie Locke is a member of one of the members of one of the wealthiest families of Clear Creek. She is also very progressive as is evidenced by her best friend (and her support of her best friend). Her best friend is Greta Fay. Greta Fay is absolutely unafraid to fight for equality. Christopher is a farmer who is living in poverty. He has met Minnie and Minnie has fallen in love with him. They are engaged to be married, despite the fact that Minnie parents are completely against it. Minnie loves him and doesn’t care about how much money he has in comparison to hers. One day, Christopher meets Greta Fay and falls in love but gives her an alias – Cal. Will Minnie and Greta Fay find out they are in love with the same man? Who will get Christopher in the end? Will Greta Fay continue to stand up for what she believes in?
There were so many twists in this book that I found it hard to put down. I definitely loved it and completely recommend it!

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The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jenni Bishop

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

Caspian and Grandpa are back in the Empty Box part of the Invisible Magic Wand series. Grandpa gives Caspian what appears to be an empty box for his Unbirthday but it contains so much more, a magic wand.
The illustrations by Nicolas Milano are bright and colourful and make the story come alive. The story is age appropriate for children between 3 – 8 years. The storyline is creative and interesting.
Time travel is possible for Caspian thanks to his Grandpa and he can’t wait to get started. An original and entertaining picture book story that kids love. Follow along on this new adventure for Caspian as he learns what his magic wand can do.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small – Review by Jenni Bishop

A Dress To Remember: A Fairy TaleA Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Dress To Remember is a children’s fairy-tale but a fairy-tale with a smidge of darkness to it. K.L. is an award-winning writer and this is her debut novel.
There are fairies, magic, castles, witches and a princess dress that is more than it seems. Oh, and let’s not forget the spoiled princess who has a lot to learn when trying to save them all from the villains. A dress she doesn’t want but just maybe grateful for after all is said and done.
The illustrations by Brandon Dorman help with the imagination of the story.
This fantasy tale is perfect for young fantasy lovers to curl up to.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Deadly Intentions by Anise Storm – Review by Jennifer Reimer

Deadly IntentionsDeadly Intentions by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I found this book to be a little slow for my liking. I thought it would be a little more fast paced, but I found I lost a little interest in it about halfway. Overall, the writing, the characters, the romance, the plot itself was all well planned out are amazing, but I felt like the book was not what I thought it would be like. It felt like there was too much just stuff thrown in there that didn’t need to be, which made it drag in some spots. I did read this book in one sitting. The ending however did not disappoint, and im happy I stuck with this book till the end. Overall, it wasn’t a bad read, and I would recommend if someone wanted a not so fast paced mafia romance book. But for me I needed something more.

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Spirit Guide by Byrd Nash reviewed by Jessica Pritt

Spirit Guide (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #3)Spirit Guide by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was wonderful! I was turning pages like crazy. I think Madame Chalamet will have her hands full with Twyla Andricksson but she will enjoy mentoring her so much. They built quite the relationship in this book. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

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Reviewed by @purplesky25276

The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand)The Empty Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This episode of Caspian’s unbirthday is very fun. I love the imagination in these books and the magical unbirthday presents. I think all kids would like to squeeze time to have their cake last longer too. I really enjoy the art in this book as well as the story of the invisible magic wand and look forward to more of Caspian’s unbirthday presents.

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The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – review by Stephanie Driskill

The Man In BlackThe Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fenimore James leads an idyllic life with his family on the farm but has big dreams of running away in search for adventure. He has read all about the famous outlaws in the newspapers, books, and wanted posters. The life of an outlaw is a glamour job for him so away he runs to find a group of outlaws to get in with and live their wild and lawless lifestyle. First, he must ride away on Messy from his small hometown, so away he goes. Fenimore decides that he needs to change his name as well and becomes Simon Shaw. Shaw buys new clothes and finds a meal. He quietly asks around as to where the Red Evans gang can be found so as “not to run into them” but reality is that is exactly who he is looking for! The life of an outlaw is not all the glamour that he thought it would be as one by one, gang members are being killed and clues left on their bodies. On top of that bit of stress, Simon is having feelings that he cannot understand for a fellow gang member, another male and not the typical floozie that he would engage in sex with. What is going on? He is haunted by dreams of a man in black and now his boss or gang leader is starting to suspect one of their own of killing! Will this end and will Fenimore return home? Great cast of characters and the setting is done very well. I can picture myself in some of these old western towns decrepit or rich and even find myself a bit saddle sore after reading about their time in the saddle. Great book!! It was a bit on the long side but definitely worth the time to read!

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