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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Allison Davis

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m so sad this is the last book in this series. It was so happy to finally see a story for Nico. Mia Tucci needs Nico help to take down her family and a sex trafficking ring, but what neither of them expected was for actually feelings to get involved. The story is full of the perfect amount of romance *queue eye brow wiggle 😉 *, suspense, action, and the love and protection of family.

This was a fantastic Mafia series, they are quick reads, but ones you can’t put down. I would recommend to anyone!

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Key to His Heart by Kristina Beck – Review by Sara Grantham

Key To His HeartKey To His Heart by Kristina Beck
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Holy emotions! This book made me want to be a divorced pregnant woman who leaves everything behind to start a new life… Because even though that is entirely scary, she finds exactly what she has always been picturing!

Reading Kat and TJ’s different points of view throughout this story felt so special. They both are such emotional people who have gone through a lot, and watching their journey unfold was magical. Their story is so unbelievably beautiful and is full of dreams, visions, art, and fate.

This book made my heart happy and I shed quite a few tears!

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Something About Aimee (Girls from the Street Book 1) by S.E. Smith – Review by Vanessa Estrada

Something About Aimee (Girls from the Street Book 1)Something About Aimee by S.E. Smith

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I feel like the romance wasn’t the focal point of this book. Or rather, falling in love wasn’t the point. It made the beginning seem rushed, like the author just wanted to get it over with until boom they’re in love, which was a little aggravating. Once I got over the fact that it took them 2 seconds to fall in love, I could enjoy the book a lot better. It was action-packed, there was a little heartbreak, a lot if plot twists, it was enjoyable. Would recommend to people who don’t like slowburn romance.

 

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Wendy Wary

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the final book of the series, Nico finally gets his chance at love. Mia is the daughter of a New York crime boss, who only wants to use her as a pawn in his plans to strengthen his position. Escaping her sadistic step-brother after he catches her attempting to flee leads Mia to track down help from the Chicago’s Five Families for protection and to take down her father’s sex trafficking business. Following along with previous books in the series, the Five Families (and Nico) take Mia into their fold and a quick romance ensues between the couple, who then faces death, destruction, mafia politics, and plenty of drama/action along the way.
I’ve truly enjoyed this series and have loved getting to know the characters. The author explains there will be a spin-off series involving the New York families, and I’m excited to see how it all ties together.

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Katie finds an old friend’s wedding invitation buried amidst her junk mail she feels compelled to attend. Although it is a hasty, last-minute decision she decides to take some much-needed time off work from her high demand, high pressure job and return to her hometown. Katie gives no thought to the fact that she has not RSVP’d that she will be attending nor that she has no date for her friend’s wedding. When she arrives in her hometown, she calls the bride to let her know that she will be attending her wedding and is promptly told that she must be paired up with someone else. Expecting this person to be a stranger Katie reluctantly agrees. What Katie never anticipated was to be paired up with her old high school boyfriend, Chase, who she has not seen since she dumped him ten years ago.

Chase has never gotten over the hurt he felt after Katie’s rejection. For ten years he has buried his feelings for her and kept himself busy with work and raising his orphaned nephew. Chase still harbors resentment towards Katie because of how she so coldly broke up with him and therefore he has hardened his heart towards her. When his cousin tells him that Katie will be his plus one at her wedding Chase is less than pleased but reluctantly agrees because he loves his cousin.

What neither Katie nor Chase expected is to feel the same spark they did while dating all those years ago. The attraction they feel towards one another is instant, yet how can they act on it when so much time has gone by? Chase is still angry over Katie’s rejection and her leaving town so abruptly after their graduation and he refuses to be hurt by her again. What Chase does not know is how terrible Katie feels for breaking it off with him with no explanation. She thought she was making the best decision at the time by pursuing a career in the big city. Life has also changed considerably for both Katie and Chase over the years. Katie must return to her career in the big city and there is no way that Chase will uproot his nephew and leave everything behind. Will their reunion be destined to fail again with so many obstacles in their way?

I loved the characters of Katie and Chase because they were real and relatable. I enjoyed watching the characters evolve and seeing how each character grew from being awkward teenagers into mature, hard-working adults. I could not put this book down because I had to see what would happen between Katie and Chase and if their love for one another would be enough to overcome what life had thrown at them. This book was a great read, and the author did an amazing job of bringing the reader into the world of Chase and Katie, making you feel as though you know them. I highly recommend!
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Something About Aimee (Girls from the Street Book 1) by S.E. Smith – Review by Candida Hopper

Something About Aimee (Girls from the Street Book 1)Something About Aimee by S.E. Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is full of action, suspense and romance. Aimee and Quadir come from different worlds and meet under a high tense situation. These two probably would have never met if Aimee wouldn’t have stepped in when she did. This book kept me on the edge of my seat, I couldn’t stop reading even after it was time to go to sleep. I was rooting for these two throughout the entire story. Quadir is a wealthy man with a lot of responsibility, and Aimee is a street smart, independent, smart young lady. Even though these two couldn’t be more different I couldn’t help but want them to have everything they dreamed of. This was a very entertaining story. I highly recommend this book.

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Trish Ann

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book! I loved the characters and the build of the plot. Katie and Chase had good chemistry and kept me engaged. I could definitely identify with Katie and connect. I would recommend this book.

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Bake Happy (Bake Believe Series Book 3) by Cori Cooper – Review by Karen Pearman

Bake HappyBake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is another amazing book in one of my favorite book series ever. I think the author was able to end the series in the right way, although I personally will miss these books. And their recipes. In fact, I would not recommend reading this without eating beforehand. Otherwise, you will find yourself hunting in your cabinets for ingredients to make these wonderful goods. Or perhaps that was just me. I love how the chapter title is the recipe is that you get at the end of the chapter. Such a cute and clever way to include that. I love how the author once again was able to make me laugh at all the things these teens did. Not to mention tug at my heartstrings with the morals being taught. There were a couple of times I had tears welling in my eyes at the thought of having to decide if the ability of magic was a gift or a curse. Especially when it involves your family and isn’t something that only one individual has. An amazing end to what has become a book I look forward to reading. I hope that perhaps she will revisit the series later.

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Megan Conley

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amy McKinley has done it again! I know I say this with every book in this series, but this is the best one yet! I cannot believe this is the last one! As always, you can read this as a standalone; however, I would recommend reading the entire series, in order, as you will get the best understanding of the plot line and all of the characters. You will also understand all of the little nuances and seemingly “minor” details better if you read the prior books.
The heat between Mia and Nico is electric *wink, wink* from the first time they meet and only continues throughout their story. With Mia on the run from her horrible family, the only person who can protect her is Nico and the only way he can truly protect her is to marry her. So Mia risks it all and seeks him out, offering to take down her family if he’ll change her last name. Can they trust each other enough to do this? Or will both of their pasts interfere and ruin everything? McKinley definitely saved the best for last with Mia and Nico’s story. I absolutely love how they are both guarded but they bring that guard down for each other. I think their story is my favorite.
I love the way McKinley writes her characters, especially her female characters. They are completely capable of standing up for themselves and getting themselves out of precarious situations. They also stand with the guys during the tough times and are forces to be reckoned with. They are badasses. This has been an amazing series! It’s a definite must-read!

Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Ashley Johnson

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a good quick read. The chemistry between Nico and Mia is off the charts. Mia is a Mafia princess but she’s not a weak damsel. Nico is tall, dark, handsome and arrogant. They work together despite being from rival family’s. Will definitely be reading the rest of the books from this world.

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A Quirk of Destiny (Quirk of Destiny Book 1) by Catherine Greenall – Review by Taylor K Stephenson

A Quirk of Destiny: Ignoramus et IgnorabimusA Quirk of Destiny: Ignoramus et Ignorabimus by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

~Zombies…Epidemics…For All Fans of Thrill and Destiny~

There are so many reasons I loved this book. I think the main one is because of my own natural love of the environmental sciences. Reading about them in a fictional setting, from an author who obviously did their homework makes this an easy favorite. From world building, scene setting, and character development you are in for a ride. Calum is a character you can fall right in line with as the plot develops.

He is persistent in the face of obviously challenging situations, making him in my opinion an excellent leader. He isn’t a cookie cutter character, rather his choices really put you into the world in a way that makes you think, “What would I do here?” The plot develops in a way that is shocking, and unique. Seriously loved this over-all, it’s hard to find a story with zombies that you can really sink your teeth into. If you have ever wanted to read the post-apocalyptic genre, focused more on the sciences and challenges your way of thinking, you won’t be disappointed.

Reviewed by @taylorkstephenson

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Barbara Bohls

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an amazing book that has the steam, action, and suspense. What happens to the characters will take you on twists and turns that you didn’t see coming. The secrets and lies that are revealed in this book will have you thinking about what happens next. The immense need to know more will have you constantly turning the pages and not putting the book down. I finished this book in a day because I had to know what happens next. If you have read the previous books in the series, you won’t be disappointed with this one. I feel like each book gets better and better. If this is the first one that you have read. You must go back and read the rest of the series. The growth with the characters is amazing and I love how the author gives us glimpses of the previous characters. It makes me feel like I have become their friends and I am living in their world. One of the best books of the summer that I have read.
Reviewed by @bbohls

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Bake Happy (Bake Believe Series Book 3) by Cori Cooper – Review by Rayne East

Bake HappyBake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Final book in trilogy
What a brilliant conclusion to a wonderful trilogy. I have enjoyed every book in this series. With quirky family, teenage angst, mischievous magic and lots of delicious baked goods – what more is needed? The story is well written and the characters amazing. The added bonus of the recipes is a treat. Totally recommend reading from book 1 to get the full experience.

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Shelly Kittell

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A truly bittersweet moment has been had. I have had the pleasure of reading this series from the beginning to what is now the end. The story of the Five Families, aka The Chicago Mafia, has now been told in such a manner that you feel like you are leaving close friends. The main characters in ‘Rivals’ are Nico La Rosa and Mia Tucci. Unfortunately, I cannot share a whole lot with you because it just gives away too much. The author grabs you right from the start. Each book basically picks up where the last one left off. In this book, we also get to visit with everyone except Max and Luc (and their wives) as they were in Italy. Everyone else played a pivotal role in helping Nico and Mia take down the New York Tucci and Amata family. There are moments that will live in your mind such as Mia meeting the other wives and she’s told that they will love her, but they will have no qualms at killing her either. My favorite are the quiet moments between her and Nico. They are tender and romantic in a chaotic environment. The plot just stays right on task with a twist thrown in here and there, and it just comes right back. This author is extraordinarily talented and her writing is also. Her female characters are strong and courageous. This series is one that I recommend to all my friends that love romantic suspense and Mafia. Hot, steamy and fantastic! It would get more than 5 stars if I could give them.

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Kerry Carr

Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This the 7th book in the Mafia Elite series and omg I absolutely love this series. The stories are full of danger, twists and turns, loyalty and a really good steamy romance. These stories for me really captivate me and this book was just the same.

In this story we follow Mia and Nico. Both of them are part of different Mafia families.

Nico is considered quiet but is a very smart calculating underboss. He’s looking for a way to bring down the other Mafia boss. His research keeps bringing up one name. That of the bosses daughter Mia. He know she could be the key to finding a way to destroy the other boss but how will he get her to talk?

Imagine his surprise when Mia turns up to see him with a proposition. One that will get Nico everything he wants but will also change his life forever.

Mia is a confident, strong, fiesty women. For years she has been kept locked up by her father. But she holds a secret. She is the rat in her father’s family and she is determined to bring him down. The only way she can do that and protect herself is to team up with another Mafia family.
So she approaches Nico asking for marriage so that she is protected from her own family.

Will Nico accept her conditions? Will they successful bring down Mia’s father and his illegal actions? And what happens when a proposition of convenience turns into something more real and intense?

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Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Jerricka Brown

Enchanted in TimeEnchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book made me think of some good times in my life. It was a quick read yet entertaining. I was hooked from the beginning. I love how the author makes you want more and more while reading. The characters felt so relatable. There was so much emotion in this book. I highly recommend it.

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Tina Vega

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This time around is a novel about second chances. This is probably my second favorite trope to read. Katie and Chase were high school sweethearts. I absolutely loved Chase. I loved their backstory, loved their chemistry in the book. The meetup after several years was great! I also loved Katie’s turn around. Characters are well developed even the secondary ones. I did struggle to connect with Katie. I didn’t understand her choices of breaking it off with Chase like she did or not coming to see her dad. It just didn’t feel explained enough I guess. I also felt like Chase needed more of an explanation of why she did it. I also felt like I went from intimately knowing characters thoughts to just being an acquaintance close to the end of the book. Ending felt rushed. Overall, a great story and great character development. Looking forward to more from this author.

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Piper Foster

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fantastic read. This is a great second time around romance. Katie breaks up with her high school sweetheart Chase they can both pursue thier respective dreams. Thinking she did the best thing for everyone she soon realizes what she gave up. Suddenly she lands her dream however there a demanding boss soon causes her love for this dream job. Arriving back at her home hometown for a friend’s wedding she takes a break from working none stop. Chase’s brother and sister-in-law are killed in a tragic car accident due to this he’s given custody of his nephew. Finding each other again at this wedding they find they still care about each other. Will they be able to figure out a way to make their relationship work?

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Saved by Love (Bellevue Bullies Book 7) by Toni Aleo – Review by Lisa Helmick

Saved by Love (Bellevue Bullies #7)Saved by Love by Toni Aleo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Whew! That was an emotional journey! Mental Health is a subject that can be touchy. This author did a wonderful job pulling me into the characters which then immersed me into their story. I enjoyed learning about the angst and stress these characters lived under and tried to overcome. Meeting the families add all the fun into the story but then as families do they add pressure and different stress to the main characters.

Overall there are many reasons to like and enjoy this story. I loved the two main characters and all they overcome. Saved by Love is the perfect title for this book. Give it a shot and prepare to be shocked and surprised.

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Taylor’s Law by Jennifer Raines – Review by Kelli Harper

Taylor's LawTaylor’s Law by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Page turning contemporary romance. Ella and Jake are both very passionate about protecting those they love. This book was a first for me by this author and I do recommend this book. Great story, and the chemistry between the two main characters is off the charts. The way Jake pays attention to the little things and notices details as well as asks about Tessa is fantastic.

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Ashley Sugar

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Katie and chase are high school sweethearts. She had a dream and wanted to leave her home town. But she couldn’t take him with her. Chase was devastated and they go their separate ways. 10 years later they get set up together for a date for a wedding. Reconnecting and bringing back all those emotions right along with it. She was in love with the boy and 10 years later she falls in love with the same person but as a man! I love seeing 2 people rekindle after all those years. And chase has been super busy the last 10 years taking care of his nephew! It’s cute seeing their relationship! Super quick and cute read! I wish it was longer! First book by Jane and I’m going to check out a few of her others!

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Amanda LaMiller

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After getting home from a long stressful vacation, I was looking for a short love story to read. Man did I ever pick the right one. This Time Around by Jane Suen was everything I was looking for; I wasn’t able to put it down once I started. This is a heartfelt second chance first love romance. It was refreshing to see a female MC be the heartbreaker, even if she was heartbroken for doing it. If you are looking for a quick read I definitely cannot recommend this enough!

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Robin Rankin

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Time Around

I have had the pleasure of reading a few books by this author.  I love that she hasn’t pigeon holed herself into one genre and is good at writing each of them.

Katie and Chase’s second chance love story was very sweet and definitely realistic when it comes to getting too caught up with working and not living.  I type this after working almost twelve hours before vacation.

They way they reconnected after so many years was sweet sort of.  Chase experienced more changes than Katie but they both had their share.

Looking forward to the next book, no matter the genre by her.

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Betsy Melano

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Katie broke up with Chase, her high school boyfriend to give him space to grow and become the man he was meant to be. Did she regret the words she used to push him away? Of course. Did this mean she didn’t love him? Not exactly, it just meant she wanted to grow up and find her way in the world and wanted the same for him.
When Katie travels back to her hometown, she finds herself connected to Chase again due to the bride putting them together as each other’s plus one! Will this bring them back together as a couple or end in more sadness? I’ll let you finish the story.
I enjoyed reading this book. I connected to Katie’s character on many levels having moved away from family after college. I could feel her sadness and joy from different timeframes of her life with and without Chase as high school sweethearts. I would recommend this book to friends.

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Megan Pesek

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kate has earned everything she has wanted in life at any expense necessary. She’s made it in the big city and couldn’t ask for more. Except an enjoyable life and her family.

Chase was forced into a fatherly role and wears it well. He has almost everything he’s ever wanted. Except the girl who broke his heart a decade ago.

When Kate and Chase are finally in the same town again they have the chance to fix what was broken in the past. Happily ever after is possible, but not without sacrifice.

Jane Suen did a great job developing her characters in this feel-good read. It’s the perfect light read to enjoy on a night in. This is the stuff Hallmark movies are made of.

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Bake Happy (Bake Believe Series Book 3) by Cori Cooper – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

Bake HappyBake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bake Happy is the final instalment of the Bake Believe trilogy, bringing the series to a satisfying conclusion with a captivating story of fate, wishes and grumpy teenagers.

If you’re new to this series, I would recommend reading the books in order. It’s a wonderful series for teen readers full of magic and delicious food. It would make a great holiday read as every chapter is accompanied by a recipe for a delicious treat that appears in the story – it will definitely provide days of entertainment!

I particularly liked the extent to which Bake Happy addresses the moral implications of Cat’s family’s gift/curse. They are, for the most part, careful when they bake emotions into things to only do happiness. But what if people don’t want to be happy?

I also really liked getting to spend a bit more time with Maurice, and hear his story. It’s great that this series brings together several generations of family members who share their ideas, experiences and baked goods with each other.

Definitely 5 stars from me! I’d recommend it to teen and pre-teen readers who love baking and magic (and have already read the first two books – if not, do that first!)

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Felicia Bates

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you are looking for a short, face paced romance by a talented author, look no further.
When I stumble across ANYTHING written by this author, it is a must read. This was no exception. This was such a believable storyline that felt unique… something impressive with how second chances are such a popular romance trope. I loved the main character and she was someone I feel a lot
of women (or people) could relate to. How many times have people chosen a career over a “life”.
This was the perfect late night read as it was short and I never wanted to put it down. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Beverly Finnie

This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a sweet second chance romance. It brought all kinds of smiles to my face. This Time Around was short, sweet, and worth the read.
Chase and Katie were high school sweethearts, but when it came to leaving for college Katie broke Chase’s heart. 10 years later and now they are back in their hometown attending a wedding as each other’s plus one. Katie has been living the last 10 years with guilt and regret over what she said and did to Chase. While Chase has been dealing with resentment and hurt.
Has 10 years been just what they needed?
Will the past always be in the way?
Maybe it’s that love has never died and they both need to embrace it. Who knows?
What I do know is I feel for Chase. He dealt with the harder end of the deal and persevered. Also made me dislike Katie, but part of me wonders if the author implied the reason for the breakup as selfish or self-sacrificing. Selfish because she didn’t want to even try to make the long distance work. Self-sacrificing because Katie refused to let Chase give up his scholarship to follow her and her dreams vs going after his own. You know what else I know, I know what I read and recommend that you read it too! The author put together a well written love story that should be enjoyed by all who love the genre’!

@placexba

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Taylor’s Law by Jennifer Raines – Review by Julie Johnson

Taylor's LawTaylor’s Law by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ella is struggling to deal with the loss of her sister Chrissy after an intense two year battle with cancer when she receives a summons from Taylor’s Law office to come in for an inquiry. Ella feels blindsided that she is having her ability to care for her niece put into question. Once letters surface there written by her sister, things get a little uglier for the time being.

Jake Taylor is doing all he can to put his law office back on the maps with the right reputation after his last partner pretty much ruined everything for him. Then his aunt and uncle ask for his help in a family matter, when he doesn’t even practice family law. At what lengths can he help his family?

This book was set in Sydney, Australia and was a fun little romantic read. There were a few times when I felt the writing was a little bit choppy but overall this is an enjoyable story. I would hope that no one I know would ever have to endure what Ella has had to endure in keeping her family together!!

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Murder Most Pemberley (Eliza Darcy Mysteries Book 1) by Jessica Berg – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Murder Most Pemberley (Eliza Darcy Mysteries Book 1)Murder Most Pemberley by Jessica Berg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The moment I saw Pemberley in the title I knew I had to read this book! I am always a bit nervous about adaptations, but this one knocks it out of the park! The story is about the descendants of the original characters and our main character Eliza, was named after our gal Elizabeth. Her father had moved to America years ago and now she is returning back to England for a family reunion filled with descendants from the rest of the sisters! I loved how she also brought in other familiar names from other Jane Austen stories, it just made the whole book feel like a fun and cozy friend! The characters are fun and he book is filled with all sorts of mysteries and danger for the heroine for uncover, all while trying to get along with her family, learn the British phrases, attempt to not annoy the local detective too much, and get to know the very hot guy she met on the plane, who also happens to be a guest at the mansion. Eliza has her hands full, but just like her namesake, she will be able to navigate it all with a great sense of humor! I am so excited to read the next books in the series and see what happens next!

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