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Kiss Me Before Flight by Thia Finn – Review by Robin Rankin

Kiss Me Before FlightKiss Me Before Flight by Thia Finn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kiss Me Before Flight by Thia Finn

No person should ever have to deal with the horrible treatment that Callie did.  What she endured over the years of her marriage were a true nightmare and Ms. Finn did an amazing job in describing her pain, suffering, feelings both good and bad and showing how difficult living in and then deciding to leave that situation is.  It’s so easy from this side of the fence to make decisions and pass judgment for her not leaving sooner.

Conrad is a man like no other, especially as far as Callie is concerned.   He would do anything to keep her safe and he showed her that as well as let her heal physically as well as emotionally.

I felt the despair, desperation and fear that Callie must have felt along with her roller-coaster emotions.

I throughly enjoyed this book even with the sensitive subject matter.  I thought it was well thought out and written and will be looking for more books by her in the future.

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No Strings Attached by Lara Ward Cosio – Review by Robin Rankin

No Strings AttachedNo Strings Attached by Lara Ward Cosio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No Strings Attached: A Steamy Stand-Alone Romance by Lara Ward Cosio

Out of curiosity I decided to look at the books I had read written by this author, and I have read all but one of her books.  Trying to figure out how I missed the one I did.

I absolutely loved this story.  From the way Tanner and Kayla meet to how they end up spending more time together to the very end.

Emerson was absolutely precious and I coild not get enough of her and her cuteness and how Kayla was so determined to make sure her daughter was happy and settled even if it was to her own detriment which I got since I was once a single mom to a precious little girl.

I’m not sure if my ability to relate to Kayla made me love this story more or not, but really did fall in love.

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Unsettled Scores (DAG Team Series Book 2) by Kel O’Connor – Review by Robin Rankin

Unsettled Scores: Book 2 of the DAG Team SeriesUnsettled Scores: Book 2 of the DAG Team Series by Kel O’Connor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Unsettled Scores: Book 2 of the DAG Team Series by Kel O’Connor

My only regret is I didn’t read the first book in this series before reading this one.  This book grabbed me from the very beginning and I couldn’t put it down.

Amy and Hugh work well together in personal life and in business and I really like them period.

There are so many little things about this story that make everything work, from the work relationships Amy has with her co-workers to the family relationships to how she interacts with new to her people.

I highly recommend this book.

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Home to the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction Book 1) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Robin Rankin

Home to the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction, #1)Home to the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Home to the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction Book 1) by Nicole Flockton

I was curious about this book since I have read other books by Ms. Flockton and enjoyed them.  Seeing it was set in Australia made me even more curious.

I’m so glad I took the time to read this book.  It started off sad but the mood changes as we get further along.  Ryan’s past catches up with him when he ends up in the small town her grew up in.  He has no idea what to expect when the unexpected happens.

I liked Sindy, but I don’t know if there was one thing that endeared me or if was just who she was.

I’m looking forward to the next book, I love catching up with old friends and learning more about my new ones.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Robin Rankin

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No Way Out: An Arranged Marriage Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 1) by Amy McKinley

She did it again, she got me hooked from the very beginning and refused to let me go until the book was done.

I read this book in the car as we drove out of town, read it while I was at a book signing (taking a much needed break from peopling) and finished it instead of watching football.

I was instantly drawn to Matteo/Max, but not sure what it was.  Yeah the bad boys are hot but it wasn’t it.  Something about him spoke to me and I couldn’t learn enough about him.

Liliana is not someone you want to mess with and we got acquainted with the reasons pretty quick.

There are twists and turns, romance and of course suspense.   I have read several books by Ms. McKinley and have yet to be disappointed.   I don’t know if I will be patient while waiting for the next book to be released.

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Something Lost (Funerals and Weddings Series Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Robin Rankin

Something LostSomething Lost by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Something Lost (Funerals and Weddings Series Book 1) by Bernadette Marie

This is the second book by Ms. Marie I have had the pleasure of reading and I have no doubts that I will be reading more especially this series.

I read a lot of books and there are some that I read pretty quick while others not quite as fast.  This was one of the books I read pretty quick because I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen between Craig and Rachel and how it all went down.

I’m lucky to have a few friends from my high school years that I’m still close with and each time we get together it’s like no time has passed which is what I saw with Craig and his friends.

I throughly enjoyed this Book and can’t wait to read the next in this series.

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Dire’s Club by Kimberly Packard – Review by Robin Rankin

Dire's ClubDire’s Club by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dire’s Club by Kimberly Packard

This is a book I was on the fence about since it is so differentfrom my normal read,  but decided to give it a try since I have read other books by Ms. Packard which I enjoyed and I’m so glad I did.

This book touched me in a way I was not expecting at all.  I never thought I could connect to characters I knew going in that were dying but I was able to connect with each of them even if it was in a small way.

This book was beautifully written about a subject that doesn’t get written about or discussed often.

Keep an open mind about this going in and I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

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Dire’s Club by Kimberly Packard – Review by Robin Rankin

Dire's ClubDire’s Club by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dire’s Club by Kimberly Packard

This is a book I was on the fence about since it is so differentfrom my normal read,  but decided to give it a try since I have read other books by Ms. Packard which I enjoyed and I’m so glad I did.

This book touched me in a way I was not expecting at all.  I never thought I could connect to characters I knew going in that were dying but I was able to connect with each of them even if it was in a small way.

This book was beautifully written about a subject that doesn’t get written about or discussed often.

Keep an open mind about this going in and I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

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So Close (Love Grows Series Book 4) by Renee Regent – Review by Robin Rankin

So Close (Love Grows #4)So Close by Renee Regent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So Close: A Best Friends To Enemies to Lovers Romance (Love Grows Series Book 4) by Renee Regent

Well, Ms. Regent has done it again.   She wrote a book I throughly enjoyed and had a hard time putting down.

Dahlia bugged me at first but once I learned the full story,  I think I fell in love just a little bit.   She hasn’t had the easiest few years but she has done an amazing job moving on and giving her son Beckett the best possible life.

Oh Levi, where do I start.  I’m a sucker for a Southern Gentleman and Levi is the epitome of that.  He is a good guy period, but the way he is with Beckett is heart melting.

I’m looking forward to the next book and catching up with everyone.

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Repair (Rescue Me Book 1) by Trish Williford – Review by Robin Rankin

RepairRepair by Trish Williford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Repair: An Everyday Heroes World Novel (The Everyday Heroes World) by Trish Williford

I don’t even know where to start when talking about this book.  I guess I should start by saying I loved this book.  Very beginning we meet Charlie and her older brother Jude and Jude’s best friend Trent who goes by Tank.  I have a huge soft spot for guys named Jude since that is my Grandson’s name so I had a good feeling from the start.

Charlie is an angel/hero by working as a nurse.  She is great at her job but needs a change.  She gets that and then some when she moves home.

Trent grew up with a giant chip on her shoulder due to his childhood and always felt he wasn’t worthy of anything.  I understood why he felt the way he did and wish I had the people in my life like Trent had.

I really had a hard time putting this book down to the point that I dropped my kindle on my face a few times trying to read just one more page.  I really hope we get stories for both Jude and the other brother Dane.

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Turning Wheels (Satan’s Devils MC #1) AUDIO BOOK by Manda Mellett – Review by Robin Rankin

Turning Wheels: Satan’s Devils MC #1: A Blood Brothers Spinoff, Volume 1

Narrated by Logan McAllister and Sierra Kline

I discovered this series after several books were released.  I have had the pleasure of reading several since I found them but haven’t had a chance to go back and read some of the older books due to life.  When I saw that this book was released on Audiobook I got so excited and knew I would be listening to it immediately.

When I read I tend to hear the voices in my head as I’m reading.   Mr. McAllister and Ms. Kline did a great job in giving those characters I have come to love voices, some different then I imagined but I think they did a better job.

I’m so looking forward to the rest of this great series coming out as audiobooks and listening to each and every one.

HOLD ME FOREVER (HERON HARBOR Book 3) by LEA NOLAN – Review by Robin Rankin

Hold Me ForeverHold Me Forever by Lea Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hold Me Forever (Heron Harbor Book 3) by Lea Nolan

I loved this book.  Lark with her quirky artist vibe and Hunter with his straight laced Chief of Police persona just really did something for me.

I have not had the pleasure of reading the first two books but I will be fixing that soon.  It’s not necessary to read them first but I always love going back when I can to find out a series began and learn the cast of characters from the beginning and see them develop and evolve as the series progresses.

Lark spoke to me for some reason, we aren’t close in age and I’m not a holistic artist but I fell in love with her.

I loved so many things about this story that I can’t pick one.  The rehearsal dinner, the morning of the wedding and Lark’s drive onto the island are probably top three.

Ms. Nolan is a new to me author but aside from the first two of this series I will be looking at her other titles.

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THE MARCY SERIES BOXSET: BOOKS 1-3 by Linda J. Burson – Review by Robin Rankin

The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3 by Linda Burson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rage is the first book in the Marcy series by Linda Burson.  I liked the book overall and i was looking forward tonreading the second book but I found myself a little confused and now have a ton of questions.  I had been down with a pretty bad cold when I started so I can’t help but wonder if that has something to do with my confusion or if I was lead to be confused on purpose by the author.  If that is the case, she did a good job.

Confusion is the second book in the series. I found myself getting very frustrated with Marcy in this book.  The back and forth was never ending or at least that is the way it seemed to me.  There were times I really wanted to shake her and get her to make up her mind between Brad and Liam.  I like the supporting cast as much if not more than the main characters and I hoped to find them in more prominent roles in the following books.

Agony and Ecstasy is the third book in the series and I think this is my favorite of the series so far.  I didn’t find myself as annoyed my Marcy as I did in the first two book which was a good thing, but that never stopped me from reading the books and not want to put them down.  Marcy has done a lot of growing and healing in this series and I have a feeling that there is still a lot more to come for her.

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Bared. (A Green St. Girls Romance) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Robin Rankin

Bared. (Green St. Girls #1)Bared. by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bared.: A Green St. Girls Romance by N.D Jackson

I have had the pleasure of reading Ms. Jackson in the past and throughly enjoyed what I have read Soni thought I would give this a try and I’m not sorry I did.

Athena had many good qualities but she frustrated me so many times that I wanted to smack her in the back of the head to maybe see if she would figure it out but luckily she had Gwyn and Indigo to help her along.

I can’t think of one negative thought I ever had of Tru.  He was honest maybe to a fault and took good care of his Mama which as a Mama is an important Trait.

There was a lot of angst and back and forth especially with Athena, but I don’t think it would have worked if she had been any different.

I enjoyed this book and looking forward to the next in the series.

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Dark Bastard (Dark Sparrow Novel Book 5) by India Kells – Review by Robin Rankin

Dark Bastard (Dark Sparrow, #5)Dark Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dark Bastard: A Dark Sparrow Novel by India Kells

Dark is the perfect description for Sam.   His history with his “father” is something worse that I imagined it to be.  I knew Finch was the scum of the earth but he has proven that title is too kind.

Sam manages to try and climb out of the darkness only after a misdialed call and fate has something else in mind for him.

Ellie is something else,  she wants to help everyone and seems to have taken it upon herself to save them even if they don’t want to be saved and it’s taken it’s toll on her.   Her need to save may be just what Sam needs.

I have throughly enjoyed these books, especially the amazing relationships the brothers have with one another.   Though not raised together they have an incredibly tight bond which leaves no doubt on who has their backs.

I’m so excited to read Oz’s story but sad that this series is probably coming to an end.

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Houses of Deception (The Madeline Dawkins Mystery Series Book 6) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Robin Rankin

Houses of Deception (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 6)Houses of Deception by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Houses of Deception (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 6) by Cynthia Hamilton

I can’t believe we are already six books in on this series.  I started this series looking for something different than my normal book and boy am I glad I did.

I have enjoyed each one of these books for different reasons. In this one was how Maddie and Mike fed off one another.   They like many couples can almost read each other’s minds and definitely read the others body language.

There was so much to keep up with since there were two different cases but once again they figure out what’s going on in each one though they were working them simultaneously.  I try and figure out the twists and responsible party but I was surprised by conclusion of each case.

I’m so glad to see there will be another book coming in the future.

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Avenging Devil Part 2 (Satan’s Devils MC San Diego #4) by Manda Mellett – Review by Robin Rankin

Avenging Devil Part 2: Satan's Devils MC San DiegoAvenging Devil Part 2: Satan’s Devils MC San Diego by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Avenging Devil Part 2: Satan’s Devils MC San Diego by Manda Mellett

OMG!   As much as I hated waiting to find out what happened I have to say it was worth the wait.

I was at the edge of my seat the entire time reading this book wondering what was going to happen and how it all played out.

Saffie is my hero, she went through so much with and because of Duke.  She had the strength to continue when so many would have given up.

I absolutely loved this book.  I think I have said this after each book but I think this is my favorite of the series.   This one felt different from the others.  As always looking forward to seeing which biker falls next.

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The Heart of Baker Bay by Danielle Jacks – Review by Robin Rankin

The Heart of Baker BayThe Heart of Baker Bay by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Heart of Baker’s Bay by Danielle Jacks

When I first started reading this I wasn’t sure I was going like Jody but I quickly fell in love with her, I wasn’t the only one but I think I was quicker to admit it.

My Heart hurt for Adam and I understood her reluctance in even talking with Jody, but he wouldn’t allow that get in the way of helping Jody and the Cafe.

I loved Kayleigh and Sarah as supporting characters.   Every girl needs a beat friend and Jody is lucky enough to have both of these special ladies.

It was an enjoyable read and was a little sad when it was over.

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Defined (The Cadence Duet Book Two) AUDIO BOOK by Dakota Willink – Review by Robin Rankin

Cadence Defined: Cadence Duet,  Book 2 by Dakota Willink

I was dying to get this second book and listen to it and was so not disappointed in the story or narration of this book.

I love Cadence and Fitz so much and was curious to find out how they were going to find their way back to one another and wasn’t disappointed one bit.

Both Zachary Webber and Lacy Laurel did a great job of pulling me in once again into Cadence and Fitz’s lives and I enjoyed every second.

There are some surprises that I wasn’t expecting and think I may have gasped out loud when things were revealed.

Loved this book!

Taking Flight (Code of Honor Book 2) by Brooke May – Review by Robin Rankin

Taking FlightTaking Flight by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Taking Flight (Code of Honor Book 2) by Brooke May

I wasn’t sure if I was going to love this book as much as the first but I did.  At first I felt so bad for Jody, but as I got further in I started feeling less sorry for her and was hoping she would finally stand up for herself.

Holt seemed to be at a crossroads but I think his chance encounter with Jody was the beat thing that could have happened to him.

There were some moments that I wanted to cheer out loud while others I wanted to shake Jody and her horrible sister.

I can’t see which one of the crew falls next.

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Mr. Nice Guy (Pierce Brothers Book 1) by Belinda Williams – Review by Robin Rankin

Mr. Nice Guy (Pierce Brothers, #1)Mr. Nice Guy by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mr. Nice Guy (Pierce Brothers Book 1) by Belinda Williams

I think every woman who reads this book will be able to relate 1000% to Chelsea when it comes to the bad boyfriends of the past.  I’m not sure why we all have to go through that string of horrible men but we do.

Chelsea isn’t a bad person, she’s actually the exact opposite but I think they guys she met sensed how sweet she is and took advantage of that.

Tom lacked confidence when it came to romance, but also hadn’t met anyone worth working through his past.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next book in this series.

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Lost Bastard (Dark Sparrow Novel Book 1) AUDIO BOOK by India Kells – Review by Robin Rankin

Lost Bastard (Dark Sparrow Novel Book 1) AUDIO BOOK by India Kells

I have read several books by Ms. Kells and enjoyed every single one.  This one is no different,  I loved the story and the narration by Antonio Turner.  He was able to give depth and something to the characters that you don’t always get when reading the book.

Aleksei and Deva clicked for me the moment they met and holy wow did they click.  Those intimate moments were incredibly intense and hot.

I loved this book and look forward to listening/reading the rest of this series.

Unlikely in Love (A Parker Lake Novel Book 1) by Olivia Sherwood – Review by Robin Rankin

Unlikely in Love (A Parker Lake Novel Book 1)Unlikely in Love by Olivia Sherwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Unlikely in Love is the first book in the Parker Lake series by Olivia Sherwood and I really enjoyed the book. Ms. Sherwood has a way of getting you wrapped up in the story and does a great job developing her characters, even ones that you really don’t think have a big part in the story itself. I have read a few of her earlier books and this is the best one she has written to date.

Annie gets exactly what she deserves when she and Wyatt find their way to one another. She is such a caring soul and the love she has for her late Granny and all of their animals, not to forget her two best friends. She didn’t have the best beginning in life but thankfully her Granny stepped in and took care of her and raised her to be one incredible woman.

Wyatt is an Army Vet who is able to let his emotional wounds heal once he and Annie start working together and they develop their friendship. He is also a caring soul and will do anything for those he loves.

Looking forward to keeping up with this series and these characters since I tend to develop a deep relationship with the characters in the series I like.

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Untouched (The Cadence Duet Book One) AUDIO BOOK by Dakota Willink – Review by Robin Rankin

Cadence Untouched (Cadence Duet: A Second Chance Romance Book 1) by Dakota Willink

This is the first part of a two book series about Cadence Riley and how he world gets turned upside-down one summer while working at her family’s camp and worth every minute I spent listening to it.  I got so caught up in the story listening to Zachary Webber (one of my favorite male narrators) Lacy Laurel who is new to me.  They both were able to bring the characters to life in my mind and to be honest I haven’t stopped thinking about them and what’s going to happen next.

I’m so looking forward to listening to the second book and finding out what happens to both Cadence and Fitz over the years.

Sex on Fire (Naughty Neighbor Book 1) by Ashley Bostock – Review by Robin Rankin

Sex on Fire: A Quickie Read (Naughty Neighbor Book 1)Sex on Fire: A Quickie Read by Ashley Bostock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sex on Fire: A Quickie Read (Naughty Neighbor Book 1) by Ashley Bostock

This book was an incredibly quick read but that didn’t keep it from having the hot moments you would expect from a book title Sex on Fire.

I’m sure everyone has had the hot neighbor, either next door in in the neighborhood.  We had one not too long ago right next door and boy did I enjoy the times he would workout in his garage and driveway, sorry got side tracked. Turner was that neighbor for Poppy.

This booked packed a lot of punch into its pages and look forward to reading more in this series.

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Confessions of a Sophomore Prankster (Frat house confessions) by Danielle Jacks – Review by Robin Rankin

Confessions of a Sophomore Prankster (Frat House Confessions, #6)Confessions of a Sophomore Prankster by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Confessions of a Sophomore Prankster : Frat House Confessions by Danielle Jacks

This book is part of a series by several different authors and I have only just discovered and so glad I found this book.

Casey is a wallflower who is happiest while in the library but she hasn’t always been this way and her reason for changing is so sad,

Setter is one of the start football players whose greatest joy outside of football is playing pranks.

These total opposites fit so well together in so many ways and seem to bring out the best in one another, but have some obstacles to get past.

I enjoyed this booked, was able to turn my brain off for a bit and live in their world which isn’t always easy for me to do.

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Avenging Devil Part 1 (Satan’s Devils MC San Diego #3) by Manda Mellett – Review by Robin Rankin

Avenging Devil Part 1: Satan's Devils MC San DiegoAvenging Devil Part 1: Satan’s Devils MC San Diego by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Avenging Devil Part 1: Satan’s Devils MC San Diego by Manda Mellett

I usually write my reviews just after I finish a book so it’s fresh on my mind.  This particular review is being written a bit after I finished the book. I need some time to let everything soak in before I felt I was ready to share my thoughts.

I have read most of the Satan’s Devils books, stumbled on this series back when it was only the Arizona chapter and was hooked from the beginning.   Now we have Colorado,  Utah and San Diego with Las Vegas coming soon.

With all that being said, I need to spill my guts on this book and I’m going start at the end. Why didn’t I wait to read this book until closer to when part two comes out?  I have to wait a month to find out what happens!  I knew this going in but holy cow.

The book grabs you from the beginning and twists your guts up, chews you up and spits you out as a crying mess.  I have no idea how Saffie has survived going through more pain than anyone should ever.

I have theories on why this first book ended the way it did and if it’s true I’m going to be livid for Saffie and Niran.

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Mountains Wanted (Mountains Series #1) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Robin Rankin

Mountains Wanted (Mountains #1)Mountains Wanted by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mountains Wanted (Mountains Series Book 1) by Phoebe Alexander

I knew going in that this book was a part of a series and I guess technically a cliffhanger so I can only be mad at myself for having to wait to find out what happens next, thankfully I won’t have to wait too long since the series has seven books released.

I got very frustrated with Sarah several times, some of her behaviors were those I have come to expect from younger female characters but with her history I can see where she would have some trust issues.

I love Sarah’s kids and Rachel and envy her openness and ability to be herself without fear or concerns.

I will be starting the next book as soon as I get a chance to.  My lack of patience won’t allow me to wait too long.   Especially since I have loved every single book I have had the pleasure of reading by Ms. Alexander

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Moonlit Kiss (A Venice Romance) (Moonlit Destination Series) by Amy McKinley – Review by Robin Rankin

Moonlit Kiss (A Venice Romance)Moonlit Kiss by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Moonlit Kiss : A Venice Romance (Moonlit Destination Series) by Amy McKinley

Once again Ms.McKinley delivers a book that I throughly enjoyed from start to finish.   The setting of Venice is perfect and I think Italy is higher on my list of places to visit one day.

I had such a hard time putting this book down and dropped my kindle on my face a few times wanting to get a little further and see what is going to happen and I wasn’t disappointed.

I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

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Miss Understanding (The Miss Series Book 1) AUDIO BOOK by Aubrey Bondurant – Review by Robin Rankin

Miss Understanding by Aubrey Bondurant

OMG, I loved everything about this book.  The characters,  the story and the narrators Chrisopher Rourke and Ariel Royce who did an amazing job bringing Liam and Kendall to life.

I listened while working or for the short time I was in the car.  I drove the long way home just to finish that much sooner.

This was my first time listening to a book with these narrators but will be looking for them in the future. Absolutely amazing book all the way around.