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Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia #1) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Robin Rankin

Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia, #1)Sugar & Spice by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia Book 1) by Phoebe Alexander

I have had the pleasure of reading several books by Ms. Alexander and have a certain expectation when I start one of her books.  I’m happy to report I wasn’t disappointed with this book.

I thought the book taking place at a theme park was amazing and something new at least for me.

I love Jolie and her story is sad and empowering at the same time.  She was willing to do whatever it takes to provide for her sons and she did just that.

Cy wasn’t the most likeable in the beginning, but there was a shift in him as the story progressed and by the end I loved him.

Once again Ms. Alexander delivers a great book which I will continue to expect from her.  Looking forward to reading the rest of this series.

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Courage of Us (Code of Honor Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Robin Rankin

Courage of UsCourage of Us by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Courage of Us (Code of Honor Book 1) by Brooke May

I’m a giant sucker for second chance romances and this book did not disappoint me one bit.

I loved the young, fiesty Patience and was so happy that she found her way again after so much heartbreak and pain over the years.  I don’t think she realized how strong she was even after all the dust settled.

Duke was an idiot, regardless of his reasoning.   I wanted to knock him upside his head being such a moron.  He dealt with his own pain over the years but wasn’t able to start healing until he was home.

I am 100% invested in this series and I can’t wait for the second book to come out.

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Love Unexpected by Marina Hanna – Review by Robin Rankin

Love UnexpectedLove Unexpected by Marina Hanna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Love Unexpected by Marina Hanna

I had absolutely no expectations going itm. The synopsis caught my eye, but since Ms. Hanna is a new to me author I was clueless on what to expect.

Well, I wish I had found her sooner.  I throughly enjoyed this book and I love Jules.  She was spunky and didn’t put up with any crap from Adam.  I always love reading about an Alpha man falling head over heels.

There was a little bit of everything in this book.  Romance, extremely hot moments,  humor and of course angst.

I will be stalking this author to keep up with what she releases next.

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THE DEVOTED FAN (21ST Century Courtesan Book 5) by Pamela DuMond writing as P. S. DuMond – Review by Robin Rankin

THE DEVOTED FANTHE DEVOTED FAN by Pamela DuMond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

THE DEVOTED FAN (21st Century Courtesan Book 5) by Pamela DuMond

Oh my goodness.  What a spectacular ending for this series, I truly fell like it couldn’t have ended any better or differently.   I would find excuses to read when I should be doing other things like working because I couldn’t wait to see what happened next.  I had figured one part out but not all of it and holy cow was I surprised. I was a little sad when I finished it since I knew it was the end.

Evelyn deserves happiness and it won’t come easy for her.  She has done so much good throughout the series and she finally gets some of that back.

I loved this book and hope to read more by Ms. DuMond in the future.

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Elusive: Dark Billionaire Mafia Romance (Billionaire Bodyguards Book 5) by Via Mari – Review by Robin Rankin

Elusive (Billionaire Bodyguards #5)Elusive by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Elusive: Dark Billionaire Mafia Romance (Billionaire Bodyguards Book 5) by Via Mari

Well she’s done it again. This book was everything I have come to expect from a book by Ms. Mari.  Romance,  suspense,  danger and some incredible hot moments.

I wasn’t sure if Sheldon and Alexis were a good fit.   But as I got deeper into the story I could see they were more perfect than I could have expected.  How Sheldon didn’t throttle Alexis I will never know.

All of these guys are absolutely the Alpha males of all Alphas.  Not a single one of them doesn’t exude it and I love reading how each one of them is getting snared by these women.

I really hope Nick is next, though there is something about Trent that makes me want to know more.

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Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Robin Rankin

Love by Design (The Meraki series, #2)Love by Design by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love by Design (The Meraki Series Book 2) by Effie Kammenou

Oh my goodness, I throughly enjoyed this Book.  Nicholas and Mia have one of the more rocky love/hate relationships but there is so much more than you can even come close to imaging and some interesting twists along the way.

I found myself getting frustrated with both of them from time to time, like I would my own children.  Especially with the assumptions they both would make.

Yiayiá is just precious and I am so interested to find out what happens with her story.  I hate waiting to find out but I have a feeling we won’t know the full story until the final book.

I loved the traveling and it has made me more curious about Greece and the Greek culture.   There is so much history there and the pictures I have seem are breathtakingly beautiful.   I may have also copied one of the recipes to try one night for a nicer dinner.

Krystina’s story appears to be next and I cannot wait.

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Maggie (Maggie Trilogy Book 1) AUDIO BOOK by Mya O’Malley – Review by Robin Rankin

Maggie is a book I had the pleasure of reading when it was first released and when I saw it was out on audio I knew I had to listen to it, especially since I don’t have a lot of time to read books.

It had been a while since I had read it and I had forgotten some of the twists and events that happen and I think some of the events were enhances by Ms. Ember and her narrative.  I really loved how Holly came across.

I enjoyed this as much this time as I did when I originally read it, maybe even a little more since the voice I heard wasn’t mine.

Relentless: Dark Billionaire Mafia Romance (Billionaire Bodyguards Book 4) by Via Mari – Review by Robin Rankin

RelentlessRelentless by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Relentless: Dark Billionaire Mafia Romance (Billionaire Bodyguards Book 4) by Via Mari

Oh my goodness, she’s done it again with this great story.  I love Derek and Layla so much and was a little sad when I finished the book.

So much happens starting at the very beginning and it never let’s up.  Between the sparks flying between Derek and Layla to the revelations close to the end of the story which I totally didn’t see I couldn’t stop reading.

I loved this book which can be read as a standalone,  but I would recommend reading the book before this in the series at least.  There is a bit of crossover and reading both will make everything make more sense.

I have no patience waiting for books and thankfully I don’t have to wait for the next in the series.  It’s already in my kindle waiting for me.

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Fake Fiancé (A Second Chance Office Romance) AUDIO BOOK by Amy McKinley – Review by Robin Rankin

Fake Fiancé by Amy McKinley is one of those books that is easy to get lost in.  Ms. Brown’s voice is very pleasant and helped me get lost a little more in the story.

Adeline is young and ambitious and ready to start the next phase of her life in Italy without a clue on how much is going to happen once she gets there.

I have never had the pleasure of going to Italy but it’s on my list, and Verona is pretty high on my list of cities to visit, partially because of this book.

THE HUSBAND (21ST Century Courtesan #4) by Pamela DuMond writing as P. S. DuMond – Review by Robin Rankin

HUSBAND (21st Century Courtesan Book 4)HUSBAND by Pamela DuMond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

THE HUSBAND (21st Century Courtesan Book 4) by P.S. Dumond

The pieces are finally coming together!  We will soon know with certainty who the stalker is and their connection with Evelyn and I can’t wait to see if my guess is right or we’re being lead that way only for a last minute giant twist.

I’m not usually a fan of cliffhangers, I’m too impatient to wait for each book to be released only to have to wait.  Let me take that back, I say I’m not a fan but I think I like them a lot more than I’m currently willing to admit.  This series is one that helped sway me.

Evelyn has been through so much and it’s not over yet.  There is so much to this story and trying to keep up with everyone but I love every minute of it.

The next book cannot be released soon enough.

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The Inheritance, The Story of an Unlikely Submissive AUDIO BOOK by India Kells – Review by Robin Rankin

The Inheritance: The Story of an Unlikely Submissive by India Kells

I was intrigued by this book when reading the synopsis so I thought I would give it a try since I have liked everything by Ms. Kells I have read or listened to so far.

The storyline was really good, I wish it had gone a little longer.  The narrator’s voice would get me so into the story that I would find myself stopping what I was doing just to listen more intently.

I hope to have the opportunity to listen to more by both. My

Twisted Throttle (Satan’s Devils MC Second Generation #3) by Manda Mellett – Review by Robin Rankin

Twisted Throttle (Satan's Devils MC Second Generation #3)Twisted Throttle by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Twisted Throttle: Satan’s Devils MC Second Generation #3  by Manda Mellett

I have no idea how many of the Satan’s Devils books I have read, but I love the original series and the spinoffs. The second generation books may be my favorite since we have “known” these kids since they were born and now they are all grown up and following down their own paths.

Of the second generation this may be my favorite.   I really had a hard time putting this one down.  I was caught up in the story and wanted to see what was going to happen next and I was not disappointed.

Throttle is blindsided more than once and I was happy to see him meet his match.  Oh and the stalker!  Wow, did not see that interesting bombshell until it exploded.

I cannot recommend this book enough.  I floved it and can’t wait for her next book to drop.

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Auctioned (Billionaire Bodyguards Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Robin Rankin

Auctioned (Billionaire Bodyguards, #3)Auctioned by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Auctioned (Billionaire Bodyguards Book 3): Dark Billionaire Mafia Romance by Via Mari

Three of the bodyguards have fallen and Matt’s story had been my favorite until I read this one.

Damian falls hard and fast when it come to Bryanna.  I’m not sure if it was their circumstances or if he just knew she was the one.  But we all know that love isn’t no matter the situation.

Bryanna is extremely brave and loyal, almost to a fault but she is fierce when her heart is all in.

I’m looking forward to getting time to continue reading this series and getting caught up.

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Forged by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops, book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Robin Rankin

Forged by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops, #3)Forged by Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Forged by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops Book 3) by Amy McKinley

I have a serious crush on all three of the Hale Brothers,  but I think Tyler has been my favorite from the beginning.   After reading this book it solidified Tyler as number one.

Malina has so much from her past that I never would have expected.  She has lots of secrets from her past that nobody knows, even her childhood best friend.

Tyler is the ultimate protector and he proves it.  He is a Navy SEAL who will protect his Country and those important to him.

There are so many things to say, but not sure where to start and don’t want risk giving anything away.

If you haven’t read anything by her I highly recommend anything she has written.  I have read several of her books and there is a connection between this series and the Grey Ghost series but can be read as a standalone.

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Can Dreams Come True? (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 1) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Robin Rankin

Can Dreams Come True? (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 1)Can Dreams Come True? by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Can Dreams Come True? (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 1) by Krysten Lindsay Hager

I enjoyed this book, but feel so old right now.  It got me thinking back to when I was the same age as Cecily.  What girl didn’t dream of meeting her famous crush?  I remember my best friend and I talking about us meeting the flavor of the month at a concert and going from there.

The difference here is Cecily actually got to meet her famous crush and it couldn’t have gone any better.   Andrew seems to be a really good guy, not pushing her into more than friendship.  But they are so very different even though they are just a year apart and his “friends” are so not what Cecily is used to or need.

I’m very interested to see how this plays out.  I’m not convinced he is the right one but I guess we will see.

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10 Days by KJ Holliday – Review by Robin Rankin

10 Days10 Days by KJ Holliday
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

10 Days by KJ Holliday

This book had me laughing from the very beginning and even though there were some serious moment thrown in, they did not detract from the humor throughout the book.

Alex is a male version me in so many ways.  Lives for coffee and food and is highly allergic to the great outdoors.   But unlike me he starts to like his fact finding adventures with Luke and Penny while in nature.

Penny is so much more than she first appeared to be,  and I liked that vulnerability being shown and noticed by Alex.

I really enjoyed this book and will be keeping my eye out for others by this author.

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8 Second Ride by Shannon Nemechek – Review by Robin Rankin

8 Second Ride8 Second Ride by Shannon Nemechek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

8 Second Ride by Shannon Nemechek

I seem to be on a cowboy kick right now, this is one of the few I have read or listened to over the last few weeks.  This book was a very quick read and I was surprised when I hit the end.  It flew by as I got lost in the story.

Tuck had the patience of a Saint while dealing with Jessie and her antics, though he had no idea what he was really getting while dealing with her.

Jessie was a brat, but the reason almost makes sense to me. I guess the old lady in me sees things differently now than I did at that age.

I wish this had been a bit longer,  but that’s mostly because I’m nosey and want to know what happens next.

If you have an hour or so to yourself,  give this book a try.

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Strings Attached: A Braebeach Rock Romance by Loriana Cappello – Review by Robin Rankin

Strings AttachedStrings Attached by Loriana Cappello
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Strings Attached: A Braebeach Rock Romance by Loriana Cappello

I absolutely love Ash and Calla and want more of them and the other guys in Koolum Law.

I was expecting the typical Romance, but this book was so much more than that.  The depth of all the characters not just the main ones was great.  I know each one of the boys has their own story and I can’t wait to read them.

I don’t know if there was one part that was my favorite, but I loved their stolen moments at the pier.  I think those moments helped build the relationship to what it was.

Now I have to sit and wait.

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Hacker (The Mercenaries Series) by Nadine Travers – Review by Robin Rankin

Hacker (The Mercenaries, #2)Hacker by Raven White
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hacker: The Mercenaries Series Book 2 by Nadine Travers

I had a busy week and weekend but all I could think about was getting a chance to sit and read this book.   I couldn’t get this story out of my mind and wanted to know what will happen next and finally stayed in bed as late as possible to relax and read this book.

This book has some humor, romance, steamy moments, suspense and then the ending which I was quite pleased with.

I felt a connection to Marie, especially with her relationship with her little sister.  The age difference between her and her sister are the same and the need to take care of her was also there.  She would do absolutely anything for her sister even if it meant she would never find her happiness.

Hacker was a lot more than I would expected.  Normally guys who are connected to their computers do interact with people very well but Hacker seems to not have that issue.

I cannot wait for the next book, wonder which guy falls next.

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A Hole (Alpha Bet Guys Book 1) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Robin Rankin

A Hole (Alpha Bet Guys Book 1)A Hole by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Hole (Alpha Bet Guys Book 1) by Phoebe Alexander

Book one in the series and I’m ready to start the second since I know it will be as good as the first.  I loved this book!  I laughed more times than I expected and I then needed to take a break from reading to refocus.

Ace was amazingly charming and seemed a bit bashful while trying to charm Ella.  His friends were entertaining and I’m looking forward to reading the stories about how each one of these boys falls.

I love how confident Ella’s was for being a curvy woman  I know there are a lot of curvy women out there with an amazing amount of confidence, but I’m not one of them.  I could only dream of having Ella’s confidence.

I have been fortunate enough to read several books by Ms. Alexander and she hasn’t disappointed me yet.

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Goddess of Everything by Paul DeBlassie III – Review by Robin Rankin

Goddess of Everything: A Blood-Curdling Tale of the Affection of One Mother for Her Son and Her Son's Struggle for Truth, Freedom, and LoveGoddess of Everything: A Blood-Curdling Tale of the Affection of One Mother for Her Son and Her Son’s Struggle for Truth, Freedom, and Love by Paul DeBlassie III
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goddess of Everything: A Blood-Curdling Tale of the Affection of One Mother for Her Son and Her Son’s Struggle for Truth, Freedom, and Love by Paul DeBlassie III

This book was beautifully written.   I couldn’t get over how well the words painted the visual picture for me.  I think that stuck with me more than o could have anticipated.

This was an interesting story to read, especially as someone who doesn’t like magic, etc.  I found myself fully drawn into the story.

Gabriel had a purpose from the beginning and that was to help the children who were born and raised in horrible situations and conditions.   I’m sure when he decided his career path he had no idea what it would truly entail.

I would recommend this book even if you aren’t in the supernatural genre.  The way this book was written was worth the time.

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Nobody Knows (Razes Hell Book 1) by Kyra Lennon – Review by Robin Rankin

Nobody KnowsNobody Knows by Kyra Lennon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nobody Knows: A British Rock Band Romance (Razes Hell Book 1) by Kyra Lennon

There was something about this book that caught my eye and I’m so glad it did.  I enjoyed every moment I spent reading this book even though it has a little more drama than I prefer.

Ellie grew up next door to Jason and Drew.  They have been through so much with each other over the years.  Unfortunately that ride isn’t over.

So much happens in this book with this trio and I don’t know which part I enjoyed more.  I could take the easy route and say the ending, which I really liked but there were a few other moments that got me in the feels.

I cannot wait to read the next book to see what happens next.

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Bound by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops Series Book 2) by Amy McKinley – Review by Robin Rankin

Bound by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops, #2)Bound by Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bound by Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops Book 2)

Ms. McKinley is quickly becoming one of my favorites.   Her books are the right balance of romance and suspense and a special twist at least I’m this series which I haven’t been able to figure out ahead of time which I love mostly but also frustrates me.

Jaxon and Kayla have quite a history and not all of it is pleasant.   A chance meeting as she comes back to town helps reset everything.

The visual of Jaxon is a lot of Jason Mamoa, could it be the fact that the names are similar?   Maybe,  but I think it’s more the fact that they are both large sexy Hawaiian men.

These Hale boys are all absolutely dreamy in every way possible.  They’re hot, fiercely protective of the women they love and they don’t let anyone get in their way.

I cannot wait until Tyler’s story is released! I have to know what happens on the mission and with the girl.

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At All (The Adams Brothers Book 3) by Mindy McKinley – Review by Robin Rankin

At All: Adams Brothers: Book 3At All: Adams Brothers: Book 3 by Mindy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

At All: Adams Brothers: Book 3 by Mindy McKinley

I love all three of the Adams brothers.  As I read each of their stories I thought to myself this brother is my favorite and I guess since Sebastian is the last of the boys he will forever be my favorite.

There was a vulnerability in Sebastian that I didn’t see in Dom or Mason that really seemed to grab me.  He has a drinking problem and it wasn’t until he hit bottom and he acknowledged his problem things slowly started improving.   He was finally able to make himself a priority and I think that gave him the opportunity to open himself up for live.

Maelie is amazing and heartbreaking at the same time.  I loved her from the moment I met her.  She impressed me so much with being self sufficient though she didn’t have to struggle as much as did.  She had a huge and difficult decision to make and I feel like she made the best one for her.

I hate to say bye to these three wonderful couples but I don’t see us finding a long lost Adams brother unless…….

This book was a nice way to wrap things up but I wouldn’t mind running into these guys again in the future.

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Night Justice (A Chicago Vigilantes Novel) AUDIO BOOK by India Kells – Review by Robin Rankin

Night Justice by India Kells and Narrated by Dan Price

I have listen to lots of audiobooks over the last few years, especially while working and discovered very early on that the narrator could make me love or hate the book regardless of the story.

Mr. Price did a great job reading and the voice modulator was a great touch.  I would get so lost in the story that I would just stop doing everything else and listen.

Great story and narration which I throughly enjoyed every minute of.

Stormy’s Thunder (Satan’s Devils MC Utah #2) by Manda Mellett – Review by Robin Rankin

Stormy's Thunder (Satan's Devils MC Utah #2)Stormy’s Thunder by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stormy’s Thunder: Satan’s Devils MC Utah by Manda Mellett

My first thought was when are people going to realize you don’t mess with the Satan’s Devils?   I guess it just goes to show how stupid criminals are.

Stormy is a hot mess, but we learn why.  Some of his problems are his own fault,  but not all of them.   I hated Stormy in the previous Utah book but as I learned more about him and his past my feelings changed significantly.   Especially when he was with her.

I love how everyone is connected in this stories no matter how distant that connection is.  We have the other chapters popping up and people being connected to characters in previous stories or connection to one of the Devils.

I enjoyed this book as much, and maybe a bit more because of how complicated Stormy was.  I can’t wait to see who falls next.

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At Once (The Adams Brothers Book 2) by Mindy McKinley – Review by Robin Rankin

At Once (Adams Brothers, #2)At Once by Mindy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

At Once: Adams Brothers: Book 2 by Mindy McKinley

I really enjoyed this book, the story between Gabi and Mason was so sweet and you can never go wrong when at least one of the characters is a Cubs fan.

Gabi has a past that she isn’t very proud of which is understandable but she should be. She is an strong woman and can do anything she sets her mind to.  I do wish there was a little more attention on her past and how she got through everything.  Maybe it would give someone the strength to get out of that horrible situation.

Mason is a charmer, a successful and talented charmer.  I’m sure he had to depend on the charm with being the middle of the three boys. He certainly charmed me.

This is a great series and I’m looking forward to Seb’s book next.

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Twisted Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops Book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Robin Rankin

Twisted SecretsTwisted Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Twisted Secrets (Deadly Isles Special Ops Book 1) by Amy McKinley

I have had the pleasure of reading several books by Ms. McKinley and enjoyed each and every one, but this book grabbed me in a way the others have not.  Was the location?   I mean it does take place in Hawaii.   Was it Xander?  A large hot muscular man with a protective streak could definitely have something to do with it.  Could it be because Riley works at a coffee shop and I might have a slight coffee addiction?

But honestly the book just hit me and I found myself gasping when some happened or was revealed that I wasn’t anticipating.  I evem found myself reading during a migraine which I never do.

I loved Xander and Riley and holy cow the chemistry was instantaneous.   I’m already looking forward to the next book and I’m trying to figure out which brother is going down next.

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Daddy’s Girl (Freshwater Book 3) by Belinda Williams – Review by Robin Rankin

Daddy's Girl (Freshwater Book 3)Daddy’s Girl by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Daddy’s Girl (Freshwater Book 3) by Belinda Williams

There are so many things I love about this book.  First is Emily being the main character, my younger daughter is Emily.  Second is Aunty Em which is what we call my Emily when talking to my grandson.  Third, holy cow Emily falls in love!

After reading the first two books in this series I really wasn’t sure how it would happen but it was spectacular.   I loved Joel from the beginning,  there was something about him that I instantly liked.  The more I got to know him the more I liked him.

Joel has secrets and they are pretty big but with the upbringing he had I wouldn’t have expected anything else.

I have questions and hope this isn’t the end of this series.  I’m going to hold out hope that there will be a book four.

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The Longest Run: a Ski Patrol Rescue Romance (Lawson Family #4) by Tracey Cramer-Kelly – Review by Robin Rankin

The Longest RunThe Longest Run by Tracey Cramer-Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Longest Run: a Ski Patrol Rescue Romance (Lawson Family Book 4) by Tracey Cramer-Kelly

The lone Lawson female sibling finally gets to tell her story.  I didn’t realize how excited I was until I opened it up and started reading.

Carly has been present in the other books, but only as the sister who worked out of State and they she appeared to be running.   She was.

Carly is an amazing independent woman and sees people in a different perspective than most people and that seemed to help her with her relationship with Chris, especially in the beginning and made me respect her character that much more.

I throughly enjoyed this book and was happy and sad when I finished it.

Looking forward to the next book.  Have a feeling it’s going to be full of surprises.

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