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Little Do You Know (Bayou Devils MC #5) by A.M. Myers – Review by Sarah Oakes

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Little Do You Know (Bayou Devils MC 5)Little Do You Know by A.M. Myers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great read about time. Noah has been in prison for seven years and has been missing the love of his life, Kady every day since he went inside. When he is released, his mission is to find her and pick up where they left off. But there’ a problem, no one has seen or heard of her for years. With barely anything to go on, can he find her and wil she want him back in his life after all this time?
A great read. Well developed plot. Well developed characters like Noah’s sense of humour but also struggling with his feelings or Kady standing up for herself but caring underneath. Great cast of supporting characters like the supportive Blaze or the grumpy Streak
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel like in the sense of open and closed spaces with the prison and the park or the clubhouse and the stars contrasting beautifully for the sense Noah struggling to fit in anywhere. Othe use of tick for the time passing like a clock while he waist was a great idea and gave the sense of impatience brilliantly written.
The only issue I would raise is that the prologue felt unnecessary as the first chapter grabs the readers attention more, and most of the details in the prologue were covered in reminiscences by Noah, which caused repetition. These memories were written well and didnt distract from the narrative of the present, giving sympathy to Noah over the happy life he lost. The switch of perspectives worked well to display both sides of events and was easy to follow with names as chapter subtitles.Overall, a great read and I would give it four stars.

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There Be Demons (Andor Demon Wars #1) by M.K. Theodoratus – Review by Sarah Oakes

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There Be DemonsThere Be Demons by M.K. Theodoratus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great read about opposites. Gillen is a gargoyle warrior trying to protect the world from demons from another world invading and hurting people. Stretched thin, he and his team try their best as imps attack the docklands with more ferocity than ever before. When the Angeli Commanders finally send their hosen warriors, Gillen thinks all their problems will be resolved. But he is in more than he expected and is tested to his limits. Can he rise to the challenge or is he stuck in his old ways?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns that I just simply couldn’t put down. Well developed characters like Britt standing up for herself but caring underneath or Cahal sarcastic but kind and supportive underneath. Great cast of supporting characters like the kind and supportive father figure Uzeel or the strong minded Treasa.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel in the sense of overcrowding with the small spaces and the city full of life and people all jostling for space in the flats. Or the authors wonderful sense of imagination with the vivid colours of purples and reds and greens of the monsters with horns and fangs terrible but beautiful or absurd but still believable with creatures like Abraxas. Or the use of smell throughout with the horrible odors so strong and pungent it is as if you were actually there. Or the gargoyles themselves as something new in the fantasy genre as a wonderful mixture of wings and tails and ears for a creature that is magical but still believable and beautifully written. I loved the authors fun sense of exploration, with new creatures and powers with their own rules and societies and hierarchies and laws existing side by side with humans.
A wonderful addition to the fantasy genre. This was made more compelling by giving the gargoyles more humanity with Gillen’s worries and anxieties or Uzeel’s kind supportive nature or with the instead of just being cold superior beings angels usually are in literature. this made them more realistic and sympathise more with their problems for a great read.
I also loved the way the chapters alternated between the realism of high school life and the fantasy of the demons combined perfectly for a great read. The use of thoughts as part of the narrative was a brilliant addition and worked well to display the different characters struggles and worries
Fast paced action and high stakes in a fantasy world made for a highly captivating read. Overall, a great read and I would give it five stars.

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Wish I Had A Nickel (The Sand Dollar Series #2) by J.D. Boudreaux – Review by Sarah Oakes

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Wish I Had a Nickel (The Sand Dollar Series Book 2)Wish I Had a Nickel by J.D. Boudreaux
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great read about change. Alex and Leigh have been best friends since forever. They fall in love as teenagers in a sweet romance. But life separates them as her family moved away. Can their love survive the distance?
A great read. Well developed plot. Well developed characters like Alex sweet and unsure or Leigh more confident standing up for herself. A sweet tale about how even friendships can sometimes end despite our best efforts and that it is hard to mend.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel in the sense of a small town with its little shops and small streets and everyone knowing eachother.
Also loved how it got straight into the action grabbed the readers attention.A great way to show how Alex came to be the man he is today. I just felt a bit confused after reading the first novel as it felt like it didnt fit with the first story and didn’t feel like a prequel either. If this was clarified, it would be more enjoyable. Overall, a great read and I would give it four stars.

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Rebel Heart (The Immortal Kindred Series #2 ) by Clara Winter – Review by Sarah Oakes

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Rebel Heart (The Immortal Kindred Series #2)Rebel Heart by Clara Winter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great read about fighting. Annie is a spy working towards the American independence in the 1700s. When she is captured by Hessian soldiers, she thinks her number is up. To her surprise, she is rescued by Captain Thayer Emmerich and lives another day. But things get complicated when a codes spy book goes missing. With lives on the line, what lengths will Annie go to to fight for what she believes?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns that I just couldn’t put down. Well developed characters like Annie full of fierce spirit but kind underneath or Thayer as quiet and reserved but still doing the right thing. Great cast of supporting characters like kind friend Benjamin or sweet Millicent or the cruel Emilia. A great example of using a different perspective for the sequel telling Annie’s story.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel like the town with the busy streets full of life and people with its horses and carts and little cottages as vivid as if you were actually there with its sense of history. Or
with the dagger small and elegant with its embellished designs. Or the vivid sense of colour with the dresses with dark blues and bright reds and stark whites for a sense of colour contrasting against the darkness of night and the cemetary perfectly written.
I loved the mix of fantasy with the vampires and the realism of the history of the time period combined together beautifully for a great read. Fast paced action and high stakes made for a captivating read. Overall, a great read and I would give it five stars.

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Penny For Your Thoughts (The Sand Dollar Series) by J.D Boudreaux – Review by Sarah Oakes

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Penny For Your Thoughts (Sand Dollar Series Book 1)Penny For Your Thoughts by J.D. Boudreaux
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great read about kindness. Penny Scott is a journalist just starting out on her career. Whilst doing a project about good Samaritans, she is helped get back on the road by stranger Alex. Bumping into him at a mall, she becomes friends with him over food. Slowly, they fall for each other but can their relationship survive their busy work schedules?
A great read. Well developed plot. Well developed characters like Alex sarcastic but kind underneath or Penny standing up for herself but caring underneath/ Great cast of supporting characters like the voice of reason in Aarpn or the sweet mother figure of Emily or the teasing father James.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel with the busy city full of life and people or the scenes in the park with the pond and the bridge across the island with its white bench in the gentle beauty of nature as one quiet spot, intimate and peaceful. Or the use of food, with its scents and smells so strong as if you were there, comforting and homely. I also loved the play on words and use of language which was cleverly done perfectly written to create the sense of wit and humour the book needed for the realistic nature of lovers teasing each other
I loved how the way the romance developed from people liking each other first instead of couples coming from beginnings in hatred as is more common. This made the romance more believable and relatable for the reader and also more realistic and engaging. An enjoyable romance. Overal, a great read and I would give it five stars.

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Black Bullet (The Order of Senary, #2) by L.D Rose – Review by Sarah Oakes

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Black BulletBlack Bullet by L.D. Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great read about survival. Jon is a vampire in a group of hybrids trying to travel the world from leeches. When he takes down a coven, he clashes with Lawan a hybrid fighter. Intrigued, he follows her as an old enemy of Brooklyn returns for vengeance. Can Jon
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns. Well developed characters like Jons harsh nature but kind underneath or Lawan strong and frierce but caring underneath. Great cast of supporting characters like the strong and silent Rome or the kind Shaul.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel in the sense of ruin with the empty church and deserted streets and dark alleyways, a world once colourful brought into darkness with the iinsurgency. Or the
the combination of the carousel music and the bloodbath scenes for the sense of the macabre beautifully written and spinechilling.
Also loved with the scenes in the hospital which grabbed the readers attention straight into the action
I loved the combination of realism with hospitals and sci fi dystopia land. I loved the twists wig the hybrids as a wonderful addition to the fantasy genre with ice powers and fire and the shapeshifter.
The only issue I would raise is that it was unclear as to the difference between leeches and vampires why they were fighting them except to save the world. Fast paced action and high stakes made for a captivating read. overall, a great read and I would give it four stars.

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Caught in Make-Believe (The Caught Series, #3) by Sharleen Scott – Review by Sarah Oakes

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Caught in Make-Believe (The Caught Series Book 3)Caught in Make-Believe by Sharleen Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great read about the past.Jace Colton returns to Angel Beach after five years to try and rebuild .the life he lost. While there’s he meets the bubbly Samantha and is attached to her even though he won’t be staying for long. He falls for her but his past rears its ugly head. Can he put the past behind him for a new future?
A great read. Well developed plot. Well developed characters like Jace cold and harsh but kind underneath or Samantha trying to keep positive despite being unlucky in love.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel in the sense of a small town with the beach and the bakery and small streets for a homely feel. Or in Emily’s house with the starfish and shells for a sense of the seaside and a conforting feel to the place.
The use of suspense was well written and drawn out to perfection to make you keep reading to find out what happened in the past..I also liked the use of blog entries into the story to portray Jaces thoughts and struggles for the journalistic feel which was a lovely touch. Overall, a great read and I would give it four stars

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The Monster’s Lover (The Fenris Series, #1) by Samantha MacLeod – Review by Sarah Oakes

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The Monster's LoverThe Monster’s Lover by Samantha MacLeod
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great read about obligations. Sol is a young woman from a poor family who is forced to be sold off to King Nokkyn at harvest so they don’t starve. But when she meets a ethereal beauty of a man in the forest, she can’t help but loose herself. But as time begins to run out, will she choose love over duty?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns that I just couldn’t put down. Well developed characters like Sol trying to keep going deposited it all or Fenris as strong and sure but with a kind nature underneath. A great villian in the cold Nokkyn that will send shivers up your spine.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel like in the sense of nature with the ironwood with its oaks and the rivers and birds and moss and mushrooms to give it the homely feel with its sounds and smells so vivid as if you were actually there. Or the extreme sense of wealth in the big black horse and carriage of Nokkyn against the colourful fields of apples and corn and purple oaks beautifully written.
I aso loved the use of mythology throughout the novel true to its origins with Fenris and Tyr and demons of Muspell which were well written and given the live and respect they deserve as a lovely touch. Overall, a great read and I would give it five stars

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The Light at Dawn by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Sarah Oakes

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The Light at DawnThe Light at Dawn by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great read about heartbreak. Angelia’s world is turned upside down when her son Evan is killed by a shooter at school. Lost in grief she decides to tell Evans story at a conference on school shootings. Whilst on a conference, she meets Mark, a single father who has also lost somebody. Can two broken hearts become one and heal together?
A great read. Well developed plot. Well developed characters like Angelia struggling with her feelings but still standing up for herself or Mark harsh exterior but kind underneath. Great cast of supporting characters like the kind Emily or the sweet Jarren.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel with the vivid sense of colour like the sunrise with its soft pinks and dark blues in simple beauty. Or the bright greens of the funeral against the coffin perfectly wirtten
Having it written in Angelia’s perspective was a good idea to display her journey through it all. The theme of loss was beautifully written as sad and sweet and emotive. Overall, a great read and o would give it five stars

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Rainy Day Lovers (The Rocklyny Series) by Alicia Street – Review by Sarah Oakes

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Rainy Day Lovers (The Rocklyns Book 3)Rainy Day Lovers by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great read about moving forward. Raina Rocklyn always likes to help people. When she saves a homeless man from being attacked in the rain, she thinks it is just a kind act for someone in need and will never see him again. Twenty odd years later, she bumps into successful plastic surgeon Ronan Blake while working in a market. She falls for him despite his standoffishness towards her but is there more to him than meets the eye?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns. Well developed characters like Raina standing up for herself but still kind underneath or Ronan trying to be a better man with a kind heart. Great cast of supporting characters like the bubbly sister Shannon or the kind but stubborn father of Sydney.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel like in the busy city full of life and people with its busy streets and restaurants. Or the contrast with the farm and vineyard and market full of fruit and veg and bright colourful flowers in blues and yellows is simple beauty. Or the rain and thunder and lightning with its sounds and smells and seen as a good omen like in folklore instead of being ominous as it is in literature which was refreshing and a lovely touch perfectly written.
The switch of perspectives was well written to display both sides of the story and with the asterisks dividing it with their names made it easy to follow for the reader. I also liked the use of dates and places in the chapter titles which was a great addition to give the reader a clear sense of location and to display how much time had passed. Overall, a great read and I would give it five stars.

Reviewed by @sarahoakes

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Deepest Midnight (Immortal Kindred Series) by Clara Winter – Review by Sarah Oakes

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Deepest Midnight (The Immortal Kindred Series #1)Deepest Midnight by Clara Winter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great read about hope. Living forever can be miserable if you have lost the one you love. Millicent still mourns her lover even though he died more than two centuries ago. But when she meets an actor who looks exactly like him, her hope is reignited. Desperate to find out if he is Julien, she seeks him out and accidentally develops feelings for him. If he is Julien, can Millicent hope for a better future or will the past repeat itself?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns that I just couldn’t put down. Well developed characters like Millicent struggling with her feelings but still going for what she wants or the supportive and friendly Annie. The contrast between bright happy Alexander and moody Millicent was beautifully written and enjoyable.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel in the sense of history with alleyways covered in moss and cobblestones and the fountain giving the place a sense of character. Or the vivid sense of colour in the past with vibrant blues and pinks and green parks or gold birds eye catching and bright making you feel as if you were actually there.
I loved the mix of genres with realism of actors and police officers and the fantasy of immortals that combined together for a captivating read. I also loved the original fairy tale feel of the meetings with Jupiter in the little cottage in the woods with a wise helpful figure. The flashbacks into the memories of the past were well written and didn’t distract from the narrative of the present. The use of italics and dates in these sections was a great addition and made it easy to follow for the reader. Overall, a great read and I would give it five stars.

Reviewed by @sarahoakes

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Caught in the Spin (The Caught Series) by Sharleen Scott – Review by Sarah Oakes

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Caught in the SpinCaught in the Spin by Sharleen Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great read about a second chance. Tom is trying to get his life together with a job on a ranch after his bull riding career ended and his lover left him. His life is changed when Tallie arrives into his life and accepts him the way he is. Can he put the past behind him for a new future?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns. Well developed characters like Tallie independent and a caring mother or Tom trying to make his life better even if it’s difficult. Great cast of supporting characters like the sweet Harlie or the banter nature of Clay. I loved the sense of family in the novel with the ranch workers all looking out for each other was a lovely touch.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel in the sense of the farm with its sights and smells as if you were actually there with the bulls and the horses and the hay. Or the barbecue scenes full of life and people but still claustrophobic for Tom so beautifully written. Loved the sense of the everyday in the novel with two people struggling through life and parenthood. Overall, a great read and I would give it five stars.

Reviewed by @sarahoakes

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Less You Know: Gripping Psychological Suspense (Ashes to Ashes) by Rowena Holloway – Review by Sarah Oakes

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Less You Know (Ashes to Ashes #2)Less You Know by Rowena Holloway
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

a great read about truth. After the events of the last book, Allie is eager to spend Christmas with friends. But it all goes wrong with a knock on the door. Charlottes life is turned upside down when Allie goes missing and fears for her safety. Desperate to find her charlotte must uncover some seceets totry and find her friend. Can she discover the truth before its too late?
a great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns. Although i did find the Tyrone Garned subplots distracted the narrative from the search for Allie at times but it does make sense in the end. Well developed characters like charlotte standing up for herself but concerned for her friend. i loved how the sequel was more about Allie, to flesh out this character from the first novel as shy and reserved but more to her than it first appears.
i loved the visual detail throughout the novel like with the senseof Christmas with the lights and tree and also the smells of cake and sounds of music for a warm feel that can also hide dangers perfectly writfen. The use of suspense was drawn out to perfection as you raced to solvefhe myserty and find Allie with Charlotte,. The switch of perspectives worked well once again to display both sides of the stroy and was easy to follow. The times and dates for each chapter werea a great addition once again and helped to fuel the fast paced feel of ghe novel and time fo find Allieslipping way quickly. Fast paced actions and high stakes made for a captivating read. Overall, a great read and i eould givd it four stars.

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A Talent for Trouble (Bad Boys of Space) by Landra Graf – Review by Sarah Oakes

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A Talent for Trouble (Bad Boys of Space, #1)A Talent for Trouble by Landra Graf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great read about consequences. In a bid to get ahead in his career as a drug runner across space, Emillio Morales does a big time deal with the boss Gercia. But things get complicated with a double cross from his partner. By chance he is saved by a woman named Toni. On the run across space, Toni and Emillio attempt to survive it together, and brave whatever trouble comes their way. Can they make it out alive?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns that I just couldn’t put down. Well developed characters like Emillio sure of himself but kind nature underneath
or Toni standing up for herself but also with a vulnerability to her. Great cast of supporting characters like the eager helpful Sampson or the annoying Gina. A great villain in Gercia as a people manipulator realistic in the space setting.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel in the sense of luxury of long corridors and red couches and the intricate gold plated doors vivid in colour and a sense of ridiculous wealth. Or the stars and open space full of wonder and beautifully written. and the spaceships as a source of adventure through the stars but also the feel of home with their homely comforting interiors.
And the beautiful and bizarre nature of Callisto with the bright lights or Mars with its cities and red dust for the otherworldly sci fi feel but still realistic.
The mix of the sci fi nature of spaceships and other worlds but the realism of drugs and cartels was combined perfectly for a wonderful read. I loved the sense of the chapters flowing into each other for a fast paced feel to fit the action of the story. Fast paced action and high stakes in a sci fi world made for a captivating read. Overall, a great read and I would give it five stars.

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Pandora’s Poison (Hart and Cole) by Sacha T.Y. Fortune – Review by Sarah Oakes

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Pandora's Poison (Hart & Cole Book 2)Pandora’s Poison by Sacha T. Y. Fortuné
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great read about moving on. Darren and his wife Luisa try to move on from the events of the last book. But it isn’t easy with threats of divorce over their heads. It gets harder when Luisa’s ex lover Gianni returns into the picture. He seems harmless enough at first, simply wanting to get to know Kady But when events escalate and past feelings rear their heads. Can their marriage survive any more troubles?
A great read. Well developed plot. Well developed characters like Luisa trying to do whats best and look after her children or Gianni standing up for himself whilst struggling with his feelings.
However I found Darren too brash to be likeable and struggled to sympathise with his situationso perhaps if this harsh exterior was reduced a little, this would help the reader engage with his character.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel in the sense of the everyday life with the offices and schools and busy streets with a town full of life and people. Or the colourful nature of the orange umbrella against the rain written beautifully.
The switch between perspectives worked well to display both sides of events and was wel written and easy to follow with their names as headings. I also liked the use of dates and times for subtitles in chapters to show how time had passed and things had changed. Also the inclusion of texts and phone call conversations into the narrative was a brilliant addition, adding to the feel of everyday life within the novel. The only issue I would raise is that the flashbacks to meeting Nicole felt out of place and distracted from the narrative of the present situation and tere was some repetition in places. Overall, a great read and I would give it four stars.

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Caught in Cross Seas (The Caught Series) by Sharleen Scott – Review by Sarah Oakes

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Caught in Cross SeasCaught in Cross Seas by Sharleen Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great read about disappearing. Renowned country musician Hunt Masterston mysteriousky disappeared eighteen years ago. On the search for his father, Clay Masterston heads to Angel Beach to follow up a lead of a sighting. As his nsw next door neighbour, Harlie is soon drawn into his world and wants to help him. But it seems more than one person wants to find Hunt and as events unfold more secrets are revealed. Can you truly disappear forever?
a great read. Well developed plot with twists and furnx. Well developed characters like Harlie standing up for herself but caring underneath or Clay as a cocky musicisn but kind underneath. Great cast of supporting characters like supportive brother Tom or the optimistic Buck. The use of suspense was drawn out to perfection as details were revealed slowly to make you wnat to keep reading to find Hunt and discover why he went missing.
i loved the visual detail throughout the novel in the sense of the wild coast withthe cliffs and the sea and sand and the storms and seagulls to vibidly paint the picture for the reader and give a love to the wild nature that is psrt of home. Or the description of the bakery with its gentle and homely soft colours and chairs, with scents and display cases of cakes so vivid it was as if you were actually there.Or the feel of a little town with its small shops where everyone knows eachother.
i also adored the portrayal of the homeless people treated with kindness as people to be respected and helped when they are just down on their luck was emotive and beautifully written as they added character and a sweet tone to the novel. And also how they were encouraged fo pursue their passions like Buck with his music or Lisa with her paintings was a lovely touch.Overall, a great read and i would give it five stars.

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A Tendency Dark and Dangerous by Emmalyn Danvers – Review by Sarah Oakes

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A Tendency Dark and DangerousA Tendency Dark and Dangerous by Emmalyn Danvers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

a great read about temptation. Evangeline is happy with her life until she meets Landon Kelly at an art gallery showcasing a friends work. Upon meeting him, she is instantly drawn into a world od fire and temptation without even knowing his name. She tries her best to resist the call, but her heart betrays her. As events unfold, will this temptation make her happy or ruin everything?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns that i just couldnt put down. Well developed characters like Evangeline trying to put herself first but still vulnerable or Jesse as kind and caring. Great cast of supporting characters like the control freak June or the calm Mira.
i loved the visual detail throughout the novel with the sense of art bright and colorful in vivid colours of pinkd and oranges as something more and to tell a story. i also loved the imzgery of destruction with the shipwreks and fire as conduming but emotive. Or the house by the lake as one serene moment in all of life with the sunrise and the cool waters. Or the busy sense of the cafe bars and Evangelines work fill of life and people all conveyed through verse was wonderfully written. Or the use of the sense throughout with smell and touch and taste as ifyou were actuslly there.
Setting the novel in free verse was a brillaint idea to display Evangelines thoughts and feelings. The lack of punctuation in short stanzas was a brilliant addition, for a fast paced feel that even pulled the reader into the spiral of events and was also easy to follow. Overall, a great read and i would give it five stars.

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Bad Things Happen: Gripping Psychological Suspense (Ashes to Ashes) by Rowena Holloway – Review by Sarah Oakes

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Bad Things Happen (Ashes to Ashes, #1)Bad Things Happen by Rowena Holloway
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great read about wanting more to life . Charlotte Ashe is a weather girl on TV, not content with life. Dreaming of a career in journalism, she is over the moon when a rare opportunity lands in her lap. Despite everyone doubting her, she follows up a lead from her source, Joey. When he turns up dead, Charlotte realizes there is more to the football club than it seems. Can she uncover the truth before its too late?
A great read. Well developed plot. Well developed characters like Charlotte ambitious and standing up for herself but kind underneath or Joey trying to protect the ones he loves and do the right thing. Great cast of supporting characters like the full of life Maddie or the kind Tam or the annoying Piers.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel with the lights over the water and London bridge lit up as urban but also beautiful in their own way. And with all the traffic being busy and full of life but making up the character of London. Or the colourful nature of the wine bar and its homely feel contrasting the hospital white walls and emptiness that was beautifully written. The theme of wanting more to life and stuck in a career that doesn’t excite them was emotive and perfectly written.
The switch of perspectives between chapters worked well to display both sides of the story and was easy to follow. The use of the past and foreboding later on was a great idea to show what happened and for the events to unfold. Also to draw out the suspense as you kept reading to find out what happened stretched over chapters. I also liked the times and dates with the title chapters for a sense of time passing quickly and fast paced action. The only issue I would raise is that it felt slow to start the action despite the fast paced nature of these chapter titles. There was also some repetition in places especially concerning Charlotte’s relationship troubles and if this was resolved it would be five stars. Overall, a great read and I would give it four stars.

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A Christmas Wish (A Manhattan Dream) by Engy Neville – Review by Sarah Oakes

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A Christmas WishA Christmas Wish by Engy Neville
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great read about struggling. Amy McKinsey has it all, with a successful career and a job she loves. While holidaying with her friends, she runs into Richie and falls in love with him. Things are going really well on holiday but it’s a different story when they return home. Work gets in the way of their relationship and makes Richie stressed and distant. In desperation, Amy makes a Christmas wish to help but will it come true?
A great read with a well developed plot. Well developed characters like Amy standing up for herself but caring underneath or Richie as the successful businessman but kind underneath.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel with the beauty and calm of the beach and the bright colourful sunset in wonder and beautifully written in moments of peace.  And the Christmas scenes in the town with the lights and market is colour-full and filled with life and people with the sights of lights and smells like the cider and touch of the soft scarf. Or the sense of magic and wonder at Christmas and snow at Central Park perfectly written.
I liked the very day sense of the novel with two ordinary people struggling through life. The only issue I would raise is that there was often a lot of repetition in places. If this was resolved, it would be five stars. Overall, a great read and I give four stars.

Reviewed by @sarahoakes

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Shadow’s Keep : A Novel by Meghan O’Flynn – Review by Sarah Oakes

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Shadow's Keep: A NovelShadow’s Keep: A Novel by Meghan O’Flynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great read about being different. Deputy Sherriff William Shannahan is a police officer in a small sleepy town in America. His life is changed when he stumble over a mauled body of a kid in the woods whilst out running. Everyone else thinks it is simply a dog attack, but William senses something just isn’t right. His fears are confirmed when what was one attack turns into a series of murders even crossing counties. Can he solve the mystery before the killer strikes again?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns that I just couldn’t put down. The use of suspense was drawn out to perfection making you want to keep reading to find out what happened.
Well developed characters like Will trying his best but still standing up for himself or Cassie trying to look after her son despite financial troubles. Great cast of supporting characters like the sweet kid of George or the prickly Paterson or the people pleaser Mike.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel in the natural imagery of the woods full of volour and life and detail and beauty but also hiding dangers. Or the sense of the small town surrounded by farmland and marshes where everyone knows eachother but is also isolated, a perfect setting for the horror events. Or the sunrise and sunsets in vibrant colours and beauty written to perfection. or the contrasts between light and dark that were perfectly written and use of shadows to gice an eerie sense to events.
I loved the use of the supernatural throughout the novel with a mix of cultures and red herrings an added sense of mystery and magic. This combination with the realism of policemen and crimes ws perfectly written and made for a enjoyable read. Fast paced action with high stakes make for a highly captivating read. Overall, a great read and I would give it five stars.

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Beneath the Surface (Grey Ghost Series ) by Amy McKinley – Review by Sarah Oakes

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Beneath the Surface (Gray Ghost #3)Beneath the Surface by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great read about trust. Hannah Miller put her past behind her for a new life working for the Secretary of Defense. While travelling to Cuba, their plane is shot down and a top secret prototype is taken and Hannah’s past returns to haunt her. Thrown into her old life of spies and mistrust, Hannah must do whatever it takes to survive and reclaim the prototype while special operative Jack is hot on her heels. Can she make things right?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns. Well developed characters like Hannah tough on the outside but caring underneath or Jack as more than an agent with the helping the homeless.
I loved the sense of nature throughout the novel with the jungle and trees and the heat and flies giving it an exotic flair as beautiful but deadly. Also the lightning and thunder later on as something powerful and destructive but also calming was brilliantly written.
I also loved the idea of the sound wave weapon which grabs your attention as something new and thrilling and deadly to the spy genre. The switch between the past and present was a brilliant idea and showed how the past shapes you and what happened and was easy to follow with chapter titles of places and dates for extra clarity to the reader. I loved the character of Elsa as a bright and bubbly person and her contrast with Hannah was brilliantly written.
The only issue I would raise is that there were some repetition in places and long sentences that were hard to read. If this was resolved with a variety of sentence lengths, it would be five stars. Fast paced action and high stakes made for a captivating read. Overall, a great read and I would give it four stars.

Reviewed by @sarahoakes

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The Lies We Tell by Brittany Butler – Review by Sarah Oakes

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The Lies We TellThe Lies We Tell by Brittany Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great read about lies. Natalie Conner ran away for a life as an author. Life is good to her with fame and new friends. She even falls in love again with new friend Collin but when life with Collin begins to turn sour, will she run away again?
A great read. Well developed plot. Well developed characters like the sarcastic but sensitive Natalie or Collin’s harsh exterior but kind underneath. Great cast of supporting characters like fun friend Tabatha or the humorous Jack.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel with the contrasts between a quiet home and busy spaces like coffee shops or the dinner scenes which was brilliantly written.
The jumps between past and present was a brilliant idea to show how things had changed and was fairly easy to follow. The only issue I would raise is that there was some repetition and long sentences in places. Overall, a great read and I would give it four stars.

Reviewed by @sarahoakes

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The Memory of Us by Lisa Sorbe – Review by Sarah Oakes

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The Memory of UsThe Memory of Us by Lisa Sorbe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great read about loss. Elena Everhart returns to her hometown for her mother’s funeral. She expects to be able to grieve and then movr away from the town once again. But fate has other ideas in store for her as the past bumps into her, in the form of her childhood sweetheart Weston Brooks. Elena left him once before, but can she do it again?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns. Well developed characters like Elena standing up for herself but kind underneath or Weston as caring and supportive.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel like in the feel of a small town little shops and cobbled streets and a friendly community. And also the scenes with the funeral soft and sweet with the flowers as if you were there.
The use of flashbacks worked well to portray the past but didn’t disrupt from the narrative of the present and were well written. I also liked how it was just from Elena’s point of view,(instead of o switching like many in the romance genre) to portray her thoughts and feelings as she coped with grief. The portrayal of losing a loved one was beautifully done as bittersweet and emotive. Overall, a great read and I would give it five stars.

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Alive (Sundown Series) by Courtney Konstantin – Review by Sarah Oakes

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Alive (Sundown Series Book 3)Alive by Courtney Konstantin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great read about events unravelling. Rafe Duncan works for security in a government science facility. When he helps doctor Charlie off the road, and she is burgled she stays at his house with reluctance. But when events unravel at work, suddenly they have to stick together for survival. Can they make it?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns. Well developed characters like Charlie standing up for herself but kind underneath or Rafae as strong and silent but kind underneath.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel like with the natural imagery of the snow in the dawn light or the forest and mountains as something beautiful and calming with the cows. And also the use of the senses in particular to sounds with unnerving silences and horror filled pops and cracks later on.
I loved the mix of realism with the doctors and sci fi with the apocalypse combining together to perfection. Fast paced action with high stakes made for a captivating read. Overall, a great read and I would give it five stars.

Reviewed by @sarahoakes

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Awakening Of A Soul Keeper : A Prequel to the Soul Keeper Series (Soul Keeper) by Brienne Dubh – Review by Sarah Oakes

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Awakening Of A Soul Keeper - Prequel to the Soul Keeper SeriesAwakening Of A Soul Keeper – Prequel to the Soul Keeper Series by Brienne Dubh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great read about fate. Theodora thinks she has it all happy in a new marriage with Sam. But fate deals her a hand when she feels ill and accidnelty finds her soul mate. Lyzander has a busy schedule as head boss of vampires and no time for a soul mate. But when fate deals him a hand in Theodora, will he take a chance of push her away?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns. Well developed characters like Theodora standing up for herself but struggling with a new world or Lyzander harsh exterior but kind underneath. I loved how the story started straight into the action with the fight scenes. I loved the different take on vampires with their souls and soulmates adding to the vampire genre.
I loved the mix of fantasy with vampires and then realism of the business world and party scenes combined together beautifully. Overall, a great read and I would give it four stars

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The Progeny Assassin : A Tarnished Lands Story (Forgotten Woods) by P.A. Wikoff – Review by Sarah Oakes

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The Progeny Assassin: A Tarnished Lands StoryThe Progeny Assassin: A Tarnished Lands Story by P.A. Wikoff

A great read about growing up. Lara is a reckless and daring young girl. As a feathered folk, she seeks to protect her dying forest from invaders but never takes it seriously. When her master suddenly goes missing, Lara sets out to find her, thinking it will be like one of the great quest narratives she loves to read. But the world is full of surprises and dangers Lara never knew. existed. Can she survive it all and find her master?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns that I just couldn’t put down. Well developed characters like Lara as bold and daring but vulnerable and childlike underneath or the master as the stern mentor figure.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel with the sense of destruction with the burnt out trees and dead grass and ash with memories of what was there like the pink lake or the fresh wind for a sense of loss. And the wonderful magical sense of the mist and the moon later on for Lara as a source of unexpected happiness.
I loved the sense of the bildungsroman narrative as we watch Lara grow up and find her way through thinga. This along with the childlike nature of discovery and adventure was beautifully written. I also enjoyed the metanarratives with Lara’s vivid sense of imagination and were poignant in how reality can be harsher. Overall, a great read and I would give it five stars.

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Souls Collide (The Collide Series) by Kristina Beck – Review by Sarah Oakes

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Souls Collide (Collide Series #3)Souls Collide by Kristina Beck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great read about opposites. When a black cat crosses her path, Alexa runs into a series of bad luck, including bumping straight into Kent at a hospital. Kent is bitter with the world after tradegy, but Alexa seems to be a ray of sunshine. Will he let her in or push her away in fear?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns. Well developed characters like Alexa standing up for herself but kind underneath or Kent harsh exterior but kind and sweet or Abby’s positive outlook on life being too short to be miserable.  A great cast of supporting characters like Vince as a good friend or Dali as bubbly and loud.
I loved the use of visual detail throughout the novel like with the cafe shop full of life and people. Or the colourful nature of Alexa and her kitchen with bright red and soft whites combining together. Or the vivid colours of the headscarves and pillows in bright bold colours against a dark world as a sense of comfort and happiness to Abby and beautifully written. And loved the sweet look on cancer as something with its ups and downs. Overall, a great read and I would give it five stars.

Reviewed by @sarahoakes

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Hope’s Defeat (The Fated) by Angela McPherson – Review by Sarah Oakes

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Hope's Defeat (The Fated #3)Hope’s Defeat by Angela McPherson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great read about struggles. After the events of the last book, Blain was infected by the dark orbs. Desperate to save him, Trinity uses new powers to look for a forgotten god and ask for help. But everything comes with a price, and is it too much to pay?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns. Well developed characters like Trinity trying to do whats right whilst dealing with new powers or new friends like Kyron and Centu supportive and brave. A spinechilling villain in Cronus
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel with the natural imagery of the crisp dawn or the green meadows in the dream so vivid felt as if you were there. I also loved the sense of the elements with ice and fire and air with the wind and the aether aswell was a brillaint addition for a more powerful magical feel to the novel. The contrasts with cold and hot and vivid colours such as black and red or green and blue were perfectly written.
I loved how it started straight with the action and Watchers to captivate the reader from the start. I also adored the use of mythology in the book with Cronus and Tarturus true to the original. Fast paced action and high stakes in a fantasy world made for a captivating read.Overall, a great read and I would give it five stars.

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Claiming Her Mates : Book One: A Paranormal Shifter Romance (Claiming Her Mates) by Dia Cole – Review by Sarah Oakes

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Claiming Her Mates (Claiming Her Mates #1)Claiming Her Mates by Dia Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great read about trust. Havana has the worst day at the strip club she works at when a man falls sick with the new virus and the apocalypse begins in front of her. Rescuing her from it all are three handsome and mysterious men who are just as deadly. Can she trust them to lead her to safety?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns. Well developed characters like Havana standing up for herself but caring underneath or Liam as a gentle giant.
I loved the use of the senses throughout the novel like the smell of the corpses/zombies, blood and fire or the sounds of bones crunching and popping as if you were actually there. I also loved the visual detail of the grandeur of the vacation house later on with the statues and strange furniture that seemed Gothic style from a horror story.
The shift in perspectives for chapters worked well to display all sides to the story and was easy to follow. I loved how the story started straight into the action to grab the reader from the start. Fast paced action and high stakes in a sci-fi fantasy world made for a captivating read. Overall, a great read and I would give it five stars.

Reviewed by @sarahoakes

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Fatal Legislation :A Novel (Karina Cardinal Mystery) by Ellen Butler – Review by Sarah Oakes

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Fatal Legislation: A Novel: Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 2Fatal Legislation: A Novel: Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 2 by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great read about law. Karina Cardinal survived the events of the last novel and has a new job lobbying for health bills. When a prominent senator drops down dead in front of her, Karina’s world is turned upside down once again. With Mike on her heels from the FBI, she struggles to know who to trust. Trusting her instincts, she enters a world of cloak and dagger and secrets close to the chest as she tries to discover the truth behind the senators death. Can she find out the truth before its too late?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns. Well developed characters like Karina standing up for herself and doing whats right under stress and more to Mike as he struggles with his feelings while on the job. Great cast of supporting characters like Latesha as a fun friend or Rodrigo sophisticated gentleman or even the kindly Senator Harper.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel like with the coffee shop with Latesha as something comforting and familiar or the lunch place busy and full of life and people. Or in particular, the funeral scenes `with the use of colour with deep blacks contrasting with the flowers perfectly. with the sense of a well loved man in the place full of people with the choir and the Tyger for an excellent use of sound and making his death even more emotive.
or the combination of realism with the hotel lobby and bizarre crowns gold against the white and black beautifully written. Once again, the use of suspense was wonderfully written, drawn out to perfection to keep you reading to uncover the mystery. Fast paced action and high stakes make for a captivating read. Overall, a great read and I would give it five stars.

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