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Defying Ella (True Platinum Series Book 4) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Ashley Cooper Hammontree

Defying EllaDefying Ella by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Previous hook-up, rising tension, and snowed in together? What could go wrong (or right)? I loved all of the family dynamics playing a part in the story, as well as the close tender conversations “Sparky” and “Buttercup” had together. This love story shows you to establish and respect boundaries, as well as being true to who you are and others will accept you as you are. Not to mention the saucy scenes between the stubborn and the brash!

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Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Deb Robinson

Boss's Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance (Sicilian Gods Book 1)Boss’s Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book by Via Mari that I have read and I will most definitely read more. The writing style is smooth and easy to read even if the subject matter has you gripping your seat.

Addrienna is a doctor at a mafia run casino in Las Vegas. She is looking to get close to the Larrussio family. Revenge is on her mind and she will do anything to get it. Her papa will not have died in vain.

Salvatore finds himself at the head of the Larrussio family, almost! After being attacked with the whole family present he is out for blood and retribution. The pretty doctor is brought into the inner circle without fully understanding the ramifications. She is trapped underground with the family trying to keep them alive. Her job is keep everyone alive and bandaged up.

Will things heat up between her and Salvatore or will there be an order to have her killed because she is a loose end? This book will keep you reading page after page.

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Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Ashley Cooper Hammontree

Boss's Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance (Sicilian Gods Book 1)Boss’s Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was incredible with some great twists and turns at the end that really jump out at you. Salvatore, the next likely Don of his group, keeping a close eye on Adrianna, the new doctor of a nearby urgent care in his mafia’s territory. It was unexpected, but reading about how the big, bad “devil” develops a big soft spot for the feisty doctor was brilliant. Also, having both view points of the 2 main characters was so nice to have! My only wish was for the steamy scenes and action bits to be a touch longer, as it feels right when it gets good, the tale moves quickly along to the next big event. Super good!!

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We Blend (Falling for the Rockstar’s Daughter Book 1) by Willa Drew – Review by Sarah King

WE Blend (Falling for the Rockstar's Daughter Series #1)WE Blend by Willa Drew
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Being the step daughter of a famous musician isn’t always an easy thing. This is true for El;who is determined to make her own way in the music industry. She does not want to use her last name or parent’s name just to get doors to open which is even more difficult when you have extremely overprotect parents.

Wil is in LA to participate in a film competition which really could provide him with a once in a lifetime opportunity.

When the two meet there are sparks and a chemistry that can’t be denied. Will the two act on them? Will each reach their goals? Will they be completely honest with each other? Will they trust in each other?

This story is well written. The story line is easy to follow, has great imagery, and wonderfully written characters. While I am not usually a cliffhanger type, now that I have read the book, I am invested and can not wait to see what comes next.

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Dainty Damsels by J.N. Sheats – Review by Helen Dawkins

Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022 by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So adorable! The artist is so talented. It is such a great Halloween collection with amazing, creative, fun drawings! I love to color and Halloween, and this is the best of both worlds! Fun for all ages, kids, teens and adults!

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The Mind-Reading Hat (Invisible Magic Wand Series Book 6) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Deb Robinson

The Mind-Reading Hat: Invisible Magic Wand Book SixThe Mind-Reading Hat: Invisible Magic Wand Book Six by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved reading this book to my grandson. He always loves how vibrant the illustrations are. His birthday is coming up so this book grabbed his attention right away. This book is about a birthday surprise. Surprises are fun at any age. He checks under his bed and finds 2 boxes. What will be in them this year? He opens them both. He finds a hat and stone. He puts the hat on and can suddenly hear what others are thinking. He puts the stone in his pocket. Read the book to find out how the magic hat and stone help him.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Deb Robinson

Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a cute book about the topic of adoption. I think it is an important subject that children should all understand and not just adopted children. I read this story to my grandson and he loved the alligator characters that he could count. The book explores the feelings a child may have on the subject and reinforces that it is alright to talk openly about it.

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Breathless in Love Audiobook (The Maverick Billionaires Book 1) by Bella Andre & Jennifer Skully – Review by Ashley Hasting

This is the first book in the series, and already an amazing start! Will is a billionaire who builds cars and takes care of business. He receives a letter from a teen who loves cars. He decides to meet him, and he also meets Harper, the sister and pretty thing she is. They get together a lot more since, and you get a lot of friendship, romance, and of course, some drama in between. Seriously a great book!

Burn (Elemental Warriors Book 1) by Joanna Morgan – Review by Heather Watson

Burn (Elemental Warriors, #1)Burn by Joanna Morgan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book by Joanna Morgan I have read, and I enjoyed the story of Levi and Brooke. Even though this book has a slow start it is worth it to keep reading. This novel is written in a unique paranormal way with Levi sensing the sleepers. Brooke learns of a new whole new world than she used to. The author does a good job of building up the scene but does spend a lot of time giving details but other times it seemed to be rushed. I am looking forward to seeing where this story leads me so bring on book two. I’m ready to get more.

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Ashley Hasting

Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Makayla gets ready to attend her first year at an academy, but she doesn’t know where she is going at first. You put in your top three selections, and if none of them agree to take you, then you end up going to Grave Digger Academy. While attending her first year, she ends up making friends, enemies, and even frenemies. I love her personality. She also finds clues about her family ancestry. I immediately got the second book as soon as I finished! Thank you for making this story!

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Jess Dimmock

Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A really good take on the magical school style of novel for teens. This one focuses on when a student goes into their chosen school through some arcane ritual. We follow Makayla as she winds up at the disreputable Gravedigger academy. Through her studies, some rumors and the other students she finds out some secrets of the school, her world and about herself and family. I felt this was a really good take on a concept that can be hard for authors to do well without being repetitive. King manages to hit it out of the ballpark though!

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Devon Pulliam

Notebook Mysteries Haunted ChristmasNotebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The only downside of a novella is that it leaves you wanting more! I loved The Christmas Carol nod in this story.

I loved how everyone on her team was involved with this case. How each of them expressed their concerns at various times. The fact that some of the help was trying to keep a secret, and had managed to for so many years just to protect Ethan. Family will protect family, which shows a lot in this story not just with Ethan but with Emma and her family.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries Book 3) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Devon Pulliam

Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries book #3)Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love that this book concentrates on some personal details of Emma. Plus bringing some babies into their family. Emma has to divulge a secret to those closest to her in this book.

She also has to face her past yet again, but with the help of Jeremy she is able to not do it face to face or be involved in that side of the adventure.

Tony reaching out to her for help means the world to her. Shows that they can work together and be friends again as well. Especially when she told him about the case Jeremy was working on when he put her on the ship. That even made me laugh because we all know after this far into the series that was the only way that was going to play out!

I was so happy with how this particular book turned out. How the family all came together and even brought in more. Emma seems to add to her team with a variety of people each and every story and then they become “family”.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Devon Pulliam

Decisions and Possibilities (Notebook Mysteries, #2)Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second story in the Notebook mysteries and was such a great continuance of Emma’s story. She travels to NYC in this book, helps women get jobs outside of the home (that was largely frowned upon in the time period this series is based in), and solved several cases. She even flipped the script on a kid and set him off to the right path!

The boom brought the ending of a relationship for Emma but started a new one. Added a baby that was named after Dora and Emma’s late mother into the family.

My favorite parts were the setups they did to catch people! Not just Emma either! Even finding out she was working with someone involved with the case she was trying to solve! I knew when she started getting more responsibilities that something was in the works there.

Helping a women’s shelter, which broke my heart that someone would lie and risk the lives of other women like that!

I’m excited to see what Emma does with her reward monies and where the story takes her next!

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Moby Plays the Flute by Eeha Bhatt – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

Moby Plays the FluteMoby Plays the Flute by Eeha Bhatt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a feel-good story with excellent life lessons. Moby is sad because she wants to get good grades in school, have friends, and be loved. She studies but doesn’t make the honor roll like she wants. Her father leaves for military deployment and sends her a flute that doesn’t play. Moby eventually fixes the flute and learns important life lessons as a result. I enjoyed this story. I could relate to Moby’s goals and also her disappointments. I was excited by the gift her father gave her and sad when it didn’t work. I would definitely read this story to my children and recommend it for children, especially tween age.

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The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Deb Robinson

The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science)The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book due to the fact that you got a science lesson but didn’t realise it. The illustrations were bright and colourful and littles were able to pick out the mermaid, ice cubes, lemonade etc. Give you the opportunity to show little ones with a real ice cube and create play time. The additional information on the state of water was a very interesting addition for older children and parents.

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Burn (Elemental Warriors Book 1) by Joanna Morgan – Review by Deb Robinson

Burn (Elemental Warriors, #1)Burn by Joanna Morgan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I so loved this book and the flow of the story line. The author took her time and didn’t rush through the ending to just finish the book. As a reader, I appreciate a well thought out story. This book had an underlying current of tension all the way though.

Brooke is a career oriented person who is adamant on paying her own way in life. She moved to a quiet town that made her feel like this was home. She’s a graphic designer for the local newspaper and loves her job.

Levi is an elemental from a different planet to keep humans safe from the Chaolt (a causer of chaos) in the form of natural disasters. Everytime a Chaolt kills a sleeper ( a human with latient elemental powers) a disaster is caused.

Levi and Brooke meet when Levi sees her across the street and his powers get all twitchy. He has no idea why he is reacting as such. Yes, she is beautiful but he has seen beautiful women before.

So much happens once these two meet that you will not be able to put this book down. Brook is in danger at every turn and will need protection from something she knows nothing about. This story has twists and turns, suspense to keep you reading and a love story you will be cheering for until the very end.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Ashley Hasting

Notebook Mysteries Haunted ChristmasNotebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series has been the best so far. Emma has been doing well at her firm job, and it just so happens to be break time for Christmas. What I love about this one is how it’s a twist with A Christmas Carol! Her coworker who helped her on one of her last mysteries needs a favor returned. With this favor becomes a few mysteries at once. She once again meets more drama, family love, friendships, and love with Jeremy. I love their relationship!! Thanks again for another amazing book!

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Jake (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 1) by Toni Denise – Review by Sarah King

Jake (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 1)Jake by Toni Denise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Four blind dates- what can it hurt to get his friends off his back. Jake is tired of the women he meets just being after his money. Lauren is focused on her goals and making her way on her own. What will happen when the two each agree to a blind date set by a friend, or in Jake’s case 4 dates? Will they find what they didn’t even know they were looking for? Will the money be a breaking point between the two? Will their difference actually be a good thing?

I really enjoyed this story. It was a well written, page turner. I loved the characters, not just the main two but the supporting characters as well. I cant wait to see how the rest of the guys turn in the hot seat play out. I would absolutely recommend reading this story. I know I am ready to dive into the next in the series.

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Jake (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 1) by Toni Denise – Review by Jess Dimmock

Jake (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 1)Jake by Toni Denise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really good romance. A touch of rags to riches, a dash of prideful came up on her own heroine, and just a bit of alpha male.
A group of playboy billionaires are disillusioned and over the playboy lifestyle. However, finding a woman who wants them for more than their money and fame isn’t easy. Enter a true blind date company! A dating app, no picture, and the date is chosen via algorithm, or in Jake’s case, by his friends. They can chat or not before, but then they meet at the restaurant where they enter from separate entrances and it’s too dark to see each other. Thus, getting to know each other without knowing who the other is.
Lauren is a secretary to a CEO in a top company. Her friend Catherine convinces her, after some trouble with a roommate to move in with her, and then to give this Blind Date thing a try. She agrees on the condition that they are close to her in finances as she doesn’t ever want to seem like her mother, a “Gold Digger”.
My only real issue with this book was that there was never any real conflict for the couple. I wasn’t looking for a tragedy or anything, but what was in there felt like inconveniences more than anything and that the first time they as a couple are truly tested it will fall apart. I’d say it’s a little to fairy tale-esque, but fairy tales have tragedy and conflict. Other than this, it was a really great story!

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Grave Digger Academy II (Grave Digger Academy Book 2) by C.A. King – Review by Helen Dawkins

Grave Digger Academy IIGrave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great book in this series. This is Makayla’s second year at the Grave Digger Academy and hopefully it is a good year full of magic and friendship. The beginning starts out with Makayla being dropped off for her second year of school, and it immediately is a disaster, story of her life recently. Everyone is still looking at her weird, and her professor (AKA a necromancer) is still on the loose, the only positive note, is she can talk to her friends again, even though everything won’t go back to the way things used to be. The headmistress has signed up Makayla and her friends for the inter-academy games in order to “Show” the Crones that she is not evil nor a necromancer. Will this year turn out great or will it be another disaster? Will they actually learn magic this year at school, or will they be left to fend on their own once more? I cannot wait to read book three!!!

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Julie McComas

Emma (Notebook Mysteries, #1)Emma by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Can you just imagine what a second-generation German bakery must smell like? Sixteen-year-old Emma works in her family’s bakery, and the way the desserts are described makes me long for a scratch-n-sniff right there on the page. They make German Chocolate Cake, German Butter Cake with Egg Liquor, Berliner Pfannkuchen, Snickerdoodles, and more. Honestly, I had to look up a few of the desserts named in the book to get a visual. Kimberly Mullins was even nice enough to put the recipes in the back of the book!

Look at me jumping to the food. Let me tell you about this brilliantly engaging story of Emma and her escapades. Emma is very observant, and smart. She writes in her little black notebooks of all the happenings of each day. She has someone following her every move, and that is when that mystery grabbed my attention. When she is not working in the bakery, she is helping with the deliveries, and this is where another mystery begins. Let me just say that this story is full of other stories. There are mysteries (yes, plural), a bit of romance, an eighty-year-old that teaches her to throw knives to protect herself, and family secrets that come to light.

You cannot go wrong with this book! Please excuse me while I go get the second book in this series.

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Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Sarah King

Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer's EggsDinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My niece and nephew always love when I bring them a new Wickstrom story book; she is one of their favorite authors. This book was even more exciting for them, two stories in one. These stories followed Dino friends Conifer and Spike on two different adventures. Along the way the two learn about kindness, working together, and understanding just to name a few skills. The story is well written and with excellent illustrations. I would recommend this as well as Wickstrom’s other books for elementary ages kids, or kids that are struggling with their reading levels. Overall an adorable story with a moral.

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River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Helen Dawkins

River WitchRiver Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An excellent combination of fantasy and history. This is the first book I have read by the author Cheryl Burman, and she did not disappoint. The story begins with the main character Hester, at 8 years old listening, talking and playing with the river. But Hester understands the river on a different level than the normal person, and she thought she was the only one until she met a mysterious man one day who said he could also talk to and understand Sabrina, the river. The man follows Hester throughout the years in her thoughts. There is a time jump, and then the POV changes back and forth between Hester and the mystery man, Aaron. Hester wants to learn about healing others naturally. There is a little romance added with Hester. This is not a straight away happily ever after, there is a good bit of learning and hardships Hester must go through. I could not put this book down and was constantly finding myself cheering for Hester to find her place, her happiness, and her own abilities. Cheryl did an amazing job with character development as well at describing the setting. I highly recommend this book!

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Unearthly Magik (Black Cauldron Detective Agency Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Heather Watson

Unearthly MagikUnearthly Magik by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book by Matilda Reyes that I have read. I was glad to dive off into this book. I can’t wait to get into the next installment. This supernatural world that she has created and the mysteries she leaves you guessing. Ava, Nadia, and Lucas work well together and that shows that the writer wrote the characters well. Reyes set up the scenery as well as the drama around these characters. I am ready to read the more by this author.

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Unearthly Magik (Black Cauldron Detective Agency Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Ashley Hasting

Unearthly Magik (Black Cauldron Detective Agency Book 1)Unearthly Magik by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ava is a gray mage. That is a high level mage. Her and her agency work hard on each case they work on. They finally given a case that is getting hard to crack. The adventure, drama, and friendship in this book is great. Now to the next book!

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Unearthly Magik (Black Cauldron Detective Agency Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Sarah King

Unearthly Magik (Black Cauldron Detective Agency Book 1)Unearthly Magik by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When best friends Ava, Nadia, and Lucas decide to take their combined skills and partner opening the Black Cauldron Detective Agency they take all kinds of cases. Whether it be man hunting for the mage equivocate of a mafia boss or family pet they will take any supernatural case for the right price. The three of them receive a cryptic message asking for a meeting, deciding together it is not a hoax they accept. Their curiosity turns into something different when it is realized that they mystery client is Ava’s ex boss calling in a favor he is owed. The Lauret Grimoire, containing the knowledge about the different creatures and clans, not only that but their vulnerabilities as well, so much if fact it is believed it would be powerful enough to take out the Arch mage. Will the group be able to find the Grimoire before the information gets into the wrong hands and used against their enemies? Will the resources available be enough or will they be too late?

Unearthly Magik is the first book in the Black Cauldron Detective Agency series by Matilda Reyes. The story has a bit of everything which makes the story easy to immerse yourself into and get lost. I loved Reyes writing style – how she gave depth, substance, and visualization to both her characters and the world they live. I will note that there are some points in the story where blurs from the characters are in Spanish or a combination of English/ Spanish. While I felt the surrounding conversation gave enough context to infer what was being discussed this may be an issue for some. I can’t wait to see what the Black Cauldron Detective Agency get themselves wrapped up in next!

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones Book 2) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Ashley Hasting

Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones, #2)Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ian Troy has gone through so much already with book one! Now he has to go even further to help out his friends! There is trial and error with his magic as his scars increase with learning more truth. This one is still fully packed with great adventures and drama. How far will he go? Take a shot, but make sure to read the first book to follow this one!

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Jake (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 1) by Toni Denise – Review by Stephanie Chapman

Jake (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 1)Jake by Toni Denise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jake is having issues finding a woman interested in him instead of his money and social status. He accepts his friends setting him up on four blind dates through a new restaurant his friend, Evan, was investing in. The new place was made for blind dates, where the room was dark, and the patrons were unable to see each other.
Meanwhile, Lauren is looking for a new place to live since she was living with a toxic roommate. Her best friend, Catherine, keeps offering her a place to stay. The only problem Lauren has is Catherine is the sister of her boss, Cade. Cade dismisses the idea and even pays for her move.
Jake has gone on his first blind date. He couldn’t get away from the woman fast enough. He decides he will text the next blind date throughout the week to learn more about her.
Catherine begs Lauren to go on a blind date, stating she knows the perfect person. Lauren finally relents. At the blind date restaurant, Lauren finds herself at ease with the stranger on the other side of the screen. He asks her if they could continue the date outside the restaurant, but Lauren declines. However, she agrees to continue messaging him to get to know him better. Could Lauren let her walls down and meet her mystery date? Can Jake find someone who didn’t care about his money?

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The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Tausha Treadway

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls, #1)The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn. I really enjoyed this Historical Thriller. The writing is so vivid and real I felt like I was really in Venice! Its the story of Nick and Julia and Nick are on their way to Venice to hopefully book Julia a Art Gallery Showing. Right before they left Nick was involved in a hockey accident giving him a head injury. When they are in a gallery Nick is taken with a particular painting and swears the lady in it is talking to him. He truly believes its his soul mate from the 16th century. Once Julia finally believes Nick she works with him to try to figure out just what is really going on. What they don’t plan on is attracting the attention of a secret Venetian Order that wants them out of the way and to quit digging. This is a fast paced thriller that will have you believing you are in Venice present and past. I can’t wait for the next book in the awesome series!

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