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Drew: Book One of the Perfectly Independent Series by Amanda Shelley – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

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Drew (Perfectly Independent, #1)Drew by Amanda Shelley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love a sports romance book….and I loved this book!!! The chemistry between Drew and Abby!! Wow. When Drew goes to undergrad school to become a pediatric oncologist he walks into his chemistry lab and picks Abby as his partner. He believes Abby would not be much of a distraction…boy was he wrong. Abby is also focused on her studies as she needs to graduate and move on to medical school as well. As she opens up her heart to Drew…it really made me swoon! I loved this story and highly recommend if you love a sports romance and swoon worthy chemistry :).

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Notebook Mysteries – Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Ashley Westerman

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

Notebook Mysteries – Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins was such a fun read. Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres to read. I was very excited to find one combined with mystery. I haven’t read book 1, I plan to go back and read it. Decisions and Possibilities can be read by itself or as the 2nd book in the series. The attention to detail is great. I could picture myself there. I felt like I learned a lot about the era and how things worked, especially about the technology used at the time. And my favorite part! The recipes that are included. I haven’t been able to try any yet, but I am excited too!

Reviewed by @mombiex3

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Family Secrets by Shawn McGuire – Review by Ashley Westerman

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Family Secrets (Whispering Pines Mystery #1)Family Secrets by Shawn McGuire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Family Secrets: A Whispering Pines Mystery by Shawn McGuire was a great mystery book! I love the author’s creativity in the writing. It had me hooked from the beginning and I was quickly turning pages to find out what happened next. The plot was very well written. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and “seeing” their interactions. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. The book does end on a cliffhanger, but that isn’t the reason I’m excited to read the rest of the series. Regardless of how it ends, I would have read the rest of the series because I am excited to see what else happens!

Reviewed by @mombiex3

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Drew: Book One of the Perfectly Independent Series by Amanda Shelley – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Drew (Perfectly Independent, #1)Drew by Amanda Shelley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this sweet college romance with an opposites attracts theme to it. Abby is studious and determined on studying hard and not getting distracted to become a doctor, so she definitely does not need to be lab partners with the one boy who makes her heart race, her palms sweat and her knees go weak, Drew. Drew is also not looking for any distractions, but his focus is more on his sport, as the team captain of his basketball team. Drew is not interested in the girls that hang around him and ‘chase jerseys’, but when he’s partnered with Abby who doesn’t even seem to know who he is suddenly Drew is very interested in her.
Despite being attracted to Drew, Abby just thinks he is a typical jock but the more time they spend together she realises there is more to him than that. Drew’s rule of not dating during the season fails as he finds Abby more intriguing the more he gets to know her. However, both Drew and Abby are worried that if they let themselves fall in love then they will be sacrificing their future goals. This is a heartwarming romance between two very different but equally likeable and relatable characters and I felt engaged with them both throughout this story. The storyline flows well and the characters and the setting are bought to life through the descriptive narrative. I was hooked from page one and thought it was a great read.

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Stormwood by Luna Mayfield – Review by Bobbi Wagner

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StormwoodStormwood by Luna Mayfield
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this paranormal story. This is a new author for me which I fully enjoyed and look forward to reading more in the future. This is a well written story that is full of paranormal situations as well as spirits. Luci inherits an estate that has been in her family for generations. She decides that maybe she should check it out so she and her boyfriend go there. What happens next is not what either one expected, Family secrets and a spirit that won’t let her go. The twists and turns that this story takes you on are edge sitting and as well as leaving wanting more. I enjoyed what the characters brought to the story as well as how they gave life to the story. They are relatable and truly made the story for me. I had a hard time putting this book down and I think you will too. I enjoyed being pulled into the story from the beginning and how engaging it was. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Something Lost (Funerals and Weddings Series Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Bobbi Wagner

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

This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites yet by her. This is a well written story about romance and second chances. I enjoyed being pulled into the story by the author’s use of details giving the story a realistic feel. The characters are connectable and make the story engaging. I found this story to be a fast paced romance story about Craig and Rachel. They once had something which was brief but when they meet again at a funeral could this be the second chance fate is giving them? I enjoyed their growth throughout the story as well as their chemistry together. They brought the story to life on each page and had great support by the secondary characters. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

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Review by @bjwagner

Family Secrets (A Whispering Pines Mystery) by Shawn McGuire – Review by Bobbi Wagner

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Family Secrets (Whispering Pines Mystery #1)Family Secrets by Shawn McGuire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this suspenseful mystery story. This is a new author for me which I look forward to seeing what is next for them as well as the next book in this series. I found this book to be fast paced and full of action. The twists and turns had me sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what was lurking in the shadows. This is a well written story about Jane and what happens when she goes to her grandparents lake house. The story picks up when her dog finds a dead body in the backyard and the sheriff has no interest in finding out who did it. I really enjoyed what the characters brought to the story. Their growth as well as the plot throughout the story is great. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into the story as well as kept the story engaging. Jane is a great character that truly made the story easy and entertaining to read. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Scarlet Princess (Lochlann Feuds Book 1) by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison – Review by Ashley Mandell

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Scarlet Princess (The Lochlann Feuds, #1)Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rowan is such a fun princess who can’t seem to stay out of trouble. When she and her cousin are captured in enemy territory, Rowan must meet with clan leaders who will decide her fate. She travels with her captors, Duke Iiro, Duchess Inessa, and Lord Theodore. Throughout their journey, Rowan shows strength, bravery, and determination to make it back home. The romance, fun, and cliffhanger at the end have me ready for more!

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Gone Country (Gone in Love) by Katrina Marie – Review by Kristy Harmon

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Gone Country (Cousins Gone #1)Gone Country by Katrina Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! I just finished this in 1 sitting. This was such an amazing story from beginning to end. Honestly, I am sad it’s over. This is the first book I’ve read from Katrina Marie and I’m already looking for others!

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Drew: Book One of the Perfectly Independent Series by Amanda Shelley – Review by Angela Packard

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Drew (Perfectly Independent, #1)Drew by Amanda Shelley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable and sweet read. Drew is set on medical school. He doesn’t have time to date between basketball and studies. He sits next to the most studious girl he can find for a lab partner, thinking that she would never distract him.
Abby is set on acing all her classes so she can graduate a year early and head to medical school. When Drew sits next to her, she feels that is about to go out the window. He hadn’t even been sitting next to her for 30 seconds before he is bombarded with a slew of people talking to him.
They slowly learn that they have judged each other too quickly. Abby is most definitely going to be a distraction and Drew Is serious about his studies. They find that stereotypes aren’t always correct. The friendship that builds before anything else is what dreams are made of. They more they get to know each other the more they find out how very much they have in common. I loved Drew and how he really was a nice guy, even cancelling a study session and taking her out to dinner when he found out Abby agreed to study on her birthday. He really is the boy next door.

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Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber–Reviewed by Jerricka Brown

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Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was not one I would normally choose. This was an interesting and entertaining story. The characters were amazingly developed. Koerber made this fantasy with a dark edge very enjoyable. I highly recommend it.

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Drew: Book One of the Perfectly Independent Series by Amanda Shelley – Review by Kerry Baker

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Drew (Perfectly Independent, #1)Drew by Amanda Shelley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Drew by Amanda Shelley is the first book in the Perfectly Independent series. This is a book that has such heartwarming and sweet characters at its centre that you cannot help but be pulled into them. They have such a strong connection, even if they are completely out of sorts with each other at the start of the story. They way their relationship progresses is so lovely to watch. It unfolds slowly as the discover a little more about the other.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I enjoyed her overall writing style. It was easy to engage with and kept you interested until the end of the book. This is a great start to a series and I am looking forward to book 2.

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Something Lost (Funerals and Weddings Series Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Kerry Baker

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

Some Lost by Bernadette Marie is the first book in the Funerals and Weddings series. This is a great second chance romance that is all about the characters. I liked both Craig and Rachel. It really felt like they were the focus of the story, that everything built around them. I did think that at times the story needed a little more detail to it. The author could have really added an even deeper level to it. However I did think the story was enjoyable and the overall idea came across well. Another thoroughly story by a great author.

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Family Secrets by Shawn McGuire review by Heather Knalls

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Family Secrets (Whispering Pines Mystery #1)Family Secrets by Shawn McGuire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jayne has been sent to Whispering Pines to take care of her grandparents house to get ready to sale as her grandmother passed 3 months ago. There are many secrets that lie in Whispering Pines that Jayne has no clue about. She is leaving behind what she feels is a life that she has ruined; turning in her partner, losing an informant, saying no to her boyfriends proposal and quitting her job as a detective at the Madison PD. Whispering Pines is not your typical town, it was established as a Wiccan community after her grandparents purchased the 2000 acres and her grandmother did not like being alone as her husband traveled. Upon arriving in town Jayne and Meeka her K9 partner find a dead young woman on the property and that the house itself has been vandalized. Jayne meets many people along the way to finding out what truly happened on her families property. What does this town and this incident hold for Jayne’s future? Can Jayne keep her detective skills to herself or will she step into something much bigger? This was an amazing start to this series and I can’t wait to see what else Whispering Pines has to offer.

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Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison – review by Heather Knalls

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Scarlet Princess (The Lochlann Feuds, #1)Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Princess Rowan, a fiery redheaded spitfire. Lord Theodore heir to the Clan Elk. Rowan and her cousin Davin are arrested while trying to smuggle Sochairan Vodka back to the Lochlann kingdom. A Summit has been called due to her crimes and she decides it is best for her to be the only on trial at the Summit. However all of the time spent with Lord Theo has them falling in love with eachother which could be her escape from death. However one of the other clans calls for a blood oath as a stake to Princess Rowan. Cannot wait for book 2 to see what happens after the Summit. Such an easy and captivating read. Had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

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A Natural Passion by Tammy Mannersly – Review by Katie Matthews

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A Natural PassionA Natural Passion by Tammy Mannersly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

Another lovely read from this author. I find her books so easy and enjoyable to read. I loved the setting for this story, it was so unique and the authors descriptive language really brought the story to life. I really liked the characters Dylan and Kyra both relatable and enjoyable to read about. There were some great twists and turns in the story too which I loved!
I would definitely recommend A Natural Passion and I am looking forward to reading more from this author again!

@katiem
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Deadly Words (Born Bad Book 1) by Meghan O’Flynn – Review by Kristy Nelson

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Deadly Words (Born Bad, #1)Deadly Words by Meghan O’Flynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It seems like most books out there are described as “dark and twisted” or “unputdownable thrillers”. Well here is one that actually delivers! It grips you from the beginning and had twists I legitimately did not see coming. I enjoyed this novel alot more than some of the hyped up ones I’ve read recently.

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail: A Touching Tale of Sharing, Disability Awareness, Kindness, and Overcoming Fears, Samantha Shannon ~ Colleen Guggenberger

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jake the Growling Dog is one of my favourites, and this story has made it to a must have a read list for me with my students. This story is fun, moves a nice pace, keeps the kids engaged and delivers a wonderful message. It makes the reader feel safe, and good about themselves, as we all should.
Thank you yet again for such a fun, comforting, and teaching tool.
I definitely recommend this to anyone who either has children or works with them.

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Spooked by a Suspicion by Risa Nyman ~ Colleen Guggenberger

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Spooked by a SuspicionSpooked by a Suspicion by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a School Librarian I am always looking for good books for the middle and upper grades, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this book. I have not read book one as of yet, but it is now at the top of my list to do so. I will say that I do not feel that I need to read book one to understand book tw0, I want to read book one.

Rocky Casson is the main character, and I found it easy to connect with him. Rocky is a teenager trying to figure out life, and has some weird things happening to him. One of the changes is having someone new enter his life/family. I experienced this myself as a teenager and have to say what Rocky felt was spot on.

I really liked that this book kept me engaged. I wanted to read more, turn the page and find out what next. I really enjoyed the mystery and trying to figure out the answer.
Our minds are powerful and creative tools, and especially when we are teenagers. I look forward to introducing this book to my students. This is very well written.

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My Soul to Give by M.A. Frechette – Review by Sophie Rae

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My Soul to Give (A Demon's Love #1)My Soul to Give by Magali A. Fréchette
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a total sucker for a dark romance. This one absolutely did not disappoint. This book is definitely dark, and for more mature readers. From beginning to end, there’s absolutely no way you could guess what’s coming. I binge read this book in under 10 hours and at no point was I ever bored. Kai and Celina are amazing characters and it was crazy how quickly I became obsessed with both of them. The character development alone was enough to have me in love with the book, and then the romance? Was steamy, with the perfect amount of sweetness. Not even going to lie here. There is a good chance I will be re-reading this shortly. Thank you so much to M.A. for writing this book – I can’t wait to read more!

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Something Lost (Funerals and Weddings Series Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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

Something Lost
Funerals and Weddings Series
Book 1
By Bernadette Marie
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
This is a full length novel loaded with a forbidding romance. Just the contemporary romance we all need. No spoilers will be found in this review.
Rachel Diaz is the coach’s daughter and the forbidden fruit. Craig Turner and his basketball mates knew this all too well. Returning home for Coach Diaz’s funeral, old memories between the Fabulous Five help the men to get caught up on each other’s lives. But for Rachel and Craig it could be so much more than a goodbye to the coach. Can Rachel and Craig become so much more than friends? Only reading this story will bring this book to life.

Bernadette Marie has written this book so clearly I felt like she Introduced the characters to me and the readers. I felt as part of this story starting in chapter one. Reading as the romance built from the loss of a parent and old friends was heartwarming. Bernadette Marie kept this story going, with the emotional events as they happened. As I watched this story come to life in my mind’s eye. She won’t disappoint her readers. Well Done Bernadette Marie! Well Done! ! !

Review@Cinful

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Stormwood by Luna Mayfield – Review by Angela Hayes

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StormwoodStormwood by Luna Mayfield
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

3 Stars

 

Stormwood by Luna Mayfield is a moody paranormal romance that delivers quite a creepy vibe.
The story starts with Luci inheriting an old manor from her deceased aunt. The manor has been in the family for generation, and Luci feels drawn to the estate. She and her fiancé get to the estate- where this story really gets tense. There seems to be an entity in the house that begins to drive the couple apart, all the while luring Luci further into his web. There is much more going on her than Luci could have ever expected when she first learned about her inheritance. What happens? You’ll need to read the outcome for yourself…
A quick, easy, short story.

Thank you, Luna Mayfield!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Something Lost (Funerals and Weddings Series Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Angela Hayes

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

 

3.5 Stars

 

Something Lost is the first book in the Funerals and Weddings series by Bernadette Marie. It is the start of a new series, which looks set to be great. This is a contemporary romance about never forgetting your first love and second chances.
Craig and Rachel were high school sweethearts- he was one of her father’s star players, and she was the coach’s daughter. Circumstances tore them apart- only to come face to face again for the first time at her father’s funeral. Old feelings bubble to the surface and the spark of romance is rekindled. But, there are secrets that will need to be addressed and the past dealt with, if they stand any chance of a future together. A sweet start to this new series.
Looking forward to more.

Thank you, Bernadette Marie.

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Scarlet Princess (Lochlann Feuds Book 1) by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison – Review by Ashleigh Sherel-Kidd

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Scarlet Princess (The Lochlann Feuds, #1)Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stars, this book is truly enthralling.
Scarlett is the lovable and incorrigible princess of Lochlann who finds herself in enemy territory, facing potential death. When she befriends Lord Theodore, she must call into question everything she believes is true. Are the Socairans really so different?
Scarlett Princess is a highly enjoyable read that I found myself unable to put down. I read it in one day, and once finished, found myself immediately searching for book two in the installment.
This novel has something for everyone, with battle scenes, a strong female lead, slow-burn romance, world-building, witty humor, and delightful characters.
Highly recommended!

 

Reviewed by @hautemessreads

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Forever Valentine: A Sequel to Professor Valentine (Kirk University Series, Book 6) by Diana Vale – Review by Wendy Wary

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Forever Valentine (Kirk University, #6)Forever Valentine by Diana Vale
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I didn’t realize this was a series book, so I didn’t read any of the previous books in this series before picking this one up. Not sure if that would have helped with being pulled into the characters’ stories or not, but I had a difficult time really connecting with Cassie and Diego.

It seemed realistic enough that the couple would encounter different thoughts and struggles because of the age gap between them, and they did seem to have feelings for each other, which the author did a good job conveying. I feel like my struggle with reading it, however, is that there was this whole “age-gap-doesn’t-mean-anything” while basically spending the whole time pointing out the struggles with an age gap relationship.

This is a very short book, though, so perhaps I’m not giving it enough credit when read as a whole series; as a standalone, it wasn’t really my thing.

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Family Secrets (A Whispering Pines Mystery) by Shawn McGuire – Review by Sarah Vanscoy

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Family Secrets (Whispering Pines Mystery #1)Family Secrets by Shawn McGuire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Family Secrets (Whispering Pines Mystery #1)” written by Shawn McGuire, was a book I couldn’t put down! Set in a small town in Wisconsin, former detective Jayne travels to her late grandparent’s lake house to settle their affairs. As she arrives, her police-trained dog finds a dead body in the yard. Her training has taught her how to handle the situation, and she gives report to the sheriff. Jayne is surprised that the local police do not seem to be worried about the death, and their suspicious behavior leads her to begin investigating on her own. As she investigates the potential murder, she begins to uncover many secrets about her own family, as well as secrets in the village of Whispering Pines.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the characters, and the small town setting! I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

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Drew: Book One of the Perfectly Independent Series by Amanda Shelley – Review by Kerry Carr

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Drew (Perfectly Independent, #1)Drew by Amanda Shelley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this college romance. The characters were really well written and the author does a great job of showing you all the fun and stress that comes with college life.

Drew is a popular guy. He is star on the basketball team and from first impressions is your typical jock.
Abby is the complete opposite. From first impressions she is a nerd. However both first impressions are completely wrong.
When they are teamed up as lab partners Drew thinks she is just the girl he needs to help him pass the course and continue his dream of being a doctor. Abby  thinks this is a bad idea. Why should she need to carry a jock.

As time progresses they learn more about each other and their hopes and goals. Their connection becomes strong and Drew starts to realise that Abby could become more of a distraction then he originally thought.
Can they build something special together? When they see through the others front to see the real person inside can they help each other achieve their goals and dreams?

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Something Lost (Funerals and Weddings Series Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Kerry Carr

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

This is a beautiful story about a second chance love. The characters are really easy to like and you can’t help wanting their love to succeed. The author does an amazing job of making the reader experience all the emotions that they go through.

Craig and Rachel’s story restarts after they meet at her father’s funeral. Even after all the years that have past their connection is strong. However neither knew what to expect. Would it just be a catch up with old friends or would something be rekindled between them.

They have both grown up since the last time they were  together. Rachel has some secrets and scars in her past that could make or break them. Will Craig be strong enough and the man she needs to support her as she faces her demons or will their second chance be over as quickly as it starts?

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Stormwood by Luna Mayfield – Review by Kayla Bullock

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StormwoodStormwood by Luna Mayfield
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stormwood is a short paranormal novel that tells the story of Luci. When she inherits her family’s estate, she is unsure what to do with it. But suddenly something-or someone-is calling to her from the estate. Traveling with her fiance, Luci is quickly swept up in the allure and mystery of the home. But things aren’t always what they seem. Can Beckett save her before it’s too late?

Stormwood was an edge of your seat paranormal story with steamy romance included. I was rooting for Beckett and Luci to get their relationship back together. The evil forces at work were mesmerizing and drew me in from the beginning. Very descriptive, great story telling! Definitely a must read! 5/5 stars!

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SPOOKED BY A SUSPICION by Risa Nyman – Review by Kayla Bullock

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Spooked by a SuspicionSpooked by a Suspicion by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Spooked by a Suspicion is the follow up novel to Swallowed by a Secret. We once again join Rocky as he continues to navigate his ever changing life. This story begins with his mother announcing she is getting married to Ted! Rocky sees Ted as evil–setting him up for failure, sabotaging him every chance he gets! He has to show him mom who Ted really is before it’s too late!

Risa Nyman has done it again! With this second novel involving Rocky, his relationship with Olive has grown, he has adjusted to his new school, and is even winning awards there. But Ted seems to throw a wrench into everything. Full of suspicion, mystery, suspense, and adventure, this book is just as good as the first of the series! Rocky faces challenges that any teen could face, and his feelings are portrayed in a realistic and relatable way. Great writing! 5/5 Stars!

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