Shannen Kern – Page 12 – Itsy Bitsy Book Bits

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A King So Savage (The Savage Duet) by April Moran – Review by Shannen Kern

December 29, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

A King So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW! I absolutely adored every single page of this marvelous dark romance! I had only read one book by this author before, but it had blown me away so much that I clearly remember their name when this one popped up. There was zero hesitation in giving this book a chance. There is so much drama, suspense, angst and all the steamy scenes throughout and I may have yelled at Kingston a time or two. Reading about him and Ava had me feeling every emotion under the sun. I also like that the author included a playlist which always intrigues me. There are twists and turns that I didn’t see coming but I won’t give anything away! I cannot wait to pick up the second book, but while we’re waiting for it, I highly recommend getting lost in this one!

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Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Shannen Kern

December 29, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

Whispered Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book blew me away! I have read books by this author before, but none quite like this one. I liked that it is a little bit longer than my regular go-to books, but it is actually a combination of two books: Wayward and Undercover. When I say I couldn’t put this down, I mean literally. I skipped a meal and kept right on going because I was too invested in what was going on and what would happen. We read about Jay and Sasha in the first story and then Matt and Marenah in the second. Both are quite suspenseful, full of action and steam! I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us with the next book. Pick this one up now so you can be caught up in time!

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The Magic Man (The Olympic Peninsula Book 3) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Shannen Kern

December 28, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

The Magic Man by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve loved each book in this series, but this may be my favorite so far! In this book we focused on David and hearing about his experience as a doctor in Africa. Maddie and Kilo are also a focus in this story, and it will have you on the edge of your seat forgetting about your real-world duties for a bit. The author sets the scene with such vivid imagery that I felt like I was fully immersed in the Pacific Northwest! While you can likely read this as a standalone without much confusion, I highly recommend reading from the beginning to get the full backstory and experience. Don’t skip this series!

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To Catch An Elf by Debra Parmley – Review by Shannen Kern

December 28, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

To Catch An Elf: Pennsylvania Fighter Pilot by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve read a few books by this author and this one has been my favorite so far! It is incredibly suspenseful, and the flow of the story is great. I couldn’t read fast enough because I had to know what happened, and I read it all in one sitting. Reading about Ted and Marcie’s relationship is entertaining, but adding in their chemistry and the danger that could keep them apart takes it to the next level. If you like the romance genre with bountiful suspense intertwined, this is your next read!

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The Cold Kid Case (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Shannen Kern

December 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

The Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a fun and fast-paced read for both of my kiddos and myself. I hadn’t read anything by this author before, so it was a great surprise to enjoy this so much. Sparky is an eleven-year-old who happens to find a body and she’s made a suspect in the case. I liked that this was set in the 1930s, and the author did a great job painting the picture. Even though this is aimed for a younger target, I enjoyed reading it myself alongside my two kids. It was engaging and entertaining with some twists that I didn’t see coming!

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Triple Trouble at Amberwood (The Amberwood Hall Ballet School Series) by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Shannen Kern

December 26, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school… by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great read for both of my kids and me! I know it is aimed towards a younger audience, but I thought the writing and flow of the story was superb. I did not read the previous three books in the series which I think was a mistake on my part. I felt a bit lost initially but picked up on things after a while. I recommend reading them in order to avoid confusion and gain a better understanding of the characters. Lauren and her friends seem to find themselves in quite the adventure that is not all fun and games. There are mischievous things happening around the school and their show is at risk of being cancelled. I truly loved reading this fun book with my kids and plan on picking the others up now!

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Dreamscape (J.J. Morris Mysteries) by J.N. Sheats – Review by Shannen Kern

December 26, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

Dreamscape by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a marvelously crafted paranormal story that I couldn’t put down! I hadn’t realized that it was the second book in a series, but I didn’t feel too lost. That being said, I am absolutely going back to read the first book, Lineage, right this moment because this author knows how to write a captivating read! I think I will probably enjoy the series much more having read the beginning as well. The way these scenes are painted brings so much to life and it is creatively vivid in every way! Joey is in college when incredibly strange things begin happening, like fires on campus and people going missing. What follows is nothing short of a wonderfully engaging and thoroughly entertaining book that you won’t be able to put down. I’ve picked up the first book so I can fully catch up before the next in the series arrives!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Orenda (The Latitude Series) by T.S. Simons – Review by Shannen Kern

December 25, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author is one I never hesitate to pick up because they are incredibly skilled in creating a gripping yet meaningful story each and every time. I highly recommend picking up the entire Antipodes series to get the full experience of the Latitude books and characters. In this story, we get the opportunity to follow Caitlin and Gio while they build their life together, but there is a looming danger that is threatening their relationship. This series continues to be one of my favorites in the sci-fi/dystopian romance genre. I was sitting at the edge of my seat the entire time through all of the twists and turns of this book. I can’t wait to see what is in store for us next in this series. I highly recommend this series as well as the Antipodes series by this author!

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The 45th Parallel (Antipodes Series Book 6) by T.S. Simons – Review by Shannen Kern

December 25, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

The 45th Parallel by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author had me hooked from the first book in the Antipodes series, and I can’t believe that this installment is just as interesting and engaging! This is definitely a series that must be read in order because if you don’t, you will inevitably get lost without the detailed background. I was once again pulled into this story right away and it kept my attention through the last page. I had a very difficult time putting this book aside to do my real-world duties because I couldn’t stop thinking about what would happen next. Cait and Sera are in for the journey of their lives, but it will be an incredibly dangerous one. Pick this up and lose yourself in this captivating addition, you won’t regret it!

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The Alien & the Crime Boss by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Shannen Kern

December 22, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

The Alien & the Crime Boss by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the second book I had read by this author, and they have made it to my watch list! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this MM romance where we learn about Leilphun and Kasper. It’s a wonderfully creative story that had me on the edge of my seat the entire way through. It’s a quick read, but the story feels complete. I can’t wait to see what other adventures this author creates for us. I highly recommend picking up this short venture into another world, you won’t regret it!

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Children of the Wild (Children of the Wild Series) by Krysta Tawlks – Review by Shannen Kern

December 22, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

Children of the Wild by Krysta Tawlks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an incredibly captivating and engaging book! I know the target audience is younger, but I couldn’t put it down the entire time. I read this in one sitting and don’t regret it at all. I absolutely agree that this is for fans of Hayao Miyazaki because we’ve seen all his movies, and this has a wonderfully similar vibe. Elbert is going through some changes, and they aren’t what you would think of as typical growth spurts. This book is full of magic, fantasy, imagination, and a range of emotions that can be a bit tough to cover. I highly recommend picking up this book even if it seems a bit young for you because I believe you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

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Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series) by MJ Murray – Review by Shannen Kern

December 20, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great book to read with both of my kiddos! I have an 8-year-old and 12-year-old, and we really enjoyed reading this together. It was a perfect fit for my youngest as he sometimes gets bored by chapter books because he still enjoys the pictures. We were pleased to find that there are lovely illustrations that broke up paragraphs and chapters to keep our interest. It’s fun to hear how everyone’s imagination works as we read through and played detective on our own! I highly recommend this fun and engaging story that is easy to follow, and we can’t wait to see what the next book brings!

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Unclutter (Inner Voice Book 1) by Winnie D Pagora – Review by Shannen Kern

December 19, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

Unclutter: A Survivor’s Story by Winnie D. Pagora
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked this book up, but something about it called out to me, so I gave it a go. This is definitely one of my favorite books of the year! This was a relatable story that hit very close to home which made it impossible to put down. You will sit at the edge of your seat with a rollercoaster of emotions and astonishing twists and turns as you read through this book. I feel like this is a must-read for everyone, but please pay attention to the trigger warning/content guidance to ensure that it is an appropriate fit for you. I genuinely appreciate the time and consideration that shows in this book as we dive into trauma and how it affects every single area of your life. The endless amount of strength and courage that it takes to go on a self-healing journey is immeasurable. I can’t recommend this enough and can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Carrie’s Flight (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shannen Kern

December 19, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My family and I always love it when we pick up a book from this author because we know we’re going to learn something. This book focuses on the beautiful starlings and the generational bond that Carrie shares with her grandmother. We especially enjoyed the education about starlings because their evening murmurations are a sight to see. I loved the illustrations as well as the way the font changed with certain words. My kids liked the way the words looked how they sounded which was really cool! I highly recommend sharing this book with the young ones in your life to show the magic of love and starlings.

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I Am A Bold Asian Boy (Asian Family Series) by Yobe Qiu – Review by Shannen Kern

December 18, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great book to read with my family! It has wonderful affirmations that warm my heart, and the illustrations are brilliant. Diversity and representation are incredibly important, and I believe starting these positive messages as early as possible is game-changing. I will definitely be looking for more books by this author. I highly recommend sharing this with anyone in your life, especially younger kiddos!

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Encounters With Old Coyote by Laura Koerber – Review by Shannen Kern

December 18, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

Encounters with Old Coyote by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I picked this book up, but I enjoyed a previous book that I read by this author, so I gave it a chance. I’m so glad I rolled the dice because this was an incredibly engaging read! It’s a quick one, but you will dive headfirst into this and lose yourself for a short portion of the day. This author has an amazing talent for creating vivid stories that make you feel like you are experiencing the tale instead of merely reading words on a page. I highly recommend this original collection of stories told by a gifted author because you won’t regret it!

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Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series) by Mavery Ellscott – Review by Shannen Kern

December 18, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Shadow Defense Security Series, and I love it even more than the first! We start out with a tense situation between Pavlo, Regan, and their publicist. It really paints the picture of how Regan and Pavlo see each other in the beginning. While they aren’t each other’s favorite person, you can feel the chemistry build through each chapter. I really enjoyed how quickly this book flew by with the twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. There is plenty of suspense, romance, drama, and action throughout the entire book. While this can absolutely be read as a standalone, you won’t want to miss any of this author’s incredible work! I highly recommend giving this one a chance, you won’t regret it!

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Grave Digger Academy IV (Grave Digger Academy Series) by C.A. King – Review by Shannen Kern

December 16, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

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

This is the fourth book in the Grave Digger Academy Series, and it seems that with each installment, I am pulled in even more! Makayla is back in the Academy for the fourth year, and a whole lot has changed. It’s quite an unpredictable ride as the author threw in twists and turns to keep us on our toes. Makayla doesn’t know who she can trust, and she’s finding that trying to get through on her own may not be enough. Each of these books build off of each other, so I recommend reading the entire series in order to get the full experience (and not be lost!) This author has become one of my favorites, so much so that I am on my way to pick up more of their work now. I can’t wait for the fifth installment to come out!

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Grave Digger Academy III (Grave Digger Academy Series) by C.A. King – Review by Shannen Kern

December 16, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

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

This is the third book in the Grave Digger Academy Series, and it is definitely my favorite so far! The author has somehow found a way to fit in much detail and action in quite a short read. Typically, if books are shorter, it feels like we’re missing something and that the story could have been fleshed out a little more. While this is a quicker read, the author did a marvelous job ensuring the story is fully complete with no stones left unturned. Makayla is in her third year at the Academy, and it seems to get more interesting each year. Will her brothers keep her safe, or will the danger at school be too great for all of them? I highly recommend reading these books in order as they do build off each other quite a bit. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us next!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Grave Digger Academy II (Grave Digger Academy Book 2) by C.A. King – Review by Shannen Kern

December 16, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

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

This is the second book in the Grave Digger Academy Series and I loved this one even more than the last! Makayla is now in her second year at the Grave Digger Academy, but somehow the beginning of the school year throws a lot of curveballs at her. With plenty of mischief, friends, drama, and surprises, there’s no way this year will be boring. I flew through this book so quickly because I was not going to be interrupted! There is definitely something weird about the school this year, but will they be able to figure it out and stay safe? I highly recommend this series, but I would start with book one so that you can get the full backstory!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Shannen Kern

December 16, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

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

I have read other books by this author before, so I knew I was going to enjoy this one. I didn’t have any idea how much I would love it though! I really enjoy the supernatural fantasy genre, so this was right up my alley. Makayla ends up at Grave Digger Academy after being denied at all of the other schools she applied to. The curriculum they learn at Grave Digger Academy is quite interesting and not the same as the definition of gravedigger we know. The flow of the story was great, as were the characters. I had a difficult time putting this one down because I loved getting lost in their world. I highly recommend if you love the supernatural!

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Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales Anthology by SE Smith, Jill Wallace, Eliza Sinclair, Kyndra Hatch, Candace Colt, Natalie Palma, Winnie Winkle, Electra Gajdos, Stephanie Harrell, Pauline Baird Jones, Cassandra Chandler – Review by Shannen Kern

December 15, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first anthology I’ve read that I enjoyed each story within it. Two of my favorites were Wicked Beginnings with chemistry that popped off the page, and Magical Mayhem that made me laugh at times with the Halloween shenanigans! This book has definitely helped kickstart my festive spirit right in time too. There are plenty of adventures, mystery, romance, and some paranormal themes throughout these stories. While I have heard of some of these authors before, I was introduced to a few new ones which I am incredibly excited about! I can’t wait to look up each author and see what other adventures I can take. There is most definitely a variety of stories for everyone here, so don’t pass it up! I highly recommend this collection of holiday stories.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Mission Target (Jake Wolfe Thrillers Book 7) by Mark Nolan – Review by Shannen Kern

December 13, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

Mission Target by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have loved every book in the Jake Wolfe Thriller Series, but this one may be my absolute favorite! This is the seventh book in the series and while I think reading the entire series provides the best experience, you can read this as a standalone. There may be minor confusion concerning the characters with no background, but the author does a pretty great job of getting you caught up to speed. Jake, a Marine, and Cody, his retired war dog, consistently find themselves in dicey situations that are quite literally life-and-death. The amount of time invested in the characters and plot are evident as this author has created a completely captivating story. I can’t recommend this series enough! I am ecstatic to see what thrilling adventures the next book has in store for us!

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Key West Dead (Jake Wolfe Book 6) by Mark Nolan – Review by Shannen Kern

December 13, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

Key West Dead by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My favorite duo is back! Jake is a war veteran and Cody is his canine companion from their war days together. Jake’s special skill is finding trouble wherever he goes. This time around it’s a bomb-maker in Florida who sets his sights on Jake once they’re onto him. Will Jake and Cody be able to find the criminal before he causes a catastrophe? This author does such an amazing job weaving an incredible storyline with suspense and mystery that is difficult to put down. I also appreciated the description of the scenery as it made it feel like I was there in Florida! I highly recommend this entire series, but if you want just one fast-paced thriller, don’t miss out on this one!

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DEADLY WEAPON (Jake Wolfe Book 5) by Mark Nolan – Review by Shannen Kern

December 13, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

Deadly Weapon by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the fifth book in the Jake Wolfe Thrillers Series, and it has made itself a staple in my library. I get tremendously excited when I hear there is another book in the series coming out. The amount of times Jake and Cody have saved others increases with each book, but have they met their match? This threat is the biggest yet, and it just seems like they are up against insurmountable odds. Full of suspense, danger, and twists around each chapter, you’ll find yourself struggling to put this book down just so you can find out what happens next. I do enjoy that the author brings in characters from past books in the series, but you can still read this as a standalone. You’ll run to pick up the rest of the series once you read one!

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San Diego Dead (Jake Wolfe Thrillers Book 4) by Mark Nolan – Review by Shannen Kern

December 13, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

San Diego Dead by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have loved each book in this series, and that fondness seems to grow with each installment! It’s filled with danger, drama, and mysterious thrills around each corner. Jake finds himself in a sticky situation with a terrifying cartel. Cody, his war dog, is there to help throughout the story, and I absolutely love their relationship! I also enjoy the ferocity in which Jake protects everyone that he loves. This book was incredibly difficult to put down as this author has a way of just pulling you into Jake’s world and keeping you there! While I recommend reading the series for the full effect, this can definitely be read as a standalone. Pick it up for a fast-paced action thrill ride!

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Killer Lawyer (Jake Wolfe Thrillers Book 3) by Mark Nolan – Review by Shannen Kern

December 13, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

Killer Lawyer by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Not many authors continue to knock it out of the park three books in, but luckily this is one of the few! Jake and Cody have become two of my very favorite characters that I’ve read about not only this year, but throughout all the series I’ve read. Their relationship is the very definition of “man’s best friend”. The other characters throughout these books are always relatable and all of them are integral to the story. Jake always has his hands full with such dangerous and interesting situations, but will he make it out of this one? I could not put this book down and I have a relatively short attention span. I recommend reading from the beginning of the series for the full effect, but don’t pass it up!

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Vigilante Assassin (Jake Wolfe Thrillers Book 2) by Mark Nolan – Review by Shannen Kern

December 13, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

Vigilante Assassin by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was extremely excited to read the second book in this series as the first blew me away. I’m happy to say that this author has accomplished a great feat as the second book is even better than the first! The suspense grips you from the beginning and never lets go, and the danger feels tangible the entire time. I was on the edge of my seat anticipating what could happen next, but I couldn’t figure it out! I truly loved Cody, Jake’s canine buddy, as we learned more about him and their relationship together. Don’t pass this one up or you’ll kick yourself for it later!

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Dead Lawyers Don’t Lie: A Gripping Thriller (Jake Wolfe Book 1) by Mark Nolan – Review by Shannen Kern

December 13, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

Dead Lawyers Don’t Lie by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read one book by this author before that I really enjoyed, so I was excited to start this series! Something that really stood out to me was how realistic the characters felt. I was invested in them quite quickly and felt like I was experiencing the story instead of reading it. The drama was at a perfect level that keeps you engaged and interested in the outcome, but not so much that it overwhelmed the plot. This story kept me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning to the last page! I highly recommend picking this up and letting yourself get lost in Jake’s world. I am already into the next book in the series!

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Finding the End Zone (Game Time Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Shannen Kern

December 11, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

Finding the End Zone by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve read many books by this author, and they never disappoint! I was immediately pulled into the story from the very beginning and binged on the entire thing in one day. Reading about Jamaica and Callahan’s relationship evolving was incredible as their chemistry was great. The characters felt relatable with the depth that they’re given as it really brought them to life for me. I wasn’t a big sports romance fan when it came to books, but this author has repeatedly brought me to see that it’s a great genre! I highly recommend picking this one up and getting lost in the beautiful world of Jamaica and Callahan.

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