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Ashali and the Blue Horseman by Jordan Elizabeth – Review by Shannen Kern

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There is no lull in this entire book! It is nonstop action from beginning to end and I breezed right through it. I loved that Ashali is a force to be reckoned with.

Ashali is spending Spring Break with her friend in Florida where she runs into Jase. He seems like a nice guy but sometimes appearances can be deceiving. It turns out he is actually a vigilante, the Blue Horseman, who Ashali was never very fond of. She has some secrets of her own though and it was fun to see each one come to light.

Ashali and the Blue Horseman is a great sci-fi meets romance with a lot of adventure. This is a book I found incredibly easy to visualize which is always fun! I recommend picking this up and absorbing the world created by Jordan Elizabeth.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

Love’s Mulligan (Stroke of Love Book 1) by CA Miconi – Review by Shannen Kern

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Love's MulliganLove’s Mulligan by C.A. Miconi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a quick and cute second chance romance novel. I recommend picking it up for a stroll down lover’s lane to a happy ending!

Kellie and Harrison were high school sweethearts that ran into heartbreak. He ended up going pro-golf seemingly leaving Kellie behind to think she wasn’t The One. Kellie took her organizational skills and secured a position as a successful event planner in Las Vegas. The job comes with many surprises but one thing she wasn’t counting on was planning Harrison’s wedding. Can she keep it professional, or will their previous history be too much to overcome?

The story is a short read, but it flows so nicely. I enjoyed this sweet but still steamy book and look forward to what the rest of the series holds.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Scandalously Yours (Titans of Manhattan Book 5) by Anise Storm – Review by Shannen Kern

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Scandalously Yours (Titans Of Manhattan #5)Scandalously Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Scandalously Yours had me reeling from every emotion possible! I expected it to be a somewhat steamy love story and I got SO much more than I bargained for. Anise Storm tore my heart out during this one!

Kristopher Simon is a Titan who had the seemingly perfect life…until he didn’t. His soon-to-be ex-wife seems to have no moral boundaries or goals other than appearing perfect in society. Kris would do anything for their two children, including indulging in his ex’s request of a legal separation prior to their divorce.

Alessia Johnston has always put her career first and everything looked to be lining up nicely for her finally. After being a surrogate to Anton and Elsa Kingston, the former being another Titan, she picks up the broken pieces of her heart that she didn’t expect to have and marches on. She was doing well until she met Kris at a medical retreat in the Bahamas. They reveal that they will be working at the same hospital and Alessia wonders how she will stop thinking about this gorgeous man. Will they refrain from acting upon their feelings for one another or will fate step in to change their lives forever, either for better or worse?

I barreled through this book in no time flat and it was an amazing read that I will not soon forget. It can be heart-wrenching at certain times, but this author knows exactly how to pull it off. Scandalously Yours will no doubt exceed your expectations!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Together We Stand Volume 2: A Charity Anthology for Ukraine by C.A. King, JA Lafrance, Rose Bak, A.N. Waugh, AM Cosgrove, Crystal St. Clair, Sky Purington, A.L. Morrow, TL Mayhew, C.L. Collier, Jordan Leger, Zorha Redwolf Edwards, Emery LeeAnn, Pandora Snow, M.A. Abraham, Tricia Daniels, Raven Belasco, M.K. Moore, KL Fast, Illustrated by Mikki Noble – Review by Shannen Kern

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Together We Stand, Vol. 2Together We Stand, Vol. 2 by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This anthology has such an amazing collection of stories, and they all attracted my attention for different reasons. A couple that stood out for me were Clara’s Story Part 2 by C.A. King and Twisted by TL Mayhew. I highly recommend both of these authors! They were able to include so much depth in such a short read.

Clara’s Story Part 2
I felt my pulse racing as I read through Clara’s Story Part 2. I’m a mom which means anything to do with kid’s misadventures instantly has me panicking and/or crying. Clara is trying to do everything she can as a mom to steer her daughter, Kirsten, down the right path but her paranoia sometimes gets in the way. Or does it? I felt this story while tragic, ended with such hope that gave me happy tears.

Twisted
This was a dark romance novel with some steamy scenes that made my jaw drop! Jerrod is obsessed with a woman he can’t have until he sees Austin, who happens to be his obsession’s best friend. Austin is in town dealing with the death of her father, but Jerrod is going to help her navigate through those emotions. I loved the chemistry with everyone involved and the raw emotion had my heart in a vice.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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My Darling Rogue (A Wicked Rogues Romance Book 1) by April Moran – Review by Shannen Kern

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My Darling Rogue (A Wicked Rogues Romance Book 1)My Darling Rogue by April Moran
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am blown away by Gabriel and Celia’s relationship in this beautiful historical romance! This book is full of detailed, steamy scenes that are incredibly written. April Moran certainly knows how to manage to pull you into this story and keep your interest without every sexual encounter being cliché.

Lady Celia is one of the few friends in her circle that has not found a suitor but still feels the need for distractions. Gabriel does not share the same noble upbringing and is caught in between staying in the shadows or admitting he wants more. Both Gabriel and Lady Celia are on the same page about not wanting to marry, but for similar, unspeakable reasons – they are ashamed of their pasts. While these two seem to be on opposite sides of the love spectrum, they have an un

If we were picking books to re-read, this would be at the top of my list. Even though there are plenty of spectacular steamy sequences in this first book of the Wicked Rogues Romance series, you can expect to be even more fulfilled with the exciting storyline!

 

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Jester by Brielle D. Porter – Review by Shannen Kern

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JesterJester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was quite entertained in the beginning of the book but at some part I became completely engrossed in it and unable to put it down. Time was irrelevant and I absorbed myself into this world. Brielle D. Porter is an amazing author, and I can’t wait to see what adventure she’ll take us on next!

Lisette is a determined female lead and her honesty with herself is definitely refreshing. Her father was known as the Kingkiller and she isn’t sure she will ever live it down, but she isn’t going to just sit idly by and deal with what life gave her. Her ultimate goal is to obtain the position of the Queen’s Jester but there are quite a few obstacles in her way. Will she be able to redeem her family name and win the crown’s attention, or will her career disappear in a cloud of smoke?

If this is Brielle D. Porter’s debut novel, watch out world! She is bound for amazing things. She has written an incredible magical tale and I’m excited to see more from her. You won’t be disappointed with this original otherworldly book!

 

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not. by Robert Rife – Review by Shannen Kern

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The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not.The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not. by Robert Rife
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What would you do if you came across a UFO that makes you feel a little weird and gives off a funny smell? I have never read a book like The Cool Thing before! This was full of things your wildest imagination couldn’t even think of. It took me quite a bit to get into it as the first few chapters are very short and seemingly disconnected, but once I got a feel for the flow it was mind-blowing. Full of monsters, quirky sci-fi events, and even love, I was not sufficiently prepared to soak all of this in on the first read. I fully intend to read it again before I pick-up the next book in this jaw-dropping series!

If you keep an open mind when you begin reading this, it won’t take long for you to be absorbed in Robert Rife’s incredible storytelling abilities. Give it a chance and you’ll come out the other side with a marvelous yet dark picture of what is going on with all of these characters.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland – Review by Shannen Kern

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Hard Lover (Houston After Dark #2)Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW! I am completely amazed with this book. Some steamy books go extra on the sexy stuff and kind of forget about the storyline. I am happy to report that Hard Lover does NOT make that mistake. While it has plenty of hot scenes from the very beginning, I still loved the depth and evolution of Callie and Noah’s story.

Noah has always seen Callie as a friend and someone he should help look after. Her brother, Grant, is his best friend and they have always looked out for each other as well. But when Callie goes to The Stable sex club and sees Noah, his view of her changes completely. Will Grant understand his feelings for Callie, or will it end their friendship? Can Noah protect Callie from his past or will it get them killed?

I can’t think of anything else I would have wanted in this book. It had wonderful character development, and you could feel the chemistry in each relationship. Deborah Garland knocked me off my feet! She is one of my favorite authors and somehow keeps raising the bar higher and higher!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Stitch by Stitch by Marie-Therese Hernon – Review by Shannen Kern

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Stitch by StitchStitch by Stitch by Marie-Thérèse Hernon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It took me a little bit to get the feel for Stitch By Stitch but I’m glad I stuck with it. It’s mysterious but also filled with romance, friendships, and family. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I read it within hours needing to know where the twists and turns led me.

Elizabeth is a single mother of two that is struggling in every way possible. Her ex-husband refuses to be a mature adult and ends up playing games with not only financial support, but the well-being of his child. When Elizabeth hears about a clothing line opportunity, it seems all her prayers have been answered. She takes a huge leap of faith and lands in a massive amount of debt only to find her opportunity is more of a trap. With feelings revived from a past flame and desperation at every corner, how long can Elizabeth hold it all together?

I thoroughly enjoyed the realness of the main character, Elizabeth. It doesn’t paint her in a predictable everything-is-perfect light, so she felt like someone I knew. Even if you aren’t gripped by the beginning of this book, give it a chance. You’ll enjoy the back-and-forth between the characters and every dilemma they face.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Ritual Obsession (Blood Obsession Book 1) by R.L. Dunn – Review by Shannen Kern

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Ritual Obsession (Blood Obsession Book 1)Ritual Obsession by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mystery, Romance, Drama, Friendships, Murder – this book has it all! I thought I would be on the fence with this book and ended up absolutely loving it. I could not put it down and found one of my new favorite authors.

Bobbi is a strong-willed woman that came from a rich family, as everyone reminds her constantly. She is trying to make her own way in life after finding her passion for becoming a police officer. Her partner, Rose, is one tough lady who takes every task head on and accepts no excuses. Most of the guys in the precinct have eyes for Bobbi but only one catches her attention, Max. He feels he has finally found The One when they begin their relationship, but can he protect her from the Bathtub Murderer?

It took me a beat to warm up to this story in the beginning, but once it got going, I was hooked for good. I’m ready for the second book as soon as possible to find out what happens next. You won’t regret picking this up!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Shake Down (First Coast Thriller Book 1) by Armand Rosamilia – Review by Shannen Kern

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Shake DownShake Down by Armand Rosamilia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first book by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last. I was hooked from the very beginning and can’t wait to pick up the second book in the First Coast Thriller Series!

Clayton “Don’t Call Me Clay” Conaway is an ex-cop who is trying to get his life together after making some unwise decisions. He has a less than ideal relationship with his sister and father, both of which haunt him in his day-to-day life. All he really wants is to be a cop and back at home with his wife and daughter again. As he works with D&D Recovery and coasts by on auto-pilot, he realizes that maybe what he wants is within reach. Will he succeed in attaining his goals or does getting in the cartel’s crosshairs end it all?

I can’t believe I haven’t picked up a book by Armand Rosamilia before but that ends now! I will be searching out other series from this author. You won’t be disappointed reading this fast-paced crime thriller!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Euphoric Wonderland by Ryan M. Becker – Review by Shannen Kern

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Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the MindEuphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book surprised me and is so beautifully written that I was left speechless repeatedly. The flow of each poem is different but still amazing. I wasn’t sure what I was in for when I picked this up, but I was pleased with the gorgeous melody of each line I read.

I fell in love with the very first poem, “The Story of Me and What’s to Be” and I was afraid that the author put the best first. I was pleasantly proven wrong as I read each one as individual as the one before. Another memorable one was “Bits per Second, Tech Protectant, Descendant Who or What Expectant.” It brought me to tears and I found it incredibly relatable. The stories that are so wonderfully spun gave me more and more to think about.

I laughed and cried during this adventure and read each poem multiple times to soak them in. I highly recommend picking this up and reading with an open mind as it’s such a one-of-a-kind, amazing experience.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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The Colors of Love (The Colors Trilogy Book 2) by K.R. Raye – Review by Shannen Kern

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The Colors of Love (Colors Trilogy, #2)The Colors of Love by K.R. Raye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was completely absorbed throughout this entire book. While I had reservations from the first in the series, the second one has blown me away! Very rarely do I find a series that gets so much better after the first book. This dives deeper into each storyline, and I loved it!

Our favorite trio are back in college after traumatic events, and they are trying to find a way to support each other but still get on with their lives. Lance is doing everything he can to protect his girls and keep his eye on the ball, but something keeps nagging in the back of his mind. Imani continues to be close with her group and finds a new task in challenging her limiting stance on racial issues as well as finding a man that can keep up with her. Melody keeps settling for much less than she deserves but her friends just can’t reach her to snap her out of it. Will any of them make the progress they want or are they bound to stay unhappy with only each other to rely on?

This was a twisting, turning, wonderful story to read and I am reaching for the third in the trilogy right now. You will not be disappointed picking this up because you won’t want to put it down!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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This Time Around by Jane Suen – Review by Shannen Kern

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This Time AroundThis Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a short but cute romance that had a great flow to it. Katie is working her fingers to the bone at a job that she loved but is still unfulfilled. Her first love, Chase, is back in their hometown raising his nephew and thinks he’s successfully gotten Katie out of his mind and heart. After Katie flies back into town for a wedding, there are obvious sparks between them and they’re both torn with what to do. Can they somehow find a way to reunite or is does the past need to stay that way?

The author does a great job diving into the feelings of the characters and pulling at emotional strings. I loved the little parts of Katie remembering her childhood and little things she had done with her sister and parents. I recommend this if you’re looking for a quick, feel-good romance!

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Something About Aimee (Girls from the Street Book 1) by S.E. Smith – Review by Shannen Kern

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Something About Aimee (Girls from the Street Book 1)Something About Aimee by S.E. Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Something About Aimee has a bit of everything in it and I love it. The many twists and turns in this book will have your emotions all over the place, I couldn’t put it down!

Aimee is a street-smart, no holds barred kind of girl living the free life in New York City. She is a street courier on a skateboard that seems to banish any kind of preconceived notions anyone has of her. Using her street smarts, she saves royal Sheikh Qadir from assassination. Qadir is drawn to her for many reasons and saving his life is just one. Every time Aimee has something to say, Qadir finds himself astounded.

I enjoy how strong-willed Aimee is and also that Qadir is not at all intimidated by her. This book threw me for a loop a few times! I thought I knew where it was going, and it would change direction. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend picking it up. I’m headed to get the second book in the series now!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Paige and the Reluctant Artist by Darci Garcia – Review by Shannen Kern

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Paige and the Reluctant ArtistPaige and the Reluctant Artist by Darci Garcia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Paige and the Reluctant Artist is such a sweet romance where two hurt individuals surprisingly find their way into each other’s lives. They both harbor some bad feelings from a past relationship which colors their opinion of everyone they meet.

Paige and Mark seem completely opposite from first glance as she is a sophisticated city girl, and he is a handsome painter from the country. They are brought together because Paige is an art curator for a very grand art gallery and Mark’s artwork is one-of-a-kind. She tries to persuade him to do an art show at the gallery, but he is adamant about staying in Montana and taking care of his rescue horses. Will she be able to convince him to share his breathtaking art with the world or will he send her back to the city with nothing but sorrow?

I enjoyed this cute love story because the characters are lovable but just a bit out of touch for me. I adore the relationship between Mark and his horses, but particularly with the main mare, Storm Cloud. I recommend this quick yet enchanting romance!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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A Quirk of Destiny (Quirk of Destiny Book 1) by Catherine Greenall – Review by Shannen Kern

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A Quirk of Destiny: Ignoramus et IgnorabimusA Quirk of Destiny: Ignoramus et Ignorabimus by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Quirk of Destiny is a chilling dystopian read and I couldn’t get enough. I really enjoyed the scientific and political parts that were woven into the story. When the content is this realistic as well as relatable, you get pulled in and start wondering if this is something that could happen!

Calum has been trying to alert someone about the safety of this new modified food but his whole department was told to keep quiet. Calum does not accept this and wants to inform others, so they know the repercussions. The government seems to silence anyone who is coming forward with news they apparently don’t want leaked. People begin behaving in an odd manner and panic ensues. Everyone starts looking to Calum for guidance and he becomes a natural born leader in humanity’s most dire moment.

The chapters in the beginning are very short so it took a little getting used to but after the first few, they get more in-depth and incredibly interesting. I am very excited for the second book in this series and recommend getting this one as soon as you can!

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Goddess of Everything: A Blood-Curdling Tale of Truth, Freedom, and Love by Paul DeBlassie III – Review by Shannen Kern

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Goddess of EverythingGoddess of Everything by Paul DeBlassie III
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goddess of Everything is unlike anything I have ever read. It is twisted, entertaining, and I couldn’t figure out what was going to happen next! It isn’t a shocking, too-scared-to-sleep type of read but will instead invade your brain slowly, almost unnoticeably, which is scarier to me.
There is nothing like the love a mother has for her son, but this read will have you questioning everything. Are your own perception filters blocking you from seeing something that is obvious to others? Gabriél has been raised to love his mother above all else, but once he marries Consuela, there is no black and white choice anymore it seems. Everything is a shade of gray, and he can’t figure which way to go.
Helping kids is Gabriél’s passion yet he finds something disturbing about some of the happenings at the orphanage where they live, and where his mother is in charge. I like that Consuela tries to gently yet consistently help her husband come to the truth without forcing her view onto him. There are some disturbingly graphic parts of this story that may affect sensitive readers but overall, this is a tremendous book.

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Amber Waves of Grace by Jessica Berg – Review By Shannen Kern

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Amber Waves of GraceAmber Waves of Grace by Jessica Berg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amber Waves of Grace definitely caught me off guard. It starts in the middle of Corrie harvesting wheat when her hired man, George, starts causing a ruckus and quits. She ends up receiving some help from Luke and Aaron Tuttle, her neighbors who are also brothers. Corrie has a complicated and painful past with Luke and becomes attracted to Aaron even though she thinks he won’t even cast a passing glance her way.
Even though I believe EVERYONE will find this story relatable, I felt a kinship with Corrie as I am both a country girl and as stubborn as the day is long. She still has a soft spot in her heart for friends and family. There is nothing Corrie wouldn’t do to keep them safe and as a woman who tries to do it all herself, she finds that is a much bigger task than she anticipated especially upon bringing in a stranger into her home and under her wing.
I laughed, yelled, and cried reading this book and fell in love with all the characters. It hits on so many different levels of emotion that feel so raw and real. There is a good amount of drama and mystery in this book without feeling like the author is relying on it to carry the story and make it interesting. It may start out a tiny bit slower than some books, but it picks up fast and tells a beautiful story!

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The Vilification of Aqua Marine by Megan Mackie – Review by Shannen Kern

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The Vilification of Aqua Marine (Working Mask, #1)The Vilification of Aqua Marine by Megan Mackie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this author or this genre, but I am far beyond surprised. How have I not read any of her other books?! I was sucked into the superhero (or supervillain?) story from the beginning, and it never had the over-the-top feel that I anticipated. Instead, I found myself laughing and gasping with each humorous yet dramatic turn.
Rhainnon/Aqua Marine is the daughter of a superhero and a supervillain, which leaves her wondering where her place is in this labeled world. I find that terribly relatable as we all try to find our own way even if our parents are well-known and/or polar opposites. Rhainnon feels like she is stumbling about as an imposter because her superpowers aren’t good enough in her eyes. How can she truly leave a mark on this world if her power is as effective as a splash in the face?
From great character building to a captivatingly written world, I can’t think of any possible way this could have been a more enjoyable read! I will absolutely be picking up more of Megan Mackie’s books and looking forward to the rest of the Working Mask series!

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Death & Mirrors (All Things Dark & Deadly Book 1) by SF Benson – Review by Shannen Kern

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Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book OneDeath & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is downright amazing, I wish I could give it more than 5 stars! I devoured it in a matter of hours, and it still felt like I couldn’t read fast enough! Evaline is a necromancer who loves a good mystery. She is also a very strong female lead which is very refreshing. Her father is stricter than Evaline can accept and only sees her as a future wife to someone of his choice. This is obviously not Evaline’s wishes so she takes matters into her own hands. She finds herself and her wonderful beacon, Delbert, transported to a mirror world called Londinium. They both instantly feel the danger and urgency to solve the mysterious killings by an entity known as Doctor Death. Will they be able to return to their world unharmed or will Londinium be their new, dark home? I cannot wait until Book 2 of this series! It is one I will be waiting for at the edge of my seat!

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Levi (The Brothers of Creekside Ranch Book 1) by Edith Mackenzie Review by Shannen Kern

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LeviLevi by Edith Mackenzie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I feel like this book will be recommended to everyone that encounters me! I loved every part of it! Levi and his two brothers (identical triplets) are running the Creekside Ranch as well as trying to raise their little sister when Bella falls into their lives. Levi doesn’t know much about Bella’s past but is tasked with keeping her safe awaiting the trial to put her Russian ex-boyfriend behind bars where he belongs. Will he give her the new life she’s looking for or will fate intervene?
I love the different points of view shown throughout the story while the mix of humor, romance, and suspense flows perfectly. I also enjoyed the subtle navigation of the entire family helping Levi with his PTSD was refreshing. The author knocked it out of the park and I can’t wait to read about Amos and Eljiah next!

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Insatiable Darkness (The Vigilant Book 0) by LM Preston – Review by Shannen Kern

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Insatiable Darkness (Vigilant, #0.5)Insatiable Darkness by L.M. Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first book by this author, but it is far from the last! Insatiable Darkness was a short but thrilling read. I have a feeling I am going to devour this entire series right after this review. EmVee had no idea what she was getting into at her new town, but surprises lurked in every corner. Being a strong female athlete comes with its disadvantages yet her new school appears to have some individuals up for the challenge. Will this finally be a place she fits in and finds a suitable partner? I enjoyed all the twists and turns during this rollercoaster story. It is fast paced so I didn’t even have time to guess what happens next. Heading to get the next book now!

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The Colors of Friendship (The Colors Trilogy Book 1) by K.R. Raye – Review by Shannen Kern

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The Colors of Friendship (Colors Trilogy, #1)The Colors of Friendship by K.R. Raye
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great read that was centered around college friendships. I enjoyed that friendship was the main theme and thought it was a good choice to place the romantic relationships in the background. Melody, Imani, and Lance have found such a great balance of school and friendship, always supporting each other through everything! There is a switch in point of views with each chapter which can feel a little quick but is refreshing as you don’t get fatigued by too many details. Throughout the story I feel one of the main characters, Melody, seemed to lack a little depth so she didn’t feel quite as real as the others. I finished it in one day as I couldn’t wait to find out what happened. I can’t wait to pickup the second book!

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Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass (Mermaid Science Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shannen Kern

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The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass (Mermaid Science, #3)The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a cute book but also had useful knowledge as well. I like that it explained the topic of imaginary friends seeing as how not all young kids experience it, but others can feel included! My kids are 6 and 10 years old and they immediately ran out to test the water magnifying glass! It’s short enough to keep kids’ attention but introduces an easy experiment to try right away. I also appreciate the lesson on fossils in addition to the magnifying glass. A great book all around and would be great for hands-on activities at home or in the classroom!

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Dark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book Series (A Dark Sparrow Novel) by India Kells – Review by Shannen Kern

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Dark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book SeriesDark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book Series by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW. Where do I start with these wonderful brothers?? This box set blew me away. As I had not read anything from India Kells before, I had my reservations committing to the entire set. Those qualms were blown away mere pages into the first book. The author has such a way of grabbing your attention and writing the stories so well that they just envelop you. I love each of these boys for slightly different reasons, but they all have such strong qualities that you just root for automatically. My favorites are probably a tie between Aleksei and Archer, the Lost Bastard and the Cold Bastard, respectively. Though these brothers will all do whatever it takes to protect the ones they love, this box set is full of strong women as well. This series is fast-paced and suspenseful with plenty of steamy scenes that you can’t get enough of!

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No Pistol Tastes the Same (PTSD Disaster Book 1) by Jacob Paul Patchen – Review by Shannen Kern

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No Pistol Tastes the SameNo Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was gripping from the very first page to the end. The author did an incredible job portraying a journey that no person should go through, but many do. I had so many emotions throughout this story, and I already want to read it again to really absorb everything. A harrowing story about how one man’s dedication rippled outward, tormenting his mind and family. Will his wife, Lisa, be able to love him out of this nightmare or will he suffer at the relentless mercy of his past military service? This is a must read for anyone but especially if you know someone affected by PTSD as it is such an eye-opening experience!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Shannen Kern

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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

I enjoyed this story so much! It has cute rhyming throughout but is also very informative. I thought it taught wonderful lessons on encountering something that might make you scared and uncomfortable. Jake also learned how to be more inclusive going forward which is a terrific thing to start learning at a young age. It wasn’t too short either which was nice as it had more depth than most books aimed towards children. I also really enjoyed the guides at the end of the book, they are very helpful! The rest of the “Jake the Growling Dog” series are just as wonderful so don’t forget to pick them up as well!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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PREMEDITATED: A Trust Betrayed, Lives Sabotaged, A Love Undaunted (Agents of Justice Book 2) by Susanna Haymond – Review by Shannen Kern

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PremeditatedPremeditated by Susanna Haymond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a Christian-based mystery and though it isn’t what I typically pickup, it was quite entertaining! I enjoyed it more than the first book in the series which is rare. The author does a good job of keeping you on your toes the entire time you’re trying to figure out who could be at the center of everything. It gives a startling view on what could really be in your medications which was scary! How much can former DEA Agent Greg Nelson and his fiancé, Anne, take before it’s all too much? This is a great story full of suspense with twists and turns at every chapter.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Shannen Kern

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Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns, #1)Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first book from this author and I am already running to not only pre-order the second book, but also ordering her other series! This adventure is THAT good.

Chloe is enjoying her mortal life as her town’s apothecary, but people are getting sicker than usual. Quintus, a fae from Chloe’s past, shows up requesting help. Faerie is being overthrown by mortals and Chloe can help stop it, but will she? She vowed never to return but her sister’s life hangs in the balance.

I devoured this book in a day and am impatiently waiting for the second one! I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a fast-paced thrilling Fae escapade.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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