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Fatal Legislation (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 2) by Ellen Butler – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Fatal Legislation (Karina Cardinal Mystery #2)Fatal Legislation by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow!! I love how she grabbed me and threw me right into the story this time. Let’s jump right in and join the walk with her and Senator, who is probably having a heart attack. This story was intense and wonderful. I love these mysteries. This one had me right in there trying to figure it out with her. The story and writing is engaging and exciting.

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Isabella’s Painting (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fascinating first book in the series. It’s fun and quite entertaining. Our protagonist has her own set of challenges to deal with while she, somehow, ends up solving mysteries. I love that she’s not a detective and this isn’t her primary job. She somehow has the resources to solve the case. What I didn’t know is that this is based on a true case. I loved the author’s writing. This is a story that grabs you right from the start and you can’t put the book down. A definite must read.

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Wolfbane (Wolfbane Series Book 1) by Celia Hart – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Wolfbane (Wolfbane #1)Wolfbane by Celia Hart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a pretty good book. Jasmine, Blake and Luke are the primary trio. One’s a best friend and the other is the alpha. It was Jasmine’s job to follow the rules and between the three that was pretty hard to do. It’s a good paranormal romance that is pretty predictable. I liked the storyline.

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The Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Shelly Kittell

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The Podcast ChroniclesThe Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a fascinating piece of work. She was finding herself at an intersection in her life. Her last two boys at home were growing up and getting ready to leave the nest. Her husband was always gone and distracted with his business. Some big developer wanted to come in and tear up the beautiful valley of Durango, where she lived and raised her boys. Oh, the challenges she faced. I could so relate to this story. I don’t really know what my job is now that I’m raising my grandson. I was an empty nester for 1-2 years. I don’t live in Durango but I’ve actually been to the town since I live a couple of hours from it and Silverton. They are so beautiful and don’t need stinky developers in there. We fight that all the time. They have invaded Montrose and Grand Junction. Ruined the beauty of the mountains. I loved watching her develop her podcast. I’ve often thought of that but fear gets me. She is a strong character and watching her fight for what she loves is inspiring and makes you believe in things again. As far as women’s fiction goes, this is one of the best I’ve read this year. I hope there is more from this author on this character.

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Wondogfilled (Boys Unboxed) by Dr. Kimberlie Harris – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Wondogfilled: Look, a Dog! The story for children who love dogs between the ages of 0-8. A perfect addition to home and classroom libraries. (Boys Unboxed)Wondogfilled: Look, a Dog! The story for children who love dogs between the ages of 0-8. A perfect addition to home and classroom libraries. by Dr. Kimberlie Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an entertaining and cute story. Kingston is out on walks with his momma and she’s showing him the types of animals out there. They are all dogs to him. Well, to him thinking, they have all the parts that a dog body does. It’s funny to stop and think about the child perspective. Little Kingston kind of makes sense from his end. Mom makes sense too. This story will start many conversations among parent and child as they read it together during storytime. Going for walks with your children and talking about what you see is also one extra benefit that can come from reading this. A wonderful addition to any library. The illustrations are lovely, bright and colorful. It’s a well-done story.

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Cruel Truths (Tessa and Jordan Book 3) by T. Christensen – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Cruel Truths (Tessa and Jordan #3)Cruel Truths by T. Christensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a interesting story. The chemistry between Cade and Lindy is what got my attention. It was pretty sparky there right from the beginning. The challenge was that because he was her boss, this was a forbidden thing. I enjoyed watching the romance take off and build. As far as characters, I thought they were well-developed. The story had a good flow.

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No Amends by Angela Lam – Review by Shelly Kittell

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No AmendsNo Amends by Angela Lam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an amazingly dark psychological thriller with a little romantic suspense. I found myself on the edge of my seat as the book went along. This author writes in a way that truly builds the tension as it goes. The characters are just hiding secrets alll over the place and the web of lies is going out wider. One crash unravels so much deceit. Nothing really is as it seemed. This is a book that you really must check out.

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House of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis – Review by Shelly Kittell

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House of Blood and WhispersHouse of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an amazing book. Cahki starts out being kidnapped and sent to another Empire to marry Prince Sung-Jin. Oh, from there the adventures begin as they try to save the empire. I found this book to be fast-paced and action-packed. I have enjoyed everything this author has previously written. This type of book is new and I loved the pace of the story along with the characters. They are feisty and determined to save the kingdom. It’s a wonderful read that I would recommend to anyone.

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My Murder Year by Kate Larkindale – Review by Shelly Kittell

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My Murder YearMy Murder Year by Kate Larkindale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very interesting story with many twists and turns. I like that so the story had me right from the beginning. Stas has many choices and not many that she wants. It’s interesting to follow and see what happens and the outcome. I found the writing perfect for the teen/YA category. They’ll relate well. The characters kept me entertained and I think they’ll be relatable to the younger ones too. It’s a fun mystery to figure out.

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Ross (Central Florida Stories Book 4) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Ross: Central Florida StoriesRoss: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, this book blew my socks off. I was excited to see a new story in this series and it so outdid itself. Ross and Hadley’s story is one of big challenges that must be overcome. It’s not a story for those that can’t handle tough topics. Trigger warnings for DV, sexual assault are what I would give. Ross is a man who will protect the women he loves no matter who gets in his way. I loved the writing. I was absolutely engaged the whole time. The characters, such as Kyle and Pete, were secondary yet very supportive. There were also ones such as Cutter who were a surprise. It is well-written and well-researched. It’s another wonderful addition to the series.

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You and Me Equals Love by Marina Hanna – Review by Shelly Kittell

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You and Me Equals LoveYou and Me Equals Love by Marina Hanna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found this to be a well-written romance. Using the POV of multipie (his/hers) made it feel real. I loved the perspective. The characters were developed well. I enjoyed reading the story. It had a very relatable touch to it. The author writes story that feel so wonderfully real. I would recommend this one.

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Vanishing Day (Logan McKenna Series Book 4) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Vanishing Day: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Logan Book 4 (Logan McKenna Series)Vanishing Day: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Logan Book 4 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! This author throws tough world topics into her books. DV is in this one. This story is a definite page turner. Logan is in deep and the only witness is a 3 year old. Not all is as it seems and Logan has to get to the bottom of it. The author does a fantastic of setting up the story with suspense. She lays out the detail. There are twists and a few turns. She has rapidly become one of my favorite authors. This is another winner in my book.

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Mystical Midlife Mate (Boudin, Barbecue, and Hoodoo Series) by Reggi Dupree – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Mystical Midlife Mate: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel (Boudin, Barbecue, and Hoodoo Book 2)Mystical Midlife Mate: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gwen is one of the sassiest, supernatural female protagonists that I’ve read in awhile. I absolutely love her in this series. She’ll feel guilt at the same time as she’ll feel anger and rage for someone doing her family or friends wrong (such as Agua). Book 2 here is full of chemistry, sparks, and lots of drama. I couldn’t put it down. This author knows how to engage the reader. There are characters to love, some to hate, and a little of everything for everybody. The storyline is awesome on the paranormal front. I find it humorous and a joy to read.

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Zibs for Sale (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Zibs for Sale: a retelling of Beauty and the Beast (I am an Alien)Zibs for Sale: a retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an interesting tale. The girls go into space for alien fast food. They end up having to do dishes and repair a ship. I like the Fact that even though they have a chance to escape, they stay to do what they promised. It’s a neat story. Bright and colorful illustrations. I felt it taught a lesson about keeping your promise. The author does a nice job of teaching this.

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Devil’s Claw (Logan McKenna Series Book 3) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Devil's Claw: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Book 3 (Logan McKenna Series)Devil’s Claw: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Book 3 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Logan has her hands full in this one. Left a piece of property that is hot to hold by a lot of people, someone has already been murdered for it. She has to figure out who did it and who wants the property that bad. Again, I love all the detail in these mysteries. She’s trying to save sea life when this happens. There’s drama, action, suspense and a bit of romance. The writing really grabs you with this one. Those prologues just get ya and you can’t put it down. Her characters are very relatable. They really could be friends. This is a terrific mystery because you have to work to figure out who did it. She doesn’t give it to you easy.

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Forest Park (Logan McKenna Series Book 2) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Forest Park: Logan Book 2 (The Logan McKenna Series)Forest Park: Logan Book 2 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m excited that Logan and Ben are giving it a go. Logan is in Portland when an explosion happens outside her hotel, and she knows the owner and the elderly lady who died. As usual, when the police go the wrong way, Logan goes the “right way” to help clear her friend’s name. I really liked this story. It gave a lot of detail. The flow is good. My favorite part is that the author includes a lot of secrets within the story that are unfolded during the mystery. There are always secrets to be found. Logan had adventures all around during this story, hers and while trying to figure out what happened to the food truck. Fantastic adventures, a lot of mystery and suspense, romance sure make for a great book.

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Shattered (Logan McKenna Series Book 1) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Shattered: Logan Book 1 (The Logan McKenna Series)Shattered: Logan Book 1 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is mighty powerful for a first book in the series. I couldn’t put it down. Thomas dealing with the call and Lisa grabbed me then and there. Logan has a lot to deal with and she is always there for her friends. I loved how this story developed and how the characters were layed out. Ben being introduced to Logan was my favorite scene. The storyline was great. It ran smooth. Everyone had their part. I can’t wait for book 2.

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Murder at the Wedding (Modern Midwife Mysteries Book 1) by Christine Knapp – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Murder at the Wedding (Modern Midwife Mysteries Book 1)Murder at the Wedding by Christine Knapp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This turned out to be an exciting book. I loved how it started with the high-strung couple having to deal with the birth changes to her sister at the coffee shop then off to the wedding and the snooty in laws to a murder. Oops, forgot her hot husband and their trying to solve the murder. I loved this book. The danger, misadventures, pomposity of everything just makes this one heck of a fun mystery to read. Mauve and her siblings are a hoot. The story is perfect. I can’t wait for book 2.

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Liar, Liar (The McIntire County Series Book 4) by Winter Austin – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Liar, Liar (The McIntire County Series: #4)Liar, Liar by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my goodness, I have changed my mind, all the books in this series are my favorites. This is Shane and Liza’s story. Shane is the Sheriff and this is the craziest case yet. The adventures that come out of this case of figuring out who took out Gene Avery is wild. Liza Bartholomew is Boyce’s ex-FBI partner come back on a secret mission. The twists and turns, you just don’t see it coming. The characters in this town are crazy. Kind of like Mayberry gone wild. I loved seeing some of the ones from the past books come back into the story. I wish this series could just go one. I have a feeling McIntire County has many more secrets. I have enjoyed watching Shane and Liza’s romance develop. These two are a pair I didn’t quite see coming. They both had issues to work through. I have enjoyed this book. This whole series is so full of action, you just can’t go wrong. It’s the best series I’ve read this year.

Sarge by Stuart Ledwith – Review by Shelly Kittell

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SargeSarge by Stuart Ledwith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very interesting story. Getting the backstory to Sarge was quite intriguing. I do have to have say that I was lost a couple times but did come back to the trail. The love story was well-written. Finding a beautiful woman unconscious and rescuing her is most mens dream. It’s a story that may send me to read Mission 3047 again. The story will have you thinking. It’s a good story with lots of adventure and a bit of romance.

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Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls Book 4) by Libby Kay – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Faking the Fall: A Buckeye Falls NovelFaking the Fall: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alice got a bad rap from her family in the past books because she couldn’t really decide what she wanted to do. Now she has come home and her family, along with the town busybodies (Trudy), have started in. Along comes James, who has an instant attraction to her. She has become his muse. These two have some issues to work out. I loved this story. As things get worked through, Alice suggests they “fake date” each other. This story is so cute and adorable. This series is one of the most adorable romance series I’ve read so I was looking forward to this especially after book 3. Their adventures and misadventures during this time had me chuckling and laughing. From spilling ginger ale to showing paintings to his agent to scarecrows in a diner, this is a romance story that you can’t miss. Old faces are mixed within the story. Alice and Jame’s story will have you rooting for them as the old biddies in town are grumpy and living in the past. You have to read this one. I recommend it highly.

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Beyond Friendship (The Irresistible Series Book 3) by Marlyn Love – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Beyond Friendship (The Irresistible Series #3)Beyond Friendship by Marlyn Love
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this story. These two were heart wrenching yet beautiful. I did have to get tissue for the tears. The story was done so beautiful. I don’t do the romances with medical emergencies often just because of this but this is the best one I’ve read yet. I support characters were absolutely wonderful. They were written in to the story so well. The story has a little of everything in it. I highly recommend it.

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Sins of the Father (The McIntire County Series Book 3) by Winter Austin – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Sins of the Father (The McIntire County Series: #3)Sins of the Father by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Boy, was this one a page-turner! The author just keeps making this better and better. Jodi gets herself a case and a man. Xavier brings a mystery and secrets. Can’t say much because you’ll have to read to learn it but this is some action packed entertainment wrapped in a mystery. Nic, Con, Cassy, and Sheriff Hamilton are all here to help her as she makes her big deputy ‘debut.’ Some twists that I didn’t see coming. antagonists that I didn’t see coming with some big britches and some strong strength from Officer Murdoch. Excellent book and series that I recommend highly.

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Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Cruel Love: A College Sports Romance (Hidden Valley Elite #6)Cruel Love: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Phoenix and Aspen’s story comes to a finish with this chapter. Phoenix is recovering from an accident and Aspen is struggling to deal with issues while she is still pregnant. Can these two still maintain their relationship with all the drama going on with them and around them? With Grandad trying to butt in? They have built a pretty strong relationship and you’re going to have to read the series to find out. It’s not a standalone. Family secrets come out and are laid on the table. This has to be what I consider the best one of the batch yet but then again, this whole series if fantastic. The characters are intense and have issues that real people go through. They are very easy to relate to. You feel like they could be friends of yours. The story is so well-developed, it just flows like the river. I didn’t see that ending coming though!!!!

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ALTERATIONS TRILOGY: Alterations, Game Changer, Primal Will by Jane Suen – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Alterations Trilogy: Alterations, Game Changer, Primal WillAlterations Trilogy: Alterations, Game Changer, Primal Will by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An amazing set of dystopian type books about fixing what we view as our body issues. A totally creepy Dr. Kite wants to help women fix their issues. The books build on the previous stories and it’s great that they now come together. I found them exciting and thrilling just because of the creepy factor. The characters are easy to relate to. We all have these issues being dealt with and look for easy fixes. This author did a fantastic job with this story. I couldn’t put it down.

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Daring Ceri (True Platinum Rock Star Romance Series Book 6) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Daring Ceri (True Platinum #6)Daring Ceri by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This series is so awesome. I loved this story. Ceri finds out she is married to Alex! Say what???? The aftereffects have you chuckling and rooting for this second chance romance. Oh my heavens, I love these kinds of romance stories. They are entertaining, worthy and you find yourself wanting to see good come from it. It was great to see old faces pop in. I found the storyline smooth and it flowed well. Needless to say, I loved the characters. They were well-developed and flowed well together. I can’t wait for the next book.

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The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Shelly Kittell

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The Moon That Fell from HeavenThe Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

These just keep getting better and better. I didn’t think I had a favorite but this might be it. I found the story ran smooth. The characters were absolutely wonderful in where they fit in the story. Again, you could tell that the author did her part in researching the timeline. This is one of those series that really is a must read.

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The Sun At Twilight (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Shelly Kittell

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The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight #4)The Sun at Twilight by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have enjoyed the progression of this series as it goes along. We watch the new King worry as to if he can handle the job. This author does such a good job of writing about these issues that you often wonder how does she do this so well. I can tell that she does her research. These books are so well and yet not dry. I look forward to each new one that comes out. This was another that I just dove right on into and couldn’t put down.

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The Queen’s Dog (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Shelly Kittell

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The Queen's Dog (Empire at Twilight #3)The Queen’s Dog by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What an amazing story! The author really does a wonderful job of weaving together historically accurate fiction. She always creates story that make me want to just dive right into and stay. This one involves a deadly secret. I found the characters to be quite exciting and interesting. The writing in the books is always very very interesting and catches your attention with the details. I couldn’t put this one down.

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Beautiful Dangerous (Philly Heat Series Book 4) by Becky Flade – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Beautiful Dangerous (Philly Heat series, #4)Beautiful Dangerous by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved the intensity and suspense of this story. Right from the beginning, I was pulled in. I have never read a romantic suspense that started with such an intense scene as a direct punch to the face. The female protagonists are both strong women just trying to do the right thing. The male protagonist is just trying to help. I found the writing to be perfect for a romantic suspense. I love how the author has just the right words to give you the feel of a thriller/suspense. You just feel the edge to the story as you try to figure out the creep and root for the romance. I enjoyed the story and really recommend the story/series to romantic suspense lovers out there.

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