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Atonement (The McIntire County Series Book 1) by Winter Austin – Review by Shelly Kittell

Atonement (The McIntire County Series: #1)Atonement by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I started this book and, quite literally, could not put it down. Nic had grabbed my attention right from the start. By jumping right in with the hostage scene, I was in for the full ride. Nice is a former Marine sniper that is now a Sheriff’s Deputy. She’s trying to keep her PTSD hidden and not doing a great job. Many secrets are hidden in this story and they are coming out. I love the writing. I was nowhere close to figuring out who the culprit was. A definite sign of a good mystery to me. The author throws in twists and turns where you don’t expect them. A little romance between her and Con was lovely. I can’t wait to see where that goes. This is an amazing start to a new series that just blew me away. I can’t wait for the next book.

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As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist – Review by Shelly Kittell

As Though You Were MineAs Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a beautiful story. Julie becomes the guardian of her 4-year old niece and nephew after her brother and his wife’s passing. She donated her eggs so they could have children which makes this even more beautiful. First, I loved the writing. This is a hard situation that you could feel in the writing. Death of a loved one, especially an estranged loved one, is hard. You can feel the pain, the loss and all the emotions from the family left behind. Your heartbreaks for the kids. Second, you rejoice as Julie and the kids begin to work out and adjust to their new living situation. This also brings the extended family back together. It’s kind of nice to see this happen. I felt tears well up as Julie called the wife’s family and they didn’t really show interest in seeing the grandchildren any more. Raising one of mine makes me wonder why, other than grief this is. We find out later that their son helped create the children also. Third, watching Julie and Grant develop was an absolute treat. That felt natural. Yes, it takes time. I do have to say it’s so much better than seeing her with the other. It also allows a piece of mama’s family to be there. This is one of the best pieces of family fiction that I have read this year and if I were allowed to give it more than 5 stars I would. Bravo!

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Shelly Kittell

Xenia Navarro and the Magic AntsXenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found this to be a very interesting book. It delved into some deep topics being dealt with in today’s society. It is definitely a book meant to kids older than 7. I found the stories to be interesting and written in a way to help kids understand deportation and what’s going on. It’s a good book and I’ll be adding it to our library. My child can’t quite understand it yet but this will help open the conversation to it. The author always does a good job of putting out the hard topics in a way that helps kids try to understand hard topics.

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The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 2) Audiobook by Cat Treadgold – Review by Shelly Kittell

Oh, Teresa and Liam’s story is so relatable. Even though she came from a rich family, her struggles are one’s that many of us can relate to. Now, Liam, that man is hot, sexy mystery and one that would be fun to discover. I sure enjoyed listening to their story. The mystery of where Liam was after the bombing had me on edge wanting to know just as much as Teresa, Ali and Joe. The mysteries intertwined in this story are fantastic along with some little twists in there. Don’t even get me started on some of the antagonist’s such as Carrie, Ulla, Koli and some of the others.

The writing is wonderful. I found the tone to be a mysterious and suspenseful tone. I enjoyed it being read by the author. There was always an air of “the other shoe is going to drop.” The characters were so well-developed and the details of them in the story made me feel like I was there. Listening to the story actually gave you the feeling that you were there, kind of like you were eavesdropping.

Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell – Review by Shelly Kittell

Love & StilettosLove & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An interesting tale, that’s what this is. Mia, a widow, comes across her crush, Mitch and the tale begins there. Romance with some misadventure and suspense. I enjoyed their story because it was quite entertaining. My favorite character was her grandmother. I could totally relate to her. It was like seeing mine on paper. She spoke her mind and had no filter what came out of her mouth. I loved her. Mia still had some growing to do and it was good to see her do that. Once Mitch reconnected, he was always watching out for her. I found the HEA done well. I enjoyed the little twists and turns. A good read that you can enjoy.

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The Reluctant Suitor (The Studs of Clear Creek County) by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Reluctant Suitor: BWWM Historical Western (The Studs of Clear Creek County)The Reluctant Suitor: BWWM Historical Western by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another fascinating BWWM story from this author. As always a fascinating read that is entertaining and a quick read. A historical romance of the time when black and white didn’t mix. I found the characters to be very interesting. There were a few substories going on that were entertaining and interesting. The story kept me on the edge-of-my-seat. I have followed this series from the beginning and found it to be full of drama and a bit of everything. I will be eagerly awaiting the next one.

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Shelly Kittell

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another book that I found to love. It was cool to find to a book that gave bite-size facts about Ukraine to children while they read about pen pals and letter writing. I remember doing that when I was younger. It was fascinating and so very exciting to get letters. I love reading Ameleigha books when they come out. My granddaughter was here when I got this out to read and she thought this the most exciting thing we did all day yesterday. She’s a bookworm like her Nana. She asked so many questions. She loves to learn and she got to learn about a new culture and other children by reading a story with her Nana. I lover storytime and these books are perfect because they develop learning. Ameleigha is always teaching such wonderful and beautiful ideas that can help strengthen the world to help children develop their own creativity. It’s a must read to share with the children in your life.

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Shelly Kittell

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is emotional. Even is you have never owned a pet, most people know what it means to put an animal to sleep. Our pets often have become part of the family. This story goes through the process of doing just that. It walks through from diagnosis through to sending them off to the Rainbow Bridge. I found the story does a very nice job of explaining this in a family friendly way so that it can be read to children. This may help to answer questions and possibly put some worries at ease, Either way, it will help parents to talk with their children when that time comes that a fur baby has to be put to sleep. This book is a gentle way of explaining the process. I think it is a definite must for the library of any parents of younger ones with pets.

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Russian and Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Shelly Kittell

Russian and Royally ComplicatedRussian and Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh heavens, these two can heat up a room. This book is fantastic and hotter than Yuma in the middle of summer!! I enjoyed reading about their adventures after the Royal Wedding. The sparks flying. The chemistry brewing. This is one hot romance that you need gloves to read it with. The characters are entertaining and full of spunk and sass. It’s a quick read that will set you on fire. If you like hot and spicy romance, give this a shot.

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Deadly Vengeance (The Vaccaro Empire Collection Book 2) by Anise Storm – Review by Anise Storm

Deadly Vengeance (The Vaccaro Empire #2)Deadly Vengeance by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Luca and Valenzia are a story that will make you sweat. Holy moly! I loved this story is some sick twisted way. Luca found out that what he knew wasn’t what was. Valenizia found out that she couldn’t believe everything. Mommy and Daddy had lied. Out for revenge, Luca came to realize that a change of heart was needed. This story will have you tearing up for all the emotions. I felt like my heart had been torn up, ripped apart and sewed back together by the end. A beautiful story that is so well-done. I loved the characters. So many twists that you really don’t see coming. I just fell in love with it.

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Sing For Me (The Balefire Series Book 2) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Shelly Kittell

Sing For Me (Balefire, #2)Sing For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the story of Blu and Ashleigh. Blu showed that he had a softer side than the hard rocker that everyone thinks he is. Ashleigh finally mellowed from the uptight, thinking that he’s a pig-headed rocker, and saw him for his true side. I loved this story. It’s a quick read with lots of banter that will have you chuckling. I found Blu’s mom quite entertaining. She is lovely and funny. I think she needs her own story. The characters in this story made this so entertaining and humorous. The story is well-written and very well-done. Again, I love Colorado stories using our beautiful landmarks and trying to guess locations. The details in the writing are beautiful. This is a lovely romance for the rocker lockers and it’s a must.

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The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 2) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 2)The Guardsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, Teresa and Liam’s story is so relatable. Even though she came from a rich family, her struggles are one’s that many of us can relate to. Now, Liam, that man is hot, sexy mystery and one that would be fun to discover. I sure enjoyed reading their love story. The mystery of where Liam was after the bombing had me on edge wanting to know just as much as Teresa, Ali and Joe. Don’t even get me started on some of the antagonist’s such as Carrie, Ulla, Koli and some of the others.

The writing is wonderful. I found the tone to be a mysterious and suspenseful tone. There was always an air of “the other shoe is going to drop.” The characters were so well-developed and the details of them and in the story made me feel like I was there. This is one of the best romantic suspense series I’ve read this year. You can read them as standalones or in order. I recommend in order. You have to read this series. You won’t be disappointed.

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Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Shelly Kittell

Royally ComplicatedRoyally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This made me think of an adult version of Cinderella. Bridget meets Fyn on his private beach. The fun and adventure starts there. She doesn’t realize he’s a Prince. I fell in love with this story because they both had to overcome so many challenges. The King and Queen were stuck on tradition and, quite frankly, were snobs. Not my favorite, but definitely antagonistic characters. I loved the storyline and how it flowed. This author does such a fabulous job with her stories that you just feel like you are there watching it. I can’t wait to read book 2.

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Rogue Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 3) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Shelly Kittell

Rogue Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 3)Rogue Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was another exciting book in the series. Tamaska wants to be changed and Kodiak is now the Alpha. Challenges are being made and Vampires are coming. The action! The drama! I loved the intensity of the story. The suspense and not really knowing what was coming. The characters again are outstanding. I love how Kodiak handles the ones who step out of line. This is definitely worth reading. It’s an exciting series.

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Dead Keen (Things Unseen Book 2) by Anise Eden – Review by Shelly Kittell

Dead Keen (Things Unseen #2)Dead Keen by Anise Eden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Con and Neeve have gone to Ireland to help his brother, Eammon, with a perplexing case involving his fiancée. This book had me intrigued right from the start. The prologue just reaches right out and grabs you. The author’s descriptions make you feel like you are right there watching as they participate in the deed. I loved the characters. They were so well-written and the Irish landscape was described so well. Someday, I just want to visit. This story line was perfect. I loved the thrill and suspense. What did Max do? Did he really do it? How did he do it? What a thrill ride! If you haven’t gotten to imbibe in the Con and Neeve series, I would highly advise you to do it. A favoirite on my author list. Definite must read.

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A Rainbow Like You by Andréa Fehsenfeld – Review by Shelly Kittell

A Rainbow Like YouA Rainbow Like You by Andréa Fehsenfeld
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A truly fascinating story. We have Adrian, the rocker, trying to deal with burnout, OCD and color blindness on a tour that brings major drama Then we have Hastings, a teen stowaway, on Adrian’s bus. She has synesthesia and a plot twist that I didn’t see coming. Toss in Sasha-Rae, Norm, Sven and Exile, and you have a cast of characters that make for a book you cannot put down. There are so many sub-issues being dealt with in this story along with the main plot. I found it thrilling that the author was able to tie them together so well that the flow just remained so smooth. The strength and courage of Hastings made her one of my favorite characters. How do you see a rainbow? Adrian faced some large struggles but you found yourself rooting for him to succeed. It is a must read.

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Love Shots (Bluestone Series Book 4) by Isobel Reed – Review by Shelly Kittell

Love Shots (Bluestone Series Book 4)Love Shots by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been a fan of this series from the start. This has been my favorite by far. The drama and action are there. The chemistry between these two is off the charts. They need to admit it it’s there. I had to laugh when they can say they are each other’s weaknesses. I enjoyed watching the relationship develop as they worked through issues. I always enjoy seeing faces from the previous books pop into the story. I find that keeps the continuity going. I love the characters. They were so relatable. I felt like I was right there among them. I love this author’s style of writing. It’s real and down to earth. Excellent read. You should read the whole series.

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Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey – Review by Shelly Kittell

Softest TouchSoftest Touch by Adina D. Grey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Melinda and Derek’s story just melt’s you. He’s a grumpy workaholic. She’s a member of the elite that is just wanting to do the right thing and is trying to care for her grandmother. She’s Derek’s new assistant and he treats her like dirt when he comes back and learns Sienna hired her for him. Oh, these two have issues to work through but they do. As they come into their own and they both grow and get through those growing pains, you smile like proud parents or friends. This book is so well-written. It’s a short read. I stayed up last night and finished it in one sitting. I wanted to read more. I kind of was left feeling like I wanted more of their life. I will settle for what I got. It’s a sweet romance. The characters are well-written. They feel like they could be friends, especially Melinda and her grandmother. It’s a definite read that I recommend for romance lovers out there.

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Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney – Review by Shelly Kittell

Lilly Tames Her WorriesLilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a very good book about a little girl who worries alot. I have a little boy who worries a lot and is learning to deal with it. He loves carrying around a stuffed dinosaur. He sat and listened to this story. He’s not a fan of breathing methods yet but I hope reading stories like this will help him. I liked the fact that Lilly was like a real child. She wasn’t instantly cured. Her worries came back throughout the day and she would work on dealing with them with the methods she was taught (since Hun Bun was at home). Even when she got home, she had to deal with Hun Bun needing a bath. A wonderful story that will be added to our home library.

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Cruel King by K.M. Scott – Review by Shelly Kittell

Cruel KingCruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I found this story absolutely riveting. I was totally surprised at the turn in brothers. I was going for the other brother. The chemistry between Ava and Mattias was *BOOM* electric!! The dislike he had for her and her determination to find out why he hated her kept me glued to this story. Absolutely engaging and intriguing, one cannot put this story down because you must know what’s going on like the nosy town gossip. You can’t miss a minute. So well-written and well-done, I loved it all from the characters to the storyline. Eleanor, the housekeeper, is my favorite and her eyeraising brow when she catches those moments. This is an absolute must read.

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Love Bites More (The Darkness & Light Duology, and the Love Bites World) by TL Clark – Review by Shelly Kittell

Love Bites MoreLove Bites More by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found this to be a book full of adventure, magic, fantasy, steaminess and some elinaefae fun. The characters are complex and complicated. They are well-written. This is a male triad that is trying to form itself into a new relationship. The story line is intriguing. It pulled me in from the beginning with its broody mood and everyone trying to figure Elin out. It’s a well-written stand-alone that is part of the elinfae duology series.

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shelly Kittell

I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien)I Am An Outer Space Alien by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author has done another outstanding job with an entertaining and fun children’s book. This one, I felt, covers friendship, feeling different and being lonely. Shirl is a unique character, and she makes the story a conversation starter. I can count on my grandson to bring up unique questions and he wanted to know if she was an alien. We talked about her new friend and the invention. It’s a bright and colorful book. It will make you smile and chuckle. My household is a huge fan of this author and this is another that will be added to our library.

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Mesmerised (Hybrid Lovers Book 2) by Toya Richardson – Review by Shelly Kittell

Mesmerised (Hybrid Lovers #2)Mesmerised by Toya Richardson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is full of action, drama and some hot steam. Antoine has finally found his mate, Donna. These two are just made for each other. Now he just has to battle the demon in her head. He must get him out. I found the writing to be quite exciting. I was in it from the beginning. I felt pulled write in. I found the characters to each have such unique personalities that I loved each of them. I love characters that totally help build the story. This story continues to build as you read. It’s a definite page turner and a must read.

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Conversations with the Tarot by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Shelly Kittell

Conversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the CardsConversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the Cards by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A truly interesting book in which the author explains her views and experiences with the Tarot. She explains the deck she uses the most and what each card she uses means to her. Being able to read and learn about this from the viewpoint of someone who does this everyday and isn’t a “carnival psychic” is nice. I came away feeling like I learned some new items. She gives off positive energy with her writing, yet, I also feel she gives straight facts. I enjoyed reading this author’s book on the tarot.

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Fortune’s Favorite (Soulbound Journeys Book 2) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Shelly Kittell

Fortune's Favorite (Soulbound Journeys #2)Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First of all, this cover is amazing. Such a beautiful illustration. Book 2 of this fantastic journey continues with our journey for our two characters. This book just reaches out and grabs you straight from the start with the beginning of the story. The descriptions and details are so well written that you feel like you are almost there. Again, we are taken on an exciting adventure full of magic, mystical and the paranormal as we journey along. I can’t wait for book 3

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The Wandering Isles by C. L. Schneider – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Wandering Isles (The Crown of Stones)The Wandering Isles by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author does such an amazing job with her fantasy stories. This one is an amazing story of a journey that will take you through things that are magical, paranormal and mystical. I couldn’t put it down. I felt like I was on the journey with the two primary characters. The dtails in the story make you feel like you can envision the country in your head yourself. This is one of my favorite authors because of the way she writes. It’s such drama and adventure. I feel like I’m in a cross between a Narnia movie and a Harry Potter. It’s an incredible journey tha tyou should read. The story flows so well. I can’t wait to tread the next book int he series.

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Saved by the Everyday Hero (Limited Edition Romance Collections) by Naomi Valkyrie & Various Authors – Review by Shelly Kittell

Saved by the Everyday HeroSaved by the Everyday Hero by Amelia Hayden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an unexpectedly entertaining anthology full of surprises. I chose the first 3 stories to read. Three totally different stories that were wonderful, different and all had the theme of saving someone. Wonderfully written characters and nicely-done short stories. My review of each story follows. You should check out this anthology. I love it and will be reading more of it.

Unexpected Heroes:
I loved this story. Jude and Elijah are both dealing with relationship issues and happen to meet because they are neighbors. Thanks to Elijah’s sweet baby boy, they become friends and more. Life brings them challenges and obstacles, which they solve together. They end up saving each other in the end. It’s a beautiful story of love and friendship. It all blends so well together. I love how well the author brought it together so that it just flowed so smooth.

Quin to the Rescue:
Oh my goodness, Mirra ends up next door to her high school crush, Quin. Now he is an LEO in the town she lives in. The sparks begin when his dog runs her cat up the tree. I loved this story. So adorable, she fell for him at the prom in high school, literally. Now she’s a grocery store manager and finds a meth lab in a store room. I can’t say anymore. You must read this story. I found the whole story full of drama and romance to be fun and unpredictable. I didn’t see the twist coming. A story that one will definitely enjoy along with the others in this wonderful book.

Just Another Hallmark Fool:
The title so fits this story. Kate is out with her friends after dumping her cheating ex-boyfriend. After a mishap in the ar, she meets Sawyer, the security for the band. He’s big, real big, but a softy inside. You’ll have to read about his squirrel story. A one-nighter is ahead. They happen to meet again in his home-town and just to avoid some nosy relatives, the two go out again. The chemistry is enough to spark a fire. Cue some danger, romance and suspense, and you have a winning little short story. I loved this one. Sweet, funny, flirty and a hot hero. A must read.

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Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales Book 1) by Lee Wood – Review by Shelly Kittell

Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales #1)Mr Lucky by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very interesting story. I liked the action in it I found the story premise to the be intriguing. He loses everything and spirals down. All of a sudden, he wins the lottery and everyone is after him. There is plenty of adventure and drama. The characters are quite well-written. It’s an intriguing drama that will grab you right from the beginning. I highly recommend it.

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Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie – Review by Shelly Kittell

Liz's Road TripLiz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Even though Liz is dealing with her Grandmother’s death, I found this story so entertaining and cathartic because Liz comes into her self on a trip of self discovery. Her Gran makes her go on a trip of self-discovery. Nothing is as it seems. I loved this story. Between Grace, Cosmo and Watts, they all helped support her. It’s an uplifting story that will have you feeling all the feels. This author is one of my favorites because she writes and makes you feel like you are sitting and hanging out with friends. A wonderful story to add to my collection.

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Back to the 80s by S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan – Review by Shelly Kittell

Back to the 80'sBack to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Being a Gen-X and living through the 80’s, I loved the story and reminiscing about the items and references throughout. The story is quite funny. The two primary characters have spark and need a little bit to realize it. My family thought I was losing it from my giggling through the story, from Eric’s sister being called names by the karate instructor to Eric splashing Blaine outside the restaurant and then acting innocent. This story is very entertaining and full of humor. Watching these two work through things is quite satisfying. It’s a wonderful story and well worth reading.

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