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Mann in the Crossfire (Jarvis Mann Detective Series Book 8) by R Weir – Review by Shelly Kittell

Mann in the Crossfire: A Jarvis Mann Hardboiled Detective Mystery NovelMann in the Crossfire: A Jarvis Mann Hardboiled Detective Mystery Novel by R. Weir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jarvis Mann is quite the character. Quirky, unique and a personality of his own, he keeps you going right from the beginning. This book was action packed from the start. It jumped right into Jarvis starting with investigation Rocky’s death and going from there. He just takes a licking and keeps on ticking. I couldn’t put the book down. I felt like I was sucked into the universe Jarvis Mann was in. R. Weir has does a really terrific job of bringing everything together.

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Hawke (Men of Syn Duet) by Anise Storm – Review by Shelly Kittell

Hawke (Men of Syn, #1)Hawke by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Syn is the scene of the moment for Hawk and Charlotte. A hot new BDSM, members-only club, being built by Hawke is right where the action begins with break-ins and drug-deals. It’s not even open yet! Charlotte is the party planner for the grand opening. Imagine her surprise to find out that he’s the dominant who kicked her out in D.C. It’s back and forth chemistry between them as they work through their issues. With the help of her BFF, Em, and her cop brothers, Charlotte gains the confidence to tell Hawke exactly how she feels. Hawke grows in learning that his feelings for her are a good things and love is good. All this comes about while trying to avoid a serial killer. There is action no matter where you look in this story along with twisted, steamy BDSM, romance. Hot and action packed. Highly recommend.

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Defined (The Cadence Duet Book Two) AUDIO BOOK by Dakota Willink – Review by Shelly Kittell

Cadence Defined Audiobook By Dakota Willink cover artCadence and Fitz were summer loves. Unfortunately he had other plans that didn’t inclue Cadence. He left her with a beautiful baby girl that he knows nothing about. With the help of her parents, Cadence has worked hard to raise her as a single mother and is now runner her own agency. Fitz is running a PR agency in DC and his father is still trying to run his life. Fitz is still pining for Cadence and has been for 17 years. He did marry in an arranged marriage. The only thing good to come out of it wa shis son Austin. You can only imagine the panic when Callie’s date to prom is Austin. Oh the drama kicks in. Cadence picks up on the resemblance then runs into Fitz and here comes trouble. His father’s threating him to run for the Senate to he get what he wants. What kind of person threatens a grandchild? I love the drama and conflict. I felt like I was listening toa poor version of Dynasty. Cadence is a very strong woman and her spirit is strong and fierce. I do wish it had been an ensemble read as some of the narration was a little lackluster. I would still highly recommend.

5 stars!

FURY OF CONVICTION (The Dragonfury Series Book 2) by Coreene Callahan – Review by Shelly Kittell

Fury of Conviction (Dragonfury Short Story Collection, #2)Fury of Conviction by Coreene Callahan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The conflict in the book keeps you on the edge of your seat. Hamersveld is 1/2 human and 1/2 dragon. He is torn at the ritualistic experiments used to make babies for their species using human women. He is attracted to one woman, Natalie, who he feels he must rescue and help. Natalie is pretty strong and independent. The conflict for power is strong. Sveld, as he is known, is screwed because of his attraction to her. The chemistry is there and a surprise is waiting. This book is so full of power. Natalie’s willpower to survive is strong and thriving even though she doesn’t quite know where she is or when she was taken. Ivar is the bad guy and Sveld is just trying to protect Natalie, which is when we see his inner battle between bad and good. He’s just trying to protect those he cares about. Ivar is his friend but Natalie is the woman he cares about. It’s the classic love story.

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Nite Fire: Chain Reaction AUDIO BOOK by C.L. Schneider – Review by Shelly Kittell

This was my first dragon shifter tale. Dahlia Nite is pretty kickass. I love how she “lies” to Her sidekick, Evans, to get out of him following her. She is supposed to protect humanity from the monsters but those lines are blurring. She wonders if its a virus or if somethings is triggering people. The narrator has a really fantastic voice for this story. She sets the tone with just the right attitude and cockiness that I think fits Dahlia. The adventures in the story are non-stop. Highly recommend in audio form as the narration makes the book even better.

Check Out (The Bobbins Sisters Series Book 1) by Debra Parmley – Review by Shelly Kittell

Check OutCheck Out by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A very interesting book that provides some action with secrets involved. Who doesn’t love a little sister that somehow gets her drama right in the middle of your love life? The book followed a very smooth story line. There were two other storylines that seemed to be happening that I would have liked to see more on where they went. Secrets, books and librarians, you do have my attention.

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Sign Steal Deliver (Gods of Thunder MC) by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Shelly Kittell

Sign Steal Deliver (Gods of Thunder MC)Sign Steal Deliver by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gods of Olympus, now Seattle, with an MC club, is such a fantastic idea. Hermes is the God of speed and thieves. His ego is pretty large. Kathryn of NOG enters his life to deliver a package to the underworld for Hades. Trouble with a capital T starts on page 1 and just continues until the end of the book. Kat is a calico shifter and a thief herself. She is on the path to redemption but the knots in her lifeline are numerous according to The Fates. Hermes feels she is the one. Pan, the nemesis, is such a schmuck. He gets what’s coming to him and it will surprise you. Kat and Hermes find that they are both strong individual but together they are much stronger and make a great team. Wonderful humor scattered throughout, innuendos that will roll your eyes, and lots of fun adventure. Highly recommend.

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Heartbeats and Roses (Hartwood Holiday Romance) by Jae Dawson – Review by Shelly Kittell

Heartbeats and Roses: A Small Town Valentine's Day Romance (A Hartwood Holiday Romance)Heartbeats and Roses: A Small Town Valentine’s Day Romance by Jae Dawson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rose and Liam, a secret romance from 20 years ago that crashed has now been unintentionally reunited. A long family feud gets in the middle of things. Can they come back together? Can Liam get over the hard feelings he has? These two take the most emotional roller coaster. I felt every emotion: fear, anger, love, etc. I rooted for them to come together. Hartwood is a town that I would love to live in. Highly recommend.

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Moonlight and Belladonna (Hartwood Holiday Romance) by Jae Dawson – Review by Shelly Kittell

Moonlight and BelladonnaMoonlight and Belladonna by Jae Dawson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bella is an unappreciated drama/music teacher just trying to keep her program alive. Cade is a rock star feeling that he needs to be held responsible for his actions. Poor Bella asks for profession help with her musical and gets a juvenile delinquent and Cade, who are supposed to serve out community service with her. She feels more like a babysitter than a teacher. With an Italian momma trying to cast love spells for her to find love, Bella has her hands full. Cade is back home helping his Grandpa after his Grandma died. The two help each other through some challenging adventures that life gives them, with a banana included. (It’s almost like the author throughs a funny surprise in there for you to find). They work through feelings of hurt, grief, disappointment and love. Trust me, you’ll feel it with them. Highly recommend!!!

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Snowflakes and Holly (Hartwood Holiday Romance) by Jae Dawson – Review by Shelly Kittell

Snowflakes and Holly: A Small Town Christmas Romance (A Hartwood Holiday Romance)Snowflakes and Holly: A Small Town Christmas Romance by Jae Dawson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of the most entertaining contemporary romance books I have read in a while. Holly has such a quirky personality. She has a bit of a dark humor as a physical therapist. Don’t go into her office thinking that you will see motivational posters of cute cats and unicorns. She’s pretty much as is. Nihilisa Frank is her form of encouragement. She also loves to commit crimes against coffee such as flavoring it with grape jelly, tapioca pudding or cucumber slices. She is one of a kind but she is also every woman and just doesn’t want to get hurt. Blake, former Olympian skier, runs into her on the slopes. She is not aware that he has a prosthetic leg and lets him have it. Well, life loves a good laugh and it turns out he is her client. The adventures these two have working through their fears and getting to know each other and what they want will keep you reading until the last page. Jae Dawson has a way to make the story entertaining and to feel like you are reading about your friends. Totally heartwarming and a great anytime read.

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The Dream Catchers (Prestoria) by J. U. Menon – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Dream Catchers: PRESTORIA Series Book 1The Dream Catchers: PRESTORIA Series Book 1 by J.U. Menon

Prestoria, a land of nightmares. Will you be chosen to play in this secret game of revenge? Radhika Varma and 11 others were chosen to play in this game. Not all is as it seems. Treachery, jealousy, revenge with also friendship make for a book full of adventure that will have any young adult on the edge of their seat reading. Radhika will learn that she has the courage within her to overcome any challenges thrown at her. The characters such as Derek, Vivienne and Leonara are written to feel so much like your typical teen that you can feel what they are feeling. The whole plot of the challenge in the land of nightmares is intense and action packed. Highly recommend.

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The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight, #1)The Lightning Horse by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is good on so many levels. N.L. Holmes does a thorough job of researching the period she is writing on. The descriptions of locations and characters always make it easier to visualize. The plotlines are fascinating. The mystery in this book teaches about good and evil. The young man loses his father and his grandfather is seriously injured when a saboteur wrecks the king’s chariot. This young man feels it is his fault until he’s told otherwise then he wants to find out who is responsible. Excellent book. Highly recommend.

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Bittersweep by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Shelly Kittell

BittersweepBittersweep by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Miss Elizabeth Campbell (nee Clarke), the new schoolteacher, returns to Bittersweep to find out why her home was the only one burned down so many years ago during a yellow fever outbreak. She meets handsome chairman of the school JP Honeycutt. Though not looking for a romance, she is pulled to him by something…JP remembers a five year old little girl that he lifted onto a wagon when he was 12. Why does Elizabeth look so familiar? Elizabeth finds herself being warned off JP by Mrs. Ledbetter at the boarding house. She’s told that he isn’t interested in her type. Well, she doesn’t have time for that. Along with trying to find out answers to her questions, she is helping to rescue an orphan girl. She finds herself right in the middle of a murder mystery. A very entertaining book. The owl-hoot robbers (I love this) are such a hoot. The characters just pop right up in your mind. Aunt Maude’s scowling face is easy to picture. The town sounds like every small town, full of gossip and drama. Nice, clean, and easy to read. I highly recommend this book and this author.

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The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight #2)The Singer and Her Song by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

N.L. Holmes has written another fascinating story that tugs at your heart. Strength and courage are two themes that stand out in this book. From page 1, Uqnitum starts strong with her strength as the Assyrians overtake her city and she has to collect her family and try to escape. She fears for her life and her family. Raised without a mother, she grew up headstrong and doesn’t back down from a fight. In today’s world, we might call her “filter” broken. She and her family are taken by the the enemy. The loss of her son and husband chip away a bit at her strength and she seems to just lose it a little. Tatasshe, her daughter is pregnant. It comes down to the two of them. Uqnitum just thinks she is being helpful (control freak anyone?). Tatasshe wants to break free for her sanity and has to learn how to do that. With the help of new friends and unfortunately, a near tragedy, she is able to make that leap. Tatasshe makes strides to grown in her strength by speaking up and telling her mom what she wants. Supporting characters in the story are also written very well. The descriptions and characteristics made it so easy to have your own little movie running in your head. The plot line was so good. I felt every emotion. When Uqnitum’s husband was blinded, my heart stopped. I felt every emotion. This book is fantastic. Highly recommended.

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The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

THE MURDERS OF LILLIAN ROSS is the best book of 2021! The choices we make in life can affect what happens to us. Lillian and Allison are both survivors of childhood abuse. They both had similar circumstances that ended up in different life choices. Lillian used Allison to mess with her head but her final words – “Live for me.” were poignant. Lillian had given up on her life when she was forced to kill to survive. Allison had buried the memories of what had happened to her but they resurfaced while doing Lillian’s book. Allison started suffering almost immediately with a type of survivor guilt. She wanted to save Lillian, who didn’t ask for her help. Though hard to get through in some spots, it is so worth it. The research put into writing the book is spot on. Your emotions will go for an emotional roller coaster. The characters are so well-written. Lillian’s parents are real pieces of work. Ira was a disappointment. Mr. Tanner felt so much like one of the “celeb” lawyers. This book will leave you thinking. This really was a phenomenal book.

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Alterations (Alterations Trilogy, Book 1) by Jane Suen – Review by Shelly Kittell

Alterations (Alterations #1)Alterations by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a medical game of Russian Roulette with chip implants. Who got the defective ones? Gigi, Ellen and Lily all think Dr. Kite can solve their problems with a magical cure but it seems that everything comes with a price…and maybe not all is as it seems. A quick read but a nice intense read. The characters remind me of a medical drama (which I love) so I personally can’t wait to read more. Dr. Kite is just the right kind of psycho creepy. Don’t mind me ladies, I have an office in most secluded area downtown. I have goosebumps thinking about it. Highly recommend! Must read!

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A Cold Day In Hell (Life Is Hell Book 5) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Shelly Kittell

A Cold Day in Hell (Life is Hell #5)A Cold Day in Hell by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hadassah is an angel sent to earth as a punishment. She is also Mal’s sister. She is a bit of an entitled brat determined to be a loner. Jezebel has been part of Mal’s family at Juniper Lake but prefers to be a loner due to buried secrets. Mal want’s Haddie to make friends with his family. She decides since Bel is a loner also that she will try her. These two are kind of like a comedy team. Rebellious, courageous and quite sassy, you will find yourself rooting for these two to come together. Thought a quick read, the growth that Haddie makes from start to finish is so big that you share tears of joy. When Bel is taken by Devland, Haddie requests her powers back from Heaven. They make her choose between Heaven or Earth. She chose Earth because helping Jezebel was important. She wouldn’t have done that at the beginning. The rescue of Bel takes Haddie on the adventure of a lifetime but it so worth it for the love of a lifetime.

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AWAKENING THE GODS (RISE OF THE CELTIC GODS) by KRISTIN GLEESON – Review by Shelly Kittell

Awakening the Gods (Rise of the Celtic Gods #1)Awakening the Gods by Kristin Gleeson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Saoirse is a young woman who finds out the life she knew is anything but. After getting canned at her barista job she learns that her father has died and that she was adopted. MINDBLOWN. Well, as she is adapting here comes her real grandmother. She goes to visit her for a bit and ends up loving Cord with its quirky people and fantastic music. She also meets Smithy, who has a mysterious air about him. These two have an adventure of a lifetime, or maybe two, trying to figure out why. Though she learns that her grandmother is Mother Earth and there are so many secrets and mythteries to be uncovered. This book is absolutely FANTASTIC. Even though I didn’t understand what some words meant, i loved the community amongst the characters. The whole mythtery around the plot kept me never wanting to see this book end. (P.S. Is it November yet? I’ll be eagerly awaiting Book 2). There are 2 plots that intertwine so smooth. The description in the book just fuels my desire to visit Ireland. Big recommend! 5/5

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The Monster That Ate My Mommy by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Monster That Ate My MommyThe Monster That Ate My Mommy by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Truly a tear-jerker, thank you for sharing you story. I don’t think I’ve ugly cried for so long. Growing up with a mentally ill parent hits so close to home. Some of the memories are so hard to read but they are therapeutic. By sharing her story she may help others. I was on the edge of my seat reading this. It is a very good book.

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The Third Nanny (Secrets of Redemption) by Michele PW (Pariza Wacek) – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Third NannyThe Third Nanny by Michele Pariza Wacek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an intense thriller. The town of Redemption, WI is the place of a missing sister. The other sister is out looking for her and finds herself in a hell of a bind. Psycho parents, deep buried secrets that are scary as heck and darkness. The characters are frightening in that there could be people like that in your neighborhood. The plot had me enthralled from page 1. Great thriller. Best of the year.

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Dark Bastard (Dark Sparrow Novel Book 5) by India Kells – Review by Shelly Kittell

Dark Bastard (Dark Sparrow, #5)Dark Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A cold New Year’s eve brought two sad and lonely people together through a wrong number. Sam and Ellie are two souls that were thinking the same thing. Sam picked up on the despondency in her voice and his desire to end it was gone. He had to find Ellie. Using his brother, Lazarus, skill, he finds her and their adventure begins. His father decides to wreak havoc and cause trouble. Sam and Ellie get themselves through this and prove love overcomes all. I love how the author ties together the two characters overcoming their issues to find the relationship they should be in. Though a bit dark, it’s also heartwarming and a bit of a tearjerker. I highly recommend

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Cold Bastard (Dark Sparrow Novel Book 2) by India Kells – Review by Shelly Kittell

Cold Bastard (Dark Sparrow #2)Cold Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Zoe and Archer, are they who we think they are? The Dark Sparrows seem to be all full of secrets. Zoe seems to have left another life behind. Finch ends up kidnapping her. Can she and Archer work out the issues and get out of this mess? Can their love survive? This is one tough couple that I enjoyed watching get through the challenges life threw at them. They just blasted through them. Definitely a recommend.

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Wild Bastard (Dark Sparrow Novel Book 3) by India Kells – Review by Shelly Kittell

Wild BastardWild Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Izzy and Kai have a history and secrets. There is also the dastardly evilness, Finch. Being thrown together in a Dark Sparrow mission to take down Finch, Izzy and Kai have to work through hard feelings, brothers telling them how to feel, and secrets being uncovered. Kai is pretty hard headed and stubborn. Izzy is strong and has her own PR management firm. She believes she can pretty much take care of herself. These two clash as they try to figure out what they have now. A feisty pairing that just may work or won’t it? I loved the pairing. The chemistry sizzles off the page. A definite mus

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Lyon Tamer by Jen Luerssen – Review by Shelly Kittell

Lyon TamerLyon Tamer by Jen Luerssen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of the most entertaining romances I’ve read in a long time. It came with a little of everything: drama, laughter, jealousy, love, etc. So many animals are being abused in reality that it is refreshing to see an important topic touched on as a plot in the book. The characters are the biggest group of quirky personalities that somehow work together as a team. They run smooth, tease each other yet get the job done. I felt the emotions flow as our two man characters went through their challenges of trying to make it work. Not sure what to think if I would run into a man just sitting there carving mini kama-sutra poses. You have to read this one!

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Out of Time (Westbeach Series Book 4) by Toni Denise – Review by Shelly Kittell

Out of TiimeOut of Tiime by Toni Denise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holy Toledo! Intense story! Identified with taking the kids as I’m raising grandchildren because my daughter isn’t capable. Jessica seems almost like a saint. She volunteers to help with baking and ends up in a drug incident. It’s a good thing she and Will are friends. This whole incident is scary. I love how strong Jessica is to stand up to Will’s Mom to tell her off for speaking ill of her in her own house. You go girl! I felt like I was participating in the story. This makes for the best type of story – being part of it.

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Unlikely in Love (A Parker Lake Novel Book 1) by Olivia Sherwood – Review by Shelly Kittell

Unlikely in Love (A Parker Lake Novel Book 1)Unlikely in Love by Olivia Sherwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one couple that you will root for to overcome tragedy to find love and triumph together. One has lost her grandmother only to find out she is now a millionaire. She will be staying to continue running the farm (with lots of life challenges ahead). The other is a returned vet with PTSD just looking for a calm job. He finds that working on the farm brings him peace. Together they work to overcome trials and find they are falling for each other. Can they get through the challenges? Will the voodoo get them (a gift from granny? along with her love of pink?) I laughed so hard at times through this book. Grandma Sophie reminded me of my grandma and her hijinks. Love the plot of the book. It was totally realistic. I look forward to reading more in this series.

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Journeys Through SpaceTime (Journeys Through Book 1) by James Talisman – Review by Shelly Kittell

Journeys Through SpaceTimeJourneys Through SpaceTime by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a very original fantasy read. The author gives a look into saving the multiverse by using several characters. It was a little hard to keep up at times due to large words but being a fan of DC comics, I actually like the multiverse angle. Having so many characters should satisfy many, they are so well-defined and each have a specific role. The descriptions used by the author also made it very easy to picture what was going on in your head. A must read!

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Bad Man on Campus (Big Men on Campus Book 3) by Stephanie Queen – Review by Shelly Kittell

Bad Man on Campus (Big Men on Campus #3)Bad Man on Campus by Stephanie Queen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book sucked me in from the beginning. The storyline was absolutely amazing. Heartbreaking tragedy that rips at your heart from the start. Your emotions start with some definite feelers. As they get back together, there are just so many little issues to work through that threaten to tear them apart. I did have to wonder how a grown man couldn’t stand up to his family for the love of his life. Could the love of his life remain the love of his life? Tears of sadness, joy and feelings of anger for Mad. The characters were very well written. I will need to find more on Dooley as he actually turned into my favorite because he turned into a side character that played an integral role. The ending surprised me. I thought it would turn out different but I am glad that they both seemed to mature from that situation. Definitely a must read.

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The Heart of Baker Bay by Danielle Jacks – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Heart of Baker BayThe Heart of Baker Bay by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is always a treat to find a contemporary romance that seem to focus more on flirting than the steamy. This story of Jody and Adam is refreshing. Jody doesn’t have the greatest record of holding jobs. She thinks she is a screwup. Who wouldn’t with people like her mom and sister always beating her confidence down. An opportunity arises to help out her injured grandmother at her bakery in Clover Bay. There she meets Adam, a handsome man with baggage just like her. Together they try to overcome odds and build a relationship together. Jody finds her voice in Clover Bay and becomes a stronger person with a purpose to her life. Clover Bay sounds like a town the physically fit might want to visit. What great descriptions such as built into a cliff; steep, no bikes or cars. Terrific book.

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Taking Flight (Code of Honor Book 2) by Brooke May – Review by Shelly Kittell

Taking Flight (Code of Honor Book 2)Taking Flight by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holt and Jody have the challenging adventure of a lifetime. Jillian is the spoiled sister of Jody. Her parents have roped Jody into managing her career. Boy, talk about nasty. Jody puts up with so much until she reaches her breaking point. Holt has a one-night stand with Jody and falls for this wonderful woman. Their adventures will have you chuckling all the way through the book. Fun, heartwarming and full of sparks, this is another terrific installment in this series.

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