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Frost Bitten (The Portal Prophecies, #3) by C.A. King – Review by Sheri Schrader

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Frost Bitten (The Portal Prophecies, #3)Frost Bitten by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Portal Prophecies: Frost Bitten is written by C.A. King. This is the third book in the series. These books are best read in order because I do not see them as standalone or out of order type of books. The story picks up where book two left off in the adventures of Willow and her friends. This time Willow and gang are up for a new challenge and learning more about themselves. The call has come and they are needing to help. This story is a Christmas/Winter theme. I enjoy how each new story is a new challenge and process for Willow and her gang. Also, that each story has a different season or theme involved.
Everyone is turning against Willow and her friends. Can they help Lance and survive King Cornelius’ wrath all at once? As their world and experiences are expanding so are their obligations and chances for conflict. I enjoyed this story and am getting pulled in deeper to the world that C.A. King has created for Willow and all the different characters. Willow is fun, strong, and adventurous. She has grown since the first book and so have her friends. They are learning quickly but are also challenged at every turn. I enjoy that they have some tough decisions and must weigh the consequences of their actions.
This is not a series for people who want a simple, boring story. Each book takes the reader on a different adventure. I am glad that there are more books in this series and look forward to reading them.

Review by @sherimichelle1

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Intoxication (Blue Line, #3) by Brandy Ayers – Review by Sheri Schrader

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Intoxication (Blue Line, #3)Intoxication by Brandy Ayers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Intoxication by Brandy Ayers is the third book in the Blue Line Series. This is a standalone book but in my opinion, is better enjoyed if the rest of the series is read. The story is about Police Chief Jon Gallo and Camille Artiga. Chief Gallo has dedicated his life to serving and protecting Middleburg. Now he is combating an ever-growing drug ring that has made its way into his town. Upon meeting Camille Artiga, Gallo realizes his life is going to change. She has been pulled into a life of crime and drugs and forced to give up her dream of medical school. Gallo helps her when she is left for dead. Can the two overcome all the odds against them?
I have enjoyed this series and certainly was happy to see a book about Chief Gallo. He is kind, compassionate but knows how to take care of business. He cares about his family, his officers, and the town he protects. Has he finally found his someone special? Camille is tough and innocent all at the same time. She has been used by those she has trusted and finds it hard to trust. Somehow she feels a security with Gallo that she hasn’t felt in a long time.
This has a HEA but is well worth it. I always enjoy Ayers books and this one as well. She has great characters and good story lines. The books are fun to read and are a nice break away from some of the seriousness of the world. We all need more happy endings.

Review by @sherimichelle1

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Omorrow (Ascenders #3) by C.L. Gaber – Review by Sheri Schrader

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Omorrow (Ascenders #3)Omorrow by C.L. Gaber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ascenders: Omorrow by CL Gaber is the third book in the Ascenders Saga series. I was so excited to get to read because I enjoyed the first two books in the series. The story picks up where book two left off. This is a YA fantasy, adventure story. Walker Calllaghan and Daniel Reid are teens who have passed away and have found themselves living in the Midst. The two with several other teens have been sent on a mission to the living world of various decades to find the hidden writings of Albert Einstein. If they can accomplish this task without being killed and erased from all time the treasure will change life for the living and the dead.
The characters are fun and everyone has a purpose in the story. There are popular kids, the geeks, the misfits, and more. This is a great reminder that someone might not fit in but they have a place and a function in society. Walker is strong, independent and coming into her own as the books progress. She has found her strength and become a strong leader. Daniel is strong and the silent one. He is the unspoken guardian to his siblings who passed away with him in an accident. Also, there are many others in on this challenge. I enjoy the references to history and cultural/historical figures that pop up in the Midst. Gaber gives enough of a description so you know who the reference is even without the full name. I look forward to reading more of CL Gaber’s books in the future.

Review by @sherimichelle1

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The Spark (The Carolina Connections, #2) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Sheri Schrader

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The Spark (The Carolina Connections #2)The Spark by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Spark by Sylvie Stewart is the second book in the Carolina Connections Series. This is a standalone book but is better enjoyed after reading the first book, since characters are introduced in the first book. The story is about the fun, vivacious Fiona Pierce and the known manwhore Mark Beckett. Fiona is spunky, fashionable, and a force of one. She is a great friend, daughter, and an ok employee, but something is always lingering in the back of her mind. Mark is a great son, brother, employee, but does not have any complications in his relationships. The two are brought into a situation that will take a bunch of willpower not to kill one another but for the greater good of helping someone close to Mark. Will there be a spark between the two?
Fiona is fantastic. She has a mouth that does not know when to stay shut but she is devoted to those close to her. Mark is incredibly sexy and does not know how to deal with “shortcake” aka Fiona. I enjoyed the playful verbal sparring between the two characters and the interactions between all the characters. I was happy to read this after enjoying the first book so much already. The story is fun and flirtatious and was a quick read. The characters are well described and become a life of their own. I was anxious to see if they could overcome their personal obstacles. I now look forward to reading the third book in the series.

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The Lucky One (Carolina Connections # 3) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Sheri Schrader

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The Lucky One (Carolina Connections # 3)The Lucky One by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Lucky One by Sylvie Stewart is the third book in the Carolina Connections Series. I was anxious to get to this book since I enjoyed the first two so much. For those who have not read the first two, great news this is a standalone book also. I recommend reading the others so that you have some history with the characters but that is not necessary to enjoy the book. This story is about Bailey and Jake. Bailey is beautiful but is very much a tomboy. She works for her family’s construction business. She holds her own against men and find that she can relate to them well. Jake has just made his way back to his hometown. He is into landscaping but that is not how the two meet. At a wedding, Bailey’s brother’s to be exact, she is feeling very womanly in a dress and heals. She catches the attention of Jake and the story takes off from there.
This is a HEA story like the others in the series but despite the predictable ending is fun to enjoy the ride. The characters are fun but realistic. Bailey is against “girly” things but realizes that she also can enjoy being a bit girly at times. Jake is fun and a challenge against everything Bailey thought she knew. The story reminds us that you never know where your someone special will be. It could be someone you know or someone new. We just have to let our guard down and enjoy the journey.

Review by @sherimichelle1

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Road-Tripped (Ad Agency #1) by Nicole Archer – Review by Sheri Schrader

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Road-Tripped (Ad Agency #1)Road-Tripped by Nicole Archer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Road-tripped by Nicole Archer is the first in the Ad Agency Series. The story is about copywriter Callie Murphy and Shimura’s advertising manwhore Walker Rhodes. The two have ended up on a cross-country trip in an RV for a client’s ad campaign. Callie is brash, has a bad attitude, and does not like Walker or his good looks. Walker thinks that this will be the trip from hell versus time to find his passion for photography again. Can the two get along and survive for the two-month trip?
The characters are great in this story. Callie is small but fierce. She has been hurt in the past and does not want to let anyone in especially Walker. Walker is handsome and a Southern gentleman. All the women love being around him. Is there more to Walker than Callie can see? The development of the characters is good and reminds us not to judge a book by its cover, or a person. I could relate to Callie and her having to deal with people after her past experiences. Walker is great and is artistic and fun.
The two are fun and engaging. I enjoyed the story and could not put it down, while led to a long night. Ms. Archer pulled me into a fun story and I look forward to reading the next books in the series. After reading the book I want to take a cross-country road trip myself to see what all the fun is about.

Review by @sherimichelle1

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Head-Tripped (Ad Agency #2) by Nicole Archer – Review by Sheri Schrader

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Head-Tripped (Ad Agency #2)Head-Tripped by Nicole Archer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Head-tripped by Nicole Archer is the second in the Ad Agency Series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. This story is about violinist, Effie Murphy and Elias aka “El Love”, a rock star. Effie has moved to New York City to rebuild her life. She is having a tough go of it. While doing a favor for a friend she runs into Elias. She has no idea who he is, even though he is a well-known rock star. Something about Effie catches his attention and he is intrigued by her.
After a fantastic weekend of music writing with Effie, Elias must leave town. His band is going on tour in Europe and he knows that he will not be seeing Effie again. When the two cross paths again the sparks are lit. Some of the characters are from the first book in the series so if you read the first book the reappearance of characters will be even more enjoyable.
I was so excited to get my hands on this book. The characters are fun and sexy. I felt for Effie as she must make tough decisions. Elias is great and very human. He is realistic and struggling with how to handle his relationship with Effie and stardom. I could not wait to find out how they would handle all the challenges of love and Elias’s rock stardom. I tore through it as quickly as the first book. I look forward to reading more of Nicole Archer’s books.

Review by @sherimichelle1

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12 Hours in Paradise by Kathryn Berla – Review by Sheri Schrader

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12 Hours in Paradise12 Hours in Paradise by Kathryn Berla
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

12 Hours in Paradise by Kathryn Berla is a young adult romance. This is my first time reading this author and it was a pleasant surprise. This is the story of Dorothy Patmont and Arash Atkinson. Both are in Hawaii and bump into one another thanks to Chester, Dorothy’s brother. It is Dorothy’s last day in Hawaii and Arash is there for a school trip. Her and Arash decide to sneak out of their rooms and meet up to talk and have a romantic adventure.
This is a sweet story of two good teens. They both understand that by sneaking out they are risking getting in trouble. The longer the evening goes the greater the risk of being caught. The two decide to use an app that promises love if they answer thirty-six questions together. The challenge will they finish the questions before getting caught.
The two of them are cute, sweet, and young. The story reminds us you never know when you will meet your love. Also, that one should be open minded. Arash was not the first boy she spotted, but he was the friend. We might not see someone as being perfect for us at the beginning but once the layers are stripped down and we get to know the real person everything can change.
I would recommend this to anyone who needs an uplifting story. I enjoyed the story and longed to find out if the two will finish the questions or will be caught out.

review by @sherimichelle1

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Unwilling (Unwilling #1) by K.D. Wood – Review by Sheri Schrader

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Unwilling (Unwilling #1)Unwilling by K.D. Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Unwilling by K.D. Wood is the first book in a new series. I thought that this would be the typical teenage romance with someone trying to break up the couple and some adventure. I was so wrong! This book totally took me by surprise. A huge surprise that I am still reeling from. The story is about Neely McIntire and Hayden Nelson. The two are graduating and have been friends their entire lives. The challenge is that both are in love with one another and they haven’t admitted their feelings to each other. Neely is confused about what to do concerning Hayden. At their graduation party, Andrew Huckley, Neely’s admirer, grabs Neely’s attention. This is the start of the craziness to ensue.
Let me just say that Neely has been having dreams that prophesied the events to happen but has never known what to make of them. I will not go into more detail because I do not want to wreck the story for anyone. Also it would take a lot to explain all the events that happen to everyone. This is was a great surprise of a book, which is rare for me. I was shocked and drawn into the story. I didn’t want to put it down. The characters were well developed and again the storyline was fantastic. There was romance, adventure, paranormal, and suspense. I highly recommend this and am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Review by @sherimichelle1

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The Fix (The Carolina Connections #1) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Sheri Schrader

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The Fix (The Carolina Connections #1)The Fix by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Fix by Sylvie Stewart is the first book in the Caroline Connections series. This is a fun, romantic novel about Laney Monroe and Nate Murphy. Laney is a 25-year-old single mom trying to balance work, being a mom, and helping her immature brother. Nate has moved back to town to help at his family’s construction business. The two meet when her brother finally decides to go out and get a job. Little does Laney know that her brother getting a job would be such a great decision for her love life as well.
Laney has so much going on in her life except a love life. She is relatable on many levels. She is trying to do the best with what life has given her and be a good mom at the same time. Her brother lives with her since her parents moved out of town. He’s finally got her hints to go out and get a job. In her neighborhood, there is new construction and come to find out it is being built by her brother’s new employer. What will happen when life brings Nate and Laney together?
This is a fun, sexy novel with some great characters. The topics of how to balance family, work, and love is a such a relatable, realistic theme. This is a hard balance to find and sometimes opportunities arise when we least expect them. I enjoyed that the characters had to make decisions that were real and can have a long-term effect on themselves and others in their lives. I am looking forward to reading the second novel by the author.

Review by @sherimichelle1

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Light of Dawn (The Crucible Series Book 2) by Angela Colsin – Review by Sheri Schrader

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Light of Dawn (The Crucible Series Book 2)Light of Dawn by Angela Colsin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Light of Dawn by Angela Colsin is the second book in The Crucible series. This is a standalone book which is great because I had not read the first book in the series. I will now go back and read the first one because I enjoyed this one so much. This is the story of a draconian mercenary, Ulric Dra’Kai, who is in search of a curse box. Charlotte Mulligan is brought into his life, by way of advice to Ulric. Charlotte is stubborn and smart. She has not only caught the eye of Ulric but possibly his heart.
As well as looking for the box, Ulric is searching for his destine mate. Lots of adventures ensue with Ulric trying to protect Charlotte while on the hunt for the curse box. As they are drawn together Ulric worries how she could be his mate. He is immortal and his mate should be immortal also. There is something different about Charlotte and gives Ulric hope for her continuing in his life past this mission. The two of them go against vampires who are hunting Charlotte while trying to keep the curse box and Charlotte safe.
I enjoyed this story. A steamy romance, vampires, supernatural, and more. This was a great balance of story, action, and romance. I was drawn into the story quickly and looked forward to reading to learn more about the story of Ulric and Charlotte. I look forward to reading more from this author and from this series.

Review by @sherimichelle1

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Juniper Smoke by Sadia Ash – Review by Sheri Schrader

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Juniper SmokeJuniper Smoke by Sadia Ash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Juniper Smoke Part I and Part II by Sadia Ash is a story full of romance, twists, turns, and passion. The story is about Juniper Mills who is a junior curator at the museum in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Kyle Paxton is a tech wiz from San Francisco. The two meet at a gala for the museum Juniper works. Juniper is a smart, sassy curator who puts her family and work ahead of her life. Kyle is tall, dark, and handsome. One would not put the two together, but immediately there are sparks between them after Kyle rescues Juniper. Kyle makes a proposal to Juniper that challenges her way of thinking about relationships. I enjoyed that Juniper was old fashioned and not into the hookup scene. Kyle, on the other hand, is modern and plans each relationship with mechanical precision as he does the rest of his business and personal life. What will become the two of them who live a world apart?
I absolutely loved this book. Finally, a female character is who is smart, hardworking, loyal to her family but also kind and a bit innocent. I was leery of Kyle’s character but grew to admire and like him also. I kept rooting for the two of them to find their common ground and be a couple. They are thrown challenges as they are trying to learn about one another. The twists and turns are fantastic. I could not believe I was done when I finished and am looking to the next part of the story.
Reviewed by @sherimichelle1

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Skypunch (Ascenders #2) by C.L. Gaber – Review by Sheri Schrader

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Skypunch (Ascenders #2)Skypunch by C.L. Gaber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Ascenders: Skypunch” by C.L. Gaber is the second book in the Ascenders series. This book continues the adventures of Walker Callahan and Daniel Reid in the Realm. They have returned from the living world after realm jumping but now must face their punishment. Without giving too much away, they are given a deal by the Higher Authority. Will they fulfill the challenge or back out?
This book continues with many of the characters we enjoyed in the first book, plus introduces some new characters also. I enjoyed the continued development of Walker, Daniel, and the Reid family. Also, their friends from the Academy such as Iz, Bertha, and Tosh. We are introduced to the students of Freak U. such as the Claires and Tor and revisited by the Wargo boys from ITT. I especially enjoy the special teachers, members of the Higher Authority, and other members of the faculties involved with the various schools.
I loved that the second book picks up right where the first one left off. Keep this in mind and read the first book first. I’m sure it could be read as a standalone but would not be as suspenseful. The development of the characters and the concept of the Realm is different and entertaining. The story is original and different. What a concept that teens who pass too soon have a chance to continue their stories. I was excited after the first book still is after reading the second book. I cannot wait to see where the story continues.

Review by @sherimichelle1

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Ascenders-High School for the Recently Departed (Ascenders, #1) by C.L. Gaber – Review by Sheri Schrader

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High School for the Recently Departed (Ascenders #1)High School for the Recently Departed by C.L. Gaber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ascenders: High School for the Recently Departed by C.L. Gaber is the start of the Ascenders Saga. This is an interesting paranormal young adult book. The idea is new and interesting and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. The story is about the recently departed Walker Callahan. She is now attending high school in the Realm. This is where teens go when they pass away. Life continues for them and they must keep going to school and learning.
Once at the school Walker meets Daniel Reid, who passed with his siblings in an accident. His mission in life is going back to rescue his baby brother who did not make it to the Realm but is caught as an Earth bound spirit. The Realm is a place of almost no rules. The only rule in the Realm is that you cannot go back to earth. How will Daniel get around the rules? Will Walker take this path with her new love Daniel?
I really enjoyed the new concept and look forward to where this series will go. The addition of deceased celebrities as the faculty was a fun addition. Where else do you have class with Kurt, Heath, Steve, Julia or school counselors George or Miss Elizabeth? Also the concept of teens being able to keep progressing is a nice concept especially when you consider how many have a life cut short by an accident or illness.
Reviewed by @sherimichelle1

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The Reader by M.K. Harkins – Review by Sheri Schrader

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The ReaderThe Reader by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Reader by MK Harkins is not your typical YA read. This is a mix of paranormal and suspense. The story is about Ann, who is fantastically feisty and smart. She wakes up alone on the beach in the Pacific Northwest with no memory. She has been shot and doesn’t remember a thing about herself or the life she lives. In walks two young men, Devon and Archer, who claim she knows them. She does not remember them. Should she trust what they say?
Suddenly she has to believe their story for the safety of their lives. She goes with them to a remote, mountain location. There she meets people she did not even know existed. These people claim to be mind-readers and she is supposed to be one of them. Not only one of them but The Lost One.
The story is fantastic and takes all sort of twists and turns. The people turn against one another. Can civilization be saved? Can the people find a way to unite? I enjoyed this book because although set in a different setting tackles matters that are currently relevant. Can people learn to live together peacefully despite their differences? I was instantly taken with the character of Ann. She is a strong, opinionated, feisty female. I would have loved to have had more background into the characters, but ultimately enjoyed this book. It is a fun fast-paced read for any age with lots of twists and turns and interesting characters.
Review by @sherimichelle1

 

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First Kill (Heaven Sent #1) by Mary Abshire – Review by Sheri Schrader

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First Kill (Heaven Sent #1)First Kill by Mary Abshire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First Kill by Mary Abshire is the first in the Heaven Sent series. The story is a paranormal romance. Andrew is an angel that is sent from heaven to kill demons on earth for punishment for his sexual promiscuity. Emily is on the run and finds Andrew in the middle of the road. Can the two of them be helpful to one another?
Andrew has demons to kill while abstaining from sex or his time on Earth will be extended. Emily is running from her problems. The two of them go on the adventure of their lives while learning to trust a stranger. Will Emily eventually learn to trust Andrew? Can she accept that he is actually an angel and that he is on a mission to kill demons?
The story is well paced and left me wanting to read the next adventure. Andrew is funny with his comparisons about Heaven and Earth. Emily is a sweet, well-meaning young lady who has had some tough luck. I was rooting for both of them to succeed and come closer, but not too close. I am anxious in seeing where their story progresses.

Review by @sherimichelle1

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