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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Brandy Vaughn

Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #1)Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book one in the historical gas lamp fantasy series. This is my first time reading this genre. I’m enjoying this novel! It’s set in my favorite time period historically. There’s judacious use of metaphors and impressive world building. I laughed at the use of a woman’s weapon described as man-stopper! Mediums are ghost talkers in the wonderful mystery with a little bit of romance.

Review by @bilberrysweet

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Shadow and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns series book 2) By: Kay L. Moody Review by: Susan Ratchford

Shadow and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns, #2)Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shadow and Crystal Thorns
Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 2
By: Kay L. Moody
Review By: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars

You cannot miss this amazing and addicting series that pits mortals against the Fae in all out war! I was so excited to get my hands on Shadow and Crystal Thorns, book 2 in Kay L. Moody’s entrancing series and it did not disappoint! Fun and refreshing with a beautiful world to explore! This second installment was the perfect sequel and I was left speechless. You can truly feel a powerful growth in each character since book 1 (Flame and Crystal Thorns) and the courage and strength that Chloe emits is as graceful as it is motivational. We could all use a little bit more healing in our lives! I also really enjoyed getting to know Ludo and Mishti as much as possible! Kay L. Moody does a wonderful job at showing you the good and bad of both sides, the Fae and the Humans. I couldn’t even try to pick a side that I think deserved to win more. Some scenes were so emotionally intense that I caught myself creeping towards the edge of my seat! I am so excited to see how this series reaches its final conclusion in Blade and Crystal Thorns! March 21st cannot get here fast enough!

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No Strings Attached by Lara Cosio Ward – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

No Strings AttachedNo Strings Attached by Lara Ward Cosio

Single mother Kayla is caught up trying to decide between her happiness and what’s right for her daughter. Her unreliable ex is in town and begging to reunite, but she’s got her eye on Mr. Buns-of-steel, Tanner, from the coffee shop. Should she give her rock star ex another chance and be a family unit or see where things go with Tanner? Tanner has a plate full himself with several things going on and doesn’t have time for relationships. His sister has been hassling him about dating and his chance encounter with Kayla presents the perfect opportunity to get her off his back. A no strings attached arrangement should be a cinch right?

This book had me laughing almost immediately. When she is caught ogling his butt while standing in line and plays it off was laugh worthy. I got second hand embarrassment when he caught her sending a picture of his butt to her friend. If you like reading books that have relationships grow slowly and organically, have some sizzle, and have great characters I highly recommend this book.

The Arrangement Duet Box Set by Madison Quinn – Review by Amber Lange

The Arrangement Duet Box SetThe Arrangement Duet Box Set by Madison Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Arrangement Duet Box Set by Madison Quinn was easily one of my favorite books this year. I couldn’t put it down. I literally lost sleep over this book willing my eyes to stay open so I could finish. Not only did I love the characters but the writing was so good. I loved the whole arrangement. I loved Nicholas’ protectiveness of Kenzie. And I loved the fact that Kenzie was a strong woman who could leave a terrible situation. I literally don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to spoil anything. But I was really happy with the ending. I kind of hope there will be another one. Just because I’m like that. 5 stars!!!

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Beckoned, Part 5: Adrift in Costa Rica by Aviva Vaughn ~ Review by Liz Vrchota

BECKONED, Part 5: Adrift in Costa RicaBECKONED, Part 5: Adrift in Costa Rica by Aviva Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Sometimes you find yourself
In the middle of nowhere.
And sometimes- in the middle of
Nowhere- you find yourself.”
~Unknown

I really do not know how to review this book without giving some kind of spoiler to a few of the previous installments to the series. So, I will start with this. DO NOT keep reading after this paragraph if you haven’t previously devoured the other four novels, in order, in the Beckoned series from Aviva Vaughn. I promise it will not be, for naught. Curl up with a blanket and your favorite beverage and let Aviva take you on a whirlwind of a vacation…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dearest Soren,

Thank you for some of the most beautiful memories of my entire life.
I’ll never forget you.
Always,
Angela

Literally, I was bawling here! I mean, I know this was for the best. I knew that it had a point and was going to make sense at some point, but… WHY?

Well, because all great things have a twist, especially novels. Aviva Vaughn writes a lot like the classics, Jane Austen especially. She loves her slow burn and realistic writing. I personally do as well. It is believable and gripping. I often feel as if I am sitting right there in the same room as the characters, or on the beaches of Costa Rica. I can taste the foods, and smell the saltwater on the air. Her story lines are just as realistic and this is ever present in the story of Soren. Which is the most focused on character in this installment of Beckoned.

Soren is figuring out how to recover from losing Angela. A haste decision finds him in Costa Rica. He learns to surf. It is through surfing that he meets the beautiful Elena. The two hit it off, and although Soren proceeds with caution he is willing to proceed at least. But… don’t get too excited, there is a twist around every bend. There is more to Elena than she is telling. Will the past get in the way again?

IF you need any bonuses to this gem, there is a great playlist, featured at the back of the book. AND… A delicious recipe (yup I tried it!) For Elena’ Sol’s Tres Leches Cake is included in the back as well. I was blown away once more by this installment of Beckoned. The overall experience was inclusive and I truly felt like it was a getaway for a day, like I stepped into the world of Soren and Elena. I was so excited when I found out that there would be another one coming soon. “Beckoned, Part 6: Adrift in New Zealand”. Thank you for another fantastic book ‘getaway’ Ms. Vaughn!

Review by @lizaileen
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