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Elusive Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200786125-elusive-surrender” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”>Elusive Surrender (Sinful Duets #3)Elusive Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Elusive Surrender is Book Three in the Sinful Duets Series. The set contains the story Elusive as well as the story Tenacious. It is a romantic suspense with action, danger, mystery, intrigue, suspense, crime, chemistry, passion, and romance. The first story centers around the characters of Sheldon and Alexis. Sheldon is a bodyguard for a prestigious mafia family. When he makes a stop at a local coffee shop with his fellow bodyguards, he finds himself jumping to the aid of a beautiful woman. Alexis is a hairdresser from a salon down the street from the coffee shop. When she drops her business card on the floor, a creepy customer picks it up and tries hitting on her. Sheldon happens to be walking by and immediately jumps in to save Alexis and chases the creep out of the coffee shop. Both Sheldon and Alexis feel an instant attraction to one another. When Alexis becomes the target of a sex trafficker Sheldon is determined to protect her at all costs. A game of cat and mouse ensues as the sex trafficker is also determined to have Alexis at any cost. The second story centers around the characters of Nick and Allie. Nick will do anything to protect Allie from those that seek to harm her. Although the two are attracted to one another Allie is hesitant to let anyone get close to her because of being hurt in the past. Nick is determined to prove to her how much he cares for her and that he will never hurt her. Two exquisitely written stories with characters that draw you into their lives and hearts. Strong female leads who you root for, strong men with a soft side that ooze sex appeal, and evil sex traffickers that you hope get what they deserve. The author has a superb writing style with an attention to detail that brings the story to life.

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Auctioned Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 2) by Via Mari – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Auctioned Surrender (Sinful Duets #2)Auctioned Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Auctioned Surrender is the Second Book in the Sinful Duets Series. The duet in this book includes Auctioned and Relentless. It is a romantic suspense with mystery, danger, drama, intrigue, action, secrets, lies, chemistry, and passion. The first story is about Bryanna and Damian. Bryanna is the niece of a wealthy socialite who has been drawn into the seedy world of sex trafficking. She is brave, strong, smart, and feisty. Damian is a member of the Billionaire Bodyguards and has been hired to find Bryanna. He is strong, brave, sexy, and determined to save Bryanna at all costs. The two have an undeniable attraction and explosive chemistry. The second story is about Layla, an exotic dancer, and Dereck, an elite bodyguard. Dereck is trying to find out information about the sex trafficking ring from Layla, and she is trying to find out who killed her cousin and took her sister. Dereck vows to keep Layla safe at all costs but Layla has some closely guarded secrets that she cannot disclose. The attraction and chemistry between them are sizzling and undeniable. Great stories with strong, sassy, loving, and protective, characters.

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The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Tatra Johnson Barnes

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The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden

The Cannibal Caper is Book Two in the Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series. It is a historical cozy mystery set in 1932 that centers around a precocious, street smart, eleven-year-old orphan named Sparky. She is smart, feisty, and a bit of an amateur sleuth with a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. In her latest adventure Sparky finds herself trying to solve the mystery of missing jewels and a gourmet cannibal. The list of suspects is complex and even those closest to Sparky could be guilty. Sparky is witty, determined, and has a feisty attitude that matches her bright red hair. The author does a great job pulling the reader into the story with detailed writing, rich, historical details, and quirky characters. This book had mystery intrigue, humour, witty banter, crime, action, adventure, and a bit of mayhem. Loving this series!

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Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets #1)Whispered Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Whispered Surrender is Book One in the Sinful Duets Series. This is a collection of previous books by this author called Wayward and Undercover. It is a dark mafia romance with action, suspense, danger, drama, secrets, sizzling chemistry, and intense passion. The first story is about the characters Sasha and Jay. Sasha is a ballerina with low self esteem and trust issues due to being used and discarded by men. Jay is a bodyguard who is strong, smart, and has watched Sasha from afar. He will do anything to keep his beloved angel, as he calls her, safe from one of the numerous powerful enemies that are after them. Sasha struggles to believe that Jay could care for her but the attraction between them is undeniable. Can the two have a relationship through the danger and chaos? Both stories overlap and intertwine as Jay is looking for his friend Matt. The second story is about Matt and Merenah. Matt is undercover trying to gather intel on the mafia. When he is captured by the Russian mafia it is up to Jay to try to save him. While undercover he falls in love with Sasha’s sister, who is a mafia princess. He immediately is beguiled by her beauty and falls in love with her. Matt and Merenah both carry deep, dark secrets so this makes them wary of letting their guards down with one another. They are attracted to one another, but can they find love through the secrets and learn to trust one another? Great stories with strong, smart, powerful characters.

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Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls Series Book 3) by Rob Samborn – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls, #3)Master of the Abyss by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Master of the Abyss is the third and final book to the Painted Souls Series. It is a spine-tingling, high stakes, twisted, historical thriller. If you have not yet read the first two books in the series, I highly recommend that you do, or you may feel lost. The first two novels give backstory and important details that are imperative to getting the full experience of this amazing series. In the gripping finale to the series, Julia must try to save her husband from eternal purgatory. In her quest to save him she finds herself trying to save the world from a religious fanatic. The author weaves an intricate, multi layered story full of rich historical details. This book was riveting from the first few pages and full of action, suspense, drama, mystery, intrigue, and twists and turns. I highly recommend this book, and this series!

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Motherland (The Tom Grant Series Book 3) by Samantha Adair – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Motherland (Tom Grant #3)Motherland by Samantha Adair
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Motherland is Book Three in the Tom Grant Series. It is a crime thriller with drama, suspense, action, mystery, intrigue, and danger. The story centers around the characters of Tom and Isabella who have been reunited after having not seen each other for six months. Isabella must return to Russia, even though it is dangerous for her so Tom accompanies her on the trip. The ensuing adventure is fraught with danger as they tangle with a dangerous killer and put their lives at risk. Tom may have bitten off more than he can chew but failure is not an option. An action-packed read that will keep you riveted until the end.

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Lost Property (The Tom Grant Series Book 6) by Samantha Adair – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Lost Property: A Tom Grant Novel (The Tom Grant Series Book 6)Lost Property: A Tom Grant Novel by Samantha Adair
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lost Property is Book Six in the Tom Grant Series. It is a suspense thriller with drama, action, mystery, intrigue, and danger. The story centers around the character of Tom who has been reluctantly thrown into finding a witness that is vital to aiding in bringing down a human trafficking ring. The ensuing investigation gets deadly and takes some twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are complex, dynamic, and multi-faceted which adds an extra layer to the story. I look forward to reading more by this author.

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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie's Grotto)Nessie and the Living Stone by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nessie and the Living Stone is Book One in the Nessie’s Grotto Series. It is a children’s chapter storybook with beautiful illustrations that really bring the story to life. The story centers around the character of a ten-year-old boy named Craig and his little sister Linda who are on holidays at Loch Ness. Craig wants to find Nessie and capture her. He gets his chance when he discovers a glowing blue stone that seems to have magical powers that allow him and his sister to breathe underwater. Nessie takes Craig and Linda to her secret grotto where they discover a mermaid, gold coins, pirates, and magical flowers. When Nessie’s Grotto is at risk of being invaded by humans, and Nessie is at risk of being captured, Craig must make an important decision. Through his adventure Craig learns valuable lessons about love, the importance of family, friendship, loyalty, and selflessness. My favorite line from the book sums it up best, “It’s what we give, not what we take, that makes us heroes or monsters.” An engaging read that will captivate readers of all ages. Looking forward to reading book two in this series!

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Mission Improbable: Vietnam (A Blanche Murninghan Mystery) by Nancy Nau Sullivan – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Mission Improbable:Vietnam (A Blanche Murninghan Mystery)Mission Improbable:Vietnam by Nancy Nau Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mission Improbable: Vietnam is part of the Blanche Murninghan Mystery Series. It is a historical cozy mystery that takes place in the year 2003, 30 years after the Vietnam War. The story follows the adventures of an amateur sleuth named Blanche who has gained a reputation for being determined to solve a good mystery. In her newest adventure she has been asked to travel to Vietnam to help a woman named Jean find her mother. As the two women spend time together, they discover they have a lot in common as they bond while navigating through the mystery surrounding each of their painful pasts. The author takes the reader on an emotional journey of self-discovery as both women try to seek answers and find closure. The characters of Blanche and Jean are relatable and the qualities of each are admirable. Both are strong, smart, determined, and driven to find answers. The attention to historic details fully immerses you into the story and makes you feel as though you are there. A great read with mystery, intrigue, secrets, adventure, family, and friendship.

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Tropic Heat (Flamingo Island Series) by C.A. King – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Tropic HeatTropic Heat by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tropic Heat is part of the Flamingo Island Series. It is a romantic comedy with love, loss, romance, humor, witty banter, hijinks, and chemistry. The story centers around the main character of Daniel who was left at the alter by his fiancée, Claire. He feels embarrassed that his family and friends have seen him jilted by the love of his life. Thankfully, he has his best friend Joey who suggests that the two of them take the honeymoon together and not waste the non-refundable tickets. Joey tells Daniel that the best way to leave behind the stress and embarrassment is to go and party, find some girls, and have fun. After drinking too much Daniel ends up in a one-night stand with a girl he meets named Sara. Sara is there to enjoy herself and is ready for change in her life. What neither Daniel nor Sara expect is to find their one-night stand turn into something more. A great read about fate and finding love at the most unexpected time. Love the characters and found my heart going out to Daniel for being left at the alter by the love of his life. I was hoping that he would find happiness and was pleased that he met Sara because she seemed like the perfect match for him. Love this author’s writing style and the humor throughout the book.

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The Cold Kid Case (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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The Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Cold Kid Case is Book One in the Sparky of Bunker Hill Series. It is a historical cozy mystery with drama, suspense, intrigue, murder, mayhem, and paranormal elements. The storyline is set in the 1930’s and centers around an eleven-year-old street-smart girl who stumbles onto the body of a deceased young girl. Afterwards she is accused of being responsible for the girl’s death and finds herself on the lam as suspect number one. Sparky soon discovers who her true friends are as even those closest to her seem to want to turn their backs on her and turn her into the police. This was an entertaining read with a great storyline and vivid scene descriptions. The author takes the reader into the 1930’s through her attention to historical details, language, and norms of that era. Sparky was an instantly lovable character with her precocious attitude, wit, sense of humor, and street smarts. I look forward to reading book number two in this series!

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Dreamscape (J.J. Morris Mysteries) by J.N. Sheats – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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DreamscapeDreamscape by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dreamscape is Book Two in the JJ Morris Mystery Series. If you have not yet read the first book in the series, I recommend that you do because it will provide details on Joey’s backstory. This is a YA story with mystery, danger, action, suspense, paranormal, and intrigue. Joey is now in college and attempting to be a normal college student. However, that proves to be exceedingly difficult after being introduced to the paranormal world and a horde of black dogs. Joey finds sleep to be difficult due to the vivid dreams that she has, especially as the dreams become more intense and violent under the control of the Dream Conductor. Then there is the black cat that keeps appearing in her room and Joey cannot figure out how the cat keeps getting in or why it insists on keeping her sleep deprived. When weird little fires start popping up all over campus, people start to disappear, and weird things start to happen things become sinister. Joey is already struggling to be the perfect student and maintain perfect grades, but the strange and sinister happenings cause even more of a distraction. Around every corner, behind every door, and inside every person she meets could be something paranormal. A fantastic read with great world building, vivid scene descriptions, and fantastic characters that fully immerse you into the story from the start. Looking forward to the next book in this fantastic series!

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The Alien & the Crime Boss by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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The Alien & the Crime BossThe Alien & the Crime Boss by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Alien and the Crime Boss is a sci fi MM romance with action, danger, intrigue, suspense, and aliens. The story centers around the characters of Kasper and Leilphun. Kasper is an aspiring crime boss who is planning on a takeover by weakening the two major crime families. Leilphun is an alien who has transformed himself into human form and fled to Earth. When he wakes up and finds himself held captive by Kasper, he senses that Kasper will not harm him. As enemies approach and put Kasper’s life in danger Leilphun risks his own life to save him. The chemistry and attraction between the two is undeniable but Leilphun is uncertain if Kasper is only using him to rise to the top of the crime world or if he really cares for him. A great read by this talented author who never fails to deliver a well-crafted story with vivid scene descriptions and wonderful characters.

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Orenda (The Latitude Series) by T.S. Simons – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Orenda (The Latitude)Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Orenda is Book Two in The Latitude Series. It is a dystopian romance with action, suspense, drama, intrigue, tension, family, friendship, loyalty, and betrayal. The book centers around the characters of Gio and Caitlin who have become ambassadors for the ACC in Canada. Their efforts to promote peace and harmony are short lived as an old enemy resurfaces and puts all their work into danger. I loved the writing style and the focus on the First Nations Iroquois belief that all people and natural objects possess a mystical energy. The concept is fascinating and thought provoking. The characters take us on an emotional rollercoaster as we learn about their hopes and dreams, their struggles, and their challenges along the way. The scenes were vividly written and fully immerse you into the story along with the characters.

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Lost and Found (Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Lost and Found: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9 (Logan McKenna Series)Lost and Found: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lost and Found is Book Nine in the Logan McKenna Mystery Series. It is a crime thriller with action, suspense, mystery, intrigue, murder, danger, lies, and drama. Logan is on another adventure that takes her into the world of commercial crabbing. When a dead body turns up Logan sets out to find out what happened. As she delves into the murder she discovers a tangled web of secrets, lies and deceit that slowly turns deadly. I love the character of Logan because she is smart, feisty, determined, and courageous. When the stakes get high, she delves in deeper and does not give up. The book takes some twists and turns that make it impossible to put down. Another great book in this series that kept me reading until the end to find out what happened next.

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Dangerous Rhythm (The Echo Series Book 4) by C.R. Alam – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Dangerous Rhythm (The Echo Series, #4)Dangerous Rhythm by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dangerous Rhythm is Book Four in The Echo Series. It is an intriguing read with a great storyline that puts a spin on the roles we would typically see in society. The story centers around the characters of Curtis and Lina and the smoldering flame they have carried for each other for years. Curtis is a rockstar that plays in the band Canis Major. He seemingly has everything you could possibly want with wealth, fame, and good-looking women swooning over him. Lina is a bodyguard that has been hired to protect the members of the band. When she has the chance to be around Curtis again after two years away from him, she cannot help but be anxious and excited. He has a charm and presence about him that she has not forgotten and cannot seem to resist. When Curtis witnesses a horrendous crime, it is up to Lina to protect him at all costs. As the two spend more time together the chemistry between them intensifies and becomes undeniable. Lina feels conflicted between keeping Curtis safe and giving into her feelings for him. Curtis has not stopped thinking about Lina since they first met two years ago, and he is determined to show her that he is the man for her. Things heat up in more ways than one with danger lurking around every corner and the passion burning between Curtis and Lina. A fantastic read with drama, danger, angst, passion, chemistry, romance, rockstars, a mob boss, and suspense. I loved the reverse protector roles and how Lina was Curtis’ bodyguard. I especially loved the character of Lina and that she was the protector in this storyline. She was smart, strong, courageous, fierce, and unafraid to look danger in the eye. I highly recommend not only this book, but this series!

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Unexpected by Laylah Abrams – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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UnexpectedUnexpected by Laylah Abrams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Unexpected is a contemporary romance about two people who meet unexpectedly and make an unexpected connection. For all outward appearances Claire and Nick are complete opposites. She is a beautiful heiress who is used to being in the spotlight. Claire has both beauty and brains, but she keeps the educated part of her persona private and instead lets the tabloids report on who her newest love interest is. Nick is an aspiring artist currently working as a waiter in the hopes of not losing his scholarship. When Claire and her friends go out for dinner at the restaurant where Nick works him, and Claire find that they have an instant connection with one another. The two strike up a secret friendship which quickly turns into more. A heartfelt read about finding love in the most unexpected circumstances. The characters were relatable, and I loved that Claire was not just another ditzy heiress that was only concerned about her looks and how popular she was. Nick was down-to-earth, smart, funny, and the perfect match for Claire. This book had friendship, romance, love, angst, drama and a splatter of wit and humor.


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Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series) by Mavery Ellscott – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series Book 2)Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shadowed Agenda is Book Two in the Shadow Defense Security Series. It is an action packed, romantic suspense, enemies to lovers’ story filled with tension, danger, drama, and action. The story centers around the characters of Regan and Pavlo and is told from each of their POV. Regan and Pavlo are both on tour with their latest novels. Regan is not thrilled about this because she thinks that Pavlo is annoying. Pavlo is equally unhappy touring with Regan because he finds her too independent. They do their best to avoid each other and stay out of one another’s way. Or they did, until the life of Regan and her daughter were placed in danger after she turned down a private book signing with a woman who is in line to be the next first lady. Suddenly danger lurks around every corner and the one person she can trust to keep them safe is Pavlo and Shadow Defense Security. As Regan and Pavlo get to know one another better the chemistry between them intensifies. This book was well written with an intriguing storyline, great plot, amazing characters, and vivid scene descriptions. I loved the character of Regan who was fierce, strong, independent, and stubborn. All traits that initially annoyed Pavlo but were what made him fall in love with her. This book had mystery, deceit, betrayal, chemistry, passion, romance, and twists and turns that will keep you riveted until the end.

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Encounters With Old Coyote by Laura Koerber – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Encounters with Old CoyoteEncounters with Old Coyote by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Encounters With Old Coyote is a collection of thirteen short stories featuring Old Coyote that was first introduced in previous books written by this talented author. It has emotion, loss, grief, hope, paranormal elements, magical realism, shapeshifters, and spirits. The story centers around the character of Andrea who found out she had cancer, so she decided to end her life on her own terms and in a location of her choosing. To her surprise, she discovers that she is caught in the afterlife as a spirit and finds herself questioning all she has ever known. As an atheist, Andrea never believed in the existence of God but now she is full of questions about whether God actually exists. She runs into Old Coyote who is in his spirit form and the two begin to talk. She asks him questions about life and death and the existence of God. Old Coyote and Andrea wander and share stories and memories from their past. The scenes were vivid, beautifully written, and pull you into the story. The character of Andrea is one that I felt instantly drawn to and empathized with. This was a poignant and thought provoking read.

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Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series) by MJ Murray – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book SeriesDetective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail is a cute story about an eight-year-old boy named Dylan who is super excited about becoming a detective over the summer and solving mysteries. After receiving a parcel in the mail that contains his new Super Sleuth Spy Kit, he sets off with his little sister Emily, that he lovingly refers to as Tattle Tale, and their beloved pet dog, to solve the case of the neighbor’s missing mail. They set off knocking on their neighbor’s doors, asking questions, and gathering evidence such as fingerprints. This was an engaging and fun chapter book that teaches children about teamwork, problem solving, and family. The book contains black and white illustrations throughout that help to bring the story to life and keep the attention of young readers.

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Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) by Hazel Smith – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery, #4)Murky Murder by Hazel Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Murky Murder is Book Number Four in the A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Series. It is a cozy mystery with suspense, mystery, intrigue, drama, and romance. The story centers around the character of Ivy who works at a posh hotel in London as a maid. Things are going well for her, and she has been promoted to Head Maid complete with a new office. Ivy has also been asked out by her boss Mr. Humphrey whom she has admired for awhile. On their first date chaos breaks out over dinner as a hooded stranger suddenly appears in the restaurant wielding a knife. Thankfully, his efforts to cause them harm were thwarted by the quick actions of restaurant staff. Soon after, Ivy starts receiving suspicious and menacing anonymous notes and someone dies in the hotel under mysterious circumstances. Ivy must find who is responsible for both the notes as well as the murder and even those closest to her become a suspect. A tension filled story with quirky, lovable characters that leaves you wondering whodunnit. This book takes a few twists and turns before the culprit is revealed.

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Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her HowlLuna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Luna The Howling Husky Finds Her Howl is a children’s book designed for kids between the ages of six to ten years of age. The book tells the story of a young Husky puppy that does not seem to fit in with the rest of her siblings. She looks different because her eyes are brown and not blue like all her siblings. Luna also cannot howl at the moon like her siblings are able to do. One day while out playing Luna finds a quiet cat and the two become fast friends. When Luna finds her forever home with a loving family, she is finally able to find her voice. This was a beautifully written story with messages about friendship, love, acceptance, kindness, empathy, family, and finding your voice. The illustrations are bright, bold, colorful, and really bring the story to life. I highly recommend this book for children of all ages.

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Dark Moon Secrets (The Witch Moon Series Book 1) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Dark Moon Secrets (Witch Moon #1)Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dark Moon Secrets is Book One in the Witch Moon Series. It is a paranormal romance with action, suspense, danger, mystery, intrigue, witches, shifters, and secrets. The story centers Tanjie who finds her life turned upside down when she receives an unexpected inheritance. When she goes to claim the inheritance, she makes the startling discovery that not only is she a witch but that she is the hope for the future. Now she is thrown into a completely unfamiliar world and must learn how to accept her birthright and how to use her new powers. A riveting read with exquisitely written scenes that fully immerse you into the story, great characters that are easily relatable, magic, fated mates, secret worlds, and long buried secrets.

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Secrets at the Café: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Secrets at the CafeSecrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Secrets at the Café is a suspenseful mystery with drama, suspense, secrets, lies, rumors, death, loss, grief, and family relationships. The story centers around the character of Karina who has promised her grandmother that she will look after her café after she passes away. This involves Karina moving back to her small hometown and completely upheaving her life, but she loved her grandmother dearly and will do anything to ensure she follows through on the promise she made. Part of the promise Karina made to her grandmother involves reading a journal her grandmother left behind. However, before she has a chance to read it the journal completely disappears. Rumors are circulating around town about a hidden stash of money so everyone is a suspect. With the list of suspects increasing by the moment, Karina has her work cut out for her trying to determine who stole the journal. A tense, action-filled ride, with twists and turns to keep you reading until the final page. The storyline is intriguing, the characters are admirable, and the secrets the missing journal may contain makes for a compelling read. A great read!

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Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3) by Rob Bates – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3)Slay It With a Diamond by Rob Bates
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Slay It With A Diamond is Book Three in The Diamond District Mystery Series. It is a cozy mystery with drama, suspense, action, danger, secrets, lies, humor, and witty banter. The story is set in New York City’s Diamond District and centers around the character of Mimi who is an amateur sleuth. Mimi used to be a journalist and loves a good mystery that she can delve into. As she digs into the mystery behind a cursed diamond she uncovers long-buried secrets, family feuds, and scandals that put her life in danger. A great read that takes Mimi into the cutthroat world of diamonds and how sinister it can be. The characters are quirky, and Mimi is someone that can be simultaneously smart and somewhat naive. Her boyfriend seems to help her remain focused and grounded. An entertaining read with twists and turns that will compel you to read to the end.

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Hope For A New World (Gaia’s Voice Series) by Renee W Peek – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Hope For a New World (The Hope Series Book 1)Hope For a New World by Renee W. Peek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hope For a New World is Book One in The Hope Series. It is a sci-fi fantasy that contains the underlying message about protecting the environment. The story is told from the POV of several characters that are easy to get emotionally invested with due to their strength, courage, and determination to save mother earth. The earth has been destroyed by power, corruption, greed, and pollution. One group of strong women sets off on a mission to heal mother earth. This book had an intriguing storyline with fantasy, action, suspense, and a strong underlying message about climate change. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading Book Two.

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Wicked Ends: A Dark College Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Series, Book 8 ) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Wicked Ends (Hidden Valley Elite #8)Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wicked Ends is Book Eight in the Hidden Valley Elite Series. It is a dark college, enemies to lovers’ story full of loss, angst, passion, romance, revenge, dark secrets, toxic families, and uncertainty. This book wraps up Shane and Winter’s saga. Winter was at a dark place in her childhood, and it caused her to lash out at others. Shane was one of the unfortunate victims of Winter’s bullying during childhood. Her mistreatment of him caused him to consider ending his own life. When Winter resurfaces in Shane’s life years later all his hurt, anger, and resentment towards Winter resurfaces. He decides to exact revenge which puts them both on a path that simultaneously pulls them apart while also drawing them together. They do not trust each other but do not know who else to trust either. A complicated situation to say the least. Winter has changed her life around and is attempting to move forward. Shane is dealing with both past and current trauma. Both are trying to overcome their dark pasts and have a brighter future. Both have a hard time trusting. Both feel the attraction to the other, but can they put past hurts and resentments behind them? Can they have a future together? When Winter receives threatening notes and the danger to her life escalates Shane is the only one, she feels safe with. A tension filled ride full of twists and turns as secrets are revealed and we find out how entangled Shane and Winter’s lives have been through the years. Winter and Shane really developed and grew throughout this book, and we learn that deep down Shane is a nice guy with a heart of gold. Bittersweet to see this series ending and I am hoping the author has more books in store for us!

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Knight In Peril (A Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery) by Alice Bienia – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Knight In Peril (A Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery #6)Knight In Peril by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Knight in Peril is Book Six in the Jorja Knight Series. The story centers around the main character of Private Investigator Jorja Knight. Her recent adventure finds her in Istanbul trying to locate her missing friend who seems to have vanished without a trace. Jorja finds herself trying to search for her friend in a foreign city so large that it is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. As Jorja tries to solve her friend’s disappearance, she is greeted by lies, greed, danger, and corruption at every turn. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat as the tension and suspense escalates and the twists and turns will keep you reading until the end. I loved the exotic location of Jorja’s latest mystery and the bond she had with her friend. Jorja is smart, determined, strong willed, and courageous. This book had action, suspense, mystery, drama, secrets, lies, and corruption. Another great book in this series!
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Spectral Revelations (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 6) by Ellen Butler – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Spectral Revelations: A Karina Cardinal Mystery (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 6)Spectral Revelations: A Karina Cardinal Mystery by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Spectral Revelations is Book Six in the Karina Cardinal Mysteries Series. It is a cozy mystery with drama, danger, ghosts, secrets, lies, greed, and corruption. In her most recent adventure Karina finds herself trying to solve the mystery surrounding the disappearance of her aunt. Uncertain if her aunt has disappeared on her accord or if something bad happened Karina delves into the mystery headfirst to see what happened. When she goes to her aunt’s home, she finds a mischievous ghost that seems to be wreaking havoc in her aunt’s home. At first Karina brushes off the ghost’s behaviour but soon realizes that he is leaving her clues to help solve her aunt’s disappearance. As usual Karina learns more than she bargained for when she uncovers secrets, lies, and corruption. Another great read in this amazing series. The author has a way of pulling you into the story and fully immersing you in the mystery until the very end. The characters are unique, quirky, funny, and entertaining. I absolutely loved the addition of the paranormal element and Karina’s ghostly crime solver.

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Swindler’s Revenge (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 5) by Ellen Butler – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Swindler's RevengeSwindler’s Revenge by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Swindler’s Revenge is Book Five in the Karina Cardinal Mysteries Series. Karina’s newest adventure finds her single after her and her FBI boyfriend Mike broke up. Now he is in a heap of trouble after being accused of taking a large bribe and running away with 1.2 million dollars. On the run as a wanted fugitive only adds to making him look guilty. As his ex-girlfriend, Karina is also someone of interest to the FBI. Although Mike is her ex, Karina does not believe for a second that he is guilty of taking the bribe. It seems that someone dangerous is determined to frame Mike and Karina is equally determined to clear Mike’s name and get to the bottom of who is responsible. The situation becomes intense as Karina delves into the case with the help of some friends. This book had danger, drama, mystery, tension, action, suspense, witty banter, and a bit of romance. I love how feisty, determined, strong, and independent Karina is. Bring on Book Number Six!

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