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States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller – Review by Rosanna Ingram

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States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you love a good legal drama…this is for you!

Grace is trying to pick up the pieces of her life after a recent DUI. She is going through a divorce, she is battling an addiction to painkillers after losing her leg in Fallujah, and she is trying not get disbarred in the state of Florida. To remain in their good graces, she finds herself on the other side of the aisle in the courtroom where she is now a public defender.

Through some not so up-and-up means, Grace finds herself defending Zoe. Zoe is accused of murdering her guidance counselor. Zoe also happens to be the daughter of her soon-to-be ex-husband’s mistress. At the onset, it looks like Zoe is guilty. But, Grace is not so easily convinced. She believes there is more at play here…and she is going to prove it. However, with cops thwarting her progress at every move, she finds herself in deeper than she could have imagined…and it could ruin both their lives. Will she be able to find the truth before it’s too late?

There are so many great characters in this story that keep it interesting. Grace is wonderful while being real. I swear, her fake leg is a character all on its own! I enjoyed the realistic situation of the story and the inclusion of all the courtroom moments. I felt like I was reading a crime-drama movie!

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States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller – Review by Angela Hayes

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States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

4.5 Stars

 

States of Grace is the first book in the Grace Locke Mystery Series and debut novel by Mandy Miller. This story pulled me in right from the beginning and kept me engrossed the whole way through. I was not expecting that from a debut novel- but, as I just discovered, this author really knows how to write a compelling story- full of depth, attention to detail, vivid descriptions, palpable tension, and intrigue. Colour me hooked!
Grace Locke is trying to get her life back on track after a fall from grace- but things aren’t going quite to plan. She is an attorney, living day to day, trying to make ends meet. With quite a lot of baggage, this war veteran will need to dig deep in order to overcome her demons. When a new murder case comes to her attention- things quickly become complicated- there is definitely more to the case than meets the eye. What happens makes or a thrilling read!
If you love crime and investigation stories, thrillers, or mysteries with plenty of drama, intrigue, and suspense wrapped up in a tightly woven and engrossing story- then this is definitely the book for you!
Can’t wait to see where we go from here. Bring on Book #2!!
Happy reading!

Thank you, Mandy Miller!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Black Canvas by Laura Rossi – Review by NIna Maes

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Whoa! This book had me going, I thought I figured it out twice but nope. I love all the twist and turns. Great plot twist, full of suspense and ah-ah moments. A fantastic page-turner.
Black CanvasBlack Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Whoa! This book had me going, I thought I figured it out twice but nope. I love all the twist and turns. Great plot twist, full of suspense and ah-ah moments. A fantastic page-turner.

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States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller – Review by Kerry Carr

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States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy  Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It was a book that kept me gripped from beginning to end and I still didn’t see the end coming. I love Grace’s character. She is someone who isn’t perfect. She has her demons with drugs and alcohol but she is working her way back to the person she used to be. I love the fact she is a very strong, determined character. That she is a fighter who refuses to give up or quit for an easier life.

This story has mystery, murder, court drama, corrupt cops and more. You never know what’s going to happen next and if Grace will succeed with the odds stacked against her. But with a young girl’s life on the line Grace will stop at nothing to get to the truth.

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Black Canvas by Laura Rossi – Review by Brittany Porter

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Black CanvasBlack Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book really is quite a masterpiece. It’s one thing for an author to write a good story, but quite another for an author to bring the reader into her characters head and make you question your own thoughts and beliefs. The mind can be a beautifully chaotic place, and this author really knows how to take the reader along for an exciting ride through it. The beginning seemed a little slow, but ultimately it was clear that it was necessary to build up the intricate storyline and get the reader engaged. If you are on the fence about psychological thrillers or reading this book, don’t hesitate. Such a memorable read!

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States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller – Review by Shadel Ayerbe

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States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very good book when it comes to the big three of mysteries, crimes, and even thrillers.

Grace Locke, a disgraced prosecutor, and handicapped Army veteran is on the verge of losing her legal license forever. Grace has no choice but to turn to the evil side, defending the sorts of criminals she used to enjoy locking up while living in a no-tell hotel and eating ramen. To make matters worse, she’s battling the drug addiction that has landed her in this situation in the first place. Grace arranges to represent a trust-fund youngster accused of capital murder to pay the bills since she has few other choices to save her profession. Her strategy, however, has two drawbacks. One—Grace feels that being accused is the same as being guilty. Two, the accused is Grace’s spouse’s daughter, who is the daughter of the beauty queen who took Grace’s husband. Grace is surprised to learn that her client may not be guilty after all.

Grace believes the only reason that makes sense is that the dead man was involved in the criminal underworld. With the cops looking the other way and misdirecting her every step, the only explanation that makes sense to her is that the dead man was involved in the criminal underworld. When Grace uncovers convincing proof of her client’s innocence, the search for the true killer begins, leading her deep into Florida’s illegal pill mill trade. Is it too late for Grace to save her little client and herself from the execution chamber?

I loved this story. I loved every page of it. Every chapter was exciting. This is my first book in the series from this author and I can’t wait to read the rest of her books.

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States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller – Review by Rayne East

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States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy Miller

An intriguing legal thriller
I was curious when I read the blurb and was very quickly drawn in from the first page. Grace is a very relatable character, with a rawness that I found endearing. All the characters were well developed and the writing is well paced and did not lag once. With twists, a bit of humour and a lot of mystery I was kept intrigued right until end. Strong debut and series starter.

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States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller – Review by Dahnielle Hibbert

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States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An innocent young girl in need of someone to save her and now that she believes Zoe is innocent Grace is doing just that. A former prosecutor and solider, Grace is tougher than she looks and Zoe needs her to be tough. Zoe’s life hasn’t been easy and to top off all the other misery now she has been wrongly convicted of a crime she didn’t commit.
This novel was so fast paced I hadn’t realized 3 hours had passed and I was half way through. The detail was so rich I can’t imagine the sheer amount of research that had to go into making this crime/mystery novel as amazing as it is. The author did an unbelievable job. I am a forever fan and cannot wait for the next book!!

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States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

States of Grace was a really good book, I was shocked to see it was the first by this author. It had a lot of hints toward previous events, I thought for sure I missed a book. I hope there is a prequel in the future, as I want to know more about Grace’s past. I want to know about her military time, her marriage/ex husband and her hitting rock bottom. It seems there is quite the backstory and I want to read more about it… However, that being said, the book was really good. I was hooked from start to finish and didn’t want to put it down. The book was action packed from start to finish. The characters are well developed and have good solid relationships. The author really did her research and it shows. The ending was not at all what I expected, which is good. I like when I don’t have it all figured out, and to be caught off guard. I highly recommend this book, and am super impressed for a first time author. I genuinely can’t wait to read more about Grace Locke!

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller – Review by Shelly Kittell

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States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is an arm-chair gripper from page 1. The action in the plot grab you from the court scene in Chapter 1. It’s kind of seedy and grody but she’s trying to change things around. We all have to hit bottom. She hits it HARD. These characters are fantastic. I felt like I was reading a seedy detective/court novel. It was fantastic because I’m a huge fan of these. I love it when the actions continues throughout the whole novel. It keeps the action fast and involved. The story is great. Well- done, I’d recommend it.

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States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller-Review by Lauren West

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States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grace was such a great character and very relatable. She pushed every edge and boundary but in the best way possible. She experienced many harsh realities and darkness set in many times, but she overcame giving as good as she got. She dealt with many personal battles struggles, but still had so many people on her side. This book was so hard to put down because the storyline was everything needed in a good book to draw you in. There were so many great elements surrounding this story, and its a big miss if you do not pick it up to read.

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States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller – Review by Amanda Swindle

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States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

States of Grace is full of twists and believable characters! The main character is not the typical “perfect” heroine where everything always works out, which was relieving. Grace Locke is a lawyer on the verge of losing her license, and must figure out a way to pay the bills. She takes on a teenage client who she does not believe is guilty, and determined to prove it. It does have a little bit of a slow start, but it builds up quickly once things start to progress, and then shoots off to 90 mph. I enjoyed the mix of the mystery and legal standpoints, and how stubborn the character is (which is relatable, haha). The author’s use of details was very well done and made the story entertaining, but still believable. Definitely give this author and book a chance. I read this entire book in about 2 days, and am looking forward to reading more from this author, and this series.
Reviewed by @zoltrixes

 

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Black Canvas by Laura Rossi- Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

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Black CanvasBlack Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sooo… That was a wild ride and not at all what I expected even after reading the description. I have never read anything from this author before so I had no idea how she wrote, or what she wrote about. Black canvas is dark, mysterious, and compelling, I couldn’t stop turning the pages once I started. It’s full of twists and unexpected turns and all of it fits together and is written seamlessly. A brilliant, edge of your seat thriller. It’s a little hard to describe without giving to much away but I would definitely recommend this book. I will absolutely be looking more into this author and her other books.

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Black Canvas by Laura Rossi – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Black CanvasBlack Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once you’re hooked, you’re hooked. Couldn’t put it down.

A very interesting psychological thriller/murder mystery. Who’s the victim here and who’s next? Loved the idea of the psychiatrist being a police liaison but having her dealing with her own trauma alongside it. I also enjoyed the fact that Aria, the main character, is a flawed individual but is bettering herself throughout.

The first third of the novel was a little bit slow for me as it was setting everything up and giving us the backstory, but once I got to about 30% the rest flew by. For me, the introduction of Mattias, and the focus on what was currently happening to Aria and in the world, on helped pull it along. I will admit that I was eagerly reading to see if Aria would pursue the dark side of things.

The Point Of View change was an interesting technique in this book. I actually didn’t mind the back and forth POV (with both being in first person format within the same chapter, and even paragraph), but an audiobook certainly wouldn’t make clear when things are from Ivy’s perspective (re: a flashback) versus Aria’s (the MC) as there’s a lot of jumping back and forth.

Takeaway: Pure definition of what a psychological thriller is. I highly recommend this one for someone looking to have their mind blown.

Content warning: su!cide, drug use, eating disorders, secret society, p!mping/trafficking, cheating.

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States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller – Review by Lisa Helmick

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States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderfully done crime drama. The story is one that grabs the reader. It is full of courtroom drama and there is plenty of “who dunnit” in there as well. Grace is a perfect character. She has a checkered past but is trying to get her life back in order. She is very smart and has a mix of sarcasm and sass, which makes her fun to watch and listen too.

Grace has some great helpers in life and along her journey. Vinnie is the best guy and helper of Grace. Jake add some comic relief…then there is Manny..I was expecting(wishing) more from him for Grace but its not meant to be.

Overall this is a top notch crime story. Grace is entertaining which makes the story move along quickly. Hopefully there are more of Grace’s stories coming from this author.

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States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller – Review by Tausha Treadway

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States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy Miller

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller. I Loved this book. It was so good and I can’t wait to read the next one. Its the story of Grace Locke who is trying to get back in the good graces of the Florida State Bar having been put on probation due to Grace getting a DUI. Losing her leg in Fallujah to an IED she has become addicted to pain pills and alcohol. Part of her probation is attending NA meetings and the only law she she’s practicing is court appointed criminal cases. Grace is wondering how she’s going to survive on this low paying work. She’s trying to talk her ex husband and his new wife into letting her represent their daughter who is being accused of murder but Grace just knows she’s innocent. Finally getting the case she soon realizes that this case is not all its cracked up to be. Will she be able to convince everyone that her client is not guilty without getting into even more trouble? This book will have you flying thru the pages as quick as you can.

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Black Canvas by Laura Rossi – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

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Black CanvasBlack Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Expertly written. Absolutely loved this book.. can’t wait to read more of this author. A successful intelligent woman who becomes a divorcee. Her marriage ends up ceasing to exist due to her husband’s affairs. Ex-husband seems narcissistic and very controlling even once they are divorce. She loses a patient that she is still in the process of mourning. Is also beginning the healing process by going back to work and putting the pieces of the puzzle back together of her life and clients. Which connects to the loss of one of her patients.

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Black Canvas by Laura Rossi – Review by Amanda Glaspie

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Black CanvasBlack Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is nothing better than a psychological thriller with a twist. Doctor Aria De Luca, fresh from a patient suicide and an impending divorce, finds herself called to a new case that pushes her to the limits. This was a thriller that takes you for a wild ride of mystery, suspicion, jealousy, and lies. This was written so well that I even started questioning my own thoughts and suspicions. If you like a books with so many twists that your head will spin, this is the book for you.

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Black Canvas by Laura Rossi – Review by Candida Hopper

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Black CanvasBlack Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a story! I found myself completely hooked. I was taken by surprise many times. This author weaved such a dark mysterious story that I was kept at the edge of my seat. There are a few twists and turns which made me rethink everything I was thinking. This book will be sticking with me for a long time. This is one of those books that I know I will be reading again. I will definitely be reading more books by this author. I highly recommend this book.

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Black Canvas by Laura Rossi – Review by Melissa Saxton

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Black CanvasBlack Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Now here is a psychological Thriller you won’t ever want to put down.

Aria, the main character is struggling after the suicide of a patient and a divorce from her husband she just can’t pull it together. She takes a leave of absence from her career but then finds herself on a murder case that ends up causing questioning everything thinks and feels.

A story about control, obtaining it, relinquishing it, obsession, jealousy and absolutely compelling mind games. You’ll think you got it figured out and she will make you question everything all over again.

I enjoy being hook line and sinker stuck in a book, fascinated by the characters and questioning things I thought I knew and this author delivered in this dark twisted Thriller. Don’t start this book until you have time to read it as once you are hooked you can’t put it down!

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Black Canvas by Laura Rossi – Review by Amanda Swindle

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Black CanvasBlack Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is just so much to this book, so many layers to unravel! Black Canvas is full of mind games that keep you guessing, deception, and control (or lack thereof!). I would read some parts and think “oh my gosh, I know where this is going” and then a bit later, be shocked to see that I was totally wrong. You will not guess this one. It is darker and more twisted than most of the things I have read recently, but in a train wreck you can’t look away from sort of way. It catches you unaware, and you cannot help but continue to the next page, and then the next chapter….It does start a little slow and confusing but once you get into the meat and potatoes of the platter, things go straight to the psychological complexities. Without giving anything away, I loved the use of the mask in this book. The physical use of hiding behind it, and the psychology of being able to be whoever you want to be, and still be “unseen” was such a fun concept. This book is for anyone that likes to keep guessing, and still be in for a surprise. My only complaint with this book is that I finished it in 3 days LOL. Well written and well researched!

Reviewed by: @zoltrixes

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Black Canvas by Laura Rossi – Review by Lyndsey Fairley

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Black CanvasBlack Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just when I thought I knew what was going on and what would happen, I was thrown for a loop. This book needs to be read with no interruptions as it just holds you between the pages and keeps you there. I really enjoyed this.book and will be reading so much more from this author!

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Black Canvas by Laura Rossi – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

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Black CanvasBlack Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One woman is trying her hardest to be another and become everything she thinks he needs, while he keeps returning to her, his wife, while she is stuck being the other woman. She looks at herself in the mirror everyday, but all she sees is her, her face, her hair, her life, she is in control as she bends herself to fit inside this image, to keep the secret that it is her on the outside, but she is on the inside and it is this which makes this woman feel in control, but is she really in control, or is it just an illusion?

This is a psychological thriller which will make you think, it will make you question everything you know about what is happening and why, it will keep you on your toes while you try and figure out what is real, what is memories and what is fantasy.

Reviewed  by @roxsannel

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Black Canvas by Laura Rossi – Review by La Toya Lewis

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Black CanvasBlack Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Black Canvas by Laura Rossi is one of the best books I have read this year. I love a good psychological thriller and this book absolutely delivers! Being in the mind of the main character Aria is a little frustrating at times. I wanted more and better for her than she was accepting for herself, but I couldn’t help but love her and root for her. There are so many great twists and turns and an ending that did not suspect. I was surprised at how satisfied I was with this ending because it was one I would never normally accept but I loved it. Looking forward to reading more from this author!

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Black Canvas by Laura Rossi – Review by Ashley Westerman

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Black CanvasBlack Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was hooked from the first page! My mind kept guessing on what would happen next, and I could never pinpoint it right. I don’t think you can guess the end right. Not being able to figure out the end is one of my favorite things to read. This one didn’t disappoint. This is very well written and I think if you like the dark thrillers then this is for you! I loved it, one of my favorite reads of the year!

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Black Canvas by Laura Rossi – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Black CanvasBlack Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a captivating and gripping psychological thriller which had me hooked from start to finish. The dark storyline had me intrigued from the beginning and the plot twists and turns kept me guessing until the very last page. This was a real page turner of a novel which had me reading well into the night, as I just couldn’t put the book down. The wonderfully written narrative made the characters and the setting come vividly alive, making me feel completely immersed in the story. I felt especially engaged with the main character, Aria and she really brought the whole story together for me. This was an exciting read with an original storyline, which stayed with me long after I had finished it.

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Black Canvas by Laura Rossi – Review by Debi Kircher

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Black CanvasBlack Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 ++++ Stars

I have no words to describe what I was feeling while reading this book then when I finished. I was in awe of the writing, it was an open the book and forgetting you exist outside of it kind of book! I read it in 2 sittings and although I had a small problem connecting with Aria at first, I enjoyed every second of this read. As you read you can start to feel the building of the why in this story. Why Aria is Aria, why the spiraling loss of control.

I love books that have jaw dropping twists that you don’t see coming. This one had that in spades. Perfectly placed twists! I still don’t have my thoughts straight so writing this review is not easy. I 100% loved this book. I love this genre and reading ones that are written like this make me love it even more!

This is my first read by this author and I’m blown away. I already have her page up so that I can read even more. I love the style, I love the way she handles character dialogue and my favorite is that I truly got lost in this book. I already want to read it again, and will soon!

I have added this author to my watchlist and can’t wait to read more!!

LOVED LOVED LOVED IT!!!

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States of Grace (Grace Locke Mystery Series) by Mandy Miller – Review by Sara Oxton

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States of GraceStates of Grace by Mandy Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A five-star read that packs a punch. This was my first read by this author, but it won’t be the last, as I am so eager to see where the author will take the Grace Locke series and the character herself. I don’t know what I was expecting with this one, maybe something that would pick me out of my pre-Christmas slump, and wow it has done so much more. The details in this story are sublime, and it is so intense and interesting you won’t be able to put it down. Grace is really at the bottom, but sometimes the bottom is a good place to be, as you can only go up.

Review by @saraoxo

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Black Canvas by Laura Rossi – Review by Paula R Sayers

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Black CanvasBlack Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such an amazing psychological thriller!! I was totally shocked by the twists and turns this dark story took. It began a little slow but picked up quickly and had me hooked!! I want to read more by this author as soon as possible.

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Black Canvas by Laura Rossi – Review by Piper Foster

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Black CanvasBlack Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I want to start this off by saying this does have triggers and brought out feelings in me that while making me uncomfortable, shows the true talent of this author.
This deals with very sensitive subjects and shapes our main character and effects her in her daily life.

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