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Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol – Review by Tina Vega

Kneading a Winning IdeaKneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book so much. It’s about a boy who is trying to win a contest with his buttermilk biscuits. It teaches some important lessons such as staying positive and to keep going. It is beautifully illustrated and not to mention the fun recipe included at the end! It was a great idea and also encourages children’s interest in cooking. One of my favorites in my collection!

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Finding Your Heart by Nadia Han – Review by Tina Vega

Finding Your Heart: A Journal for Discovering Your HeartFinding Your Heart: A Journal for Discovering Your Heart by Nadia Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a beautifully illustrated self-help book and journal. Most people are walking around with a gaping hole in their heart. We try to hide the pain, put a band-aid on it, but rarely do we do the inner work to heal our pain. Unfortunately, no one can do this for you. It is a journey you make on your own. I encourage everyone who needs healing to get this book and read through it. Do the work even if it seems silly at first.

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Joy’s Christmas Escape (The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1) by P. Creeden – Review by Tina Vega

Joy’s Christmas Escape: The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1Joy’s Christmas Escape: The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1 by P. Creeden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jack and Joy’s story definitely has a different feel to it. It isn’t a love story that starts like most. Both were in a desperate place, and were joining forces out of necessity. After being around each other for a few days, they like the energy each other gives off and you can see a romance building. Joy has some loose ends that will need to be tied up first though. It makes for a great romance with a little danger. I loved the way these two came together and the way the romance builds. Great story!

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Beyond Friendship (The Irresistible Series Book 3) by Marlyn Love – Review by Tina Vega

Beyond Friendship (The Irresistible Series #3)Beyond Friendship by Marlyn Love
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brian and Amanda have become one of my favorite novel couples. Whew, the chemistry with these two. I was rooting for them no doubt. Brian meets a goddess just to find out it is his best friend’s sister. They go a long time avoiding each other. It is a slow burn. Brian with his playboy reputation, slowly wins our heart. He is wounded by memories which has caused some commitment issues. Seeing his character mature over time in the book was my favorite part. Watching a genuine love develop between the characters that isn’t based on sexual attraction although it is there. It was based more on the friendship that had developed and their mutual respect they have for each other. Great read!

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Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher – Review by Tina Vega

Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand, #1)Wild Lavender by Nicole E. Kelleher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ooooh, I loved Anna and Larkin. The chemistry was amazing between them. Not to mention, fate is intervening here. Now, this book is a slow burn. Anna finds herself in somewhat of an arranged marriage and not with our hero. This isn’t a spoiler because it happens right in the beginning. I will say I felt some disappointment that she wasn’t going to be with hero right from the beginning. But this story isn’t just a romance. In fact, the start is somewhat of a rough read. I found myself engrossed as Anna weathered the storms. In these times, we see just how strong she is. I love the mystery of the castle, the feeling of “espionage” but not really in a traditional sense, and the love the people started to feel for Anna. I had trouble putting this book down because I needed to feel Anna was safe. Amazing writing! I was hanging on every word!

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A Death on Fools Lane (An Eve Sawyer Mystery) by Jane Suen – Review by Tina Vega

A Death on Fools Lane (Eve Sawyer Mystery #4)A Death on Fools Lane by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This wonderful cozy mystery is perfect for the Christmas holidays. While there is a murderer on the loose, it still checks all the boxes for warm and cozy reading. The main character, Eve Sawyer, is invited to house sit. As a journalist, her curiosity pulls her into a murder investigation that happens to be just a little to close for comfort. The story reminds me of those mysteries we all enjoyed reading growing up. A page turner that will keep you guessing!

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Master Campania (Masters of the Consulate Book 7) by Sylvia Black – Review by Tina Vega

Master Campania: Dark Vampire Romance (Masters of the Consulate Book 7)Master Campania: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Whew, the sizzle between these two is off the charts! I have read several in this series and the world just keeps getting bigger and more complex. Master Campania went searching for the witches in his territory, and found Willow who he is drawn to. From two different worlds, the odds are stacked against them. So of course that means we are really rooting for them. Great world building, great characters, and a great satisfying plot! Keep them coming!

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Tina Vega

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Some of the best books are adventure books especially if they are geared toward a tween who can read and go on adventures they otherwise wouldn’t have. This book is perfectly written for that age group and can compete with some of my kids’ favorites that also involved magic and adventure. In this story, we see a young boy who doesn’t have a great home life but encounters a magical carousel that changes everything. Wonderfully written, really engaging for tweens, and an adventure for anybody. Looking forward to the rest of the series!

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Mesmerised (Hybrid Lovers Book 2) by Toya Richardson – Review by Tina Vega

Mesmerised (Hybrid Lovers #2)Mesmerised by Toya Richardson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A wonderful spin on the world of vampires and angels. We don’t normally see these two together. I loved the characters and the depth they brought to this story. A wonderfully spun romance in a fantasy world brought so many elements that I enjoy. I love not being able to guess/know what is always going to happen. I thought the story was well paced. Great writing! Looking forward to more from this author!

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Reticent Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Tina Vega

Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend's Older Sister Forbidden Romance (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 2)Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend’s Older Sister Forbidden Romance by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Hawke world is one of my favorite worlds. With characters so real and developed, it feels like you can reach out and touch them. You will have a new best friend. Every book has a fresh and complex plot and this one will grab you. Past trauma has Jude’s walls so high no one has climbed them. The story really eclipses how jacked someone’s view of themselves can be. It can be debilitating, and an intimate relationship brings that to the forefront. Satisfying as a forbidden romance and age gap, but also satisfying in the realness of trauma. Loved visiting one of my favorite families! Hope many more to come!

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The Sisterhood of Secrets (The Gods’ Scion Book 4) by Winnifred Tataw – Review by Tina Vega

The Sisterhood of SecretsThe Sisterhood of Secrets by Winnifred Tataw
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love when am author can transport me to a different world! This world mixes a fantasy magical world with elements from our own world which gives it a real feel I wasn’t expecting. The characters have depth, motives, and complex relationships. The details … amazing. I found this story to be exciting and unpredictable! If you need a fresh feel to your book reading, give this one a try!

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Tempting Fate (Black Shamrocks MC: Australia Book 1) by Bella Faust – Review by Tina Vega

Tempting Fate: a dark and angsty love triangle romance (Black Shamrocks MC: Australia Book 1)Tempting Fate: a dark and angsty love triangle romance by Bella Faust
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The prequel isn’t a romance, but a deep dive into a psychopath’s mind where we hear his side of the story.  Think Criminal minds except worse. When the author gives you warnings about the triggers, please understand it isn’t just a line or a paragraph mentioning said triggers but pages of details. The kind of details that keep you up and make you keep the lights on.  With that said, I feel the prequel was necessary.  The author can spin a tale,  but what blew my mind was the way she navigated these dark waters.  I felt the gamut of emotions.  Third, this book is more of a dark romance but please be aware there are still triggers that come up as danger surrounds Lily once again.   Zeke and Lily’s relationship is complex as it layers over the past.  A past that starts to feel very “in the present”. The author’s understanding of the human mind and the way she presents it to us is very unique.  Her writing made an impression on me.  She wrenches emotions from the reader and is hardly breaking a sweat it seems. My compliments to the author!

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A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Tina Vega

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1): A Small Town Fake Relationship RomanceA Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1): A Small Town Fake Relationship Romance by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Phoebe and Laurent’s story is a second chance trope. I really loved Laurent. I did feel the beginning when they met for first time in several years was rushed. I would have liked more build up to that crucial moment. Great secondary characters who I want to know more about. Beautiful world the author created. Overall, it’s a great story of second chances, forgiveness, and a love that didn’t end.

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Twisted Proposal (Central Florida Stories Book 3) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Tina Vega

Twisted Proposal: Central Florida StoriesTwisted Proposal: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A business arrangement with an unorthodox payment was a great plot! Ethan starts out bent on revenge and his plan includes Siena. This book kept me up until 4:30 am so yeah, it is definitely engaging. Several things I loved but here are a few – how two characters saw Ethan’s character completely different, how the author kept us in suspense, and the way our hero started feeling about Siena. It was eye opening, exciting, and well-written. Looking forward to more from this author!

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6) by Aubrey Wynne – Review by Tina Vega

Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6)Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A beautiful story about a second chance at love when you have lost hope in the idea.  I will say I was skeptical about whether a man who had obviously gone after the cream of the crop would then treat her like this. BUT it is only for first chapter or so before we move forward in time to meet the real hero of the story.  I thought the self doubt she had about remarriage was very realistic. I loved how they met and how their romance unfolded.  I also felt like the sentiments and sweet nothings were spot on.  I don’t normally feel this way in romance novels though I love to read them.  Sometimes it feels forced or over the top, but I found the words very beautiful.  Wonderfully written!  And yes, I have already searched for more books by this author!

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Aliens on Earth Anthology (Limited Edition Romance Collections) by Various Authors – Review by Tina Vega

Aliens on EarthAliens on Earth by Mandy Melanson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Alien and the Crime Boss by Naomi Valkyrie
Leilphun is on the run. He lands on Earth close to a crime boss. Lucky for him, the crime boss also needs him. What looks like a relationship built on convenience quickly becomes more for the two. This love is action packed with danger. I found it to have an original storyline compared to the other sci fi alien stories I’ve read, and will stand out among others. It took me a little time to like Kasper, but I like Leilphun immediately. While reading this story, I felt the full range of emotions – fear, worry,dread, sadness, happiness, peace with an outcome, and anticipation. Great job with the plot and characters!

Exiled by Aurora Hunter
Aztlan and Zaya’s romance was one of my favorites of the sci-fi I’ve read. Maybe it was because she was older or maybe because she was cynical of the whole thing. I liked that the author presented the prejudice she had against aliens as well. I thought that was original. It’s always interesting how the different cultures unfold to me, and this one was great. Aztlan and Zaya have great chemistry, and the plot was set up really well. If you aren’t sure you will like the sci-fi reads, this one is a great one to start with.

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Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Tina Vega

Hero Complex (Bluestone Series, #3)Hero Complex by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ivy is smitten with Ace. It is cute and sweet, but it isn’t long before we realize that Ivy has a real problem. Ace, determined to be her hero, decides to help her with the issue. I thought the romance was realistic and chemistry was off the charts. I could easily see this being a real story the way it unfolded. Ace, who is scarred, has some internal healing to do as well. I thought this character development was great. Loved the story and could not put it down!

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Love Tools (Bluestone Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Tina Vega

Love Tools (Bluestone Series, #1)Love Tools by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

At the beginning of this story, we see a girl who is lost and hates the life she is living. I think everyone can relate at needing a change of scenery. I found this to be so relatable. It made me feel for Lily, and I was cheering her on as I read. The romance that blooms between her and Jake takes off, and they have great chemistry. I also love the secondary characters. The characters and the setting really grow on you in this novel and it continues thru series. My only gripe about Lily is that sometimes she acted childish and naïve like when she turned away from Jake’s kisses twice, but was upset when he did the same thing. I just found it unrealistic. Other than that – great plot, great characters, great romance!

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Reaper (War Brothers MC Book 1) by Bianca Lee Ward – Review by Tina Vega

Reaper (War Brothers MC, #1)Reaper by Bianca Lee Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have always loved the “second chance” trope and this feels a bit like that. Ava meets Reaper at a wedding, but Ava is married already. To an abusive husband. Man, the story just takes off. I was hooked and stayed up way too late reading. I loved the secondary characters as well. Can’t wait to read Bomber’s story. Loved the world the author created. Great job with the emotions of Ava’s story especially at the beginning. I was on the edge of my seat in one scene!

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Fiddle and Fire (Hearts of Gold Book 2) by Ariella Talix – Review by Tina Vega

Fiddle and Fire: A Steamy Historical MMF Romance (Hearts of Gold Book 2)Fiddle and Fire: A Steamy Historical MMF Romance by Ariella Talix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked the plot and the unfolding events in this story. The author did a great job of slowly introducing us to a romantic situation that isn’t considered the norm. It helped us to see how something like this might have happened in this period of time. I really liked the way the characters are developed as well. I found this read to be original in not only the time we are reading, but the way the events unfolded. Great read!

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Borne (The Crown of Stones Book 3) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Tina Vega

Magic-Borne (The Crown of Stones, #3)Magic-Borne by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! I enjoy fantasy genre, but I especially enjoyed this one! The reader gets to witness the growth and the challenges faced by the character. The world building was complex and satisfying. I would have liked to live in this world a little longer. It really makes for a thought provoking read!

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Fallen Soul (War of Destiny Book 4) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Tina Vega

Fallen Soul (War of Destiny # 4)Fallen Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s fantastic! Literally, a dark fantasy with all the elements you live and want. Mystery, monsters, and mayhem. The author’s writing style is unique, and it continues in this book to grab you by the throat. Great character development, twisty not sure what’s going to happen plot, and the delivery I have come to expect from this author. Great fantasy series!

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Ruthless Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Tina Vega

Ruthless Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 1)Ruthless Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Whew the chemistry in this story is off the charts!  I love a second chance plot and this one comes with a little more danger. Isaac and Mina will grab you from the very beginning.  They have a past but no one else knows.  Great story, great plot, and our favorite Hawke characters!

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How To Write A Historical Novel And Love It by TL Clark – Review by Tina Vega

How To Write A Historical Novel And Love ItHow To Write A Historical Novel And Love It by T.L. Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great guide to review before you start your rough draft of your book. The author brings up many great points to consider such as timeframe, settings, and styles. Have you considered whether a war is going on during your book, a pandemic, or possibly wherever the automobile has been invented yet? The author talks you through your background information on the book so that once you get in the writing groove, you don’t have to keep stopping. A great resource for a new author or one needing to review basics!

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Absolution by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Tina Vega

AbsolutionAbsolution by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Whew! When I read the blurb, I just didn’t expect this story to make me feel like this. It is incredibly sad at points, and yet will make you laugh out loud at times. It is mysterious, paranormal, and romantic. Even though we expect HEA most of the time, there were times that I didn’t really know how the couple would get there. I will warn that there are some dark moments, but I felt overall the book was great. I found the plot to be quite original and that was refreshing. A few times I did not expect the turn of events. Great characters, original plot, and exciting mystery!

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Evan (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 2) by Toni Denise – Review by Tina Vega

Evan (Billionaire Blind Dates #2)Evan by Toni Denise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this series! Not only is the idea of blind dating in the dark a novel idea, but it makes for hilarious stories. I love the friends to lovers trope, and this couple make it super sweet in this story. Evan and Kayla are business partners with Kayla heading up the blind date app. Evan, spurred on by his friend actually finding love, decides to give it a try. Great main characters as well as secondary characters, a hilarious plot, and a hot chemistry. Ready for the next one!

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The Hawke Family Complete Collection by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Tina Vega

The Hawke Family Complete CollectionThe Hawke Family Complete Collection by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One of the best series I have ever read!

Savage Collision
The first book in this series really sets the stage (plot wise) for the rest of the stories. It gets going really quick, and you literally have to hang on for the ride. Loved the build up and the twist the author threw at us! I also enjoyed the details we got to see about the businesses he was running. You get a deep respect really quick for the hero. Loved the chemistry between Savage and Dani!

Tortured Skye
The second book is about Savage’s little sister Skye. Her romance starts out with that forbidden attraction and it is delicious! Gotta love that scenario! Of all the characters, Skye’s personality is my least favorite. With that said, I still enjoyed her love story, and definitely how good her man is for her. The plot line that was started in first book continues, so my advice is to read in order even if someone’s story draws you more.

Stone Sober
Stone is the black sheep in the family, and I was concerned where his story would take us. His romantic interest is also off limits, and it heightens this storyline with a hint of danger. Just reading a few pages will have you worried about Nora, about Stone’s association with Dom, and impending doom for this family you have started to love.

Building Storm
This was my favorite book in the series. Storm is everything I love in a female lead. Landon seeing her pain and determined to help her thru it was one of the most romantic scenarios that I’ve ever read. The way the author wrote their first meeting, second meeting, their love scenes at the beginning with Storm holding back, and the moment she finally lets go was just beautiful. Very realistic to the way grief works. I connected with this character in a way I didn’t expect. I was moved reading this story in a way I haven’t been in a long time.

Tainted Saint
Novella length, but has so much that happens. Saint and Caroline’s story starts off at a masquerade party, and I just love it. They are freaking perfect together!

Steele Resolve
Steele Resolve is an unexpected twist to the stories we have been reading. This one also has a forbidden romance with the two being involved with the mob and the Hawke family. It is a great plot and this story is the final installment of that plot. A great story to wrap it all up even though I am sad it is ending! Seriously, one of the best series I have ever read!

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Super Enemies by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tina Vega

Super EnemiesSuper Enemies by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is about a brother and sister that fight about everything. While they get very creative in trying to outdo one another, I think maybe a parent should have stepped in a couple times here. This is often the kind of sibling rivalry we see. Normally though the siblings grow closer as they get older. Realistic in nature, overall a cute story!

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After She Became a Lady by Wareeze Woodson – Review By Tina Vega

After She Became a LadyAfter She Became a Lady by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While the romance of the story was great at the beginning, the problems with an in law definitely meant the honeymoon was over. Laurel was in love no doubt. Robert’s twin sister was making things hard. It seemed like a good portion of this book was really about the twin sister instead of the romance which made me lose interest to a degree. Overall, Laurel was a lovely person, and we are rooting for her throughout the story.

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Degrees of Innocence: Dark Mafia Romance (Cruel Deceptions Book 1) By Via Mari – Review by Tina Vega

Degrees of Innocence (Prestian Series, #1)Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kate and Chase have an interesting beginning coming together in a way to save a man’s life. Little did she know, she was talking to the man who hired her. I thought the characterization of both was well done. The setting being in Aruba lends even more romance to this story. It’s a little slow at the beginning, but the romance and suspense start to build soon. It’s a great story and I really enjoyed it.

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