REVIEW: Closer Than You Think by Taura King

Closer Than You Think: A dark, stalker romance by Taura King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you have SA trigger, don't read.

I went into this blind. Just new it as a Dark Romance. Didn't think I had triggers. Learned i did not history story is an inst a lust/love for him and she isn't far behind. She is in his orbit because of the business he is in and what he was hired to do.

While I have issues with this book (she forgave hom far too easily and quickly) i liked how protective he was of her and I enjoyed how woven and co.plex the story became once it came to it's climax (pun not intended).

Side Note: I try to never rate a book three stars are less. The plot intrigued me. Hence four stars.

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REVIEW: Gabe - Alvarez Security Agency (#1) by Maryann Jordan

Gabe by Maryann Jordan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wanted to binge on military or former military men and women and that is what I've been doing for the past month.

A book friend introduced me to this book and said I would love Gabe. What she didn't tell me was I would love his twin bother, their Captain, and the whole cast and crew as swiftly as I found myself doing.

Fair warning, this book is an insta-love book between Gabe and Jennifer. The beginning was a little shaky for me, but only because I had no inkling of how it would play into the storyline.

I admit, I'm not normally one to really love insta-love books, but this book kept my interest and had me laughing with the Gabe and Jenny and Jenny's brother Ross as well as getting angry at Jenny, at Gabe, forgiving them both, laughing and crying and then worrying about Jenny and Ross and well, by the end of the book I knew, I would have a book hangover.

Gabe was all alpha from the get go but the soft spots were there, the tenderness and the love. And the comraderie with the guys from his unit that he now works with. Jenny, while showing moments of insecurity about Gabe, showed strength, compassion, love, and hope in all that she was doing for her brother and the elderly.

There's some strong language, sexy times, action concerning bad guys, and it all rounds out Gabe and Jenny's story. I loved the book. LOVED IT.

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REVIEW: Resolutions by Teri Riggs

Resolutions by Teri Riggs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always love discovering new-to-me authors and Teri Riggs is no exception. What drew me to this book was the Female Lead. She's a strong agent who is loyal and full of spirit.

The male lead, her ex, is just as strong willed as she is, also very loyal.

I think this is the first book I've read with such a strong female lead who worked for a government agency and I want to read more kickin' butt type women like her.

Yes, it's also sexy in parts but that does not take away from the story, the intrigue or the action. It adds a little to the entire storyline.

I was entertained thoroughly by the book and hope if the characters talk to the Author that there are many more adventures for the Resolutions squad.

Thank you to the author. More than she will ever know.

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REVIEW: Seal's Lost Dream (Lost and Found, 2.5) by J.M. Madden

SEAL's Lost Dream by J.M. Madden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

NOTE: You can read this novella as part of J.M. Madden's The Lost and Found Trio as currently, it's not available for purchase by itself. I purchased that for my kindle, read it and am reviewing all three novellas separately and then will do a big synopsis for the Trio kindle version as well.

REVIEW: This novella gives us the story of a Navy Seal and his best friend and the aftermath of what war did to their relationship.

SPOILERY AHEAD ---

Flynn is a former Navy Seal who was a K9 handler. Already, my heart was more than gone for this man. After being out of the military for a few years he finds his way to LnF and as he's battling his demons, he begins showing up at the Veterinarian's with injured dogs that find him.

Strong-willed veterinarian does all she can to save the dogs that Flynn brings to her. They bond over one dog that takes a very stubborn shine to Flynn.

This novella for me, read like a novel. It was jam packed and when push came to shove, Flynn came out of the darkness thanks to the love of a good woman and a stubborn dog.

Honestly, I think this is my favorite of the whole LnF series even if it is a novella.

The Lost and Found Trio by J.M. Madden -- Kindle Link

REVIEW: Embattled Seal by J.M. Madden

Embattled SEAL by J.M. Madden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you haven't read the 3rd book - Embattled Home - this review may contain SPOILERS for you so - SPOILER ALERT for EMBATTLED HOME (Lost and Found #3).

We meet Harper in book 3 of the Lost and Found series - Embattled Home - as he helps to protect a mother and daughter from harm. Harper gets injured and as his co-workers fret about him in the hospital, someone totally never known about shows up, shocking the co-workers.

Okay, onto my review for Embattled Seal. And I'll also give a spoiler warning just in case, but honestly, I think I have to, just a little this time.

We find out that Harper's demons and fear that he'd harm his loved ones kept him away from them for a long time. That world he left behind comes to the forefront when he's injured and the wife his current world didn't know he had, shows up to support him and find out where their family stands.

She helps him deal with the hospital staff and then because of his injuries, rents a house for two weeks so he can heal and they can discuss where to go from here.

This story shows just how much both Harper and Cat struggle with their own insecurities but how they both fight to overcome them, together. It shows how much finding LNF was a godsend for Harper and it shows how it's not just his wife that Harper has to make amends to.

Okay, that's my review.

Let me tell you now that I don't want this LNF world to ever end. I find myself getting so emotionally involved in each story and rooting for both the guy and the girl of each story. Luckily, there is still Duncan's story and then some novellas and spin off series' so I'm good for a bit.



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REVIEW: Embattled Home by J.M. Madden

Embattled Home by J.M. Madden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The way the book started out, I wasn't sure I was going to continue because I thought I was missing a few pages or chapters. But as I kept reading, I realized that there is a method to the way these stories are intertwining and to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the story.

So I did.

I enjoyed seeing how strong Lora truly is beneath everything that happened to her and how her little girl was such a strong spirit behind her momma.

I loved how LNF righted the wrong the client had manipulated them into.

I loved Chad's family, but hated that floozy until the end of the book.

I loved how we saw the push and pull between Chad and his brother; the love and support his sister gave Lora and how his momma treated Lora and her daughter like family from the get go.

I love how a child can make a grown man melt at just a look, or a hug.

I love the brotherhood that is shown throughout these books.

I love, I love, I love.

I love that the book is light on the sex, but heavy on building the relationship, even if the love is nearly instant.

I hurt for Duncan trying to help a fellow veteran out while also denying himself some happiness.

I was SHOCKED at the end when (I'M NOT GOING TO SPOIL IT FOR Y'ALL, GEEZ... go get the book and READ it PLEASE!).

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REVIEW: Embattled Minds by J.M. Madden

Embattled Minds by J.M. Madden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book two in the Lost and Found series, while I had hoped for Duncan or Chad, J.M. Madden gives us Zeke and Ember. We meet them both in Embattled Hearts.

What is this series about? This series is about those that served in the military and may have come back with scars. Whether the scars can be seen or not seen, they are there and these veterans are learning to live with them and learning their way in the civilian world now that they're discharged/retired from the service.

Back to Zeke and Ember.

Zeke and a few of the guys from LNF started going to the bar once a week to acclimate to being around people and out in public as well as face their own obstacles. Zeke and Ember dance around their attraction to each other while facing their own obstacles.

The way that Zeke and Ember are brought together tugged more, but how Zeke handles Ember's Dad the first time they meet, I'm sold on these two.

This story was subtle and while not as suspenseful as Embattled Hearts (John and Shannon's story), it had me not wanting it to end.

I love the dynamics of the characters in the LNF series so far and cannot wait to start the next in the series (I love binge reading).


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REVIEW: Embattled Hearts by J.M. Madden

Embattled Hearts by J.M. Madden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I get into these moods where I want to read certain genre's and I was looking for my Alpha Male retired military men and the strong women that catch their eye with a plot that keeps my attention, maybe some romance, some suspense, some banter.

Well, I got it and the characters also showed frustration, anger, fear, love, and friendship.

SPOILER ALERT --- maybe...

Lost ~n~ Found Investigations (LNF) is the company Duncan, John and Chad started after they all retired from the military (but how did they retire Tamm? Um - You gotta read to find out!). Shannon is hired to work as their receptionist. She's new to town, has some baggage and unbeknownst to her, it follows her. (How Tamm? Again, YOU gotta read to find out.)

Each of the guys are fond of her in their own way, but she stirs something in John and Chad and Duncan both see it. John and Shannon won't allow themselves to see it either, until something happens and Shannon needs help (Grrr TAMM, tell me more - um NO, I told ya - you gotta read for yourself).

During the story, other characters are introduced. Some are bit players, and one grabbed my heart and then pissed me off (dang you J.M., I hope there's more with him!). I love when a story does that to me.

So Tamm, what aren't you telling me?

I'm telling you my thoughts without spoiling it for YOU. GAH!

Anyway, why, truly did I give this book five stars?

J.M. Madden held my attention from the first word. Shannon, John, Duncan and Chad are engraved into my heart and I now have the rest of the series waiting to be read.

Now, you're all saying Tamm, you didn't tell me ANYTHING. Well, I don't want to spoil it for you, but if you must know... Everyone has demons, some are physical, some are mental. John has both and how he overcomes them warmed my heart to no end. The way Shannon did not "mother" him or the other guys, yet took care of them in her own way, also warmed my heart.

Want me to tell you more?

Well, I'm not going to.

If you want to read a story(ies) about disabled veterans and just how very ABLE they are, then get started with the prequel and this book. It's worth handing over your heart to J.M. for!



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REVIEW: The Embattled Road by J.M. Madden

The Embattled Road by J.M. Madden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wish more series started out like this when heading into a series of books!

One of my favorite types of stories to read involves a character or characters in or retired from the military and the work they do afterwards. However, none have started like this.

This is the prequel to a series. And I cannot believe I have NOT READ THIS SERIES SOONER. There, I said it. Right off the bat, just from reading the prequel.

We're introduced to three men, each battling wounds, inside and out and each, in their own way. This is a short novella - about 60 pages.

I won't spoil this for anyone, and no, I didn't read it before reading Embattled Hearts but, it give you background into the three men and why they are the way they are.

Do you have to read this first? No.

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REVIEW: Needing to Fall by Ryan Michele

Needing to Fall by Ryan Michele
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The author was kind enough to ask me to read this and I said I would give an honest review.

For the record, although Ryan had warned me that this wasn't like her other books (meaning NOT like the MC series I love and adore), I still thought it would be Alpha heavy. Boy was I wrong.

We are warned that this is a dark read due to the subject matter, but don't let that deter you from reading about Reign and Lynx. I loved how this story was told and how this story wasn't about an Alpha male and his woman, but more about a woman coming to terms with her past and allowing love in instead of holding it, and everyone at bay.

We see Reign hit rock bottom and fight her way out with the help of her best friend, her therapist, a nurse, and Lynx. I cried for both Reign and Lynx as they both fought their demons both apart and together. It made the story much more beautiful for me. There are twists and turns and a surprise or two and when the story ended, I was upset because I didn't want their story to end.

Make sure you've got tissues at the ready and prepare yourself, it's heavy on the heart and the tears and well worth it.

Thank you Ryan Michele for sharing this story and releasing a copy to me early.

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REVIEW: Perfectly Imperfect by Harper Sloan

Perfectly Imperfect by Harper Sloan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Body image issues. I have them, you have them, I'm pretty sure every woman I know has them. Doesn't matter your size, it's like it's embedded in your DNA only you don't think anyone else suffers from the same type of issues about their own body.

So when one of my favorite authors introduces me to a new story that demanded she write it because it hit so close to home for her personally, I didn't think, I just pre-ordered that puppy and said to myself "You WILL read this."

From the first page, I couldn't put this book down. The hashtag #IAmWillow was evident from the first page. Willow was beaten down for so long that it was only a matter of time for her to snap. Kane's there to see it and doesn't get it. He sees the beauty that she is and is on a mission to get her to see that and claim her for himself.

This was a beautiful story which includes some Kane drama too that Willow handles beautifully.

But beneath it all, the strength and the beauty Willow finds in herself brings out the beauty that every single one of us women have.

This is a story that was very powerful for me and will be re-read many, many times. I encourage everyone I know to read this story and tell me you don't see a little of Willow in you.

#IAmWillow

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BOOK TOUR & EXCERPT: Perfectly Imperfect by Harper Sloan

Meet Willow and Kane in the newest stand alone by Harper Sloan!

NOW AVAILABLE on the following retailers:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1QqBIuM
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1HPNwUw
Nook: http://bit.ly/1kZQ87U
iBooks: http://apple.co/1WW6mAw

Blurb

Mirror, mirror ... who's the fairest of them all?

I still cringe when I hear that line. A fairy tale that had girls pretending they were the fairest, the most beautiful, and the most entitled. A fairy tale most couldn't grow out of turned my haunted childhood memories into a living nightmare. Girls who grew up believing that pile of garbage became the meanest of all 'mean girls.'

And those mean girls were right - it was a line meant for all the beautiful people in the world - and I knew the answer would never be me.

The women with long legs, flat stomachs, and perfect chests.

The type of women Kane Masters gravitated toward.

Well, that's definitely not Willow Tate.

No. That will never be me.

Because I'm completely imperfect.

And ... I hate myself.

I have no idea what Kane could possibly see in someone like me when he could have them.

Excerpt

“Are you nervous right now?”
I nod.
“Tell me why.” His demand, steady and calm, gives me the courage I need to tell him. To open a vein and bleed my insecurities.
“I’m not perfect,” I whisper.
“And neither am I, Willow. I don’t want perfect. What so many see as perfect, to me, is fake. Perfect isn’t achievable naturally. No one, and I mean no one, is perfect.”
I’m shaking my head before he’s even done speaking, but one long finger comes up and presses against my lips before I can speak.
“No, let me finish. There isn’t beauty in perfection. It’s as fake as the image the word projects. Beauty is found in imperfection, Willow, because to admit you’re not perfect means you’re admitting you’re not whole and absolute. When I think of myself, I see someone willing to admit he’s as far from complete as it gets because, in order to get to that perfection, I need to find the other part of me who will make my life better. To take all the faults I have and fill them, and only then will I be there. You see, the way I see it, the only way to become perfect is to find that perfectly imperfect person who brings it out of you.”
When he stops, I swear I might have stopped breathing. How am I supposed to respond to that?
“Do you trust me?” he asks, his voice strong and sure.
“Yes, Kane. Nerves or not, I do.”
“Then let me show you what I see when I look at you.”
He brings his hands up, framing my face once again in a way I’m quickly becoming addicted to the feeling of. His warm eyes implore, begging me without words to let him continue. I do not intend to stop him, regardless of the butterflies currently taking over my system. I’m all in.

About the Author

Harper lives in small town Georgia just a short drive from her hometown of Peachtree City. She (and her 3 daughters) enjoy ruling the house they dubbed 'Estrogen Ocean', much to her husband’s chagrin. Harper has a borderline unhealthy obsession with books; you can almost ALWAYS find her with her eReader attached. She enjoys bad reality TV and cheesy romantic flicks. Her favorite kind of hero--the super alpha kind!

Harper started using writing as a way to unwind when the house went to sleep at night; and with a house full of crazy it was the perfect way to just relax. It didn't take long before a head full of very demanding alphas would stop at nothing to have their story told.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

GIVEAWAY
$50 Amazon Gift Card
a Rafflecopter giveaway Share Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MDk5NjRmMDM5ZDM4YTBjYWM0YzAyYzM0NGI2ODRhOjc2Mw==/?

RELEASE DAY BLITZ: Perfectly Imperfect by Harper Sloan

Meet Willow and Kane in the newest stand alone by Harper Sloan!

NOW AVAILABLE on the following retailers:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1QqBIuM
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1HPNwUw
Nook: http://bit.ly/1kZQ87U
iBooks: http://apple.co/1WW6mAw

Blurb

Mirror, mirror ... who's the fairest of them all?

I still cringe when I hear that line. A fairy tale that had girls pretending they were the fairest, the most beautiful, and the most entitled. A fairy tale most couldn't grow out of turned my haunted childhood memories into a living nightmare. Girls who grew up believing that pile of garbage became the meanest of all 'mean girls.'

And those mean girls were right - it was a line meant for all the beautiful people in the world - and I knew the answer would never be me.

The women with long legs, flat stomachs, and perfect chests.

The type of women Kane Masters gravitated toward.

Well, that's definitely not Willow Tate.

No. That will never be me.

Because I'm completely imperfect.

And ... I hate myself.

I have no idea what Kane could possibly see in someone like me when he could have them.

About the Author

Harper lives in small town Georgia just a short drive from her hometown of Peachtree City. She (and her 3 daughters) enjoy ruling the house they dubbed 'Estrogen Ocean', much to her husband’s chagrin. Harper has a borderline unhealthy obsession with books; you can almost ALWAYS find her with her eReader attached. She enjoys bad reality TV and cheesy romantic flicks. Her favorite kind of hero--the super alpha kind!

Harper started using writing as a way to unwind when the house went to sleep at night; and with a house full of crazy it was the perfect way to just relax. It didn't take long before a head full of very demanding alphas would stop at nothing to have their story told.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

REVIEW: November 9 by Colleen Hoover

November 9 by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I finished November 9 by Colleen Hoover last night. The woman effin tore out my heart several times, spread the pieces in places I still can't find, and mended most of it back together again. I loathe/love when she does it, but now I have another damn book hangover and yet another damn book boyfriend. I don't care what the frack you're doing right now. You need to read this book. I need you to read this book. I need you to share my awe, my laughter, my angst, my anger, my tears, all MY FEELS as well as your own. Why? Because both Ben's story and Fallon's needs to be breathed in, absorbed, and shared with everyone.

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COVER REVEAL: The Last Round by Emmy L. Montes

Hey all, I have a cover reveal for you and let me tell you, I cannot WAIT to get my grubby hands on Julian! #TheLastRound by Emmy L. Montes is releasing #Dec28th #AfterTheHappilyEverAfter #BoxersLife #EpicLove

REVIEW: Deacon (Unfinished Hero Book #4) by Kristin Ashley

Deacon by Kristen Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am so used to the alpha male being all ALPHA from the get go that this slow build up for me had me wanting to quit the book rather than keep reading. I'm glad I kept reading.

This book is a much darker book than most of the books I read. I wanted to read it because I enjoyed the first three Unfinished Hero books and I really enjoyed the Rock Chick series.

Cassidy follows a dream and buys some cabins, fixes them up, and rents them out. At first, she has the help of her boyfriend, but when that goes south and he goes packing, she continues working and renting the cabins. She's content in her life and when the mysterious and brooding man rents one of her cabins several times over the course of a few years, she tries to get to know him, but each time, he pushes her away until one night and then slowly the walls begin to come down for him and for her.

Yes, to me, this book has a cliffhanger. Do you need to read the other three books before this one? No, it can be read as a standalone, but if you enjoy Kristen Ashley, then I suggest reading the other three, preferably in order before reading this.


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REVIEW: Locke (Corps Security #6) by Harper Sloan

Locke by Harper Sloan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been waiting for Maddox Locke's story since he first appeared in Axel (Corps Security, #1). Tough, alpha exterior but the way he was in Axel, I was instantly taken by him and cursed Harper Sloan every time the next book in the series wasn't about Locke. However, she indeed, saved the best for last (although Axel gives Locke a run for his money in my heart).

So we meet Locke and Emmy in early stories (you really should read this series in order, but you don't have to. I just say DO IT [I'm so demanding, aren't I?]), you won't regret it. Back to Locke and Emmy.

Emmy has loved Maddox Locke throughout the series but Locke keeps playing a dance with her, keeping her at arms length and pushing her away. After an incident that occurs, she leaves the gang and heads back to the past she ran away from to begin with.

Of course the man goes after her and brings her back and the dance continues for a while of this push and pull between the two before everything comes to a head and when it does, you pull for them both and it's wicked.

If you want to believe those that leave the 1 and 2 stars then go ahead, but remember, like my review, their review is their opinion. If you love the Corps Security gang then read this book. You get your Sway moments, the moments with the other guys and Cohen too, as what is a Corps Security book without the gang, but you really and finally get Locke's story and that is what I was waiting for.

The book entertained me and that's all that matters to me. I loved it and I'm going to miss the gang as just starting life out with their significant others, but Harper has begun the wonderful Hope Town series about the kids of the Corps Security gang and the first one is about Cohen and Dani (Axel's daughter). WOOT WOOT WOOT!

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REVIEW: Cain's Identity (Scanguards Vampires Book 9) by Tina Folsom

Cain's Identity by Tina Folsom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What do you do when you have no memory of who you are except for vivid dreams of late and a feeling that you shouldn't be taking orders from anyone? You become defiant and combative. Then someone shows up claiming they know who you are and that they've come to take you back to claim what's rightfully yours?

If you're Cain, you cautiously agree to go "home" before you're legally declared dead. However, Scanguards sends some of its crew with you and what ensues is one entertaining, exciting, and tantalizing book. Not to say the book is without it's flaws as I'm partial to two or three other Scanguards vampires; I found myself drawn to Cain's story immediately despite him and his really cocky Alpha attitude. Besides, I've been waiting for his story for a while so I just HAD to read this book.

While I wasn't a fan of Cain's defiance of authority at first, when John comes into play to take him home, my attitude changed. We're taken away from San Francisco and taken down south and introduced to a whole different Vampire world.

Cain's Identity has its comedic moments, its tender moments, and a few battle scenes. Then ending could have been more epic and battleworthy to me, but it does not deter from how much I enjoyed this book.

If you have never read Tina Folsom's Scanguards series, I highly recommend it. I would start with Samson's Lovely Mortal, Book 1 and then read the series in order to experience the build up to Cain's Identity.

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REVIEW: Dare To Submit by Carly Phillips

Dare to Submit by Carly Phillips
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I will state this forever - Kelly Ripa introduced me to one of my favorite authors. Period.

Carly Phillips is an author I one-click, no questions asked, no need to look at the cover or read the synopsis. She writes, I buy. Period.

While this can be read as a stand alone, I highly suggest and recommend that you start reading the series from Book 1 - Dare to Love. Carly Phillips' writes you a world that you feel a part of from page one of every book she writes and while Dare to Submit is no exception, the build up from one book to the next is just as exciting as one-clicking just because Carly has a new book up for my reading enjoyment.

Dare to Submit is more racier than Carly's previous works and in it, she introduces us to Decklan Dare and Amanda Collins. Decklan may be a hot alpha male, but he's not the over-the-top alpha that I have read in a lot of books lately.

I'm trying to avoid spoilers here so forgive me - Decklan and Amanda are members of an elite BDSM club. One night, Decklan finds himself coming to her aid in the club and ends up taking her home. Decklan, who isn't looking to fall in love, ends up waking up the next morning with her gone and him missing her.

Amanda is from out of town and only comes to the city every few weeks for a night at the Club. She returns home and back to work where her boss encourages her to pursue Decklan as well as tell him the truth about herself.

If you want more, you really need to read the book.

I highly recommend Carly and all of her books, however, Carly now has a Kindle World based on the Dare world. Here you'll meet many different authors and be lost in that world for hours upon hours!

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REVIEW: Hardline by Meredith Wild

Hardline by Meredith Wild
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Okay, I want to read more books by Meredith Wild. This series just gets better and better. I think I need to meet this author just to thank her for writing Blake and Erica and giving me all the feels that I didn't have with other series that I felt I should have.

I'm sad though... this does have one helluva cliffhanger and at the time of my first read of this book, I didn't know this was going to be a five book series.

Alas, I have to wait to read the remaining two books but from the reviews I've read about them, the books are fantastic.

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