The Sweetest Kind of Fate by Crystal Kind

Because Amber Sands is only a matchmaker, she's an outcast in the magical society and viewed as 'lesser' than the witches, mermaids, vampires, and other paranormal species. When Amber's rival, Ivy, comes wanting to utilize her skills regarding love, Amber's justifiably skeptical. To top it off, 

Ivy's convinced her sister should not marry the mermaid she's fallen in love with, and she needs Amber to prove the two are not a match. But when Amber sees Ivy's sister has chosen well, she also discovers there's more at stake. Now the two must begrudgingly work together to keep Ivy's sister safe, all while Amber struggles with her own love life. 

The magic system and premise in this book are really cute and following Amber through her life to see how everyone's fate turns out will keep you turning the pages. This is the second book in a trilogy. 

Read and reviewed by A. Nelson 

She's With Me by Jessica Cunsolo 

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 The Quantum Weirdness of the Almost Kiss by Amy Noelle Parks

Evie Beckham first love has always been math. It's the one thing she truly understands, unlike emotions and other people. 

Caleb Covic is Evie's best friend but wishes he was more. He, along with Evie's roommate at their boarding school, are Evie's safe harbors. 

But when a new boy in school solves a math equation, his answer speaks to Evie's heart. Now Caleb must decide if he wants to watch Evie embark on the relationship he's always wanted with her, or risk their friendship by confessing his feelings. 

The Quantum Weirdness of the Almost Kiss is an adorable friends-to-lovers book that will keep you turning the pages. The innocence of Evie is endearing and Caleb's patience is the ideal boyfriend trait. This is one romance you won't regret reading. 

Read and reviewed by A. Nelson 

 The Girl You Lost by Kathryn Croft

Read by L.M. Potter

The Happily Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez

Sloan Monroe lost her fiance two years ago and has pretty much devoted her life to his memory. 

Jason is an up-and-coming rockstar who was on a walkabout in Australia when his dog sitter lost track of his dog, Tucker.

When Tucker jumps into Sloan's heart and her sunroof (literally), Sloan has no choice but to break out of her mourning routine and contact Jason but is unable to reach him.

The lack of response convinces Sloan to keep Tucker, not only because she loves the dog, but because having to take care of him has begun to heal her heart and her life. 

But when Jason returns to civilization, he wants Tucker back, and Sloan doesn't want to comply, a challenge Jason sees as an opportunity to meet the sexy-sounding Sloan. But Sloan's not sure she's ready to allow more than just Tucker into her heart. 

The Happily Ever After Playlist is a fun, flirty, rom-com that will have you rockin' out and smiling the whole way through. 

Read and Reviewed by A. Nelson 

 The Serial Killer's Wife By Alice Hunter

Beth has been married to Tom for six years when he is brought in for questioning by the police. Beth is left to navigate the gossip and backlash that comes from having a husband accused of murder.

The Serial Killer’s Wife is a well thought out book that deals with the issues that result from even so much as an accusation of murder – The other kids at school – the neighbors that can’t believe that 'you didn’t know', as well as the doubts and fears of a woman that doesn’t really know the man she’s been sharing her bed with.

With great twists and turns, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Read and reviewed by L.M. Potter

The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

 by Stuart Turton

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 The Traitor's Kiss by Erin Beaty

Sage Fowler is coming of age, but her uncle's plans to marry her off are not going to fly. After insulting the matchmaker, she self-sabotages her chances of finding a husband, not that she's complaining. Unfortunately, her actions reflect poorly on her uncle's family, and in order to save face, she must apologize. The matchmaker is surprised by Sage's actions and offers her an apprenticeship. And although Sage isn't thrilled with her new vocation, she's good at it. 

When she and the matchmaker are asked to escort a group of ladies to be married off for political alliances, they are accompanied by a group of soldiers from the king's guard. But something is amiss and Sage can sense it. She's asked by a handsome soldier to be a spy within the group, and the more she uncovers, the closer the pair become. 

This retelling of Mulan is intriguing, twisty, and full of fun surprises, perfect for a vacation read.

Read and reviewed by A. Nelson 

Working Stiff by Judy Melinek, M.D. and T.J. Mitchell

Working stiff is the professional working life story of a medical examiner. 

For any fan of true crime, medical and forensic science, or just fascinated with the Macabre, this book is for you. 

Not for the faint of heart, Dr. Melinek's accounts of autopsies, causes of death, and in-depth descriptions can leave even the bravest soul with a queasy stomach. However, all is worth it, as you get more than an accurate glimpse into the world of pathology, the experiences of those that work with our dearly departed, and the process that is coming to us all.

Read and reviewed by L.M. Potter

 

 Tandem By Anna Jarzab

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Can You See Us Now? by Cheryl Benton

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 (Not) Your Basic Love Story By Lindsay Maple

Attending her best friend's wedding in Mexico alone was not Rebecca's plan, but when her boyfriend cheated, she had no choice. However, when Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome, Dev - a Canadian Sikh, sits next to her on the plane, she thinks her luck is changing. That is until he throws up on her. 

Disgusted, Rebecca flees the airport and heads to her hotel, only to find that she's grabbed the wrong luggage. She quickly makes arrangements for a swap and learns Dev is the one with her bag. And while he's eager to make amends, Rebecca is not having it, despite her obvious attraction to him. 

It's not until the two meet again at a beach party that their chemistry can't be denied. After a firey night together, the two become inseparable. But between her ex, his culture, and their feelings, things get extremely complicated. 

Lindsay Maple does a great job of balancing heavy issues with heat and humor. The story will give you all the feels and I highly recommend it. 

Read and reviewed by A. Nelson  

 Kismet by Lauren Blakely

When Jo is given the career opportunity of a lifetime, Her friends all encourage her to jump at the chance. The only problem for Jo is that she has a history there. A history she's scared to bump into but knows she can't avoid.

Biting the bullet, Jo follows her dream across the pond, where she meets Heath, and takes him home for a one-night stand. At least, that's what it was supposed to be. 

That is, until Jo's first day of work, where she not only works in the same building as Heath but is assigned as a co-captain with him on a new project. Worse still, they are both vying for the same position once this project is completed.

If you love witty banter, smoldering yet heartwarming romance, then Lauren Blakely's Kismet is for you. 

 

Read & Reviewed by L.M. Potter

 The Fastest Way to Fall by Denise Williams

Britta wants to advance from editor to journalist at the lifestyle website company where she works. When she signs up to participate and critique a fitness app against her rival coworker with a rival app, she's sure she's got the new position in the bag. But what she doesn't anticipate is the hot fitness coach who seems to be flirting with her. Lines begin to blur and emotions run high, and Britta starts to worry about the ethical dilemma of her situation - should she risk her job for a man who could be her 'one' or come clean and risk losing him. 

This story had great stakes, and the writing and tension between the main characters were strong. However, there was something about the love interest being the main character's fitness coach while she comes to terms with her body that kind of put me off, just a little bit. I still enjoyed it, though, despite my hangups. 

Read and reviewed by A. Nelson

 

I Looked Away by Jane Corry

I Looked Away tells the story of a young grandmother, Ellie, who looks after her grandson every Monday. But unlike the previous Monday's, today, Ellie is distracted. While her husband talks on the phone with a woman he once had an affair with, Ellie is suspicious and devastated, taking her eyes of her grandson for just a moment. 

But a moment was all it took.

I'm not sure I would call this book a suspense, although there are elements of suspense woven into the story.

I looked away started off slow. Probably a little too slow for me, but I only had to be patient a little while, before the pace gathered some speed.

Read and Reviewed by L.M. Potter

 Lux by Brandon Sanderson 

They thought Calamity was just a new red star in the sky, but when it changed humans into epics - men and women with superhuman abilities - the future of the world rested in their hands. But the true test of a person's character is to give them power - and the epics are failing. 

Lux is a great prequel to the Steelheart series. Brandon Sanderson's knowledge of science and how he works it into the plot of this series is ingenious! I highly recommend the entire series. 

Read and reviewed by A. Nelson

 An Alleged Rogue by Sian Ann Bessey

Unbeknownst to Lord Adam Dunsbourne rumors around town say he's holding his sister hostage at their estate and that he's gambled away his family's fortune. So now that the time has come for his sister to enter society, he's confused by his neighbors' cold reception. 

Upon hearing the gossip, Pheobe Hadford takes it upon herself to befriend Lord Dunsbourne's sister, Emily, and free her from his tyrannical grasp. However, the more she gets to know Emily and her brother, the more she questions the validity of what she's heard. 

As the truth unfolds, feelings between Phoebe and Adam grow, and together they work to restore his reputation and the real rogue behind the lies. 

This is a charming tale that depicts the sad truths about rumors and lies but handles them in a way we can all learn from. With strong characters and great writing, this is an enjoyable read I highly recommend. 

Read by A. Nelson

 Sun of a Beach by Mia Sosa

Read buy L.M. Potter

Seeking Mansfield by Kate Watson

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 A Love Hate Thing by Whitney D. Grandison

After recovering from a gunshot and losing his parents, Tyson Trice's life gets upended again when he loses his grandfather to cancer. Now Tyson finds himself leaving the Lindenwood hood to live in wealthy Pacific Hills with some old friends and former employers of his grandfather, the Smiths, that he hasn't seen in eight years. Tyson goes willingly, but he's sure he won't fit in, and the Smith's daughter, Nandy, only confirms his suspicions. Being used to a posh lifestyle and popular friends, Nandy is convinced Tyson's reappearance in her life is nothing but trouble. 

As the two navigate their new situation, feelings of old crushes start to resurface, confusing them both and blurring the lines between them. Now Tyson must decide if his past defines his future, and Nandy needs to choose if her fears will override her heart. 

This enemies-to-lovers story pulls at your heartstrings, pushes the boundaries of stereotypes, and shows both sides of peer pressure in a way everyone can understand and enjoy. 

Read by A. Nelson