mystery

Free and bargain books November 07, 2022

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Tomorrow is a big day in the US. Election day. Are you all getting out to vote? Awesome.

So, this is a good day, we have a couple of FREE books. BookBub and BookRunes have let us know about them. The first is an author we see regularly, the second is brand new to us.

Last Taste of Freedom (Chevalier Protection Specialists Book 1)

The fight is coming home.

For trophy daughter Nora Gladstone, life isn’t as perfect as it appears. When her only ally is suspiciously killed the truth of her father’s treachery leaks through the cracks of the facade that is her whole world.

Zander O’Connell and his team of former soldiers and spies accept a mission from the director of the Department of Clandestine Services. A quick search of the objective before they destroy it reveals a sinister picture.

Determined to bring her father down, Nora may be the key to the question at the core of Zander’s existence. But when a man thought dead resurfaces, the threat becomes far more dangerous than any of them expected.

Unless they survive, this will be their Last Taste of Freedom.

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Keatyn’s Journey: Seeds of Faith

Journeys of Life
Tragic events caused Keatyn Rae Griffin to leave home and become bitter. Over the years, she’s managed to push everyone but her brother, Alvin, out of her life. Everyone, including God.

A turn of events causes Keatyn to travel home to Pensacola Beach. Home to the place where her life fell apart.

Gareth Davenport left his past behind and now lives a life obedient to God. When he crosses paths with Keatyn, he’s determined to help with her pilgrimage back to God.

Will Keatyn’s journey bring love and forgiveness back to her life? Most importantly, will her journey help her turn back to God?

Or will secrets from the past drive Keatyn further away and cause her to harden her heart forever?

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One more interesting read showed up in my time spent browsing, it’s a bargain collection and I’ve read and enjoyed the first book in the series. Now I’m looking forward to the rest.

A total change of pace, historical fiction, cowboys and prairie brides.

Prairie Brides Box Collection One: Books 1-4

Prairie Brides Box Collection 1 introduces the town of Clear Creek and the Cooke brothers. Three English gents who tame the west with their fists and impeccable manners! Enjoy these sweet, clean and wholesome stories of family, friendships, and love set in the old west! Included in this boxed set are:

His Praire Princess: When Sadie Jones, the daughter of cattle baron Horatio Jones, set out on her own in search of her dying birth mother, she got more than she bargained for. She never dreamed the stage would be robbed and she herself taken along with the rest of the loot! After all, being kidnapped was the last thing on her mind that morning. Unfortunately, it was the foremost thing that afternoon.
Harrison Cooke, raised by his English mother to be the perfect gentleman, simply went to get the mail, not rescue a damsel in distress! But here he was, attempting to rescue the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and of course, not get them both killed in the process.

Her Prairie Knight: Belle Dunnigan hadn’t expected Clear Creek to be so remote. It was a far cry from Boston society and she soon learned how hard life out on the Oregon prairie could be. But it wasn’t prairie life that was hard. It was living with her Aunt Irene! The woman ruled with an iron fist and hated everyone. Especially the Cooke family. And unfortunately for Belle, the only decent men of the marrying kind within a hundred miles, WERE the Cookes! With spinsterhood starring her in the face, what was she to do? Even worse, she was terribly attracted to Colin Cooke, the one man her aunt hated most of all.

HIs Prairie Duchess: Duncan Cooke had a problem. A really BIG problem. As the next Duke of Stantham, he would have power and position, a wealthy estate and the means to take care of his family for years to come. His father and mother could only dream something like this would happen to their eldest son and now their dream was a reality. So what was the problem? He had to get married in the next thirty-eight days or lose it all. Unfortunately, Duncan lived in Clear Creek. A place where there wasn’t a single female around for hundreds of miles.
Except one.

Her Prairie Viking: Andel Berg came to Clear Creek under the guise of becoming the new blacksmith, but little did the townspeople of Clear Creek know that he was so much more! Madeline Van Zuyen came to Clear Creek for a new beginning and the chance to start a new life. Little did she know that SHE was so much more!
Mr. Berg had a duty to perform. Find the Princess Madelaina at any cost, retrieve her, and deliver her to Count Rudge, one of the most despicable men Andel had ever known. Not an appealing task for a Captain of the King’s Guard but unfortunately, Andel had no choice. If he didn’t deliver the princess Count Rudge would kill his father and Andel was prepared to do anything to keep that from happening. But Andel hadn’t counted on falling in love.

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Another interesting Kit Morgan collection showed up and I want it too. I’ll use another post to share it with you.

Soon.

Happy Reading.

Free book November 06, 2022

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Sunday is a slow day for book suggestions but we do have one that could be interesting. The authors are new to me and they are still new to having books published it seems, the selection is still small. One thing they do have in their favorite is their impressive involvement in the publishing industry. Editing is in their resume and I know they will be making sure their books are well taken care of in that department. I wish I could say the same thing about my current read where the editing is hit and miss and leaves much to be desired. At least the story is well thought out.

So back to BookRunes free suggestion. This is a published series with three books and we have the first one.

Picture Imperfect (Roseville Romances Book 1) 

Can a struggling career woman and a procrastinating artist save a beloved nonprofit?Aspiring novelist Caroline Penn expected a promotion, not a picture book assignment. But when her employer, the non-profit Helping Hope, runs into financial trouble, this book might be the solution. With the company struggling to stay afloat, she and the illustrator will need to collaborate on a strict deadline—no problem for a workaholic like Caroline, right?

Andy Jackson, a “starving” artist, pays the bills by taking on graphic design gigs, but his perfectionism gets in the way. If only he could focus on a project for once, perhaps he could achieve his dream to make art for children for a living.

When the two are thrust together to create a book, Caroline can’t seem to write for children, and Andy can’t meet a deadline to save his life. As time ticks down to release day, the two must face their pasts and insecurities. If they can avoid strangling one another for long enough, they may just bring to the table what the other is missing.

If not, the fate of their careers—and a beloved nonprofit—hangs in the balance.

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That’s all there is for now but I will keep my eyes open just in case.

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I have two current reads. . . half way through each of them. I’m enjoying the stories but I’m not sure what happened here.

The problem with the first one is sloppy editing. Much of the book, so far, is well edited, it’s the sections with no discernible editing that are derailing the reader’s connection to the story. Could it be that the polished version was not the one published? Certainly seems possible.

The second story is a good read, as usual for this author, but there are some triggering sections that have me taking a break.

I will finish them both in time, never fear.

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It’s a cloudy day with cool temperatures, a perfect day to curl up with a warm drink. a good book, and a cozy blanket

Happy Reading y’all

Free and bargain books November 05, 2022

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We have a new book! I’m so excited about this one. I love the cover, the story hook has my attention and I definitely want this as my next read.

BookBub is behind this suggestion.

Line by Line (Love along the Wires Book #1)

Alice McNeil resolved at a young age to travel through life unencumbered by love or marriage, free to make her own decisions. A seasoned telegrapher, she’s recently acquired a coveted position at an important trading firm, but when the company’s ambitious junior director returns to London, things begin to change in ways Alice could never have imagined.

For Douglas Shaw, years of hard work and ingenuity enabled him to escape a life of grinding poverty. He’s also determined to marry into high society–a step that will ensure he never returns to the conditions of his past.

He and Alice form a friendly relationship based on mutual respect, but anything deeper is not in their plans. However, when Alice accidentally raises the ire of a jealous and vindictive coworker who’s intent on ruining her life, Alice and Douglas are forced to confront what is truly important in their lives. Will their growing bond give them the courage to risk finding a better way?

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Browsing, I came across this FREE book. We read two of her books in 2021 and she is on my good author’s list, which means it will be good, right? The story line seems familiar, maybe it was in a collection somewhere but I’m hoping not, I’m hoping for another new read.

The Bachelor’s Wife: Small Town Bachelors – Book 1 

She was going to lose it all… unless she took his help
A year ago, Rose Sallow became a widow. A few days ago, she found out she no longer owns her business, and it’s being sold. Rose has always been a fighter, but should she let this one go and take a new job that offers her a new way of life?

On top of it all a man from her past, Grayson Chance has come home. He’ says he’s looking for a fake fiancée. He says he’ll pay her, and she can decide if she wants to fight for her business or not. Rose jumps on the opportunity.

Time has a funny way of making you see the truth, and this fake relationship is feeling very real to Rose. Can she trust another man with her heart?

He was going to have it all taken from him…unless she helped him.
Grayson is home to settle his mom’s affairs. Apparently, his mother wasn’t done settling his. He needs his fiancé to move into the house the only problem is there is no fiancé. He knew Rose Sallow. They are both in a pickle, but this plan will work.

The problem with plans are things no one plans for.

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Well, we only have two but they both look like winners, what could be better than that?

I often check out authors in my downloads on Amazon to see whether, or how often, they’ve been read. Next, if I don’t already know, I check my journal lists to see where an author lands, good or bad, or if they even do. Then I check the file where cover pictures are saved for upload. While I was fixing a title typo before upload I noticed the file size. 300 covers in 2022. That’s a lot of books y’all. And we still have the better part of two months to go. It would be nice if there was a feature allowing me to see the number read in 2022, I would love to have an easy way to know how I’m doing.

Final word…

Current enjoyable read.

Lethal Betrayal (Vanishing Ranch Book 5)

Happy Reading, have a great weekend.

Another book read November 04, 2022

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Another read and an almost read

Both of these were in recent posts. I have a bad habit of reading all the best stuff first and then when they are all gone I’ll go back through the list for the next read. Until new books show up and it starts all over again. That’s why I’m slow to share sometimes because it’s probably only been a day or two since the download, It’s too soon to be seeing those covers again. Too much deja vu.

These were both enjoyable, pleasantly so.

It Came Upon a Midnight Crime: Squeaky Clean Mysteries, Book 2.5 (a Christmas novella)

Someone is intent on destroying the true meaning of Christmas—at least, destroying anything that hints of it. All around crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire’s hometown, anything pointing to Jesus as the “reason for the season” is being sabotaged. The crimes become more twisted as dismembered body parts are found at the vandalisms. Who would go to such great lengths to dampen the joy and hope of Christ’s birthday? Someone’s determined to destroy Christmas . . . but Gabby St. Claire is just as determined to find the Grinch and let peace on earth and goodwill to men prevail.

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I’m almost finished this one.

Pleasantly surprised too.

First Kisses: A Collection of Sweet & Inspirational Romance Series Starters

HEART LAKE #1: Winds of Change
The cowboy who broke her heart and the career opportunity that brings her back to the small town where they first fell in love…

BORN IN TEXAS: HOMETOWN HEROES A-Z #1: Accidental Hero
After a bad breakup, former Army Ranger Matt Romero is on a new mission — to remain single. Rescuing a lovely cowgirl from a highway collision is definitely not in the plan. Neither is the unexpected attraction it sparks.

COWBOY CONFESSIONS #1: Mr. Not Right for Her
A scarred cowboy determined to remain single and the klutzy new ranch hand who trips up his carefully laid plans…

BLACK TIE BILLIONAIRES #1: Her Billionaire Boss
When the CEO of a mega corporation hires the rebel youngest daughter of his family’s biggest rival to serve as his personal assistant…

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It has been a good reading day.

Must go finish.

Happy reading y’all

Emptying the read folder November 02, 2022

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It has been a good week for enjoyable books and it was a delight to spend time with them.

They have accumulated quite nicely. Probably because they weren’t terribly long, which was nice for a change. The count adds up rather quickly and pumps up my sense of accomplishment.

The View from Coral Cove: A Sweet Contemporary Romance 

Not Until You: A Christian Romance (Hope Springs Book 3)

Sunburst (Sky King Ranch Book #2) 

Of Pens and Ploughshares: Hearts Unlocked

SCARS: Contemporary Christian Romantic Suspense (Spiritual Warfare Series, Book 4)

Sealed with a Christmas Promise: A K-9 Romantic Suspense (Called To Protect Book 7)

There are more but I will save the for next time.

I hope you are feeling inspired.

Happy Reading

More from Christy Barritt November 01, 2022

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As promised, we have several more attractive bargains from favorite author Christy Barritt.

Swept Away: A Squeaky Clean Honeymoon Novella (Book 11.5) (Squeaky Clean Mysteries) 

Finding the perfect place for a honeymoon, away from any potential danger or mystery, is challenging. But Gabby’s longtime love and newly minted husband, Riley Thomas, has done it. He has found a location with a nonexistent crime rate, a mostly retired population, and plenty of opportunities for relaxation in the warm sun.

Within minutes of the newlyweds’ arrival, a convoy of vehicles descends on a nearby house, and their honeymoon oasis is destroyed like a sandcastle in a storm. Despite Gabby’s and Riley’s determination to keep to themselves, trouble comes knocking at their door—literally—when a neighbor is abducted from the beach directly outside their rental.

Will Gabby and Riley be swept away with each other during their honeymoon . . . or will a tide of danger and mayhem pull them under?

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The next one looks fun too.

It Came Upon a Midnight Crime: Squeaky Clean Mysteries, Book 2.5 (a Christmas novella)

Someone is intent on destroying the true meaning of Christmas—at least, destroying anything that hints of it.

All around crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire’s hometown, anything pointing to Jesus as the “reason for the season” is being sabotaged. The crimes become more twisted as dismembered body parts are found at the vandalisms. Who would go to such great lengths to dampen the joy and hope of Christ’s birthday?

Someone’s determined to destroy Christmas . . . but Gabby St. Claire is just as determined to find the Grinch and let peace on earth and goodwill to men prevail.

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Checking out some of the ever present suggestion strips, there were books that I wish were at bargain prices. I would love to read them. It’s taking a fair amount of self discipline to keep from giving in.

I have a budget for a reason. To keep me from going overboard, ordering more books than I can possibly read.

It’s a good thing the fiscally responsible side of me balances out the ever present desire for more. It cringes over books bought but not read and fans into flame my guilty conscience for indulging.

Thanks goodness for a hard line price range, I don’t feel guilty very often. I hate the feeling and that is a deterrent right there

It’s funny how easy it is to quickly read the inexpensive books while dragging my feet on the full priced books. Maybe it has to do with expectations. They are much higher as the price goes up. It seems disappointment happens more readily too with unmet, probably unreasonable, expectations.

That’s why I like free books. They make it easy to lower expectations. And, they help soothe what could be a guilty conscience over the many unread books still in my library.

I wouldn’t change a thing. I still love books and always want more.

It’s time for lights out and I wanted to read. I’ll sneak in a chapter or two.

Thanks for working your way through my late night rambling.

Happy reading!

Bargain books October 31, 2022

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Today may be a good book day. Lots of suggestion emails this morning. We will see if it works out or not. Maybe, hopefully.

This book wasn’t in one of the emails, instead it showed up in Amazon suggestion strips as I checked out email suggestions.

This is the next book in a series we’ve been following and I’m excited to see it.

Lethal Betrayal (Vanishing Ranch Book 5)

Emily Holcomb never thought working for a nonprofit would endanger her life. But when she’s abducted by ruthless men, it’s clear someone has an agenda they don’t want exposed. She manages to escape, only to find herself at the mercy of another man. But is he her oasis or a deadly mirage?

Former Mexican federal police commander Mateo Garcia wants to leave his painful past behind. Vanishing Ranch offers him a fresh start. When he stumbles upon a mysterious woman in dire need of help, he realizes something about the woman seems familiar. He’s certain of one thing—Emily didn’t end up at Vanishing Ranch by chance.

Even though Emily and Mateo don’t trust each other, they’re forced to work together. With danger closing in, the answers they need are buried deeper than the desert sand and clothed in betrayal. Can they discover the truth before their search becomes lethal?

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I decided to take the time to check out more of Christy’s books since the other suggestions were not working out well for me. I’m sure they would be worth while to someone maybe, but not to me. And since I get to decide what to pick, since it’s my blog, well. . . you get the idea.

I did find more bargains on her site, books that I don’t already own, and I own quite a few. Let’s see, it looks like I’m up to 67 including today’s purchase. Christy is a writing machine. There are others that I don’t own, not yet anyway.

The next bargain I found is also next in another series I’ve recently started following. I’m up to book two and enjoying it. I’m not a big fan of cutesy, the thing the little dog on this cover would suggest. In this case the cover is very cute but the story is not, the lapdog plays a minor role.

Book four is next up for purchase.

This is a continued story so it is good to read them in order but not really necessary. Each book follows a different crime, their relationship status is the continuing story.

Bound by Trouble (Beach Bound Books and Beans Mysteries Book 4) 

With the grand opening of Beach Bound Books and Beans, Tali Robinson’s dreams are finally coming true. She hopes to now put the past behind her and start a new chapter. When a suspicious stranger mysteriously shows up at her celebration, her hopes disappear faster than a bestseller at a book signing.

Mac MacArthur is ready to solidify his relationship with Tali. But mending their differences is easier said than done. Then someone sets their sights on Tali—and wants to put her out of print . . . permanently.

With trouble brewing, Tali and Mac have no choice but to dive into the chaos of the past. However, as more answers are revealed, the danger increases. The truth will come at a great cost . . . one that will bind them together or drive them apart.

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The first three.

There are several more bargains from other series but they will keep until the next post.

Happy Reading y’all.

Free book October 28, 2022

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This is interesting. BookRunes brought us this suggestion.This is the first time we’ve crossed paths with this author and her story description is unique. Checking out the warnings at the bottom this blurb, this book does not sound anything like our usual reads in a number of ways. Maybe that’s not a bad thing. Sometimes a story like this helps us see the real world and the horror that victims are forced to live through. Some of us may find this triggering. That was not mentioned in the warning but maybe it should be. Read carefully.

The Woof Pack

BOOK ONE in The Woof Pack Trilogy
A Christian Romantic Suspense Series

It’s just a regular evening when Iyana’s neighbors ask her to babysit their dog. Everything seems fine until two masked men enter the apartment without an invitation.
At first, Iyana thinks they’ve come to steal the dog—she’d heard of a string of break-ins in the community by a group called The Woof Pack. But when these thugs overpower her and drag her away, she realizes they’re not pup-loving enthusiasts at all.

A case of mistaken identity gets Iyana taken in by one of the deadliest gangs in New York. Now, she has seen their faces and has learned their names; even though they know they’ve got the wrong girl, they aren’t going to let her go.
Fortunately, Iyana is a smart woman. She strikes a deal with the leader of the gang … they’ll let her live as long as she makes herself useful. But Iyana is just a naive Christian girl babysitting an innocent pup. What can she offer the most dangerous man in the city?

She knows exactly what he wants. She can tell from the way he looks at her, the way his eyes linger when she catches him staring. But she’s not willing to give him that. Anything but that.
The Woof Pack have taken her hostage; they’ve taken her mind, body, and her will. But she won’t let them have her heart.

If only Vito Gerardo were that easy to resist.

***WARNING***
This book is a work of Christian fiction: there is no foul language, and no graphic scenes of violence, sex, or gore. Due to content involving gang activity and hostage situations, this series is recommended for mature audiences ages 17+

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1531 Entertainment has a bargain suggestion.

One Little Lie (The Pelican Harbor Series Book 1) 

It started with one little lie. But Jane Hardy will do everything in her power to uncover the truth in this gripping romantic suspense.

Jane Hardy is appointed interim sheriff in Pelican Harbor, Alabama, after her father retires, but there’s no time for an adjustment period. When her father is arrested for theft and then implicated in a recent murder, Jane quickly realizes someone is attempting to destroy the only family she has.

After escaping with her father from a cult fifteen years ago, Jane has searched relentlessly for her mother—who refused to leave—ever since. Could someone from that horrible past have found them?

Reid Dixon is well-known for his documentaries, and his latest project involves covering Jane’s career. Jane has little interest in the attention, but the committee who appointed her loves the idea of the publicity.

Jane finds herself depending on Reid’s calm manner as he follows her around filming, and they begin working together to clear her father. But Reid has his own secrets from the past, and the gulf between them may be impossible to cross—especially once her father’s lie catches up with him.

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Two complex stories, how awesome is that?

Happy Reading y’all

Free books October 27, 2022

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BookBub has a FREE suggestion for us

My Father’s House: a novel

Growing up, life is idyllic for Lily Rose Cates due to one constant – her father’s love. But in her sixteenth summer, all that changes without warning. There begins Lily’s struggle to find herself and the life she’s lost. . . .
Marriage promises fulfillment, but her happily-ever-after barely survives the honeymoon. Her husband’s sophisticated façade hides a brooding man with even darker secrets. When all illusions shatter, Lily must make hard choices – abandon her husband or risk losing much more than her marriage. She flees their home in Detroit and sets out on a fearful journey to a house in Georgia that her husband knows nothing about.

This is one woman’s compelling tale of love and survival as she finds her way back home to who she’s meant to be . . . in her father’s house.

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BookRunes has a FREE suggestion too.

Jane: A Fierce Heart (Harvey Girls Book 3)

Jane is determined to make the world a better place even when everything seems so bleak in this clean and wholesome historical western romance story.

Independent, red-haired Jane Harris is twenty years old in 1917 when war breaks out and changes her life. In her hometown of Beaumont, Virginia, she does her best to be a good sister, a good daughter, and to volunteer however she can for the war effort.
But it’s not enough. Her brothers, many of her friends, and the man she loves are gone to France, and Jane needs to do more than knit socks for them. She needs to be busy. She needs to leave home. Luckily, her mother understands, and soon Jane is interviewing to be a Harvey Girl.

The job comes with challenges she has never before experienced. Far away from home, she must stand against her adversaries, and sometimes against her friends. She will have to work hard to achieve things that come easily to those around her, but luckily she will learn that character triumphs over talent, especially when times are hard.

Watching a new world unfold all around her, Jane realizes she is changing too. Will she recognize the difference between childhood devotion and true love? Will she choose the man who can give her the love she deserves? And will he make it home safely?

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Happy Reading!

Free book October 26, 2022

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This will be a short and sweet post, once again.

1531 Entertainment is behind this suggestion. We’ve read and enjoyed other books in this series.

SCARS: Contemporary Christian Romantic Suspense (Spiritual Warfare Series, Book 4)

He tried to leave the past behind, but it won’t leave him…

Ex-gang member Garrett Lovett is a new creature in Christ. At least, he’s trying to be. He’s got a wholesome routine, a place on the IronWorks football team, and a pretty woman he wants to know better.

But when the old gang resurfaces with the ultimatum to re-up or face consequences, Garrett has tough decisions to make. These guys know how to get to him—his addictions, his fears.

When things get life-threatening, Garrett must decide if this God he’s heard about is real or not. And if so, can he rescue Garrett and those he loves before it’s too late?

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This is my current read and I’m thoroughly enjoying it.

I’m just starting book 4

Finding Love Medical Romance Boxed Set: Five Sweet medical Romance 

Home For Love
She’s a widow who has loved and lost.

He’s just been jilted.

Neither of them have love in their plan… As situation forces them together, Jared finds it hard to step away from the woman and her two sweet kids who have captured his heart.

Alison knows the longer she depends on Jared, the harder it will be to leave. If only she didn’t have to leave.

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Have a good day.

Happy Reading.