Book Reviews: #Romance – Jacquie Biggar, Staci Troilo #YA Horror – Teri Polen
Thank you for the TBR Challenge, Diana Wallace Peach. The Omicron surge is scary. I’m staying home as much as possible and doing decluttering of the Kindle. I’ve read three books in the last 10 days.
![Perfectly Imperfect by [Jacquie Biggar]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Y614+fCbL.jpg)

Perfectly Imperfect is a lovely novella I enjoyed a couple of hours on a Saturday afternoon reading by the fireplace. If you like steamy but not erotic romance, Jacquie Biggar’s Perfectly Imperfect is the right book for you. It has plenty of it from the beginning to the end.
Georgina Michaels borrowed money from the family to start the Bloomin’ Right food product company. The company’s finance is threatening her to file bankruptcy. She seeks business partners to keep it going because it is the way her Granny wanted. It’s her baby.
Ryns Turner is the son of a big business owner Mr. Turner, Sr. who makes investments in buying and selling small companies. Ryns went to Bloomin’ Right on his father’s request to do an inspection intending to have bigger shares and the right to sell it.
On a rainy morning in Seattle, Georgina and Ryns got stuck in the malfunctioned elevator and started a conversation, only to find out later that Georgina is the CEO of the Bloomin’ Right and Ryns is the prospective partner. They both have their own ideas about what to do with the company’s future and none of them wants to back down.
The book presents the two characters’ POV in alternate chapters revealing their thoughts and feelings. Georgina and Ryns seem to admire each other. The attraction intensifies throughout the several days of business interaction while they are critical and judgmental of each other.
The story is well-crafted with enough push-and-pull emotions and actions. Highly recommended.
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![No Such Luck (Keystone Couples) by [Staci Troilo]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41S6chhBx2L.jpg)

Staci Troilo’s No Such Luck is a charming romance that took place right before Christmas, I felt the warmth coming out of the pages.
The beginning of the story was not pleasant when Piper Seidel was fired as a journalist for the third time. She was over-confident, arrogant, and thought she was invincible because she thought she was the best. She was wrong. Her boss fired her, had someone pack up her desk, and had the security escort her to the parking lot. Such a humiliation reminds me of a political situation that happened to the boss of my boss, except she was escorted to her office first thing in the morning, being watched while she packed up a few things. Piper was in shock. She checked the box of stuff. The office packed all her belonging except her good luck charm of the carnation Tommy Burnett gave it to her from their high school dance. Too late, she had lost it.
Piper drove her 20 years old car, hitting the road to head home earlier than scheduled. She was pretty downhearted by losing the job, losing the apartment, with no foreseeable bright future. Her parents were not prepared and had nothing for her to eat. She found herself at the grocery store two hours later, bumping into Tommy on whom she had a crush eleven years prior. She also ran into her best friend, Jack Rhodes, and felt guilty that she didn’t return his many messages.
A night out with her prince charming brought her from fantasy to reality. An honest talk with Jack gave her the right perspective of what she wanted in life. I enjoyed this cozy romance. Highly recommended.
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![Sarah by [Teri Polen]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41JWRqYO45L.jpg)

Teri Polen’s Sarah is a YA horror with a well-developed story. Sarah is a teenage ghost murdered and lingered in the attic of the 17-year-old Cain Shannon’s home. Cain’s dad died. Mom is a real estate agent. She purchased the home at a good price because of the ghost story. Cain tries to become the man of the house by helping his mom. He juggles classes, soccer, and takes care of a 7-year-old sister.
His best friend Finn’s parents are divorced. Finn is often with Cain to play games, munch on junk food, and crash on the couch when there are problems at home.
Many eerie things happen in his room. The attic door cracks open, furniture falls sideways, and things in the room are out of place. Sarah shows up to him. He is not afraid of Sarah and asks her about the murder. Eventually, Sarah tells him the names of the three boys who murdered her.
Cain is the soccer captain and Erin doesn’t leave him alone. He likes Lindsey but doesn’t know how to break up with Erin. During a soccer game, he hits the ground and suffers a concussion. After being discharged from the hospital, he has memory lapses and does strange things he normally doesn’t do. He breaks up with Erin in the school hallway. He finishes chemistry homework in the class with perfect answers.
Sarah takes advantage of Cain when he is weak during his memory lapses and uses his body to take revenge. Then she sucks enough energy from Cain to do the killing without Cain’s body. With each killing, she becomes more powerful. Her power gets out of control to threaten the safety of Can’s family.
I read the book almost in one sitting, kept turning the pages until the last few paragraphs. The characters, relationships, and teenage life are realistic. Polen did a wonderful job to build the story gradually to the climax. The horror details are as vivid as any scenes on a movie screen. I could see the semi-transparent ghost swiftly flowing and suspending several feet above the ground. The friendship of Cain, Finn and Lindsey is beautiful. Cain couldn’t have done what he did without the help of Finn and Lindsey. I recommend this book to young people and adults.
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nice reviews, Miriam – sound like very enjoyable reads 🙂
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They’re beautiful stories, Yvette.😊
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😊
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Great reviews, Miriam. Congratulations to Jacquie, Staci, and Teri.
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Thank you for stopping by, Mark! It was a treat reading these books!
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These three books sound like an excellent respite from Omicron. Congratulations to Jacquie, Staci, and Teri on the reviews!
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You’re right, Liz. Books let my mind travel beyond the walls. Thank you for your comment!
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What a fun post, Miriam. I’ve read all three of these and thought they were super. Many congrats to Jacquie, Staci, and Teri for some awesome reads. 😀
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I had fun writing these book reviews, Diana! It was a treat reading those books. Thanks again for the challenge. 🙂
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We have a very talented community of writers. 🙂
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Great reviews, Miriam! Congratulations to these talented authors!📚🔥 Thanks for sharing, my friend.
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So good to hear from you, Vashti! How have you been? How’s your treatment?
These are wonderful books from three Talented authors. It was a treat reading them. Thank you for stopping by! Let me know how you’re doing! 🙂 ❤
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Hi, Miriam! Everyday I’m feeling better and stronger. I’m beginning to feel more myself and I can’t wait to start writing and getting into my routines again. I hope all is well with you. ❤
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What a great list. Lots of differences to pick from. I’ve read a lot of Jacquie’s–loved them all–but not this one. I’ll probably start there.
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I have several of Jacquie’s books piling up on my Kindle but read this one first. You’ll like it if you love her other books, Jacqui!
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Great reviews, Miriam! I enjoyed No Such Luck. I’m off to take a look at the other two. Thanks! 🙂
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No Such Luck is a sweet book, Yvette. I’m glad you enjoyed it also! You won’t be disappointed with the other two books! 🙂
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Thanks for the wonderful review, Miriam! Perfectly Imperfect was my first try at 1st person, and I loved it! Staci’s story was so sweet, she’s a great writer. I’ve seen Teri’s book on the blogs but always chickened out as horror isn’t my thing- your review talked me into giving it a chance 🙂
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I love the 1st person POV also, Jacquie! I feel like I can get under the skin of the characters and feel what’s in their heads and hearts. It’s different than 3rd person POV because it would be circumstantial. What you did is very effective. Even though Sarah is not like Casper the friendly ghost, it’s not too scary either. Staci’s story is very sweet. I wish some of my girlfriends had that chance. 🙂
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Great reviews, Miriam. I’ve read No Such Luck, and I have the other two books on my radar!
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Thank you, Joan! Good to hear that! I wish to have text to voice but my Android phone doesn’t have it. Just have to read it the old fashion way!
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I do the same thing. I’ve never purchased an audio book. Tried to listen to one I checked out through the library and found it bland and boring.
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I listened to a couple audiobooks. I didn’t like them either. The narrator doesn’t read your book the way you intended. I think Diana had someone did an audition and she didn’t like it. One person can’t play all the characters and the narrative.
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Wonderful reviews, Miriam. A nice collection of books from skilled writers.
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It was a treat reading these three enjoyable books from these terrific authors, Beem! Thank you for stopping by!
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how kind to take the time to write such wonderful reviews, and to then share them…
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It’s my privilege to share my reviews of these three wonderful books, Jim! Thank you for your comment!
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Excellent reviews of three talented writers, Miriam. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
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Thank you for stopping by, John! I appreciate your support. Jacquie, Staci, and Teri would be delighted to have your company!
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😊
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Miriam, a treat of three books for you over these ten days – thank you for sharing these wonderful reviews! Congratulations to all three exceptional writers! xx
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It was a treat to read these three books, Annika! When I didn’t fall asleep right away, I wanted to get up to read some more, but I know it will keep me up longer and have a harder day the next day. Thank you so much for your lovely comment! ❤
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Wonderful reviews to share, Miriam! Bravo to Jacquie, Staci, and Teri! 🙂
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They are terrific authors with wonderful books, Natalie! Thank you for stopping by! 🙂
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Thank you, Miriam, for sharing your wonderful reviews. My congratulations to Jacquie, Staci, and Teri. I’ve read Jacquie’s and Staci’s and loved them both. Teri’s book sounds like one to add to my TBR. 😊
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Thank you for your support, Gwen! Teri’s book is just right for me. Jacquie’s and Staci’s warmed my heart! 🙂
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You read some amazing books. Great reviews too. Book luck clearing out the TBD list on your Kindle.
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Thank you, Darlene! I read half of a book today. Hope the Kindle won’t be too crowded soon. Thank you for stopping by!
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Great reviews. Congrats to Jacquie, Staci, and Teri. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Miriam 💕🙂
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Thank you for stopping by, Harmony! I hope my Kindle will get lighter and lighter soon! ❤ 🙂
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Wonderful reviews. I read Sarah and really enjoyed it.
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I finished reading it before dark, Craig (haha)! No, it’s not too scary. Thank you for stopping by!
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Wonderful reviews Miriam. I too enjoyed Staci’s book and look forward to reading Jacquie’s soon. ❤
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Thank you for your support, Debby. Staci and Jacquie would be delighted to hear that. ❤
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I’ve read all three of these books and totally agree with your reviews! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Miriam, and congratulations to Jacquie, Staci and Teri!!
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Thank you for stopping by to add your recommendations, Jan! These are terrific authors and wonderful reads to start off my new year!!
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I’ve read all three of these novels, and enjoyed each of them. Three great tales and three excellent authors.
Thanks for sharing, Miriam!
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Thank you, Mae! My new iPad works well. I’m going to take it to the gym today. Perhaps I can read while on treadmill! 😊
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Teri and Jacquie never disappoint. I’m honored to be included in a post among them. Thank you for the lovely review, Miriam. It made my day.
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I’m looking for the next books in the series, Staci! It’s a great story.
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I’m thrilled you enjoyed Sarah, Miriam – thanks so much for your review! I recently finished Staci’s book – poor Piper. I’m glad she saw what was right in front of her before it was too late. Have Jacquie’s book in my towering TBR.
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I see many “Piper” either due to personality or trying to fight in a men’s world. Sarah is just right for me, Teri! It’s easier to carry the new iPad around for reading!
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Great reviews, Miriam! One benefit of having to stay home is having more time to read!
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It’s true, Chris! I can’t go outside in the cold, so staying home to read is a good option!
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So beautiful reviews book. So beautiful story for relationship. Wonderful written book.
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They’re beautiful stories, Rajkkhoja! Thank you for reading the reviews.
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Wonderful reviews Miriam and all terrific authors.. thanks for sharing. xx
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I agree with you, Sally! They’re terrific authors with beautifully crafted stories. Thank you for adding your thoughts! ❤
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♥
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Great reviews, I loved all these stories!
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They’re beautiful stories, Denise!
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Three fantastic reviews, Miriam. I’ve just started Perfectly Imperfect. Toni x
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It’s wonderful to hear you started Perfectly Imperfect, Toni! It’s a great story. Hope you’re doing well! ❤
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Hi Miriam, these are all wonderful reviews. I feel like I am sinking under all the books I have on my TBR and reviews always help me decide what to read next.
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I don’t think you’ll clear up your TBR anytime soon unless you read one book a day and stop buying books for three years. I’d have to settle with the fact that I may not read some of the books.
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Yes, some of them I will never read and some I have listened to as audio books rather than read them.
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I am not a big horror fan, but do enjoy romance. Jacquie’s and Staci’s books both sound like ones I would enjoy. In fact, I think I already have Perfectly, Imperfect on my kindle, I will have to check. Great reviews Miiriam.
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Hi, Carla, Robbie Cheadle assured me that this is YA. Sure enough, it’s not like any horror books I had expected. Thank you for reading the reviews, Carla!
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HI Miriam, I am glad you enjoyed Sarah. I liked it very much. I do not like to much graphic death and violence in horror books and I thought Teri did a great job and this book was well balanced.
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