Book Reviews – Page 122

* Review * THE WEDDING DRESS by Danielle Steel

June 26, 2020 Leave a Comment

The Wedding Dress by Danielle Steel
Published by Random House LLC on April 28, 2020
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From the glamorous San Francisco social scene of the 1920s, through war and the social changes of the ’60s, to the rise of Silicon Valley today, this extraordinary novel takes us on a family odyssey that is both heartbreaking and inspiring, as each generation faces the challenges of their day.

The Parisian design houses in 1928, the crash of 1929, the losses of war, the drug culture of the 1960s—history holds many surprises, and lives are changed forever. For richer or for poorer, in cramped apartments and grand mansions, the treasured wedding dress made in Paris in 1928 follows each generation into their new lives, and represents different hopes for each of them, as they marry very different men.

From inherited fortunes at the outset to self-made men and women, the wedding dress remains a cherished constant for the women who wear it in each generation and forge a destiny of their own. It is a symbol of their remaining traditions and the bond of family they share in an ever-changing world.

A novel by Danielle Steel is always sure to please and THE WEDDING DRESS is no exception. A family rich in depth and character falls into despair during the crash of 1929 just after their only daughter wore the Parisian designed wedding dress of her dreams to marry the love of her life. Hard times hit them all for many years as they slowly learn to live a different life than they dreamed of, but prosper in their own way none-the-less. The story lines sees us through the lives of all of these characters into several generations to come as this wedding dress is the start of several marriages.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves a family rich saga that shares both ups and downs of life as the story delves deeply into each character. Through love and hate, dreams and nightmares, riches and the simple things in life we follow the lives of the families. There’s a lot to comprehend along the way, but I really enjoyed it.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Blog Tour/Review/Excerpt * HOOKED ON HER by Stacey Lynn

June 24, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour/Review/Excerpt * HOOKED ON HER by Stacey Lynn

Hooked On Her by Stacey Lynn
Series: Ice Kings #3
on June 23, 2020
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Tessa Chauncy is the best kind of trouble. Beautiful, sweet and completely off limits. I’ve sat by and watched other men drool after her and forced myself to stay in check. Hey, I’m in the NHL... I have self-control in spades.

Except when it comes to her.

With the bat of her lashes and quick whip of that sharply pointed tongue Tessa can knock grown men to their knees. I’ve seen them wither and crumble under her confident stare— something I’m pretty sure she learned from sparring with me, thankyouverymuch.

But I’m not just falling for her. I’m down for the count.

She’s the girl I wanted, when wanting her was wrong.
She’s also my new roommate--
And oh yeah, my best friend’s little sister.

Heaven help me, I’m probably going to get his fist to my face or his hockey stick shoved in very dangerous places for what I’m about to do, but I don’t think I care anymore.

I’m in love with my best friend’s little sister….and I’m done waiting.

Decadently sinful! With book three in her always steamy Ice Kings series Stacey Lynn brings us Jason Taylor and Tessa Chauncy’s story and it’s delightful! Easy to love characters, spot on chemistry and enough laughs and heartfelt moments to draw you in and hold you tight. I’m so looking forward to more in the series!

Tessa is attention grabbing from the start. She’s self-assured and independent, but when her world starts crumbling she’s quick to seek the comfort of family. Her crush on Jason is finally being rewarded … and it’s awesome!

Jason is all the feels and more! He’s brash and sweet all rolled into one and I adored him. Watching him comfort Tessa and finally decide to put all of his feelings out there is magical.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a good hockey romance filled with a close group of guys and the women who love them. Always guaranteed to be filled with laughs, heart and lots of heat!

“Stacey Lynn always knows how to perfectly balance sexy and sweet.”
—New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne

Hooked on Her, an all-new fun and flirty forbidden romance from Stacey Lynn is out now!

Tessa Chauncy is the best kind of trouble. Beautiful, sweet and completely off limits. I’ve sat by and watched other men drool after her and forced myself to stay in check. Hey, I’m in the NHL… I have self-control in spades.

Except when it comes to her.

With the bat of her lashes and quick whip of that sharply pointed tongue Tessa can knock grown men to their knees. I’ve seen them wither and crumble under her confident stare— something I’m pretty sure she learned from sparring with me, thankyouverymuch.

But I’m not just falling for her. I’m down for the count.

She’s the girl I wanted, when wanting her was wrong.
She’s also my new roommate–
And oh yeah, my best friend’s little sister.

Heaven help me, I’m probably going to get his fist to my face or his hockey stick shoved in very dangerous places for what I’m about to do, but I don’t think I care anymore.

I’m in love with my best friend’s little sister….and I’m done waiting.

Download your copy today!

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Excerpt:

I scoop more chicken onto a folded chunk of naan and moan as I savor the taste. There are some decent restaurants where I live, all within walking distance, which is a bonus, but none are as good as Tandor’s. I can’t even piece together what makes it so delicious but it’s mouth-watering amazing.

“Jesus, Tessa. Can you not sound like you’re having an orgasm when you eat?”

I choke on my chicken and wash it down with my water. “Don’t like it, you can leave.”

“But then I won’t be able to share with you why I’m here.”

The chicken I’ve devoured rolls in my stomach. Obviously it’s not because he’s a nice guy. I lean back in my chair. “What is it?”

He huffs a laugh and I hate he looks so damn good, smirking at me, shaking his head like I’m some amusing little thing.

“You’re cute, Tessa. I ever tell you that?”

“I think the day you took me to get stitches in my head, yeah. You bopped me on the nose with a finger and said ‘cute and tough, nice’ before ignoring me the rest of the weekend.”

I’m mortified with myself. He’s not supposed to know these things, know how much I remember every.single.encounter with him ever.

His mouth opens a bit and he stares at me. Yeah. That dose of word vomit probably surprises the hell out of him too. But hell, in for a penny. He says he doesn’t give a shit about what Sawyer thinks? He should know what I think.

“I’m pretty sure that’s the day I started having a crush on you.”

He doesn’t take his eyes off me as he chews on what I think is chicken tikki masala. Slowly, he swallows and sets his own fork down. Leaning forward, elbows on the table, I’m tempted to drop my gaze to his mouth and watch his full lips move so sexily as he opens his mouth and asks, “Want to know when it started for me? When I started facing the reality that it was my best friend’s little sister that made my dick hard in my dreams at night and when I was on the road?”

Meet Stacey Lynn:

Stacey Lynn likes her coffee with a dash of sugar, her heroes with a side of bossy, and her wine a deep shade of red.

The author of over thirty romance novels, many of which have been best-selling titles on Amazon, AppleBooks, and Barnes & Noble, she loves being able to turn her vivid imagination into a career that brings entertainment and joy to her readers. Focused on sports romance and emotional, small-town romance, she also loves stretching herself in different genres.

Born in Texas and raised in the Midwest, she now makes her home in North Carolina and loves all things Southern. Together with her ultimate tall, dark, and handsome hero, she has four children. Her life is a chaotic mess that fights with her Type-A, list-making, neurotically organized preferences and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Connect with Stacey:

Facebook: http://bit.ly/379Te19
Twitter: http://bit.ly/3bjzOKx
Instagram: http://bit.ly/3bn1e2o
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2H8K22u
Amazon: https://amzn.to/375UpP7
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2G52o5q
Website: http://bit.ly/2uyDibF
Stay up to date on Stacey’s latest news! Subscribe to her Newsletter today!
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Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * THE BAD BOY OF REDEMPTION RANCH by Maisey Yates

June 24, 2020 1 Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE BAD BOY OF REDEMPTION RANCH by Maisey Yates

The Bad Boy of Redemption Ranch by Maisey Yates
Series: Gold Valley #10
Published by HQN Books on June 23, 2020
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This rebel cowboy is looking for a fresh start—will he find more than he’s ever hoped for in Gold Valley?

Police officer Pansy Daniels is the poster girl for responsible behavior. Orphaned as a child, she has dedicated her life to safeguarding her local community. The last thing she needs is a hot-headed cowboy with attitude cruising into town. He may be her new landlord, but that’s no excuse for provoking her…or sending her heart into overdrive.

West Caldwell has come to Redemption Ranch to put his past behind him. Flirting with a pint-size police officer who thinks he’s bad news is definitely not part of the plan, but it’s deliciously easy to get under Pansy’s skin. Then West discovers the vulnerability Pansy keeps so well hidden, and suddenly this renegade cowboy is in over his head. In her arms, West feels like the man he always wanted to be—but can he become the man Pansy deserves?

Love when they least expect it! With book nine in her much loved Gold Valley series Maisey Yates brings the Daniels family to the forefront of the series with Pansy’s story. We are instantly enthralled with the back story of both characters and it’s a satisfying run towards happily ever after for them both.

Pansy Daniels is attention grabbing. She’s tough and self-assured in public, but underneath there’s still a piece of that orphaned young girl crying out for the comfort she misses. Her attraction to West is unexpected and unwanted, but it doesn’t take her long to figure out that there’s more to him than meets the eye as well.

West Caldwell is laid back and intense all rolled into one sexy package. He’s come to Gold Valley to reconnect with the family he didn’t know he had and to overcome the adversity his life has become over the last few years. He’s not looking for love, but he sure is looking for a good time when this gorgeous deputy keeps getting under his skin!

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a laid back romance that brings family and setting into play to tell their story and intrigue a reader. This series as a whole has been a real joy to read and I can’t wait to see what the next Daniels sibling has in store for us.

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* Review * SECRET INVESTIGATION by Elizabeth Heiter

June 24, 2020 Leave a Comment

Secret Investigation by Elizabeth Heiter
Series: Tactical Crime Division #2
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on May 1, 2020
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Ride along on the riveting cases of the Tactical Crime Division — TCD. An elite team of FBI agents specializing in high-risk threats.

In the wake of a tragedy, the Tactical Crime Division is the first call.

When ironclad body armor inexplicably fails and soldiers perish, the Tactical Crime Division jumps into action. Agent and former ranger Davis Rogers asks to go undercover to find the traitor responsible for the death of one of his friends, and Petrov Armor CEO Leila Petrov is happy to provide access to her company…especially once she discovers she’s being framed. But will their joint efforts be enough to uncover the truth?

Secrets are exposed as danger closes in! With book two in the Tactical Crime Division series Elizabeth Heiter brings the intrigue and mystery in SECRET INVESTIGATION. We’re quickly engulfed in the story and keep turning page after page trying to figure out who the culprit is in this fast paced story.

Davis Rogers is intense. He has a personal stake in why this case is important to him and he finds himself understanding Leila’s peril quickly and wants to help her too.

Leila Petrov is tenacious and determined. She’s not sure what is going on in her company, but she’s determined to find out and to correct the wrong that has been done.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone looking for a fast moving story filled with intrigue and action. The romance is on the light side, but the mystery is intense.

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* Review * BABY by Janie Crouch

June 23, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Baby by Janie Crouch
Series: Linear Tactical #9
Published by Calamittie Jane Publishing on June 23, 2020
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Baby. Don’t let the name fool you.

Being Linear Tactical's easiest-going younger brother has never been a problem for Baby Bollinger. He likes people. He likes laughing. He likes life.

But he has secrets buried deep under his charming smile that would change everything.

Quinn Harrison-Pritchard doesn’t have secrets. What she does have is a big mess of a life that's painfully public.

Jobless. Blacklisted. Broke. Alone. Exactly where nobody wants to be as they hit their 39th birthday.

Oak Creek is supposed to be a fresh start. A chance to lick her wounds and figure out a plan. One that doesn’t include Baby Bollinger. But the vigorous, mouth-watering mechanic—anything but a baby—is pursuing her with a single-minded focus.

And doesn’t seem to care that she’s twelve years his senior.

But danger has followed Quinn to Oak Creek, someone from her past who is convinced she’s wronged him. And that she needs to pay with her life.

Only Baby can save her. But to do so, he’ll have to face the secrets he’s let define him for way too long. And resurrect the warrior buried inside.

My favorite hero yet! With book nine in her always exciting Linear Tactical series Janie Crouch brings the sweetest guy around to the forefront in BABY. The characters were easy to connect with from the very start, the intrigue was light but pointed and their chemistry was out of this world. A bit of a rushed ending, but I loved their story!

Quinn Harrison-Pritchard has us on her side the moment we hear what she’s been going through as her world crumbles around her. She’s self-assured even when things are looking bleak, and watching her fall for this younger man who seems intent to have her even though she’s no catch at the moment is heartwarming.

Blake “Baby” Bollinger is the epitome of a nice guy! He’s sweet, he’s sincere and he’s just down right kindhearted. Deadlines are looming in his life that make him have to out his secrets when it’s not something that he normally likes to do, but getting to that happily ever after counts on it.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who likes high action plots filled with a close-knit group of family and friends who always have each others back no matter the circumstance. Lots of action and suspense are always guaranteed.

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* Review * A COWBOY FOR ALL SEASONS by Caitlin Crews, Nicole Helm, Maisey Yates and Jackie Ashenden

June 23, 2020 Leave a Comment

A Cowboy for All Seasons by Caitlin Crews, Nicole Helm, Maisey Yates, Jackie Ashenden
Published by HQN Books on February 25, 2020
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June Gable left each of her four granddaughters a handwritten bequest—to spend a season at her beloved farmhouse in Jasper Creek, Oregon, before they sell it. These cousins were once as close as sisters, but time and family betrayals have pushed them apart.

In spring, polished city girl Keira must find her country roots—and reconnect with an old flame. In the summer, tough tomboy JJ needs to tap into her softer side while helping a single dad and his daughters. Cheerful dreamer Lila has to help coordinate the town craft fair in autumn, under the stern eye of the handsome cowboy she loved as a girl. And as winter falls, headstrong, independent Bella must learn to ask for help from the one man she believes she can never have.

The four cousins will have to confront secrets from the past, deal with old wounds they’d rather hide, and tangle with their hardheaded cowboys before they can find love, healing and the true meaning of family…

Emotional and satisfying! A COWBOY FOR ALL SEASONS is a story separated into four parts by Caitlin Crews, Nicole Helm, Maisey Yates and Jackie Ashenden. It tells the story of four cousins who used to be as close as sisters in their childhood summers spent with Grandma June in Jasper Creek, Oregon before life sent them in different directions. June Gable is gone now and has left each granddaughter a personal letter asking them to each spend a season in the house she treasured and take care of a task or two for her.

Along the way each cousin reconnects with the past and envisions the future they were meant to have as happily ever after comes knocking at the door. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a family intense plot filled with romance along the way. I enjoyed them all!

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* Review * 48 HOUR LOCKDOWN by Carla Cassidy

June 23, 2020 Leave a Comment

48 Hour Lockdown by Carla Cassidy
Series: Tactical Crime Division #1
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on April 1, 2020
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The Tactical Crime Division—TCD—is a specialized unit of the FBI. They handle the toughest cases in the most remote locations.

When TCD learns of a school invasion turned lockdown, every agent is ready to engage. With children in jeopardy, the stakes couldn’t be higher. But it becomes personal for hostage negotiator agent Evan Duran when he learns Annalise Taylor is one of the captives holed up with the students in a school for the gifted. He’ll need every resource available at TCD and every ounce of his expertise to turn this disastrous situation into a rescue mission—and if he succeeds, maybe reunite with the woman he never stopped loving.

Exciting from start to finish! With the kick-off of the Tactical Crime Division series, Carla Cassidy brings the intrigue in 48 HOUR LOCKDOWN. The story line is fast paced and filled with tension and the characters are easy to get invested in. The romance is light, but the danger and intrigue is full throttle.

Evan Duran is accomplished and dedicated with a back story few know about. The life he has lived makes him an interesting lead in this investigation.

Annalise Taylor is dedicated to her students and has no clue that danger is going to come knocking on what should have been an average day. She’s concerned about her students, but when she hears Evan’s voice she has no doubt he will get them out.

I highly recommend this book if you enjoy a high intensity read that centers around a particular spot of danger and it’s victims. The scene was set well and the intrigue was top notch.

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* Release Blast/Review * LOUD MOUTH by Avery Flynn

June 22, 2020 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blast/Review * LOUD MOUTH by Avery Flynn

Loud Mouth by Avery Flynn
Series: Ice Knights #3
Published by Entangled: Amara on June 22, 2020
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I never meant to say a word, not one single word.

But I did.

Now because of something I leaked—without even realizing it—I've inadvertently broken up one of the Ice Knights’ most legendary bromances. And worse—I've kicked hockey star Ian Petrov's grumpy level to insane levels of grump.

And what could make it worse? How about the two of us being trapped together in a remote cabin after a massive blizzard. Neither of us can leave. Just us, the snow, his resentment, and OMG sexual tension so thick it would take a snowplow to break through it.

I’ve got to get out of here before I do something even dumber than I’ve already done and kiss the sexy with his misplaced anger and perfect pecs. That would be the worst, the absolute worst. But… would it be terrible if we gave in? Just a little? It’s not like we’re ever going to have to spend time together again.

Until the next morning when we’re told we have to play chummy for the press until this news cycle blows over. F.M.L.

Utterly delightful! With the third book in her always entertaining Ice Knights series Avery Flynn delights us all with Ian Petrov’s story. This grumpy hockey player is yummylicious and growls in all the right places, but he might have just met his match in tough girl Shelby Blanton!

Ian is a lot of fun to read. He is mad at the world when a major secret is uncovered that tears apart the best part of his days in hockey. He’s mad at the world and he’s especially mad at his jerk of a father, bonehead of a former best friend and the chatty cathy who told the world things he didn’t even know about his life!

Shelby is tough girl gold! She is at a good place in her life for a change and just wants this new job with the Ice Knights to go her way when it all starts to unravel in the blink of an eye … simply by accident! She’s got to find a way to make this right … before she starts falling for this grumpy gus of a hockey stud!

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who likes a whole lot of snarky sass to make you laugh out loud on a regular basis with your hockey romance. The characters are loads of fun and the story line always fast paced and interesting. I’m really enjoying this team!

Release Date: June 22

I never meant to say a word, not one single word.

But I did.

Now because of something I leaked—without even realizing it—I’ve inadvertently broken up one of the Ice Knights’ most legendary bromances. And worse—I’ve kicked hockey star Ian Petrov’s grumpy level to insane levels of grump.

And what could make it worse? How about the two of us being trapped together in a remote cabin after a massive blizzard. Neither of us can leave. Just us, the snow, his resentment, and OMG sexual tension so thick it would take a snowplow to break through it.

I’ve got to get out of here before I do something even dumber than I’ve already done and kiss the sexy with his misplaced anger and perfect pecs. That would be the worst, the absolute worst. But… would it be terrible if we gave in? Just a little? It’s not like we’re ever going to have to spend time together again.

Until the next morning when we’re told we have to play chummy for the press until this news cycle blows over.
F.M.L.

Grab Your Copy Here:

Meet Avery Flynn

USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling romance author Avery Flynn has three slightly-wild children, loves a hockey-addicted husband and is desperately hoping someone invents the coffee IV drip. Avery was a reader before she was a writer and hopes to always be both.

She loves to write about smartass alpha heroes who are great with a quip and relatable heroines who are feisty, fierce and fantastic.

Connect with Avery Flynn

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * SISTERS BY CHOICE by Susan Mallery

June 22, 2020 Leave a Comment

Sisters by Choice by Susan Mallery
Series: Blackberry Island #4
Published by MIRA on February 11, 2020
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Cousins by chance, sisters by choice…

After her cat toy empire goes up in flames, Sophie Lane returns to Blackberry Island, determined to rebuild. Until small-town life reveals a big problem: she can’t grow unless she learns to let go. If Sophie relaxes her grip even a little, she might lose everything. Or she might finally be free to reach for the happiness and love that have eluded her for so long.

Kristine has become defined by her relationship to others. She’s a wife, a mom. As much as she adores her husband and sons, she wants something for herself—a sweet little bakery just off the waterfront. She knew changing the rules wouldn’t be easy, but she never imagined she might have to choose between her marriage and her dreams.

Like the mainland on the horizon, Heather’s goals seem beyond her grasp. Every time she manages to save for college, her mother has another crisis. Can she break free, or will she be trapped in this tiny life forever?

Family turmoil, romantic connections and happily ever afters! With the fourth book in her Blackberry Island series Susan Mallery brings her readers a delightful family saga in SISTERS BY CHOICE. Three cousins reconnect as each finds their way toward the future they always dreamed of. Each main character is easy to like and has a compelling story line. I really enjoyed their journey.

Sophie Lane is accomplished and kind-hearted, but it turns out she has a lot to learn in how to successfully rebuild her cat product empire that fell apart around her. She returns home to Blackberry Island and sets out to make it bigger and better. Along the way she realizes her way isn’t always the right way.

Kristine Fielding is complex. She’s happy with her husband and kids, but she yearns for more than just doing the same routine day in and day out. When the parts fall into place to allow her the opportunity to open the bakery she always dreamed of, she doesn’t expect it to put the future she always expected to be there in jeopardy.

Heather Sitterly nabs our sympathy from the first moment we meet her … and her mother! She’s worked hard to support herself and her mother for more years than she wishes to remember and it never seems to be enough. Her mother is a real piece of work but this time she might have gone just far enough to make Heather wake up and live for herself for a change.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a family connected story line. Each cousin gets a fulfilling ending filled with accomplishment and love.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * BEST FRIEND TO DOCTOR RIGHT by Ann McIntosh

June 22, 2020 Leave a Comment

Best Friend to Doctor Right by Ann McIntosh
Series: Harlequin Medical Romances
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Sometimes the deepest desire…

…is the one you’ve hidden the longest.

Realizing her world is dramatically falling apart, surgeon Mina’s childhood friend Kiah offers her a fresh start on the beautiful Caribbean island he calls home. She’s beyond grateful for his help in regaining the spirit and purpose she feared she’d lost. But when a long-denied attraction spills into their friendship, they must decide whether to risk everything on the breathtaking passion that’s quickly unraveling between them!

Such a great friends to lovers story! BEST FRIEND TO DOCTOR RIGHT by Ann McIntosh brings the story of a hotshot surgeon picking up the pieces of her shattered life with the help of the one constant in her life … the best friend who has been by her side since childhood.

Mina is a very touching character. She’s strong even when she’s weak, and the love she portrays even in her darkest days is encouraging. I really enjoyed watching her come into her own again.

Kiah is delightful. He doesn’t hesitate to be the support that she needs at just the right time and is overjoyed to sit close by and watch her thrive. He only hopes he can convince her that he’s the man who should be by her side forever more.

I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys seeing a character overcome hardship to thrive in the world again as they fall in love and prosper. The characters were so interesting and their connection was inspiring. Really enjoyed their story!

Filed Under: Book Reviews