Book Reviews – Page 178

* Review * ONE NIGHT GAMBLE by Katherine Garbera

January 16, 2019 Leave a Comment

One Night Gamble by Katherine Garbera
Series: Joker's Wild #1
Published by Entangled: Brazen on January 14, 2019
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Talia Spencer’s life is the epitome of boring and predictable. But then she meets him…

The first time she meets Casey Waltham, she’s buying condoms…for her grandmother. And of course drops them accidentally at his feet. Face plant.

The second time she sees him, she’s this close to landing her dream job and is celebrating at a club. Two chance encounters in the same day--that’s got to be a sign, right?

He’s charming and flirty and just what Talia needs for the night.

But it was just supposed to be a hook-up. At least, that’s what she thought...until he turns out to be her new boss...

Steamy, fresh and full of angst! I really enjoyed the kick-off to the Joker’s Wild series! It’s encompassed with a unique hero and the journey towards happily ever after even when it seems like the cards might be stacked against him. There was a rich background given on both main characters and a plot that moved at an adequate pace to keep our attention and yet keep us guessing at the same time. Looking forward to more in the series!

Talia Spencer can’t believe she meets a hot guy and immediately embarrasses herself by dropping condoms at his feet. To later run into him when she’s out at a club celebrating her possible new job just seems like a sign to her. Why not live it up and have a wild night with a sexy stranger? It’s not until the next day that she realizes it’s a bad idea … when he walks into the interview as her potential new boss!

Casey Waltham owns the brand new Vegas casino Jokers Wild with his two best friends. He’s determined to make a success of their newest venture, and they all agree that Talia is just what they need in the social media marketing position … even if he can’t keep his thoughts from turning lusty at the very sight of her! Can he manage to convince her that what he does for a living isn’t all that bad?

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* Review * RULES IN RESCUE by Nichole Severn

January 15, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * RULES IN RESCUE by Nichole Severn

Rules in Rescue by Nichole Severn
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on February 1, 2019
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She walked away from him once.

Now he’s her only hope.

Blackhawk Security weapons expert Anthony Harris has trained for any contingency. Except the return of his ex-fiancée. Glennon Chase walked out on the former ranger five years ago. And now the CID special agent needs Anthony’s help with a deadly investigation into her partner’s disappearance. Dodging bullets he can handle, but pairing up with his ex is flat-out dangerous. Especially when Anthony discovers that the secret Glennon is keeping could get them both killed.

Danger and intrigue from start to finish! I was quickly drawn into the lives of the characters as their unexpected reunion leads to rediscovering who the other is after all of these years apart. It doesn’t take long for sparks to fly again, but letting their guard down may lead to more than they ever expected. Good character connection, exciting action and an overall heart-pounding read!

Her partner has disappeared and now danger is knocking at her door! Glennon Close knows that she and her partner must have stumbled across something serious in their latest investigation for him to up and vanish like this, and there’s only one man she trusts to keep her safe while she heads into the fire to find him.

Blackhawk Security agent Anthony Harris never expected to see her again after she walked out on him with no warning five years ago, but now his ex-fiance has contacted him in the middle of the night for help. When bullets start flying before he even gets the intel out of her, he knows this is going to be more serious than he ever expected!

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* Review * AT THE CEO’S PLEASURE by Yahrah St. John

January 14, 2019 Leave a Comment

At the CEO's Pleasure by Yahrah St. John
Series: The Stewart Heirs #1
Published by Harlequin Desire on January 1, 2019
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“What do you want from me?”

“I want you back.”

He’d broken his “no office affair” policy once and lost his best assistant. Now rich businessman Ayden Stewart needs Maya Richardson back…at any price. Taking the job, Maya tells herself the years apart have cooled their chemistry. So why are they breaking rule number one again…and again? Ayden makes her want what she can never have—real love. Will it be different this time?

Ruggedly raw chemistry! With the first book in The Stewart Heirs series, Yahrah St. John makes her Harlequin Desire debut and her voice shines! The story line grabbed my attention from the start and the characters brought the story to life on the pages. There were a tad too many plot twists trying to steal the scene here and there, and an almost raunchy feel in a couple of spots, but overall a really entrenching read. I enjoyed it a lot and look forward to more from the Stewarts!

When Ayden Stewart finds himself in need of an assistant, he can think of no one better than the one he let slip through his fingers five years ago. Temptation led to a night of passion and the fallout had Maya leaving her job. Now he’ll promise her just about anything to get her to return to the company fold!

Maya Richardson never expected to get to live out her most secret fantasy of a night spent with the guy she’d been crushing on for years, but that’s exactly what happened … but the way he reacted the next morning broke her heart. Her life was enough of a roller coaster at the time without adding awkward days at the office to the list, so she found another job. Now Ayden wants her back, and she happens to need the ridiculous money he’s promising her.

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* Review * COLTON COWBOY STANDOFF by Marie Ferrarella

January 14, 2019 Leave a Comment

Colton Cowboy Standoff by Marie Ferrarella
Series: The Coltons of Roaring Springs #1
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on January 1, 2019
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Two exes reunite as danger rocks the family ranch.

A Coltons of Roaring Springs romance

Years after ending her relationship with her husband, Wyatt Colton, Bailey Norton shows up on his doorstep with an unexpected request: to father her child. Unresolved passion sets off sparks between them, but Bailey must resist Wyatt’s undiminished allure—and show her true grit when the Colton ranch is mysteriously sabotaged. Can this Colton cowboy lasso the culprit and a forever family?

With the first book in The Colton’s of Roaring Springs series, Marie Ferrarella brings us Wyatt Colton’s story. He lost the love of his life, but now she’s back asking for his help. They find themselves knee-deep in trouble when things start happening around the ranch that no one expected. Overall, the story was an entertaining read. There were several plot holes that could have made for a more developed story had they been filled in, but the underlying story was laid to carry forward into the series. I enjoyed it.

Rancher Wyatt Colton can’t believe his eyes when he opens his door to find his ex-wife standing on his doorstep. She up and left him six years ago with no explanation, but here she comes calling when she needs a favor … if you can even call it that … it’s a life-changing request!

Bailey Norton left the Crooked C to chase the dreams she left unfulfilled when she married Wyatt, it wasn’t because she didn’t love him anymore. Now time is running out on her and she is here to ask the best man she ever knew if he will help her with the final thing she’s missing in her life … having the baby she always dreamed of!

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* Release Blitz / Excerpt / Review * TRAILS OF LOVE by Melissa Foster

January 11, 2019 1 Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz / Excerpt / Review * TRAILS OF LOVE by Melissa Foster

Trails of Love by Melissa Foster
Series: The Bradens and Montgomerys: Pleasant Hill - Oak Falls #3
Published by World Literary Press on January 9, 2019
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When Graham Braden travels to Oak Falls, Virginia to attend the wedding of his buddy Reed Cross to Grace Montgomery, he sticks around to help with renovations to Reed's new theater. The last thing he expects is to be asked to assess and possibly invest in Grace's sister Morgyn's business endeavor. Graham is a careful, keen businessman, and Morgyn is impulsive, disorganized, and more interested in the energy flow in her eclectic retail shop than in the accuracy of her records. While Graham isn't ready to open his pockets to the sassy, sexy business owner, he may be ready to open his heart.

Cute, feisty and sexy as all get out! With the next book in the Bradens and Montgomerys series, we get Graham and Morgyn’s story. As always, the characters were adorable together and quick to pull me into their story. I felt like the story wasn’t as well developed as a typical Melissa Foster book though. While we went through a little strife with them, it was only a dash of an after thought and then all plowed ahead. Two huge families came into play to fill in the space, but the overall couple needed more development. Still loved reading it though!

When Graham Braden passes through a local festival while he’s heading to Oak Falls, Virginia for his buddy Reed’s wedding, he never expects to meet a woman who knocks him for a loop at first sight. He can’t resist temptation and she’s a hard woman to walk away from. Come to find out, she’s Reed’s new sister-in-law and one of the reason’s Reed wanted him to stick around and give some opinions on the theater remodel.

Free spirit Morgyn Montgomery can’t believe she met a man at the festival. He’s more than she ever dreamed of and if she believed in marriage, she might propose on the spot! She has some big business decisions to make, and Graham has the knowledge to give her some advise, but he usually steers clear of mixing business with pleasure … but for her, he might break all of his rules!

Trails of Love
The Bradens and Montgomerys
Melissa Foster
Releasing January 9th, 2019
World Literary Press

Blurb:

When Graham Braden travels to Oak Falls, Virginia to attend the wedding of his buddy Reed Cross to Grace Montgomery, he sticks around to help with renovations to Reed’s new theater. The last thing he expects is to be asked to assess and possibly invest in Grace’s sister Morgyn’s business endeavor. Graham is a careful, keen businessman, and Morgyn is impulsive, disorganized, and more interested in the energy flow in her eclectic retail shop than in the accuracy of her records. While Graham isn’t ready to open his pockets to the sassy, sexy business owner, he may be ready to open his heart.

Goodreads link:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43394418-trails-of-love

Goodreads series link:

https://www.goodreads.com/series/151180-the-bradens-montgomerys-pleasant-hill—oak-falls

Buy Links:

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Excerpt

“What are your three most favorite things?” Morgyn asked as she strummed the guitar.
“That’s a hard one.”
“Okay, and the next two?” She bumped him with her shoulder, looking as sweet as she did sexy wearing one of his flannel shirts over her dress.
He loved her quirky sense of humor.
“Shouldn’t that be one of your favorite things?” he teased.
She shifted her gaze up toward the sky and strummed a faster tune, singing, “It’s your turn, not mine.”
“I’ve got a lot of favorite things.” He ran his fingers along her leg. “Your sexy legs.”
Her eyes darkened, and she played a little slower.
“And the way flecks of darker blue glitter in your eyes when you get turned on.”
“Cracker,” she said just above a whisper.
“I can’t help it that you’re beautiful.”
“Stop. You’re embarrassing me. Tell me something real.”
“That was real, and number three would be your free spirit.”
“Says Mr. Prepared, who brought a pop-up shower stall, a battery-operated heater, and a Coleman stove like my grandfather used. I’m willing to bet there’s a kitchen sink around here somewhere.”
“No sink, but I can rig one up if you need it.” He leaned in for a kiss, lingering because her kisses were unlike any others. She kissed with the same energy she seemed to do everything else, giving herself over to it completely, savoring every second.
Her eyes remained closed for a few heated seconds after their lips parted. When she opened them, a sated smile appeared like a gift. He wondered if she kissed other guys like that, or if she felt the same unfamiliar, unstoppable connection he did.
“I like kissing you, sunshine.” He brushed her hair behind her ear and kissed her again, slower and sweeter than the last. “I’m adding that to my list. I think I need more than three things.”

Author Info
Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

Author Links:
Website: http://www.melissafoster.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Melissa_Foster
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3023973.Melissa_Foster
Newsletter: http://melissafoster.com/newsletter/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melissa-foster
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissafoster_author/

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* Review * TURNING POINT by Danielle Steel

January 7, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TURNING POINT by Danielle Steel

Turning Point by Danielle Steel
Published by Delacorte Press on January 8, 2019
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In Danielle Steel’s powerful new novel, four trauma doctors—the best and brightest in their field—confront exciting new challenges, both personally and professionally, when given an unusual opportunity.

Bill Browning heads the trauma unit at San Francisco’s busiest emergency room, SF General. With his ex-wife and daughters in London, he immerses himself in his work and lives for rare visits with his children. A rising star at her teaching hospital, UCSF at Mission Bay, Stephanie Lawrence has two young sons, a frustrated stay-at-home husband, and not enough time for any of them. Harvard-educated Wendy Jones is a dedicated trauma doctor at Stanford, trapped in a dead-end relationship with a married cardiac surgeon. And Tom Wylie’s popularity with women rivals the superb medical skills he employs at his Oakland medical center, but he refuses to let anyone get too close, determined to remain unattached forever.

These exceptional doctors are chosen for an honor and a unique project: to work with their counterparts in Paris in a mass-casualty training program. As professionals, they will gain invaluable knowledge from the program. As ordinary men and women, they will find that the City of Light opens up incredible new possibilities, exhilarating, enticing, and frightening.

When an unspeakable act of mass violence galvanizes them into action, their temporary life in Paris becomes a stark turning point: a time to face harder choices than they have ever made before—with consequences that will last a lifetime.

Realistic characters, gritty settings and compelling drama! It’s rare not to be drawn into a Danielle Steel novel within a few paragraphs of the first chapter and her latest release is no exception! With well-crafted words, we’re transported quickly into the minds of four doctors, all working in trauma departments at different hospitals around San Francisco. Descriptive settings take us into a day in the life of each doctor without portraying it in a gruesome fashion that might detract from your enjoyment of the book. They are all drawn together to be part of a dual-city mass injury training venture with four doctors in Paris. The romance is light since there are multiple characters to center around, but the drama is spot on to carry you throughout the book. Really enjoyed it!

Bill Browning heads up the trauma unit at San Francisco’s most volatile emergency room. With his ex-wife raising his daughters in London, he throws himself into working around the clock and dreams of those moments when he gets to visit with his girls. This trip will bring him to their side of the world for a few weeks and he’s beside himself with happiness about that. Stephanie Lawrence is on the fast track as a trauma doc at Mission Bay. She has two young sons and a work-from-home husband who grows more frustrated with the time she spends at the hospital every day. All she’s ever dreamed of is so close she can taste it, she just needs to stay on track to lead it all one day. This training trip is going to be a sore point for her family. Wendy Jones is a leading trauma doctor at Stanford but her personal life is in a rut that she doesn’t seem to be able to overcome. She’s boxed herself into a corner as the mistress to a cardiac surgeon who seems to have gotten comfortable having his lady on the side while having his wife at home instead of following through on all that he promised her in the beginning. Tom Wylie is a love ’em and leave ’em player of a doc at Alta Bates, but he’s the type of guy that everyone loves. Upbeat and always smiling, Tom is the life of the party. He has no plans to settle down and isn’t ashamed of the parade of women he has marching through his bed.

These four doctors are chosen as the top of the city to travel to Paris to train with a team of their counter-parts in mass-casualty situations. It’s fashioned to be a huge learning experience for both cities, and along the way they learn more about themselves and each other. When a severe attack happens, they find themselves thrust full force into the terror they are training for, making decisions that will change lives!

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* Review * FINDING ALEXEI by Kendall Ryan

January 6, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FINDING ALEXEI by Kendall Ryan

Finding Alexei by Kendall Ryan
on January 7, 2019
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He’s bossy, moody, and overprotective.

He’s also a pro athlete who needs to focus on winning games and staying out of the headlines.

I’m fiercely independent and need a man like I need a second period each month.

So when our worlds collide, I never expected him to be the one to jump in and save me. Especially not when my roommate disappears, leaving me with her baby.

I’m clueless about babies—and it shows. Good thing Alexei isn’t. With six nieces and nephews and an apparent hero complex, the dude is both sexy and more than capable. It’s a combination that makes it easy to forget we’re just playing house.

Red hot attraction meets ovary melting cuteness! Fast paced, steamy and oh so fun! The story line could obviously have been developed further into their pasts and a longer relationship development, but the book was one you could pick up and easily read in one sitting and leave with a smile on your face.

Football star Alex Ivan has the world at his feet … if only he can stay out of trouble! The last thing he expects the night he stops when he sees some sleazeball bothering a woman is to find what he never even knew he was looking for!

Ryleigh is in over her head and has no clue how to swim out of the mess she’s currently in! When the stranger who offers her a ride home turns out to be a big shot football playerer, she’s not sure what to make of it. She’s fiercely independent and doesn’t want to take a handout, but her roommate just dumped her baby on her, and she has no clue what she’s doing … lucky for her, Alexei seems to be the baby whisperer!

He’s bossy, moody, and overprotective.

He’s also a pro athlete who needs to focus on winning games and staying out of the headlines.

I’m fiercely independent and need a man like I need a second period each month.

So when our worlds collide, I never expected him to be the one to jump in and save me. Especially not when my roommate disappears, leaving me with her baby.

I’m clueless about babies—and it shows. Good thing Alexei isn’t. With six nieces and nephews and an apparent hero complex, the dude is both sexy and more than capable. It’s a combination that makes it easy to forget we’re just playing house.

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A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 1.5 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. She’s a traditionally published author with Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins UK, as well as an independently published author. Since she first began self-publishing in 2012, she’s appeared at #1 on Barnes & Noble and iBooks charts around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.

Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras

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* Review * A DEAL MADE IN TEXAS by Michelle Major

January 5, 2019 Leave a Comment

A Deal Made in Texas by Michelle Major
Series: The Fortunes of Texas: The Lost Fortunes
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on January 1, 2019
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FOURTEEN-CARAT FORTUNE

It’s like a page ripped from her diary when Christine Briscoe finds herself dancing with Gavin Fortunado at his sister’s wedding. It’s like a scene from her dreams when the flirtatious attorney asks her to be his—pretend—girlfriend. But there is nothing make-believe about the sparks between the quiet office manager and the sexy Fortune scion. Considering Gavin’s reputation, she might be heading for heartbreak. Or maybe, just maybe, straight down the aisle!

Delightfully sweet and sincere! With the next book in The Fortunes of Texas: The Lost Fortunes series, Michelle Major brings us a fake engagement turned happily ever after story. It’s fast paced with really down-to-earth characters who enjoy each other’s company more than they ever expected. Lots of flirting, laughs and just plain FUN! Really enjoyed it!

Attorney Gavin Fortunado is so tired of his family trying to match him up with the woman of his dreams. Can’t anyone be allowed to stay single and loving it anymore? He’s in town for his sister’s wedding and can’t take the pressure anymore, so he’s making up a pretend girlfriend to get them off his back … only the ruse becomes all too real when he starts spending time with the lovely Christine!

Christine Briscoe has had a secret crush on Gavin pretty much since the day she met him almost a decade ago. She’s a boring, plain Jane and knows he would never look twice at someone like her, but when he whisks her off to dance with him at his sister’s wedding, it’s like a dream come true. Pretending to be his girlfriend will allow her to spend more time with him for sure, but when the feelings become all too real, things are about to get complicated!

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* Review * HER COWBOY SHERIFF by Leigh Riker

January 5, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HER COWBOY SHERIFF by Leigh Riker

Her Cowboy Sheriff by Leigh Riker
Series: Kansas Cowboys #4
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on January 1, 2019
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Will a lawman and a little girl…

Give her a reason to stay?

Annabelle Foster has big plans to leave Barren, Kansas, until an accident makes her guardian to a little girl. Annabelle has zero experience with children and turns to Finn Donovan for help. But while both Annabelle and Emmie start falling for the strong, guarded sheriff, Finn is haunted by his own tragedy. Can one little girl make them believe in their future…as a family?

Learning to love again! The next book in the Kansas Cowboys series was quick to catch my attention, but was a bit slow-paced throughout. Two damaged hearts are brought together over the plight of one little girl and have to figure out how to pick up the pieces for her to find her safe place. The characters were well-developed and the underlying plot was great, just slow moving. Enjoyed their story!

Annabelle Foster is looking forward to a whole new start in life now that obligations aren’t tethering her to Barren, Kansas anymore. She’s looking forward to starting a whole knew adventure once her house and diner sell. She’s not expecting to all of a sudden be responsible for a toddler, that’s for sure! She knows nothing about kids, and isn’t sure she has a maternal bone in her body so how can she be the one responsible for this precious little girl??

Sheriff Finn Donovan came to Kansas running from the heartache of his past. He’d give anything to have the world be what it used to be for him, but devastation struck and left him adrift. He tries to steer clear of adorable Emmie and her new-found guardian Annabelle, but there’s just something about the two of them that strikes a major chord in his heart.

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* Review * THE FEARLESS KING by Katee Robert

January 1, 2019 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE FEARLESS KING by Katee Robert

The Fearless King by Katee Robert
Series: The Kings #2
Published by Forever on February 5, 2019
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Journey King is an expert at managing the family business. But when her father returns to Houston hell-bent on making a play for the company, Journey will do anything to stop him, even if that means going to Frank Evans for help. Frank deals in information, the dirtier the better. Rugged and rock solid, he's by far her best ally -- and also the most dangerous.

Frank knows better than to get tangled up with the Kings. But something about Journey's rare vulnerability drags him deep into enemy territory... and into her darkest past. Pretending to be her boyfriend may be necessary for their plan to work, but Frank soon finds helping Journey is much more than just another job - and he'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

Heart-pounding intrigue! I didn’t know if it was possible for Katee Robert to match the raw potency of her The O’Malleys series, but she’s blowing me away once again with The Kings. Beckett’s story grabbed my heart in Book One and now she’s back with a powerful follow-up that has Journey reaching out to the one man she never thought she’d go to for help … and it’s delicious! Intense emotion and danger around every corner, characters that keep you on your toes keeping up with them, and top-notch heat and suspense. I think the backstory from Book One could have been woven in a little stronger in order to make it a true stand-alone for those who pick it up here, but overall a really phenomenal read to kick off this gal’s 2019!

Journey King is a cool cucumber when it comes to getting things done in the business world, but the one person who can bring her to her knees in defeat has returned to Houston intent on making a play on the company. She knows Frank should be an enemy of sorts since he was instrumental in getting her mother ousted from the company, but he’s is a powerful man and possible the only one that can put a stop to the train wreck her father intends to unravel.

Frank Evans knows the rival side of the King family opposite his best friend Beckett should be off-limits now that things have settled down, but he can tell there’s something to the fact that Journey is seeking him out. The fear in her eyes isn’t normal, and he can’t turn his back on that in the end. His pretending to be her boyfriend is the easiest way to get him close to Kingdom Corp and her family, but along the way the fake starts to feel all too real when the danger starts to overwhelm them!

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