Book Reviews – Page 3

* Review * THE CREEKSIDE MURDER by Carol Ericson

May 27, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE CREEKSIDE MURDER by Carol Ericson

The Creekside Murder by Carol Ericson
Series: Pacific Northwest Forensics #1
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on May 27, 2025
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Her sister’s murder was his professional downfall

Now protecting her will be his redemption

Crime scene investigator Jessica Eller needs Finn Karlsson’s help. The criminal justice expert was there ten years ago when her sister’s killer confessed to the crime. But now recent homicides are mimicking that horrendous murder, suggesting that the real culprit is still at large. And then Jessica is targeted, forcing Finn to play the killer's games in his attempts to protect the woman he's grown to love…

Great kickoff to Carol Ericson’s brand new Pacific Northwest Forensics series! Danger is lurking from start to finish as Jessica returns home to try to reopen the cold case of her sister’s murder. While investigating, similar murders begin to mimic Tiffany’s final days and lead Jessica on a race against time to find the killer. I liked Jessica and Finn a lot and connected easily with their story, but I did want just a smidge more explanation for how he came to lose his job back then and go on to teach at the college. The characters are well developed overall, the suspense is top notch and the ending was quite the twist. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series!

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* Review * THE GUEST COTTAGE by Lori Foster

May 27, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE GUEST COTTAGE by Lori Foster

The Guest Cottage by Lori Foster
Series: Firefly Summer #1
Published by Kensington Books on May 27, 2025
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Love, forgiveness, and renewal take center stage in the haven of a quiet lakeside town when two very different women bond over one man’s betrayals in this uplifting new series from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster.

Marlow Heddings is starting over. She’s carried the outrage of her husband Dylan’s affair with a younger woman—and the expectations of his family’s powerful Chicago holdings company—long enough. Now, after another devastating twist of fate, she’s unapologetically moving on.

Arriving in tiny Bramble, Kentucky, Marlow revels in her freedom, swapping her executive suits for sundresses . . . and scouting places to open her dream boutique. Best of all is her new residence, an adorable cottage with gorgeous lake views—and a breathtaking landlord, former Marine Cort Easton. Soon they’re sharing dockside morning coffee and nighttime firefly gazing. Marlow’s new life feels like a dream.

Then Pixie Nolan arrives on her doorstep. With a shocking secret.

To Marlow’s astonishment, Dylan’s “other woman” is a desperate girl of nineteen, destitute, exhausted, and disowned by her family. Defying her manipulative in-laws’ demands, and surprising even herself, Marlow vows to lay down roots in Bramble and help Pixie get on her feet. Then they’ll part ways. But empathy has a way of forging bonds. As Marlow grows close to the hard-working, devoted young woman, she becomes something of a big sister to Pixie.

Now, with each sunrise, Marlow awakens to the life she was truly meant to live, one filled with deepening connections, supportive friendship . . . and even a second chance at love.

With the first book in her brand new Firefly Summer series, Lori Foster proves yet again why she’s an auto-buy for so many! She beautifully delivers a complex story filled with easy to like characters, lots of turmoil to keep you addicted and a strong female lead who is no longer willing to settle for less than. In this story of revelation and redemption, we embark on a smalltown filled with a goodhearted and quirky cast of characters that will keep you smiling as drama unfolds and hearts are healed. I can’t wait to see more of this smalltown family and hope Pixie gets a story! The ending was a tad abrupt, but absolute perfection otherwise. Looking forward to the next book already and highly recommend this one!

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* Review * K-9 JUSTICE by Nichole Severn

May 27, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * K-9 JUSTICE by Nichole Severn

K-9 Justice by Nichole Severn
Series: New Mexico Guard Dogs #6
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on May 27, 2025
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A K-9 will help her catch a criminal cartel

Socorro Security founder Ivy Bardot had dedicated the last two years to taking down a cartel. She’d even sent in her former FBI partner, Carson Lang, as an undercover operative. Now the syndicate was coming for members of her team. Despite having her trusted K-9, Ivy also needed Carson out and by her side. But revealing his true identity could come with a dire price. They’d sacrificed so much, including their own feelings, to seek justice. Were they prepared to risk their own lives?

A fitting finale to a really entertaining series! The final book in the New Mexico Guard Dogs series did not disappoint on action and suspense. I wanted more heart and connection put into Ivy and Carson to really pull on my heartstrings, but the overall storyline wrapped up decently. There are some twists that we weren’t expecting, and a great push of camaraderie between the group as a whole to wrap it all up.

I recommend this series to anyone looking for a fast paced intrigue series that centers around taking down a major drug cartel with the help of a cast of heroes and their K9 sidekicks.

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* Review * MISSING IN TEXAS by Virginia Vaughan

May 27, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MISSING IN TEXAS by Virginia Vaughan

Missing in Texas by Virginia Vaughan
Series: Lone Star Defenders #2
Published by Love Inspired Suspense on May 27, 2025
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Can she crack a decade-old cold case

before the murderer silences her?

The moment FBI agent Christy Williams arrives in Mercy, Texas, determined to solve her friend’s disappearance twelve years ago, she becomes a killer’s number one target. Ignoring the threats on her life, she partners with Deputy Mike Tyner, the cousin of one of the chief suspects…and the last person to see her friend alive. As they work to investigate this cold case together, it becomes clear someone will stop at nothing to keep the past hidden. With time running out, can Mike keep Christy alive long enough to find justice for her friend…before a murderer strikes again?

Great read from start to finish! The second book in the Lone Star Defenders series by Virginia Vaughan is filled with unexpected twists and lots of great scene/character development. The plot is wrought with tension but also lots of faith and good-heartedness. I found the love between Christy and Mike to be unbelievable because there was really no development at all on that front, but the cold case carried the storyline quite well and made the book enjoyable regardless. Loved how it all wrapped up and highly recommend for a quick intrigue.

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* Release Blitz/Review* VICTORIOUS: PART I by K.E. Osborn

May 14, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review* VICTORIOUS: PART I by K.E. Osborn

Victorious: Part I by K E Osborn
Series: LA Defiance MC #5
on May 14, 2025
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My entire world shattered in an instant.
One phone call was all it took.
Whatever triumph we felt in taking down the Governor was short-lived.
Because the Rojas Cartel was already rising from the ashes.

If we thought we’d won by wiping out Rico Rojas, we were dead wrong. His nephew isn’t just carrying the mantle—he’s rewriting the legacy of the Rojas name by gutting everything we’ve built from the inside out.

Now we’re being torn apart at the seams. Clover and Phoenix are forced to flee to Vegas, Valerie’s fighting for survival in prison, and Alpha is drowning in a tsunami of emotions that threatens to pull him under. We’re surrounded, outnumbered, and running out of options.

My only hope lies in a rogue bird who should have been set free when I liberated the Nest. But she’s working for Rojas. For the enemy. Nighthawk might have blood on her blade, but she could be the key to bringing down the Cartel once and for all. Trusting her means risking everything on the belief that birds of a feather truly do flock together.

With families ripped apart and war erupting on all sides, I have to tap into the darkest parts of my training. Because when everything you love is at stake, it’s not just about survival—it’s about believing that in the end, Defiance will come out victorious.

This is a high-stakes, enemies-to-allies, forbidden love romance, featuring birds trained to kill, underground cartel operations, and Defiance fighting for their lives. This is Part I of a two-part conclusion to the series.

Emotionally raw and highly addictive! With the first part of the finale duet in her LA Defiance MC series, K.E. Osborn is taking her readers on the ride of their life as evil descends and burns the life the guys thought they knew down. I was hooked instantly and I stayed enthralled throughout the majority of the book. The “field trip” with Clover was a bit distracting and while I enjoyed connections being made, it took a bit away from the intensity of the book as a whole. I cannot wait for the second part of the story to arrive in a few months. I have a feeling it’s going to be epic!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys an MC romance with passion, heart and lots of drama. Osborn develops her worlds very well and makes connecting with the characters really easy for her readers.

Title: Victorious: Part I

Series: LA Defiance MC #5

Author: K E Osborn

Genre: MC Romance

Tropes: Forbidden/Forced Proximity

No Third Act Breakup/Redemption Arc/Revenge

Release Date: May 14, 2025

BLURB

My entire world shattered in an instant.

One phone call was all it took.

Whatever triumph we felt in taking down the Governor was short-lived.

Because the Rojas Cartel was already rising from the ashes.

If we thought we’d won by wiping out Rico Rojas, we were dead wrong. His nephew isn’t just carrying the mantle—he’s rewriting the legacy of the Rojas name by gutting everything we’ve built from the inside out.

Now we’re being torn apart at the seams. Clover and Phoenix are forced to flee to Vegas, Valerie’s fighting for survival in prison, and Alpha is drowning in a tsunami of emotions that threatens to pull him under. We’re surrounded, outnumbered, and running out of options.

My only hope lies in a rogue bird who should have been set free when I liberated the Nest. But she’s working for Rojas. For the enemy. Nighthawk might have blood on her blade, but she could be the key to bringing down the Cartel once and for all. Trusting her means risking everything on the belief that birds of a feather truly do flock together.

With families ripped apart and war erupting on all sides, I have to tap into the darkest parts of my training. Because when everything you love is at stake, it’s not just about survival—it’s about believing that in the end, Defiance will come out victorious.

From USA Today Bestselling Author K E Osborn comes the highly desired Fifth book in the LA Defiance MC Series.

This is a high-stakes, enemies-to-allies, forbidden love romance, featuring birds trained to kill, underground cartel operations, and Defiance fighting for their lives. This is Part I of a two-part conclusion to the series.

TRIGGER WARNING

This book contains scenes of violence, death and emotional distress. If any of these are triggering for you, please go into this fully aware that Victorious Part I and Part II comes at a cost. You can’t have a profound victory, without first, a crushing defeat….

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Releasing September 22

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AUTHOR BIO

With a flair for all things creative, USA Today Bestselling Author K E Osborn, is drawn to the written word. Exciting worlds and characters flow through her veins, coming to life on the page as she laughs, cries, and becomes enveloped in the storyline right along with you. She’s entirely at home when writing sassy heroines and alpha males that rise from the ashes of their pasts.

K E Osborn comforts herself with tea and Netflix, after all, who doesn’t love a good binge?

Explosive. Addictive. Romance. at www.keosbornauthor.com

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* Review * SOMONE TO TEMPT by Michelle Major

May 9, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SOMONE TO TEMPT by Michelle Major

Someone To Tempt by Michelle Major
Series: The Skylark Series #2
Published by Romilda House on May 22, 2025
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I’ve spent my whole life playing by the rules. It’s time to break a few…

Work hard. Do the right thing. Be a good girl. That’s how I survived growing up with a scandal-magnet mother and a brother who treated troublemaker like a part-time job. I thought if I followed the rules, I could outrun the chaos.

For the most part, I have. Being mayor of Skylark is everything to me, and I want to belong here. But competence and responsibility aren’t the crowd-pleasing campaign qualities that will get me re-elected in this small town.

So I sign up for a ballroom dance class, determined to show everyone this good girl knows how to have fun. Then he walks in.

Jake Byrne. The reckless rule-breaker who ruined my family’s reputation and broke my heart.

I hate him. Obviously.

But hating is a lot harder with his body pressed against mine, moving like we’re made for each other. Turns out, Jake isn’t just gorgeous. He’s charming, perceptive, and what’s worse? He makes me feel. Everything.

And when he kisses me, I shatter right along with the rules.

Just when I start to believe in second chances, a scandal from my past threatens our future. Jake swears he’s in this for real—but I’ve been burned before. Trusting him might be the biggest temptation of all.

Smalltown emotional goodness! With the second book in her new Skylark series, Michelle Major takes her reader back into the heart of Skylark, Colorado with Mayor Iris Dixon’s story. She’s spent her life outrunning memories and scandal thanks to a dysfunctional family, but she’s finally settled into the place that captured her heart. When her childhood crush AKA “the man that helped ruin her life” comes back onto the scene, all bets are off and emotions are holding all the cards. I loved Iris and Jake and really enjoyed getting to know their background and watching them find their way into a really heartwarming relationship. Lots of drama, well developed worlds and great characters will steal your heart with this series!

I highly recommend this book as well as the first in the series to anyone who enjoys a smalltown romance with lots of friendship, community and angst as love finds a way to heal all.

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* Review * DYING TO MEET YOU by Sarina Bowen

May 9, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DYING TO MEET YOU by Sarina Bowen

Dying to Meet You by Sarina Bowen
Published by Harper Perennial on May 13, 2025
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Rowan Gallagher is a devoted single mother and a talented architect with a high-profile commission restoring an historic mansion for the most powerful family in Maine. But inside, she’s a mess. She knows that stalking her ex’s avatar all over Portland on her phone isn't the healthiest way to heal from their breakup. But she’s out of ice cream and she's sick of romcoms.

Watching his every move is both fascinating and infuriating. He's dining out while she's wallowing on the couch. The last straw comes when he parks in their favorite spot on the waterfront. In a weak moment, she leashes the dog and sets off to see who else is in his car.

Instead of catching her ex in a kiss, Rowan becomes the first witness to his murder—and the primary suspect.

But Rowan isn’t the only one keeping secrets. As she digs for the truth, she discovers the dead man was stalking her too, gathering intimate details about her job and her past.

Struggling to clear her name, Rowan finds herself spiraling into the shadowy plot that killed him.

Will she be the next to die?

Diabolically twisty … but in such a down-to-earth way! Sarina Bowen is turning on the angst and is sure to delight her mystery fans with Rowan Gallagher’s story. We get a very natural connection with the storyline and characters before things begin to take a turn and we are thrust into a mystery we don’t see coming. I really enjoyed Rowan and her story. She’s easy to like, her peril is well-developed and we get a story of family in addition to the mystery going on in the forefront. Loved every minute!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a whodunnit with lots of twists with likable characters and bits of family along the way.

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* Release Blitz/Review * GRUMPY SUNSHINE by Lani Lynn Vale

May 6, 2025 Leave a Comment

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* Release Blitz/Review * GRUMPY SUNSHINE by Lani Lynn Vale

Grumpy Sunshine by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Content Advisory #1
on May 6, 2025
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The first day that she walked onto the surgical floor that Chevy Clayborne spent most of his time on, he knew that he’d do anything to make her his.

For two years, he played the long game.

He slowly insinuated himself into her life, and the moment that she needed him, he swooped in like the knight in shining armor that he only pretended to be but most assuredly wasn’t.

He’s no real knight.

In fact, he’s the villain in everyone’s story but his own.

He lives life the way he wants to live it, and damn anyone and anything that gets in his way.

He may appear like an upstanding anesthesiologist at work, but the moment he gets out of those scrubs and into his jeans, biker boots, and leather cut with the Truth Tellers emblem at his back, he morphs into his alter ego.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde ain’t got nothin’ on him.

He’s been putting on a front for two years, and just when he has Aella Cowan right where he wants her, he closes down every possible avenue of escape.

He thinks he has a future fight on his hand, but Aella proves that she’s not quite as sheltered as Chevy thinks. She’s perfectly happy being the old lady of one of the scariest members of the Truth Tellers Motorcycle Club and couldn’t care less if he spends his nights doing questionable things to despicable people.

As long as she has breakfast with him every morning, what does she care how he spent his night?

Dramatic and so addictive! I love Lani Lynn Vale’s romance worlds and how she spins off one series from another and another and another and we get to stay a little bit in the lives of some of our favorite people for ages by seeing them in someone else’s book. With the first book in her brand new Content Advisory series, we get Chevy Clayborne’s story who we met when his sister Keely got with Dima in the Semyonov Bratva series. We also see a couple of crossovers from the Carter Brothers series which was really fun.

This book is intense in a whole lot of ways and really held my attention throughout. I enjoyed getting to know some of the Truth Teller MC and hope to see more of them throughout this series. I want to get some of the lowdown on Reign eventually too. I equally loved Chevy and Aella and enjoyed them finding their way through all of the drama and pinning down their happily ever after. Highly recommend!

Title: Grumpy Sunshine

Series: Content Advisory #1

Author: Lani Lynn Vale

Genre: Mafia Romance

Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine, Enemies to Lovers

Golden Retriever Hero, Workplace Romance

Release Date: May 6, 2025

BLURB

The first day that she walked onto the surgical floor that Chevy Clayborne spent most of his time on, he knew that he’d do anything to make her his.

For two years, he played the long game.

He slowly insinuated himself into her life, and the moment that she needed him, he swooped in like the knight in shining armor that he only pretended to be but most assuredly wasn’t.

He’s no real knight.

In fact, he’s the villain in everyone’s story but his own.

He lives life the way he wants to live it, and damn anyone and anything that gets in his way.

He may appear like an upstanding anesthesiologist at work, but the moment he gets out of those scrubs and into his jeans, biker boots, and leather cut with the Truth Tellers emblem at his back, he morphs into his alter ego.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde ain’t got nothin’ on him.

He’s been putting on a front for two years, and just when he has Aella Cowan right where he wants her, he closes down every possible avenue of escape.

He thinks he has a future fight on his hand, but Aella proves that she’s not quite as sheltered as Chevy thinks. She’s perfectly happy being the old lady of one of the scariest members of the Truth Tellers Motorcycle Club and couldn’t care less if he spends his nights doing questionable things to despicable people.

As long as she has breakfast with him every morning, what does she care how he spent his night?

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Releasing June 10

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UNIVERSAL

AUTHOR BIO

Lani Lynn Vale is an American author of humorous romantic suspense novels. Born in the Great State of Texas, she has lived the majority of her adult life in East Texas where most of her novels are based. She’s married to her high school sweetheart whom her readers refer to as “LLV’s Bearded Half.” She published her first novel, Boomtown. in the summer of 2013 after the birth of her third child. She’s gone on to publish over 100 novels, with most of them going on to become USA Today Bestsellers.

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* Review * JUST ONE MORE AFFAIR by Carly Phillips

May 4, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * JUST ONE MORE AFFAIR by Carly Phillips

Just One More Affair by Carly Phillips
Series: The Sterling Family #5
Published by CP Publishing on May 12, 2025
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Oops, she did it again…

A one-night stand with a billionaire.
A surprise pregnancy.
Can she trust his love?
Or is it the baby tying them together?

Charlotte Kendall never expected history to repeat itself after a one-night stand at a wedding. Especially since a past encounter left her co-parenting twin daughters she adores. Except this time, her baby daddy is a man she can’t resist.

Billionaire Jared Sterling always gets what he wants—and he wants Charlotte Kendall. When he learns she’s pregnant, he’s all in. But Charlotte’s past has taught this independent, single mom to guard her heart. She doubts Jared’s motives and believes he’s only invested for the baby.

Their chemistry is undeniable and Jared will do anything to convince Charlotte she’s his endgame. But her life is complicated and when her brother’s recklessness puts Charlotte in danger, Jared takes over, proving he’s offering the love and stability she has always craved.

Now Charlotte must decide—will she keep running from the man who’s offering her everything, or take a chance on love?

Sexy, sweet and seductive! I’ve loved the entire Sterling Family series, but Jared just might be my fav! It was really fun to have the connection already with Charlie from getting to know her twins with Noah in his and Fallon’s book previously, so it kind of felt like settling in with old friends as soon as I started this book. Charlotte and Jared are intelligent, accomplished people and seeing their instant sizzle and then respect for each other even when their situation changed was really rewarding. I liked her a lot and he was just the right man for her. Great character development, good drama mixed in and so much family goodness to top it all off. I loved every minute!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a tight knit family who always has some drama going on but who loves hard through it as they support each other in finding their happily ever afters.

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* Review * EXTENDED BRIDGE by Arell Rivers

May 4, 2025 Leave a Comment

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* Review * EXTENDED BRIDGE by Arell Rivers

Extended Bridge by Arell Rivers
Series: Passionate Beats Trilogy, #2
on May 22, 2025
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Torn Between Two Tracks: Can Love Conquer Fear?

Bennett Hardy. Rock god. Heartbreaker. The world's most wanted man. And he's looking at me like I'm his one and only.

Branded “Black Widow” in the media due to the death of my boyfriend, the band's keyboardist, fear is a constant beat underneath my skin. Fear of reliving the nightmares of my past, fear of getting my heart shattered again. Mom says I need a change, a clean break. My bestie whispers, “Let him love you.” But can I trust him? Can I trust myself?

Suddenly, I'm drowning in the intoxicating chaos of Untamed Coaster's world. One hug was the line I drew when I agreed to return. Strictly professional. But Bennett…he sees the scars I hide and ignites a passion I swore was dead. He’s not alone, because I see the abandoned little boy he once was. One unbridled night, and I'm lost in a love that feels too good to be true.

Then, the world explodes. A devious attack. A devastating interview. A desperate call. Just like that, I'm running again, torn between the man who owns my soul and the ones who desperately need my help.

Now I can’t help but wonder if I gave up my only chance at something real.

EXTENDED BRIDGE is the second book in the Passionate Beats trilogy. It requires you to read the prior book in the trilogy first and ends on a cliffhanger, with a certain HEA in the third and final book. It is told exclusively from physical therapist Jenna Westfield’s point of view. If you’re looking for a slow burn, found family rockstar romance filled with heartbreak and fraught new possibilities, then it’s time to climb the tracks with Untamed Coaster!

Dramatically addictive! Book two in Arell Rivers Passionate Beats Trilogy picks up where Opening Strains left us on a cliffhanger and takes us knee deep into Bennett and Jenna once again. I really like them, and I like the overall plot but this book almost felt like we were starting over with the connection they had made previously a bit as well as with her doubts about him. We’re again left on a cliffhanger in anticipation of their conclusion and HEA in book three and this one was big. I’m looking forward to seeing where life takes them at this point and hoping we will eventually get the down low on why it is that Pierce has such an issue with her. I’m hooked and highly anticipating book three!

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