Monthly Archives: December 2021

Bold Fortune by M.M. Crane – Review & Giveaway

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Bold Fortune by M.M. Crane – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Quinn Fortune is the official protector of all the unspoiled beauty in Lost Lake, Alaska, as the head of the community trust. A rugged frontiersman through and through, he doesn’t do soft. But he can’t help his fascination with the pink-clad professor who shows up in Lost Lake seeking his approval for her cheerful outsider’s proposal about land that isn’t hers. Still, he agrees to consider it–if she can handle a month of good old-fashioned Alaska living. He’s betting she’ll head back to the safety of the Lower 48 within the week.

Violet Parrish is a thinker, not a doer, but desperate times call for extraordinary measures–like taking on the Alaskan wilderness. In January. Off the grid. With a mountain man hot enough to melt a glacier. The frozen Alaskan tundra should be no match for Violet’s determination, but the sheer immensity of the Last Frontier takes her by surprise–as does her attraction to gruff, impossibly handsome Quinn, and the unexpected heat that burns between them during the freezing Alaska nights…

 

 

Review:

Bold Fortune by M.M. Crane is the first book in her new The Fortunes of Lost Lake series. We meet our heroine, Violet Parrish, who finds herself in a dilemma; her boyfriend was using her to steal information on a project that Violet was working on. Facing embarrassment, Violet comes up with a different idea to make up for the fiasco she caused; she decides to head for the Alaskan wilderness, in the midst of winter; especially since the man in charge refuses to talk to her. When Violet arrives in Lost Lake, a small town, and comes face to face with a huge mountain man, who is hot and rugged.  She meets Quinn Fortune, the man who ignored her, and the entire town watching inside the lodge she enters. 

Quinn is the leader and protector of their town, Lost Lake, and he is determined to force this lady in pink, to leave.  Violet is a strong, fierce, smart and independent professor, who loves the color of pink, and does not plan to allow Quinn to force her leave, until she can present her proposal.  All the townsfolk watch as Violent manages to hold her own against Quinn.   He eventually makes a deal with her that she can’t last a month in living in the deep winter weather of Alaska; she accepts, much to his surprise.  Quinn finds himself intrigued by Violet, as she continues to prove him wrong. He begins to find himself attracted to her, as she is to him, but he has no plans ever have a permanent relationship, having been burned before.

What follows is a wonderful delightful adventure, with Quinn trying everything to make Violet want to leave Alaska, with all the snow and cold.  I loved how Quinn knew he was falling hard for Violet, slowly opening his cold heart. Violet was the perfect match for Quinn, as she stood up to him against so many odds. The banter between them was amazing, and I so wanted them to be together; even if they were very different, yet so great.    The secondary characters of this series are awesome.

Bold Fortune was a wonderful, cozy, fun, book to read, even in the blustery cold Alaska weather.  Bold Fortune was very well written by M.M. Crane, and look forward to what she has in store for us in future books of this series.  If you enjoy romance, great couple, wonderful characters, then you need to start this series. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

M.M. Crane’s Publisher, Berkley is offering a paper copy of BOLD FORTUNE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

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5. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from December 27, 2021 to January 2, 2022

 

 

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A Man of Honor by Barbara Taylor Bradford – a Review

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A Man of Honor by Barbara Taylor Bradford – a Review

 

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Description:
Opening five years before the start of A Woman of Substance, A Man of Honor begins with 13-year-old Blackie O’Neill facing an uncertain future in rural County Kerry. Orphaned and alone, he has just buried his sister, Bronagh, and must leave his home to set sail for England, in search of a better life with his mother’s brother in Leeds. There, he learns his trade as a navvy, amid the grand buildings and engineering triumphs of one of England’s most prosperous cities, and starts to dream of greater things… And then, high on the Yorkshire moors, in the mists of a winter morning he meets a kitchen maid called Emma Harte.

In A Man of Honor, the true Blackie O’Neill is revealed. For the first time, readers discover his story: his tumultuous life, the obstacles facing him, the desire he has to throw off the impotence of poverty and move up in the world. Like his friend Emma, he is ambitious, driven, disciplined, and determined to make it to the top. And like Emma Harte, he is an unforgettable character for the millions who loved the book.

 

 

Review:

A Man of Honor by Barbara Taylor Bradford is a prequel novel from the A Woman of Substance.  It’s been a long time since I read Bradford’s fantastic A Woman of Substance (Harte Family) Saga (began in 1979), which at that time was my favorite series, spending time with Emma Harte, her successful career, loves and her children, who continued the saga.  I looked forward to this prequel, especially since it was focuses on Blackie O’Neill, whom we loved in the earlier books, this story is approximately 5 years prior the start of A Woman of Substance.   A Man of Honor was a very good story, and brought back many memories about the saga.

We meet 13 year old Blackie, who is alone, having recently lost his sister, living in County Kerry, with his cousins. Blackie is a strapping young boy, who has no qualms working hard to learn his trade and build a better life.  He sets sail for England, to stay and work with his Uncle Patrick, who is a builder. Blackie begins to learn his trade as a navvy, and with his ambitions, dreams and determination to build, he becomes very skilled at his creations, which become popular among the wealthy.

For those of us who have read the entire Harte Family Saga, we do get glimpses of others we have met before; such as the wealthy Lord Lassiter, who hires Blackie for major improvements to his properties, which starts Blackie on his way to reaching his dreams.  We also learn more about Lassiter and Adrian, and their loves.  Of course, as we get closer to the end, Blackie will finally meet a young maid, Emma Harte, and soon a strong bond of friendship begins.

A Man of Honor was a perfect interesting and fun prequel that was very well written by Barbara Taylor Bradford.  Blackie was a fantastic hero, who made friends easily, as well as a workaholic that will change his life to reach his high expectations.  A Man a Honor can be read as a standalone, however it works so much better if you have read all of the Harte Family Saga.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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The O Zone (Bears Hockey 11) by Kelly Jamieson -a review

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The O Zone (Bears Hockey 11) by Kelly Jamieson -a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 4, 2022

Owen Cook
I have one goal: To be the best hockey player I can be. I’m not going to waste the opportunity I have. All my focus is on hockey. I avoid distractions like women and relationships during the hockey season, but when a quirky subway busker asks me out on a fake date, somehow I’m intrigued enough to accept.

Emerie Ross
I gave up my music dreams to look after my half-sister. I don’t want her to feel as alone and neglected as I did after our mother died. But my ex-boyfriend is still trying to win me back and now my stepfather is helping him. Gah! I’d rather drink bleach than marry Roman Moretti. If they think I’m involved with someone else, maybe they’ll give up on that idea. All I need is a man…a date for a party.

Owen
When Emerie introduces me to her wicked stepfather (ha) I realize I’ve made a huge mistake. He’s my boss—the man who owns the team I play for. And he’s not happy to see me with Emerie. Can you say career ending move?

Emerie
Oops. I hate hockey. How was I supposed to know who Owen is? How are we going to keep Vince from trading him away? How am I going to make sure I stay happily un-married? We’re going to have to keep up this pretense even if it means me going to hockey games. Ugh. Even if it means disrupting Owen’s rigid routines. Even if it means everything gets a lot more complicated

•••••••

REVIEW:THE O ZONE is the first instalment in Kelly Jamieson’s contemporary, adult BEARS HOCKEY II erotic, hockey, romance series-spin off/companion to the author’s Bears Hockey series. This is New York Bears, professional hockey player Owen ‘Cookie’ Cooke, and busker Emerie Ross’s story line. THE O ZONE can be read as a stand alone, you do not have to have read the previous series to follow or understand.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Owen and Emerie) THE O ZONE follows the building romance and relationship between professional hockey play Owen Cooke, and busker Emerie Ross. Owen Cooke is all about the game of hockey but a local busker has caught our hero’s attention, a busker who needs Owen’s help to avoid a confrontation with her ex and pushy step- father but to Owen’s shock, said father is the New York Bears team owner, and a man who refuses to accept his step-daughter’s relationship with our story line hero. As Owen and Emerie’s relationship goes from fake to romantic, Emerie’s father takes a stand forcing Owen to reconsider his future with our story line heroine. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Emerie and Owen, and the potential fall-out as Emerie finds herself persona non-grata with both her father, and the man with whom she has fallen in love.

Emerie Ross has never revealed her connection to her famous step-father but in the wake of her mother’s death, Emerie has never felt accepted or loved but for her relationship with her younger half-sister. Busking on the side, without her step-father’s knowledge, Emerie has always wanted a career in music but found herself raising her half-sister in her step-father’s absence. Owen Cooke suffered a devastating loss and has pushed himself to prove he is worthy of his professional status . Owen is obsessed with hockey to the point of ignoring everything else, and Emerie’s place in his life, is about to push our hero over the edge.

The relationship between Owen and Emerie begins as a fake relationship, friends to lovers, in which their romance begins to affect our story line hero. Having never considered his own happily ever after, Owen finds himself at a crossroads when his future is on the line, and the past refuses to let go. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

Most of the original series couples return as secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Emerie’s father Vince D’Agostino, her sister Cat D’Agostino, Owen’s parents,and Emerie’s ex Roman Moretti.

THE O ZONE is a story of family, relationships, rejection and love. The premise is emotional and heart breaking; the romance is seductive ; the characters are energetic, broken but healing.

Previous reviews
Must love Dogs and Hockey
You Had Me at Hockey
Talk Hockey to Me

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Kelly Jamieson is a USA Today bestselling author of over fifty romance novels and novellas. She writes the kind of books she loves to read–sexy romance with heat, humor and emotion. Her writing has been described as “emotionally complex”, “sweet and satisfying” and “blisteringly sexy”. She likes coffee (black), wine (mostly white) and shoes (high!). She also loves watching hockey. She is the author of the popular Heller Brothers Hockey series, Aces Hockey series, and the Rule of Three trilogy.

Connect with Kelly

Facebook: https://bit.ly/3oqDFet
Instagram: https://bit.ly/37x0pTe
Amazon: https://amzn.to/33MTofY
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/33Njsb2
BookBub: https://bit.ly/39LQaxm
Website: https://www.kellyjamieson.com

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Stocking Stuffer by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Stocking Stuffer by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description:

When Bailey Willis plays Santa’s elf for her company’s Christmas party, she never expects to be stuck with the childhood crush who broke her heart at sixteen playing the role of Santa Claus.

Montgomery “Mack” Macholan realizes he made a mistake when he was eighteen when he let Bailey go home on prom night without kissing her. Now ten years later he’s playing Santa to her sexy elf and he can’t keep his hands off her.

 

 

Review:

Stocking Stuffer by Lauren Smith is a wonderful romantic Christmas novella; as I have said this before, anything written by this author is always going to be fun, romantic and sexy. 

Bailey Willis, our heroine, is attending her first holiday retreat for the company she works for, and has been picked to be an elf at the fundraiser event; she wasn’t thrilled, especially with her costume a bit revealing.  While waiting for Santa to show up, Bailey is shocked to see someone from her school days (10 years ago) is playing Santa.

Mack Macholan, our hero, is also shocked to see Bailey, and enthralled how she has grown up, and is beautiful, not to mention sexy.   Mack remembers when he walked away from her during the prom, and regrets his mistake; and goes out of his way to make amends, using all his charm.  Bailey is hesitant, since she has not forgotten Mack had hurt her, but she still finds herself attracted to him.

What follows is an awesome fun steamy romance, with Mack doing everything in his power to win Bailey over.  The relationship between Mack and Bailey heats up quickly (it is a novella  ?), with the chemistry between them sizzling.  They were great together, as friends and romantically.  Will Mack allow himself to fall in love with Bailey, since he doesn’t believe in permanent relationships?

Stocking Stuffer was a fantastic fun steamy story, which was so very well written by Lauren Smith. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and prayed they would find a way to stay together, as they were so awesome.  Stocking Stuffer was an uplifting story and just in time for the holidays!

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

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Hunter’s Hope by Alyssa Day – a Review

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Hunter’s Hope by Alyssa Day – a Review

 

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Description:
Hunter Evans risked his life again and again as a firefighter until the night he died saving a child…only to be reborn as a vampire. Now the man who lived his life as the quintessential “nice guy” must find a way to conquer the deadly urges that threaten to turn him feral. When his own actions put a beautiful woman in danger, he vows to protect her…even from himself.

Alice Darlington has a secret of her own: she sees ghosts. She thought she’d done a good job of keeping it under wraps—until now. A terrible threat from her past is hunting her down in order to use her power for dark purposes. Now she’s on the run and doesn’t know who to trust or where to go.

When Hunter and Alice team up to battle the dangers coming at them from all sides, they’re forced to rely on each other. But Hunter doesn’t know how long he can keep the beast inside him away from the woman it craves…

The Vampire Motorcycle Club series is best enjoyed in order:
Book #1 Bane’s Choice
Book #2 Hunter’s Hope

 

 

Review :

Hunter’s Choice by Alyssa Day is the second book in her Vampire Motorcycle Club series. I have not read the first book, but I’m definitely going back to read it. I’ve not read this author in a while (I loved her Atlantis Series)

This series concentrates on a motorbike gang, but not an ordinary MC gang, this one has vampires riding the bikes. It did remind me a little of Patricia A. Rasey’s Sons of Sangue Series. 

Hunter is considered a “young” vampire as he’d only recently been turned. He’s fighting his revulsion at the the decision to take his old life away and replace it with a new one! And it’s one he’s not sure he can get a grip of! His new diet is causing him anxiety and stress, he thinks he’s going to kill someone’s with his newfound strength and hunger! But all that changes when he meets Alice….

Alice can see ghosts! She’s been able to see them for a long time, hiding the fact from everyone she knows. But when her past comes back to “haunt” her, she’s unsure where to go, can she really trust this stranger who holds a dark attraction for her? And how will she cope when she finds out there is more than just ghosts in her world… Vampires, demons and werewolves for a start! 

I really liked the premise of this story, it’s a little slow and not much interaction with the MC part. But it has great dialogue, parts had me chuckling. It also shows us how newly turned vampires deal with their new life. And the ghost element was a great addition (usually the female is just some ordinary human who stumbles into the supernatural world. I also liked how the couple work together figuring out who and what wants Alice. Maybe I’ve read too many MC books lately, maybe I’ve read too many dark romances to fully appreciate this one, I found it a little tame, there could have been more battles, it could have been a little darker. But it’s still a great read, and I’ve added this series on my TBR list. 

I’d recommend it for those who like their vampires a little less dark and who fight their basic urges ?

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

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A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

 

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Description:
Born shrouded in the veil of the Primals, a Maiden as the Fates promised, Seraphena Mierel’s future has never been hers. Chosen before birth to uphold the desperate deal her ancestor struck to save his people, Sera must leave behind her life and offer herself to the Primal of Death as his Consort.   

However, Sera’s real destiny is the most closely guarded secret in all of Lasania—she’s not the well protected Maiden but an assassin with one mission—one target. Make the Primal of Death fall in love, become his weakness, and then…end him. If she fails, she dooms her kingdom to a slow demise at the hands of the Rot. 

Sera has always known what she is. Chosen. Consort. Assassin. Weapon. A specter never fully formed yet drenched in blood. A monster. Until him. Until the Primal of Death’s unexpected words and deeds chase away the darkness gathering inside her. And his seductive touch ignites a passion she’s never allowed herself to feel and cannot feel for him. But Sera has never had a choice. Either way, her life is forfeit—it always has been, as she has been forever touched by Life and Death.

 

 

Review:

A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the 1st book in her new Flesh and Fire series. I am such a big fan of Armentrout, as she always gives us fantastic fantasy stories, and wonderful lead characters.   A Shadow of the Ember is a prequel to her wonderful Blood and Ash series, taking place thousands of years prior to that series.

Seraphena (Sera) Mierel, our heroine, was born to be an assassin, fulfilling her part in a deal made by her ancestor (made by the Primal of Death) all those years before, as she has trained to be a powerful weapon, and help her country survive by weakening the current Primal, and killing him.  When she comes face to face with becoming his consort, to her shock he refuses and leaves; her family treats her badly, blaming her for the failure to join with the Primal. Sera is lonely, and keeps herself private, continuing to train as a warrior. Along the way, she meets Ash, and a slow build romance begins, with both feeling the intense attraction to each other. 

When her evil brother takes over the throne, he is determined to destroy Sera, and it is Ash who comes to her rescue.  The caveat, Ash is Nyktos, the Primal of Death, who originally (3 years ago) refused her to become his consort, which he felt he did not need.   Nyktos saves her life, and he takes her to his home, to become his Consort. It is here where we meet all of Nyktos’s wonderful warriors that guard him, and when they get back home, we meet many more wonderful secondary characters. 

Nyktos was wonderful with Sera, patient, kind and their chemistry was off the wall; very steamy, as well as emotional. The longer she spends time with him, Sera realizes she is having strong feelings for him, worried that she would not be able to do what is expected of her, when the time came. I loved Nytos and Sera together, and prayed things would work out between them.  Sera was a great heroine, totally outspoken, fierce, a warrior, and loyal;  Nyktos was also great, and we couldn’t help fall in love with him; especially how he protects and takes care of all in his realm.  Sera and Nyktos were so good together, with the banter and sexual tension between them.  I also loved seeing more of the Drakens (Nektas and his two adorable tiny drakens), as well as the fabulous secondary characters that helped make this such a fantastic read.

What follows is an exciting action filled adventure that had me holding my breaths so many times.  The last third of the book was mind-blowing, with heart wrenching, emotional and many surprising twists; with me unable to put the book down. A Shadow in the Ember was another intriguing story, with wonderful world building, and lots of action, suspense, violence, betrayal, passion and fantastic characters. Jennifer L. Armentrout has once again written such an amazing high fantasy, with two wonderful heroes, destined to be together.  From start to finish, Armentrout kept me glued to my kindle, with this wonderful world she has created.  I cannot wait to see what Jennifer has in store for us.  If you have not read the Blood and Ash series, you need to start with that, then read A Shadow in the Ember. 

Reviewed by Barb

Owned copy

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Just the Wrong Twin by Deborah Cooke-a review

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Just the Wrong Twin (Flatiron Five Fitness 8) by Deborah Cooke-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release date November 24, 2021.

Sonia is ready to take a chance…
It’s ten years since she reclaimed her life and it’s time to celebrate. When boy-next-door Nate Buchanan arrives looking hot and dangerous at Jacquie and Pierce’s wedding, Sonia hears invitation knocking. Bringing Nate home might turn out to be the smartest impulse she’s ever had—Mr. Right-Now might even be a contender for Mr. Right. But then Sonia’s secrets start to reveal themselves—with the help of her troublemaking twin sister—and her past threatens to ruin their chance of a future.

Nate won’t miss his chance…
Ex-Marine and former weightlifting coach Nate is ready to start fresh. He’s got a new job, a new car and a new chance to make his life what he wants it to be. No more looking back at what he’s left behind. One last visit to Flatiron Five Fitness and it’s goodbye, Manhattan—until gorgeous Sonia propositions him. Nate knows he can’t give Sonia the forever-after she wants, but he can make their night together one to remember. Once he discovers that Sonia has scars deeper than his own, Nate wants to defend her—even though experience has taught him to expect nothing more than the moment. Can Sonia’s trust help him heal from the wounds of the past and take a chance on the future again?

•••••••

REVIEW:JUST THE WRONG TWIN is the eighth instalment in Deborah Cooke’s contemporary, adult FLATIRON FIVE FITNESS romance series. This is therapist/yoga instructor Sonia Olson, and ex-Marine/weight lifting coach turned security specialist Nate Buchanan’s story line. JUST THE WRONG TWIN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspectives including Nate and Sonia JUST THE WRONG TWIN follows in the months after Sonia was humiliated by her twin sister Katia, at a F5F party. Katia had pretended to be our story line heroine, and seduced the man that had caught Sonia’s eye. Fast forward several months wherein Sonia and Nate would reconnect at Pierce and Jacquie’s nuptials (Just One Silver Fox 7), and a friendship/friends with benefits relationship would bloom but Nate was about to start a new position in Boston, leaving his Flatiron Five Fitness family, and Sonia behind. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Sonia and Nate, and the potential fall-out as the past tries to reconnect with our leading couple.

Sonia Olson is not the person she used to be, and it is Sonia’s turn to take control of her life. With the help of the staff at F5F, Sonia will start a yoga podcast, a podcast that will get her notice but notice from the wrong people may send our heroine into a tailspin. Nate Buchanan has loved and lost, and in this our hero believes, there will never be anyone ever again. When Sonia professes her love for our hero, Nate struggles to address the demons from his past.

The relationship between Nate and Sonia is a frenemies to lovers in which Nate wants nothing to do with any type of forever or commitment. Moving out of state, starting a new job, Nate finds himself constantly thinking about the woman he left behind. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous story line couples. We are introduced to Sonia’s twin sister Katia, and her friends Tommy and Nate; their parents, as well as Nate’s sister Diane.

JUST THE WRONG TWIN is a story of betrayal, family, relationships, friendships and love. The character driven premise is energetic and encouraging; the characters are animated, sensitive and dynamic; the romance is edgy and provocative.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Just One Fake Date
Just One More Time
Just One Night Together
Just One Hometown Hero (Some Guys Have All the Luck)
Just One Second Chance (Bad Case of Loving You)
Just Home for the Holidays
Just One Silver Fox

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

Haven’t started the series? Get book one JUST ONE FAKE DATE -FREE- at most ebook retailers
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

 

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