Tag Archives: Barb’s Reviews

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood – a Review

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Deep End by Ali Hazelwood – a Review

 

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Description:
Scarlett Vandermeer is swimming upstream. A Junior at Stanford and a student-athlete who specializes in platform diving, Scarlett prefers to keep her head down, concentrating on getting into med school and on recovering from the injury that almost ended her career. She has no time for relationships—at least, that’s what she tells herself.

Swim captain, world champion, all-around aquatics golden boy, Lukas Blomqvist thrives on discipline. It’s how he wins gold medals and breaks records: complete focus, with every stroke. On the surface, Lukas and Scarlett have nothing in common. Until a well-guarded secret slips out, and everything changes.

So they start an arrangement. And as the pressure leading to the Olympics heats up, so does their relationship. It was supposed to be just a temporary, mutually satisfying fling. But when staying away from Lukas becomes impossible, Scarlett realizes that her heart might be treading into dangerous water…

 

 

Review:

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood is a spicy standalone novel.  We meet Scarlett Vandermeer, who is a junior at Stanford, specializing in platform diving; as she is recovering from an injury, and determined to get her career back on track. Scarlett is the main character in this story, as she is strong, persistent and dedicated to her diving. Though she still suffers from a mental block from her injury.

Lukas Blomqvist, the golden boy, is the swim team captain and world champion. He wins gold medals, breaks records and thrives on discipline. Lukas has recently broken up with his girlfriend, Pen, as they both agree to try others.  Pen pushes Scarlett to get to know Lukas, but neither of them have much in common.  The relationship between Lukas and Scarlett did get off at a messy start, even though they did surprising at the start that they were hot together.

Scarlett and Lukas had a lot of chemistry and were perfect for each other.  There was a lot of Sex, with some BDSM; but Lukas was patient, and kind with Scarlett.  In time, the angst and tension became wild and kinky.  Scarlett was hesitant at times, especially when she believed that Lukas wasn’t really attached, so she kept her distance.  Their relationship was supposed to be a temporary satisfying fling.

Deep End was emotional, intimate, spicy, raw, angst and a lot of erotica.   Though they complicated each other, their romance was raw and intimate; but as we got closer to the end, they both were falling in love. The epilogue at the end was very well done, with Scarlet and Lukas totally in love. Deep End by Ali Hazelwood was well written, but I did think there was a bit too much sex throughout. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Bonded in Death by J.D. Robb – a Review

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Bonded in Death by J.D. Robb – a Review

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Description:
His passport read Giovanni Rossi. But decades ago, during the Urban Wars, he was part of a small, secret organization called The Twelve. Responding to an urgent summons from an old compatriot, he landed in New York and eased into the waiting car. And died within minutes…

Lieutenant Eve Dallas finds the Rossi case frustrating. She’s got an elderly victim who’d just arrived from Rome; a widow who knows nothing about why he’d left; an as-yet unidentifiable weapon; and zero results on facial recognition. But when she finds a connection to the Urban Wars of the 2020s, she thinks Summerset―fiercely loyal, if somewhat grouchy, major-domo and the man who’d rescued her husband from the Dublin streets―may know something from his stint as a medic in Europe back then.

When Summerset learns of the crime, his shock and grief are clear―because, as he eventually reveals, he himself was one of The Twelve. It’s not a part of his past he likes to revisit. But now he must―not only to assist Eve’s investigation, but because a cryptic message from the killer has boasted that others of The Twelve have also died. Summerset is one of those who remain―and the murderous mission is yet to be fully accomplished…

 

 

Review:

Bonded in Death by J.D. Robb is the 60th book in this fantastic series.  Bonded in Death was one of the best in this series, as it was a terrific intense and exciting story that kept me unable to put the book down.  Fantastic.

Giovanni Rossi, who lives in Rome, received an urgent summons from an old friend to come to New York; when he landed and entered a waiting car, he is immediately gassed to death.  Giovanni was part of a secret organization consisting of 12 members during the urban wars (during the 2024-2026). The group, called The Twelve, were part of British intelligence, doing all they could to save people during the wars which included Summerset.

Lieutenant Eve Dallas is on the Rossi case, as he was an elderly victim who had just arrived from Rome, and immediately killed.  Eve and Peabody investigate the murder, and when she arrives at home, Summerset sees her board, and is shocked; as he reveals that he knows the victim. Summerset explains that during the urban wars, he was part of The Twelve (helping save lives for the British); which has Eve examing the conflict in Europe in 2026. She learns quickly that the man who betrayed them, was sent to prison and in recent years, he died. There was is a cryptic message from the killer, who plans to find The Twelve and kill them.  Eve will discover that the Shark, had help to escape, and another victim’s ashes were buried instead.  We do to see more of Summerset and his backstory, as well as the remaining Twelve who were all brought to Roarke’s place to keep them protected.

Connor Potter, now using a fake name, is the evil killer, who makes plans to kill each of The Twelve (with Alice, Summerset’s wife, who was killed back in 2026, when she saved the others; as well as 3 more who already passed).  Connor was an evil killer, who is determined to set up traps to kill his former friends.

Dallas, Peabody, Roarke, and the entire team work long hours to try and find Potter, before he kills again. Roarke was able to remove a device that would have had three members of the Twelve, who attended a lunch (set up secretly by Potter); which led everyone hoping to catch him. But he managed to escape, and kidnapped a young boy, threatening his life; but as we get closer to the end, Eve does set up a trap, with all of her team to get him.

I loved how the four of the wonderful women who play a large part of this series (Eve, Peabody, Mira and Reo), get Potter to reveal his plans. Especially when he treated women as nothing, and his knowing he was being sent to Britian, but when he learned his life was going to be drastic change.  I loved it.

Bonded in Death was a terrific, emotional, mystery, spy thriller, that kept me unable to put the book down.  Bonded in Death was a fantastic read that brought family and friends together, as well as betrayal, greed, connections, justice, bonds and love. Once again, J.D. Robb gives another fantastic thriller, and I thought this was one of the best.  Bonded in Death was very well written by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts).

Reviewed by Barb

Copy Provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Carousels and Characters by Elizabeth Pantley – a Review

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Carousels and Characters by Elizabeth Pantley – a Review

 

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Description:
This book club is whooshed right into the pages of a cozy mystery. The quirky group of brave members must solve the mystery and reach The End to get out of the book.

In each book of the series, they travel to a different world and meet paranormal characters. It could be shifters, fairies, genies, ghosts, or anything else! It’s so much fun, you’ll wish for a book club like this!

In this book journey, they travel to an enchanted amusement theme park. It’s a magical, wonderful place, but something is disturbing the park. Robberies are occurring from every ride. It began with little things, like props or costumes, but now the stakes are rising.

The book club has entered this story so that they can find out who is behind the thefts and stop the problem. Hopefully, they can do it before chaos strikes the entire theme park and closes it down, leaving hundreds of workers jobless and thousands of park visitors disappointed.

 

 

Review:

Carousels and Characters by Elizabeth Pantley is the 9th book in her wonderful Magical Mystery Book Club series. Refresher: The magical library consists of 8 members, who choose a book, and they are transported into the story, with cozy mysteries that they have to solve. This is a fun, enjoyable, lighthearted series, with wonderful characters and a magical cozy mystery.

Paige chooses a book to travel to an enchanted amusement theme park, where the club is swept into the magical park. The workers in the park need help to figure out why there are robberies, and missing people.  Posing as park inspectors, they enter each of the attractions, to ask questions with the staff. The group tries to learn why, as each area is having issues; when one person disappears from one location, and turns up in another.  The group split up often, as they are determined to find the culprit.

While they have fun in the wonderful park, enjoying rides and all the food; but the group constantly gets thrown off, with a few red herrings and suspects. In a short time, they will begin to suspect the culprit, and the park leaders also help.

The group is always fun, as all of them are fantastic characters. I loved that Paige is now the leader, with Glo and Gee Gee staying in the previous book.  I also love Frank, who is always wonderful.  The rest of the team are all great characters, always finding clues along the way.

What follows is a another terrific, enchanting and fun addition to this series, that has all the members trying to find clues, as well as suspects. I really enjoy this series, as it is so very entertaining.  All the characters in the Magical Mystery Book Club are very good, with Paige leading the way. There were a few surprises along the way, which changes a few things at the end. Carousels and Characters was a wonderful lighthearted fun magical mystery, which was very well written by Elizabeth Pantley.  I look forward to the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied by Author

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Robert Archer Paranormal Mysteries by Ashley Gardner- Review

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Robert Archer Paranormal Mysteries by Ashley Gardner- Review

 

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Description:

A Matter of Honor Novella
Robert Archer, of the 26th Rifles, knows he’s betrayed his family’s trust by losing an artifact that gives the Archers stability and strength. If he already didn’t have enough troubles, one night he’s set upon and robbed, but rescued by an unlikely champion.

She is a night-slayer, one of the dangerous supernatural beings that hunt through the darker side of London for their prey. Once upon a time, Captain Archer did this night-slayer a good turn, and she has been watching over him, waiting for a chance to repay the debt.

Little does Captain Archer know how entwined his life has become with hers, and to what lengths she’ll go to show her gratitude.

Enter the alternate Regency England, where dangerous things prowl the darkness.

 

A Matter at New Year’s Novella
Robert Archer, returning home from a New Year’s gathering in 1823, stumbles upon a trio of were-beasts (shape-shifters) who can’t be up to much good. Only the aid of the lady night-slayer lets Robert reach home intact.

When the next morning, the body of a murdered man is found near the place Robert encountered the weres, he reasons they’ve hunted and killed the unfortunate gentleman.

To his shock, the were-beasts, who dress in the finest Bond Street attire, seek out Robert to enlist his help to prove their innocence. Robert embarks on the dangerous quest, which mires him in the secrets of the weres and teaches him new lessons about trust and treachery.

 

 

Review:

Robert Archer Paranormal Mysteries (A Matter of Honor / A Matter at New Year’s) by Ashley Gardner are two novellas that is listed separately below. 

A Matter of Honor
A Matter of Honor by Ashley Garder is the first book in this series. This is a paranormal story about two brothers, which is a very short story. Captain Robert Archer, the younger brother, lost an artifact which gives his family stability and strength.  His brother is slowly dying, as he knows that without the artifact, he may not survive. Robert is also affected, as he has became a drunken acholic, desperate to find the artifact.

A number of years ago, Robert helped a female night-slayer (supernatural beings-similiar to vampires), with giving her baby to a good family.  The night-slayer keeps an eye on him, always trying to help him, show her gratitude. She will learn who stole the artifact, and Robert’s brother will gain back his strength.  This was a short novella with paranormal, mystery and historical elements.

 

A Matter at New Year’s

A Matter at New Year’s is the 2nd book in this paranormal series, filled with historical mystery. The night-slayer continues to appear on occasion to help Robert, whenever he is in danger; especially as he oversees her adopted daughter, Anne. Robert is rescued by the night-slayer, when a trio of were-beasts (shape-shifters) put him in danger.  The following morning, a man was murdered, and the were-beasts fear they will be blamed for the murder.

They seek out Robert, to enlist his help to prove their innocence, and they know he has the night slayer as a friend.  Robert goes on a dangerous quest to discover more about the weres, and who really murdered the victim.  As we get closer to the end, Robert, with some of his friends, find out who killed the man; our nice night slayer manages to have the killer reveal the truth.  The weres are happy, and Robert is now considered a friend.  I really liked the ending, as the nameless night slayer visits Robert on New Year’s, bringing champagne.  Is there something in the future for them both? 

The Robert Archer Paranormal Mysteries is a Regency story, with mysteries and Paranormal beings.  Both books were very well written by Ashley Gardner.

 

 

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Power of Persuasion by Selena Montgomery – a Review

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Power of Persuasion by Selena Montgomery – a Review

 

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Description:
Sometimes the power of love . . .

A.J. Grayson has come a long way from adopted orphan to fast-rising executive at a cutting-edge technology firm. Now an anti-terrorist agency wants to use the revolutionary artificial intelligence system she developed to thwart a plot against Jafir’s monarchy—and handsome, dynamic Damon Toca, the region’s newly crowned king.

. . . can be the most seductive weapon of all.

In six short months, Damon has gone from gallery owner to controversial politician. When his cabinet hires A.J. Grayson—without his consent—he gets ready for a battle. Expecting a computer geek, and skeptical of A.J.’s highly touted secret invention, he is stunned to find a strong-minded beauty who arouses much more than his suspicions. But someone in his inner circle is in league with a treacherous adversary who threatens his throne, his nation’s tenuous peace . . . and his future with a woman he’ll risk everything to have and to hold.

 

 

 

Review:

Power of Persuasion by Selena Montgomery is an exciting, as well as a romantic story.  We meet A.J. Grayson, who works with her cousin Adam, at his cutting-edge GCI technology firm, with her creating a successful groundbreaking artificial intelligence system.  She is asked to use her high tech A.I. (Poppet) that she developed to thwart a plot against Jafir’s monarchy; trying to discover who is plotting to kill the king.

Damon Tuca met AJ months ago, at a wedding, and though he found her very attractive, he quickly left the wedding.  Many months later, Damon is shocked when A.J. turns up in Jafir, reporting to the President, who has hired the GCI and the Extra Government Organization running counterterrorism. Damon, who is now the King of Jafir, and sees the woman who he ghosted many months ago. He is surprised that she is the person who is a whiz, having invented her A.I. intelligence program. AJ sets everything up using her AI Poppet, which does all research, collections, tying missions and suspects.

In a short time, both Damon and AJ begin to have strong feelings for each other.  Though throughout the book, Damon doesn’t trust anyone, and he has a tendency to become angry, a lot of times; including AJ. He is falling in love with her, but also wants to protect her, with so many suspects that he can’t trust.

Damon knows that his brother, Nelson (currently locked up) is planning an attack, to take over as King of Jafir; but who else is helping Nelson.  AJ and Damon try to find the clues as to who is helping, suspicious at first Mclord, and then President Robertsi, but the real person behind the scenes is truly evil.

When things get hot, AJ finds the clues to reveal those behind the scenes, and knowing that attack the will be very soon.   Adam, Raleigh, Phillip, and Alex make plans to go to Jafir to help, bring their own group of people to stop Nelson, Zeben, Jubilee, etc.

My favorite person in this story is AJ, who was fantastic, as she was smart, strong, sexy; especially her Poppet AI, who was very cool, talking to her.  I found Damon to be ok, except he was in love with her, but he was annoying constantly getting angry. What follows are many twists, turns, suspicions, and discovering the conspiracy. Power of Persuasion was an exciting, intense story that kept me glued to my kindle.  Power of Persuasion was very well written by Selena Montgomery.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Better Than Friends by Jill Shalvis – a Review

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Better Than Friends by Jill Shalvis – a Review

 

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Description:
When Olive Porter’s off-the-grid parents go missing, she reluctantly seeks out Noah Turner, her ex and the only person she both trusts implicitly and not at all.

As a special investigative agent for the National Park Service, Noah’s used to living under intense pressure. Or he was until he got injured on the job. Now unhappily recuperating at home while being smothered by his loving but nosy family, he’d love nothing more than a good distraction.

So when Olive shows up looking like a million bucks, he has to do a gut and heart check. Because nope, no matter what, he can’t fall for her again, the woman who once blew up his entire life and never looked back. How ironic then that his own personal hell (Olive) is also his ticket out of town. The question is, will the risk be worth the reward?

 

 

Review:

Better Than Friends by Jill Shalvis is the 7th book in her wonderful Sunrise Cove series. The story revolves around Olive Porter and Noah Turner, who were former teenage flames many years ago. Olive returns home to Sunrise Cove to help her best friend, Katie, as her husband, Joe, was injured in accident, still unconscious. Olive sees her first love Noah, who is Katie’s brother, with both not having seen each other in decades.  Noah also works with Joe, who is also recuperating, but totally concerned about his friend. Noah is a special investigative agent for the National Park Service, where Joe also works. With Olive staying at Katie house, Noah sees her after all these years, looking gorgeous and as well as being very successful.

At first both Noah and Olive continue to ignore each other, but when Olive parents seem to be missing, and not responding to her emails. She seeks Noah to help her find her parents.  Noah agrees to help her, but he is determined to not allow himself to fall for Olive, who he felt broke his heart.  As they began to be friends again, the memories of the past were raw still, but they navigated their feels into the present; with both dealing with the pain of those emotions and find their way to back to each other.

I loved Katie, who did her best to try and bring Noah and Olive together. She was a fantastic friend and brother, and her young son was a riot.  I also love Olive, who you couldn’t help liking her and hoping for her to fall in love with Noah again. Olive was smart, strong, successful and still held back to not getting hurt again, even though she knew how much she began to care for Noah. He was always amusing and wonderful helping his sister and Joey, while Joe was still in the hospital.     Of course, due to the past, Noah was a bit infuriating at times, still determined not to allow himself to have a second chance with Olive.

Finally, Joe began to wake up, and eventually back home with Katie and Joey. His closeness to Noah was also his push to try and reconnect with Olive.  Joe decided to quit his job, be home a lot more.  Olive and Noah succumb to their feelings, with great chemistry.  Olive decides to move to Sunrise Cove, where she can be near Katie, and her family; as she can continue her successful business from there.

Better Than Friends was a wonderful, charming, second chance, enemies- to- lovers, small-town love story, surrounded by family and friendship. I was happy that Noah and Olive found their way back.  Better Than Friends was very well written by Jill Shalvis.   

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Vow of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

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Vow of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

 

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Description:
A treacherous bride.

A heartbroken groom.

Is their marriage over before it’s begun?

Her deceit discovered, Faraine finds herself trapped in the Shadow Realm at the mercy of her new husband. She’s surrounded by enemies, far from any allies, and her best bet for survival is to convince Vor to send her home.

But to do so means to give up on the alliance. Which would spell disaster for her people.

With the tremors growing worse and poison spreading through his realm, Vor is more desperate than ever to find a solution. Only, it cannot involve his wife. Vor wants nothing to do with the woman he has inadvertently married. At one time, he thought he might love her, but now? How can love flourish where trust is broken?

When circumstances require them to spend more time together, however, Vor’s blood is stirred in ways he doesn’t like to acknowledge.

Can two lost hearts find healing and hope in one another? Or is their love already poisoned beyond recovery?

 

 

Review:

Vow of the Shadow King is the 2nd book in her Bride of the Shadow King series. The story picks up as the first book ended, with Faraine’s deceit, which was done by her father. Vor having been poisoned, was able to stop himself from having Faraine killed.  She is now trapped in the Shadow Realm, at the mercy of Vor; surrounded by enemies in the Trolde kingdom. Fariane hopes to convince Vor to send her home, but he knows that he cannot give up the alliance from Fariane’s father, which will spell disaster for his people. With tremors, poison, creatures spreading in the realm he needs to find a solution to save his people.

The tension between Vor and Faraine has so much angst between them.  Vor wants nothing to do with her, and he assigns Captain Hael to watch over Faraine; especially since he thought Hael should have been able to reveal Faraine’s disguise.  Faraine truly did not deserve all the hatred and criticism, as her father was the one who forced the disguise, as both sisters were killed. 

Vor struggles with the tremors getting worse, and the poison spreading through the realm, desperate to find a solution. He also struggles with his feelings for Faraine, which continues to get stronger, as he tries to mask his true feelings.  Faraine’s powers begin to grow, especially in the Trolde Kingdom, and their magic; her abilities also cause her pain. Faraine begins to openly speak her mind, growing a backbone, as she tries figure out her abilities.

I really liked the change in Faraine; especially when she learns that Vor is in danger. She does everything in her power to find a way to save Trolde Kingdom and Vor.  I loved Hael, who was always great in helping Vor or even Faraine.

Vow of the Shadow King was a very good romantasy, with a slow burn romance; which had magic, deception, betrayal and sacrifice.  The finale was a was a terrific ending, with Faraine using her powers to save the kingdom, and their true feelings for each other escalate. Vow of the Shadow King was very well written by Sylvia Mercedes. I cannot wait for the final book in this series.  

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Bad Seed by Sharon Sala – a Review

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Bad Seed by Sharon Sala – a Review

 

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Description:
Can she have the man of her dreams and the life she’s always wanted?

It’s love at first sight when head pastry chef Brendan Pope meets private investigator Harley Banks at Serenity Inn for her latest investigation. But unknown to them both, Harley has a hitman after her, courtesy of the wrong-doer she put behind bars on her last case. The FBI gets involved to clean up the loose ends so Harley can continue the investigation at the inn. But after nearly losing her, Brendan will stop at nothing to make sure Harley is safe and the criminals get their comeuppance.

 

 

Review:

Bad Seed by Sharon Sala is the 5th book in her wonderful Jubilee, Kentucky series. This is the end of the Jubilee, Kentucky series, as Brendan Pope’s story was the last of the Popes.  Brendan is the head pastry chef at the Serinity Inn in Jubilee.

Harley Banks, is a PI/Forensic Auditor, who just finished her latest case, and now accepts another case in Jubilee; helping the owner of the hotel investigating information about the new manager. She has no idea that someone is trying to find her from the previous case; planning on eliminating her. 

Brendan meets Harley, as they are both working at the hotel; he is immediately drawn to her; with Harley also attracted to him; with the sparks flying.   In a short time, they both fall in love, and Harley is very good at her job, weeding out corruption.  When Harley is attacked, she manages to find her gun, and shoot the villain; but she ended up with some injuries, forcing her to go to the hospital.  Brendan took time off, to help Harley recuperate, and help her finding the missing links from the previous case. The FBI becomes involved, with Harley continuing to investigate the manager, as well as finding the real villain; who could endanger her life. 

There are a number of revolving issues around the hotel & family, including stalking, trafficking and murder; with Brendan and Harley becoming involved in. Harley meets all of the Pope family, with Brendan, and they will be there to support her in any way that she needs. All the characters are all wonderful; and Brendan, Harley are a terrific and fun couple. I really liked the two Pope police officers, as they were always there to help Brendan and Harley.

Bad Seed was an addictive storyline that was also a very compelling read.  Bad Seed was an exciting, suspenseful, intense, vicious, that kept me unable to put the book down. Brendan and Harley made a great couple, and a fabulous family. Bad Seed was so very well written by Sharon Sala. This was the final book in the Jubilee, Kentucky series, and I wholly suggest if you have not read this series, you should start from the beginning.  Very well done.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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