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Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke by Michelle McLean – a Review

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Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke by Michelle McLean – a Review

 

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Description:
Bookish Arabella Bromley never gave a fig for society’s rules—until her sister ran off with a man below her station. Now Arabella is desperate to restore her family’s ruined reputation to favor amongst the ton. She’ll have to marry quickly and well. But in order to carry off her plan, Arabella needs a duke… and she has just the rakish fellow in mind.

The Duke of Whittsley has an ungentlemanly tendency to disregard the rules. Unfortunately, a sense of mischief doesn’t excuse a high-ranking noble from family duty—especially where it concerns producing a son. And that’s where he can’t quite resist Arabella’s distinctly outrageous plan: if he saves her family, she’ll give him an heir.

Now the deal’s been struck. They have one year to achieve their goals and ten iron-clad rules to keep them on track. Like long, scorching kisses and ensuring they’re both exquisitely satisfied. And the only thing that could ruin their plan is the one thing they never planned on: love.

 

 

Review :

Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke by Michelle McLean is a historical romantic novel. Arabella’s family is a bit of a quandary! The family name and reputation are in ruins! The shame that has been bestowed upon the family!! 

The older daughter has run off to be the man she loves, but that’s not the issue, the issue is the gentleman is below her station in life, basically a commoner and a lady shouldn’t be seen together let alone run off with him! And she wants her younger sister to have the excitement of balls and being called on, that won’t happen if society shuns her! So marrying someone of good standing seems like the only solution open to Arabella, and Silas Spencer is just the Duke she’s looking for…..

Arabella is such a character, being the middle child her life should have been simple! But that’s not the case. She has a wicked sense of humor and a very strong sense of right and wrong. Convincing the Duke to see her way of thinking did have me chuckling. 

The Duke of Whittsley Silas Spencer really doesn’t like the pomp and ceremony that society brings with it. He just wants to have fun, but being the last Duke in his line now brings a whole lot of responsibility, he needs an heir, but not necessarily a wife (and the heir really should be in wedlock!) so when Arabella approaches him with a preposterous and outlandish proposal the Duke isn’t sure what to think. I have to admit, I wasn’t a big fan of Silas at first, his attitude and manner was just a little off putting, but with time I grew to like the character. 

Setting rules in a relationship can only spell disaster, pretending that it’s only for connivence is only going to make for heartache. And both these characters are playing a dangerous game. There is a secret that Silas needs to keep undetected, there is also the fact that the more time they spend together the harder it is to follow those rules. 

Michelle McLean Is one of my favorite historical romance authors, her mixture of drama and humor has me one clicking her work. She writes about strong Independent women who know what to do in a crisis. Always well thought out and executed really well. Love the descriptions of the balls/gala that are planned. 

I loved the ending, it just worked. To see what I mean your going to have to read the book ?

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Accidentally Perfect by Marissa Clarke – a Review

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Accidentally Perfect by Marissa Clarke – a Review

 

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Description:
Workaholic Lillian Mahoney has given everything to her job. The hugely popular lifestyle show she helped create monopolizes her time, energy, creativity, and anything remotely resembling a life. But all it takes is the show’s womanizing, egomaniac star throwing a massive hissy on live TV to utterly implode Lillian’s career in a New York minute.

Now Lillian’s hiding out in the gorgeous and completely unknown seaside village of Blink, Maine. Out of gas. A stolen wallet. A broken heel. And worse, she’s somehow managed to completely piss off the town’s resident hunk, Caleb Wright. She’ll show that hot, grumpy single father exactly what she’s made of.

But Blink isn’t quite what Lillian expects—and neither is Caleb…or his feisty teen daughter she can’t help but love. And while her entire life and career are in shreds, Lillian might just discover what happens when she gives her bad first impression a second chance…

 

Review:

Accidentally Perfect begins with Lillian Mahoney and her team doing a national “good morning” show on the east coast.  The face of company Lillian has created is an ego driven jerk, but he fits the bill.  As the face of the company is preparing a recipe on live t.v., he makes a mistake and then once the cameras stop rolling, blames Lillian for “sabotaging” him.  He throws a tantrum that is filmed by lots of fans and Lillian finds herself odd man out.  After discussing the tantrum with her sister (who is her right hand person), it’s decided that Lillian just needs to lay low for a few days and let things blow over.  Her sister had purchased a cottage in Maine so that’s where Lillian heads……at night……not knowing exactly what awaits her.

Several hours later, Lillian finds herself out of gas and out of money due to her wallet being stolen.  When she starts to walk to a restaurant that she sees in the distance, someone stops to offer her a ride, but she refuses, which doesn’t sit well with the person offering to help.  He pulls away and Lillian continues walking with a broken heel and then in the rain.

Once Lillian enters the restaurant, she feels all eyes on her so she sits in a corner with her back to everyone while she tries to figure out what to do.  What she doesn’t expect is for complete strangers to come to her rescue and ask for nothing in return.  She also doesn’t expect it to make the person who offered her a ride to act as if he’s mad at her.  

Caleb Wright is a lifelong resident of Blink, Maine and is immediately suspicious of Lillian.  It doesn’t help her case when, unknown to her, one of the people whom she offers to help is very wealthy.  Caleb decides that Lillian is running a scam and trying to take advantage.  Of course, Lillian is wealthy in her own right, and her running a scam couldn’t be further from the truth.  

Caleb takes it upon himself to watch Lillian and make sure she doesn’t take advantage of anyone he cares about.  Lillian keeps trying to figure out what she did to make Caleb dislike her.  Neither expected what follows them getting to know each other.

Accidentally Perfect is a nicely story with great and relatable characters.  Lillian and Caleb have amazing chemistry from the first moment they meet, even though they both deny it.  The secondary characters are well written and add so much to the story.  This is a story where you can hear the laughter, the water lapping on the boats and the seagulls squawking.  Most of all, you feel connected to the characters from the very beginning.  I can’t wait for the next installment!  Well done, Marissa Clarke!!  Very, very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Hit by the Cupid Stick by Abigail Owen – a Review

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Hit by the Cupid Stick by Abigail Owen – a Review

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Description:
All’s fair in love and…whatever this is.

This Valentine’s Day, when a cupid accidentally shoots himself with his own arrow, he falls for a siren whose only job is to lure men to their deaths.

Charismatic and irresistibly fun, Chance Eroson is a cupid who gets a kick from pairing odd couples and being right about them. Used to getting his way, the only person who shuts him down is the siren who has ruined more than one of his pairings before they started. But his bigger problem is he wants her. He’s always wanted her.

Elodie Sirenian uses her power for good, only hunting evil men. But after so long, and so many horrible people, her cynicism has settled deep inside. She can turn on the charm when she doesn’t mean it, and they fall for it. Every single one. Every single time.

Except Chance. He’s the only person—man or god—who has ever challenged her.

But a cupid’s magic is temporary. There’s no way a true love match is possible. Not this time.

 

Review:

Hit by the Cupid Stick by Abigail Owen is part of the Brimstone Inc series, it’s not necessary to read the others in this series (I’ve only read two books in this series before this one) 

Chance is a Cupid, not a cute little angel with wings and a bow (a huge misconception his race have to contend with!) but a strapping god that wears suits and a smile that makes women go weak at the knees. 

Elodie was born and raised a siren. Luring men to their deaths is not just a job for her, it also feeds the monster that lives within her. Except Ellie (Elodie) only uses her gifts for catching evil men, those that prey on others, those men Ellie is happy to kill. Using her gifts on a daily basis has made her jaded, love is for fools….

Both have feelings for one another, they’ve known each other for a long time, a little flirting here and there, but mainly staying away from one another’s business. Chance thinks Ellie is amazing, but she’s not going to look at someone who is in the love business! And Ellie tries not to think of Chance if she can help it. Why would he look at someone who kills? 

This couple shouldn’t have worked. But it did, and it works really well. Opposites might attract, but when you throw in an accidental arrow finding a wrong target, then you can be assured chaos will soon ensue….It’s funny, it’s cheesy, and so sweet it may leave you with toothache. ? A little angst, but it only adds to this books charm. 

I have to admit, I love reading Abigail Owen’s books. Her Infernos Rising and Fire’s Edge series are two of my favourite series to read again and again. She mixed magic with supernatural and just a sprinkling of mythology and another (although short) story is born. 

There are characters that have been in previous books (which was lovely catching up with) who pop in and try to help this couple as they navigate the choppy waters of love. Elodie thinks the love arrow will wear off soon, Chance knows better…..

Can he convince his Siren to give them a chance? His previous matches might have been odd couples, but they’ve worked. So it stands to reason that they’ve got a pretty good chance, right? 

If you are a fan of this author, grab it. If you love Paranormal Romance then grab it. And if you are a fan of themed (Valentines Day) romances, then this one will have you smiling most of the way through it. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

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The Sweetheart Deal by Miranda Liasson – a Review

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The Sweetheart Deal by Miranda Liasson – a Review

 

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Description:
Pastry chef Tessa Montgomery knows what everyone in the teeny town of Blossom Glen says about her. Spinster. Ice Queen. Such a shame. It’s enough to make a woman bake her troubles away, dreaming of Parisian delicacies while she makes bread at her mother’s struggling boulangerie. That is until Tessa’s mortal enemy―deliciously handsome (if arrogant) chef Leo Castorini, who owns the restaurant next door―proposes a business plan…to get married.

Leo knows that the Castorinis and the Montgomerys hate each other, but a marriage might just force these stubborn families to work together and blend their businesses for success. The deal is simple: Tessa and Leo marry, live together for six months, and then go their separate ways. Easy peasy.

It’s a sweetheart deal where everyone gets what they want―until feelings between the faux newlyweds start seriously complicating the mix. Have they discovered the perfect recipe for success…or is disaster on the way?

Each book in the Blossom Glen series is STANDALONE:
* The Sweetheart Deal
* The Sweetheart Fix

 

 

Review:

The Sweetheart Deal begins with Tessa Montgomery making bread in her family’s bakery and lamenting life when in walks her ex.  Tessa has no idea why he still frequents their bakery and secretly wishes he would just go away.  After a brief exchange, Tessa is shocked to see that Leo Castorini was seated in the corner of their bakery and heard the whole thing. 

The feud between the Montgomerys and the Castorinis is legendary.  She is shocked to say the least when he approaches her and ultimately tells her that he has devised a plan that will help them both.  His family’s Italian restaurant is next door and has been struggling just as the bakery has been.  When he lays out the plan, Tessa can only think of how crazy the idea is.  Marrying, even a short-lived one, to save their respective businesses?  A Montgomery and a Castorini?  Tessa is floored, but then realizes that it may be just the ticket to not only save their businesses and enable her to fulfil her dream of becoming a pastry chef.

Once they discuss the “terms”, it is full steam ahead.  After all, they don’t even really like each other, so no chance of being hurt.  I believe there’s a saying about best laid plans and all……………

The Sweetheart Deal is a wonderfully written story.  The characters are relatable and pull you in immediately.  Tessa is a wonderful friend, daughter and sister and has had to put her life on hold for far too long.  Leo is trying his best to save his family’s business.  Their chemistry is amazing which only adds to the storyline.  The secondary characters are well written as well and leave you wanting more.  If you’re a fan of the genre, you’ll not go wrong with this first book in the Blossom Glen series.  This is the first time I’ve read this author but do truly look forward to the next installment.  Well done, Miranda Liasson!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Tempting the Vicar by Liana LeFey – a Review

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Tempting the Vicar by Liana LeFey – a Review

 

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Description:
After his twin brother pulls a foolish prank, Reverend Daniel Wayward’s life is now decidedly complicated. With his family, his parish, and even his reputation at risk, there’s only one way to avoid utter ruin—by swapping places with his rakish, wicked twin. And the second Daniel steps foot into his brother’s worldly and sinful life in London, he’s completely caught by temptation of the most enticing, green-eyed kind.

Miss Olivia St. Peters knows the son of the duke is a dangerous fellow, but something in those hooded, hungry blue eyes makes her blood sing with pleasure. She’s determined to have this Wayward noble, no matter what Society—or even her father—says about the match. And if that means playing with fire, she’ll gladly burn…

The more Daniel resists the oh-so-inviting charms of Olivia, the more determined she is to have him. Now he’s caught between his vows of faith and the lure of sweet temptation. And the only thing standing between his heart and his immortal soul is one unforgivable deception…

 

Review:

Reverend Daniel Wayward and his twin has switched places because of a prank to save their and the family’s reputation. Daniel isn’t happy with the situation but for goes along like always when his brother does something like this. He’s tasked with discouraging the affections of the business partner’s daughter. Only on their first meeting Daniel’s smitten by the lovely unique young woman. Olivia St. Peters is determined to marry her father’s business partner Devlin Wayward. Her plan is to reform the rake, only her plans don’t progress as she thought. Olivia’s determination to marry the man she thinks she loves just may lead to Tempting the Vicar.

Tempting the Vicar by Liana LeFey is the second book in her Wicked Waywards book. It’s the other side of the story of the switch between twin brothers who decide to that’s the best way to handle a prank gone wrong. It leads this twin facing temptation and heartache and the complicated relationship between the two brothers. He also must face a test of faith and an old enemy from his past. Anger, passion, and guilt play a role in working through the complicated situation that he finds himself in especially with the daughter of his business partner. We also meet a young woman who thinks she knows how to counter act her father. Headstrong and determined to get her way she just may take things a little too far.

Tempting the Vicar has passion, temptation, a little danger as these two main characters work their way through life changing effects. A man just may learn that life as a Reverend alone isn’t enough. A woman may realize that her plans were never the ones she thought might be. Heartache, passion so strong its hard to resist weave its way through this story of finding true love. Lives will be forever changed as they journey through a situation that is a lot more complicated than they realize. Liana LeFey’s Tempting the Vicar pulls at the reader heartstrings hoping these two people who are meant for each other just may have a chance at true love once the games and deceit are stopped and the truth revealed. This  reader was hoping that the other side of the switched twins story would be told. I’m looking forward to the next book in the Wicked Waywards series and who will it be, the  Duke himself, or the opinionated younger sister. Liana LeFey didn’t disappoint with this second book in the series.

Reviewed by Kim

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Dating Dilemma by Mariah Ankenman – a Review

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The Dating Dilemma by Mariah Ankenman – a Review

 

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Description
Lexi’s Reminders

* Work.

* Don’t think about your birthday tomorrow. Or debt, your crappy apartment, and nonexistent social life.

* Re-stock wine and ice cream because that’s coming.

* Die in a raging blaze of humiliation when the super-hot and very delicious fireman waiting in your office is not in fact the strip-o-gram birthday present you suspected.

* Reschedule the fire safety inspection you 100 percent failed because of said humiliation.

* Figure out how you, in fact, agreed to fake dating Mr. Not a Strip-O-Gram Fireman to help him with a bet.

* Oh yeah, and do not fall for this guy. Seriously, they call him One Night O’Neil. Red flags all over the place.

* Remember, this is fake dating, even though his very talented, very real lips are doing some sexy things you definitely like.

* Realize bending one tiny rule can’t be that bad, can it?

* Except bend too far, and something breaks. Something you can’t get back.

 

Review:

The Dating Dilemma by Mariah Ankenman is the 2nd book in her Mile High Firefighters series. I love these stories and the author that writes them, which I am automatically clicking on. Her use of words brings the emotions and the characters to life. 

Lexi is just great, she says what she thinks, and sometimes that gets her into trouble. Her center for kids needs updating, and what better person to help her than a fireman! She just had to remember he isn’t to be taken seriously! 

Dyson has a bit of a reputation as a one night stand, no one gets a second date. You can‘t help being that way after your fiancé was caught in bed with your best friend! He needs a “fake girlfriend” to take to his sisters minds off of trying to get him to date properly. 

The sparks that fly off these two is just electric, both think that the other one isn’t really interested in getting serious. And Lexi has sworn off dating after the last relationship went nowhere but heartbreak! 

Fake romance is what this author does best. Entertaining throughout the book. It’s really hard to put it down one you’ve open it up. The secondary characters were just as fun. The sisters needs stories (and the fire crew could be ideal ?) and there are a couple of characters that Dyson knows who could do with a prod in the right direction. 

So if you like a RomCom with a little angst, but plenty of laughter and embarrassing moments, I’d recommend this one. You don’t need to read the first book, but after reading this one I wouldn’t be surprised if you go back for seconds. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

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A Scoundrel of Her Own by Stacy Reid – a Review

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A Scoundrel of Her Own by Stacy Reid – a Review

 

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Description:
Lady Ophelia Darby exists in two worlds. In one, she is the impudent, willful daughter of a powerful marquess and darling of the ton. In the other, she moves through the underworld’s shadows as songstress Lady Starlight, protected only by the notoriously wealthy scoundrel Devlin Byrne. But when she stumbles upon her beloved father’s darkest secrets, the line between her two worlds quickly blurs. Now she needs the help of the one man a lady should never trust.

Devlin Byrne stands on the edge of London society, knowing he will never be accepted. No one else knows that his obscene wealth and ruthlessness aren’t without purpose. Or that his purpose has golden-brown eyes that shimmer with mischief, the palest of skin, and a lush mouth that beckons to be kissed, and deeply. But having Ophelia is only the beginning of Devlin’s plans.

It’s undeniable that Devlin Byrne is a dangerous temptation—but just as Ophelia begins to trust him, maybe even fall for him, she discovers she’s not the only one with secrets. And his would lead her down more than just the path of scandal…

Each book in the Sinful Wallflowers series is STANDALONE:
* My Darling Duke
* Her Wicked Marquess
* A Scoundrel of Her Own

 

Review:

A Scoundrel of Her Own begins with Lady Ophelia Darby (8 years old) coming to and discovering that someone about her size was carrying her.  Then she remembered that she had been on her way to a party only to have her carriage break through a bridge and plunge her into the icy river.  She had no idea where they were but was relieved when her rescuer found a small cottage where they could seek shelter.  Niall (12 years old) took on the role of protector and provider while Ophelia and he started a routine that would make their days passable.  The two discussed life and their dreams as they drew closer. 

While outside one day, a man from a nearby estate asked Ophelia if she was indeed Lady Ophelia.  When she confirmed who she was, the man took her and Niall to where her parents were waiting.  Ophelia introduced her parents to Niall as the one who braved the river and saved her.  Niall picked that point in time to inform them that he and Ophelia were to be married.  Her father informed the “flea-infested beggar” that he would not be marrying his daughter and sent him away. 

Fifteen years later, Ophelia’s marquess father believes he is on his death bed and tells her a secret about her birth that changes everything she has ever known.   Her father only gives her a minute amount of information and refuses anything more.  Not only does her father survive, he still refused to expound on what he had told her.  To add to her burden, Ophelia discovers secrets about her father’s affairs that could sink them all.  She then takes it upon herself to garner the information she so desperately needs.  As she creates an alternate identity, that of Lady Starlight, it enables her to move through the various areas of town that the ton wouldn’t be caught dead in. 

Devlin Byrne is well known but knows he will never be accepted by those in the ton.  He set out years ago to amass a fortune and has done so.  Devlin has few friends, but they do know what drives him so.  As he is strolling down the street one night, he sees a beautiful young woman being approached by men who meant to do her harm.  Once they see Devlin, they think better and leave the area.  When Devlin finally gets a look at the woman’s face, he knows he has found his Fifi…………. Lady Ophelia Darby.

A Scoundrel of Her Own is a nicely written story with great characters.  Ophelia is strong and independent and is driven by an internal fortitude that will endear her to the reader.  Devlin is a self-made man who is honorable and very protective of those he considers his.  The chemistry between Ophelia and Devlin leaps off the page and leaves you rooting for them.  The secondary characters are well written; however, I would have liked a little more information as to how things worked out with her parents in the end.  It is a part of a series, so I do wish that I had read the others before this one, but don’t feel that I missed anything about the two main characters. If you’re a fan of the genre, you’ll certainly enjoy this book.  Well done, Stacy Reid!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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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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