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The Stolen Throne by Abigail Owen – a Review

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The Stolen Throne by Abigail Owen – a Review

 

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Description:
My twin sister is the true queen of Aryd. She survives, hiding and clinging to life in the desert, while I reign as the false queen alongside the monstrous King Eidolon. There’s only one escape from this gilded prison: Reven. My Shadowraith. My heart. Only the shadows that he struggles to control are growing more sinister, more powerful.

It’s just a matter of time before they turn on him…and on me.

Even escape doesn’t mean true freedom, though, when we’re still on the run from Eidolon’s unstoppable armies. And when we discover there’s a traitor among us, I have no choice…I must become the queen I was never meant to be.

Because as one evil hunts me, the other loves me more than himself.

And my fate lies with both. 

The Dominions series is best enjoyed in order.
Reading Order:
Book #1 The Liar’s Crown
Book #2 The Stolen Throne

 

Review:

The Stolen Throne by Abigail Owen is the second book in this series has us starting where the last book left us hanging…..

Meren is still pretending to be her twin sister Tabra, and her life is still in peril, trying to evade the evil clutches of King Eidolon. (Who is still trying to find the power source he needs to rule supreme, he’s killed off almost all of Meren and Tabra’s bloodline!) 

Our shadowwraith (Reven) who is totally into Meren and needs to save Meren again. But as he fights to both save the girl and stay away from her, it’s becoming a real emotional battle. 

Meren in the mean time is having to deal with the emotional upheaval that comes with loving Reven, (shadowwraith) evading King Eidolon, dodging a marriage proposal, and finding out who the traitors are in her camp! (And one of those traitors will have you shouting NO, at the book!) 

You can always rely on this author to grab you by the throat and not let go till the last page! Her descriptions of this world and all those who live here are flawless, you can easily put yourself in this world and into the shoes of all the characters. 

We read with bated breath as the characters swing into action time and again to save Meren from Eiodolon, read as her sister Tabra has her own worries to deal with, and hold out hope that Reven can control the shadows that are slowly consuming him and are trying to take control! And let’s not forget they are all trying to free this realm from the evil clutches of King Eiodolon! It’s a fast paced read that doesn’t take its foot off the gas until the (cliffhanger ending?) 

And when finally Reven can no longer stay away from Meren, it’s all systems go on the “I’m done with staying away from you” vibes ?

An absolutely amazing read. I couldn’t put it down, and I can’t wait to see where book three takes us. It’s full of adventure, twists/turns and betrayal that you won’t see coming. And finding a few new friends/allies that are needed in this quest of good triumphing over evil (and it goes either way in this book!) 

So if you enjoy an adventure that will tug on your emotions, then I highly recommend this book. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Smolder by Laurell K. Hamilton – a Review

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Smolder by Laurell K. Hamilton – a Review

 

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Description 

  • Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, goes up against an ancient evil set on destroying all she holds dear in the new book in the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling series.

My name is Anita Blake and I’m no stranger to killing monsters. But this time, it’s personal…

The wedding of the century is almost here. My wedding – to Jean-Claude, the new vampire king of America. But not everyone wishes us well. Humans think I’m on the side of the monsters. And the vampires fear their king is under the spell of the most powerful necromancer in a thousand years – me.

When the St. Louis police summon me to a brutal murder scene linked a nationwide slaughter of vampires and humans, I know there is more than just a killer to catch. An ancient evil has arrived in town, hell bent on destroying everything – and everyone – I love.

Even I cannot face this alone. Jean-Claude and I must embrace our triumvirate to save both vampires and humans, and to prove that love conquers all. 

 

Review 

Smolder by Laurell K. Hamilton is the twenty-ninth book in her series with our Preternatural U.S. Marshal and vampire hunter Anita Blake. 

It’s not necessary to read them all (it’s a pretty long series) but it does help a little. But saying that I’ve not read them all, I’ve only read her recent ones, and I managed to keep abreast of who is who and what is what ? 

Anita Blake is preparing for her wedding to the vampire king of America Jean-Claude. (They’ve been an item/couple for many years, and you’ll see their relationship in most of the books) 

So the story starts with Anita’s best friend U.S. Marshall Ted Forrester. Whilst he is admiring himself in his  best man clothing, Anita gets a phone call from the local police. They think the Sunshine Murderer has hit again. 

But, that’s not the only thing going on in St. Louis. An ancient being has arrived to challenge Jean-Claude for his vampire crown. And it’s not looking good for Jean-Claude! He might be the most powerful vampire around, but he’s still no match for the newcomer! Will he lose his crown? 

Then you have both humans and vampires thinking neither one should be with the other! Humans think Anita will take the vampire’s side over theirs, and the vampires think Anita will eventually turn their king against them! 

Although I’ve not read all the books in this series, the ones I’ve read have given me the impression Anita has become a pretty powerful entity, she has many powers at her fingertips, and this book sees her utilising most of them…..

So, what with keeping her vampire partner alive and on his thrown, she’s keeping humans happy, the vampires are needing constant reassurance she’s not out for his powers, she’s also trying to work out who the Sunshine murder is and can she catch them this time? Anita did seem to be juggling quite a few emotional balls in the air as well! Did she need to be? I didn’t think so! But that’s just me ??‍♀️ 

There are a few spicy moments ? but they don’t slow us down too much (nothing as distracting when the MC’s getting carried away with page after page ?) 

I keep meaning to go to the beginning of this series, I’d love to read how far she’s come, and I’d like to know when Anita and Jean-Claude first met.

I’m also getting the feeling this was a set up for the next book! A few of the threads that could have been sorted weren’t! And I did feel the ending a little vague! 

But I did enjoy the book immensely, the author can definitely weave a tale, twenty nine books in and the character still had plenty to give. 

Will Anita and Jean-Claude get married or will the the Sunshine murderer take precedence? Will the vampires and humans get their wishes? 

I’m definitely recommending this book if your a fan of the author, and I’m suggesting if you have the time, go to the start of the series and work your way through. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Vampire Valentine by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Vampire Valentine by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description:
How bad can a blind date with a vampire really be?

The last thing Ryan Harding needs is his brother setting him up on dates with random women. Yes, he’s been avoiding relationships and burying himself in work, but come on, a blind date? Surely things aren’t that desperate. Still…the cute blonde at the bar is pretty amazing. Kind of sexy as hell. Why did he think a blind date was so bad again?

Grace Stanhope has no interest in dating mortals, but she owes her best friend one hell of a favor. A blind date with a human can’t be all that bad right? She might even have a nice time…but oh god is he three of her most favorite things? Tall, dark, AND handsome!?!

Before the night is through, sparks fly, spells are cast, and this blind date just might have a bite to it…

 

Review:

Vampire Valentine by Lauren Smith is a standalone novel.  Grace is a 160 year old vampire, who is about to go on a blind date with a human! Reading that, I wasn’t expecting much of a story. It’s a Valentine story, yawn!! 

But get past the first chapter and something happens that will have you inhaling the book until it’s done. It’s only 133 pages (9 chapters) long, so it won’t take long. But nothing is missing, nothing is skipped, and you won’t feel cheated (you’ll only want it to last a little longer ?) 

Grace and Ryan are a great couple, once we get past the cheese that Valentine’s seems to bring out in people, you’ll enjoy the interaction and chemistry between the two characters. Grace has loved and lost lovers before, so she’s hesitant to let love in again…. 

Ryan lives to work, he throws himself into his job (?) he doesn’t want or need that special someone in his life, and he certainly doesn’t need his brother fixing group in a blind date thank you very much. Although when he spots his date at the bar, he’s not so certain ? 

Meeting up for a blind date on Valentine’s Day could have had disastrous consequences, but the couple hit it off. But someone wants to split the new couple up! Who and why? 

I’ve read a few of the author’s historical books (loved them) I’ve read and loved her contemporary romances, but as I’m a PNR (paranormal romance) reader, and I love her PNR works. 

So can a vampire and a workaholic really make a go of it? Or will Grace have cold feet? Does she really want to see another lover grow old and die? And can Ryan leave his laptop alone for long enough to embrace a little fun and romance? 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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Hidden Comrade by Jillian David – a Review

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Hidden Comrade by Jillian David – a Review

 

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Description:
Pele Tuitama’s Morpheus Squad mission infiltrating a Smoky Mountain children’s camp is FUBAR. He might be a virally-enhanced military experiment, but augmented abilities won’t help him protect Reagan McNeill, the most unsecure-able target imaginable. Sweet Reagan’s kisses and the possibility of a future he should never consider, distracts his laser focus. If Pele can’t keep Reagan safe from an evil adversary bent on revenge against the entire McNeill family, then Reagan will die.

After a nasty breakup, Reagan doesn’t trust any man—or herself. Enter handsome Pele, the world’s worst camp counselor. She doesn’t believe his story or his motives. When overly-protective Pele draws her close and then rejects her, Reagan is finished with games. Then the truth she learns rips open recently-healed emotional wounds.

In order to escape through the mountains, Pele must share his deadliest secret. To have a chance at their future, they must reveal their demons and pray for acceptance … and survival.

 

Review:

Hidden Comrade by Jillian David is the 2nd book in her Project Morpheus series, and I would suggest that before reading this one, you read book one. Reading the first one although not absolutely necessary, will give you a better understanding of this book. I’d read the first book (which is great by the way), I did wonder where the next book would take us….and let me tell you it’s bumpy ride! .  

Reagan is Kiera’s older sister. (She’s the main female character from the first book) And as a whole the family have suffered terribly (what with the loss of their mother and the death of their brother, which was explained in book one.) 

Reagan has also had to deal with her abusive ex-fiance. She’d been with him for two years, she’s struggled to find herself, but slowly she’s getting there. But still has moments of self doubt. 

Pele’s job/assignment is to protect Reagan. It’s not going to easy as she works outdoors in the mountains at an educational camp for children. In the short space of time, he’s set up cameras to keep an eye on her. But plans won’t go correctly if the subject is Reagan!

Reagan doesn’t trust the new camp councilor, he just doesn’t fit in! But he is easy on the eye. ?nether the less, she’s not interested in a new relationship, she just wants to concentrate on helping the kids. The back and forwards between Pele and Reagan will have you laughing one minute then wanting to shake either character in the next. 

Although a slow burn romance, it doesn’t lack for action/betrayal and mystery. Pele does try my patience, it’s a push and pull with him, he wants her, but he doesn’t think he deserves her. And when they finally decide to try at a relationship, a secret comes along and blows Reagan’s shaky confidence. Can they really move forward and leave the past behind? 

I’d have to say I liked the first book more than this one. But I can’t wait to read the next book. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

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Pets of Park Avenue by Stefanie London – a Review

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Pets of Park Avenue by Stefanie London – a Review

 

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Description:
“One of the year’s most delightful rom-coms.”—New York Times bestselling author Julia London on The Dachshund Wears Prada

The perfect romcom for dog lovers! Pets of Park Avenue is the story of a self-confessed hot mess who learns that life is more fun when things don’t go according to plan.

What do you do when The One is also the one who broke your heart?

Self-proclaimed hot mess Scout Myers is determined to prove she’s finally got her act together. Raised by grandparents who saw her as her wayward mother’s wayward daughter, Scout’s used to being written off. So when the opportunity for a promotion arises at Paws in the City, the talent agency where she works, Scout is desperate to rise to the occasion. With shared custody of her little sister also on the line, Scout can’t afford a single mistake…like suddenly needing a canine stand-in for an important photoshoot. Luckily (or not) she knows the owner of the perfect pup replacement: the estranged husband she walked out on years ago.

On the surface, it appears Lane Halliday’s life has been blissfully drama free without Scout, but she suspects her handsome-as-ever not-quite-ex-husband doth protest too much. Working together even feels like old times—except for all that lingering, unresolved tension. But Scout’s not sure she’s ready to confront the reasons she left Lane, and when their plans to finalize the divorce become very real, Scout starts to wonder whether second chances might be worth a little hot mess.

Paws in the City Series:
Book 1 – The Dachshund Wears Prada
Book 2 – Pets of Park Avenue

 

 

Review:

Pets of Park Avenue by Stefanie London is the second book in her Paws in the City series. Scout needs to bag the big promotion, her reputation and her baby sister are relying are on her. She wants, no needs to prove to herself and everyone that she’s not a waste of space. She doesn’t want the same label her mother had….. She needs to do something and fast…..

Lane wants nothing to do with his estranged wife! She walked out and took her dramas with her. But his feelings never did really die out for his wife, can he really want to be drawn back into a life with drama, but also fun?  How she approaches Lane, will have you chuckling. She needs a doggy stand-in and she knows who has a look a like, but getting his approval is going to prove difficult!

We find out that after a whirlwind romance and a quick wedding in Vegas, things quickly deteriorate and Scout walked away never looking back. But neither started divorce proceedings, so you have to wonder if they hoped to reunite some day?

If you’ve read book one in the series, you would have already met Scout, but don’t worry if you didn’t, the book is a standalone story, (but after reading this book, you’ll probably go back to read the first one ?)

So how will she get him to agree to work together, when he really doesn’t want all that drama back in his life? Can she show him she’s changed? The more time they spend together, the more they remember the good times, the fun times. But with the divorce finally within reach, can Lane walk away?

It’s not necessary to read book one before reading this one. But there are a few characters from the previous book that make an appearance.It will have you smiling and crying throughout the book, the author knows how to bring out the best in a rom-com. I did love the four legged star Twinkle, she’s such a cute dog, and her antics had me shaking my head. ?

I highly recommend this book if you love second chance romance.

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Lost with a Scot by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Lost with a Scot by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description
Brooding, intense, passionate…
These are the three things Anna knows about the mysterious man who rescues her when she washes up on the shores after Scotland after surviving a shipwreck. With no memory of who she is except her name, she must rely on this darkly handsome Scot, Aiden Kincade as she searches for answers about her past. The more time she spends with Aiden, the more his heated looks, and fiery kisses ignite desires she never knew she had. But she fears that finding out who she is will only tear her and Aiden apart.

The last thing Aiden Kincade expects is to find a beautiful woman half-drowned while he rides along the beach. But the moment he takes her into his arms, he realizes that this is the woman he has dreamed about for years, the woman who had been prophesied to bring about his death should he dare to love her. And yet denying his love for her is as impossible as drawing his next breath.

It’s clear from the moment they meet, that fate has brought them together. But as Anna’s past begins to surface, and a terrible danger looms over her, Aiden fears that he might lose everything and everyone he holds dear unless he can find a way to defy destiny.

 

 

Review:

Lost with a Scot by Lauren Smith is the 17th book in her The League of Rogues series. I’ve read a few of these books by the author. No need to read in order as they can be read alone, although there are a few characters from previous books that make an appearance. 

Great attention to detail, the Scottish words take a little getting use to, but once I managed to sort it out, it didn’t stop me flying through this book. 

Aiden and Anna’s story had me smiling, crying and wishing it was longer. Aiden finding Anna on the shore after a storm, being shocked at recognising her face from his dreams, and then finding out Anna doesn’t recognise him, nor does she know who she is! 

Anna has a past that could kill her and anyone close to her, but she doesn’t know that (yet) but she is attracted to her rescuer, it won’t hurt to stay with him until her memory comes back, will it? A friendship soon strikes up, and I get the feeling Aiden would like it to be more. And then it doesn’t take long for Anna to wish for the same. 

I had to smile at Aiden’s love of animals, there is one particular scene with a hedgehog ? that will have you chuckling. ? And when Anna’s memory returns will it mean the end of Anna and Aiden? People are looking for Anna, who? And what do they want with her? 

Can they fight these feelings? Or will they be torn apart by duty?  And what about the warning Aiden received as a lad….. will Anna be the death of him? 

Another great story by this author. Full of adventure, passion and a little mystery thrown in for good measure. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

 

 

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The Wartime Matchmakers by Lauren Smith – a Review

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The Wartime Matchmakers by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description
When the world went to war . . . they fought for love.

England, 1939: The world is on the brink of war when Elizabeth Mowbray breaks her engagement with a tea planter in India and returns home to the English countryside. Desperate to escape a stifling life under her parents’ roof, she moves to London seeking adventure and excitement.

With German forces sweeping across Europe, she has little hope of finding steady, fulfilling employment as England readies itself for war. A chance encounter with Henrietta, Brigadier General Byron’s daughter, sets Elizabeth on a course that will forever change her life and the lives of others.

Henrietta, a recently divorced and statuesque beauty, is not a hopeless romantic like Elizabeth, but her new friend inspires her to embrace life, even as the dark fog of war creeps across the English Channel.

The two enterprising young women come up with a brilliant idea to open London’s first matchmaking agency. They face numerous challenges in establishing their business in the midst of air raid drills, food and clothing rationing, and the dangers of the Blitz. As they match Londoners, they find themselves in romances of their own. Elizabeth catches the eye of a daring, roguish RAF pilot and Henrietta discovers passion with a charming solicitor who joins Britain’s first Commandos.

While the men they love are fighting in the air and in Europe, German shells shatter the peace of England. Henrietta and Elizabeth become legendary as they rescue men from the shores of Dunkirk, dig for survivors in the ruins of bombed homes, and inspire thousands of their countrymen and women not to give up the fight for life and love.

Inspired by the stunning story of the real matchmakers Mary Oliver and Heather Jenner, The Wartime Matchmakers is a humorous, poignant, and personal reminder that even in the darkest times, love triumphs.

 

 

Review:

The Wartime Matchmakers by Lauren Smith is another wonderful standalone story I’ve read by this author. Must admit wartime romances aren’t usually my thing, but I’m always up for a new read, and I’m glad I did….. What an amazing story….. 

It’s England, 1939, and we are on the brink of war. 

Elizabeth Mowbray breaks off her engagement to a tea planter in India and returns home to England. Wanting adventure and excitement Elizabeth travels to London, despite her parents arguments and fears. 

A chance meeting with a young lady by the name of Henrietta, has the young women bound for adventures that will change their lives forever…..They come up with an idea to open the first dating agency (but it’s more of a matchmaking service, dating certainly wasn’t as free as it is today ?) they go through obstacle after obstacle, they have to prove their worth and their sincerity time and again….. 

But matchmaking isn’t the only thing they do. They are heroes in my eyes…..They battled in their own way through the war, they helped when they could, they did their bit for the war effort, and I loved reading every second of it. 

This book was inspired by real matchmakers Mary Oliver and Heather Jenner.So the attention to detail is amazing. I could feel the excitement and terror that these two young women faced on a daily basis. 

Both Elizabeth and Henrietta are just wonderful characters. Strong and independent, very resourceful and witty. I laughed, I cried and I cheered as we witness them surviving the evacuation of Dunkirk. The nightly raids (blackouts) by the enemy aircraft. The Battle of Britain had me moved to tears with the vivid descriptions. And their daily lives and struggles which brought joy and sadness. 

So do Elizabeth and Henrietta find love themselves? What I can tell you is that true love never runs smoothly. It has a habit of keeping you on your toes? but to find out if they do or if they stay single you’ll have to read the book. I loved all the information at the end of the book, it just finished it off nicely. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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The Liar’s Crown by Abigail Owen – a Review

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The Liar’s Crown by Abigail Owen – a Review

 

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Description:
Some shadows protect you…others will kill you in this dazzling new fantasy series from award-winning author Abigail Owen.

Everything about my life is a lie. As a hidden twin princess, born second, I have only one purpose—to sacrifice my life for my sister if death comes for her. I’ve been living under the guise of a poor, obscure girl of no standing, slipping into the palace and into the role of the true princess when danger is present.

Now the queen is dead and the ageless King Eidolon has sent my sister a gift—an eerily familiar gift—and a proposal to wed. I don’t trust him, so I do what I was born to do and secretly take her place on the eve of the coronation. Which is why, when a figure made of shadow kidnaps the new queen, he gets me by mistake.

As I try to escape, all the lies start to unravel. And not just my lies. The Shadowraith who took me has secrets of his own. He struggles to contain the shadows he wields—other faces, identities that threaten my very life.

Winter is at the walls. Darkness is looming. And the only way to save my sister and our dominion is to kill Eidolon…and the Shadowraith who has stolen my heart.

Enemies to lovers ✔️
Kidnapping ✔️
Magic ✔️
Adventure ✔️
Secrets ✔️

 

 

Review :

The Liar’s Crown by Abigail Owen is a standalone YA Fantasy.  There are a few triggers, so read the warnings.  As soon as I see this author has a new book, I’m there. The cover is gorgeous (I’m thinking I might need a paperback for my shelves) ? Abigail Owen knows how to write paranormal romance (please look at her Inferno Rising/Fire’s Edge series).  Balancing the plot and romance is always tricky. Writing for a YA (Young Adult) audience when a lot of your books aren’t YA takes skill. So enough about the author, let’s get down to the book…..

Meren is a twin (the younger one) and as tradition states her life is to be in the shadows, she’s there to protect her sibling (if danger arises Meren is expected to sacrifice herself!) so her confidence in herself is nonexistent, she chafes at her role in life, but there isn’t anything she can do about it….

But Meren does escape the Ivory tower she’s locked away in (to Meren it’s more like a dungeon.) She wanders the streets at night whilst wearing different disguises.

The plot is skilfully layered with twists/turns and OMG moments…. As you read the book, things become clearer and a few things make sense. The descriptions in this book place you right in the moment, you can smell the streets that Meren visits, you can see the grandeur of the palace, and you witness King Eidolon’s sickness/madness.

King Eidolon is after Meren’s sister Tabra, so she does the job she was born to do, she stands in her place, and becomes King Eidolon’s bride! (I wouldn’t trust this guy an inch) But before the wedding takes place, Meren is kidnapped!!

Reven is a complex character, essentially good, but his secret makes him reluctant to be actually good?! His character has plenty of conflicting emotions and motivations. And he certainly gets more than he bargained for when he kidnaps the wrong princess!!

And then we have Cain ? and in the world’s I read why can’t she have both ??

The characters have a hard time trusting one another as they travel through this story. Kidnappers are usually nice people, so when does the kidnapper become protector? (You’ll need to read the book?)

Can Meren save her sister from the clutches of Eidolon? Can she figure out what Eidolon really wants? Can she be the hero in this story? And can I get the next book please.

I wouldn’t say it’s a cliffhanger ending, but it does leave us and the characters wondering where this will take us next…..

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

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