Tag Archives: Regency

How to Best a Marquess by Tina Gabrielle – a Review

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How to Best a Marquess by Tina Gabrielle – a Review

 

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Description:
Lady Ellie Swift learned at an early age that men were more trouble than they’re worth. Now she’s all grown up and is the toast of society. Only she has secret ambitions to run her brother’s infamous gambling establishment—the Raven Club. Everything is progressing as planned until the man who broke her heart, Hugh Vere, the Marquess of Deveril, wants to take over the club. Dark, dominant, and strikingly handsome, Hugh’s reputation for sin precedes him, and suddenly, her dreams—and her heart—are in jeopardy.

As rakish as Hugh appears, he has a sharp mind for business. No one stands in the way of what he wants, not even the fiery-haired beauty from his past. From the moment he sees her again sparks fly, but he knows better than to fall for the lady. According to Ellie, the battle lines have been drawn and Hugh doesn’t stand a chance. But the nearly combustible chemistry between them is hard to ignore, and soon the club is not the only prize he wants…

 

 

Review:

How to Best a Marquess begins with Lady Ellie Swift attending her brother’s infamous gambling establishment – the Raven.  Her brother is getting ready to retire and she wants to be the one to take over the running of the business.  She has already taken over the books for her sister-in-law and knows her way round the club.  She finds herself in the boxing area and is transfixed by what is happening inside the ring.  As she gets closer to the ring, she finds herself in a precarious situation:   one of the fighters, whom she knows, kisses her quickly as she walks by.  Thankfully, all women are required to be masked, so he will have no idea who she is.  A little embarrassed at her reaction to the kiss, she quickly makes her way to another part of the Raven.

Hugh Vere knows that there is only one woman who has hair that particular color:  Ellie Swift.  He has been back in town for a while now, but, hasn’t made any attempt to see her.  He knows that he broke her heart a long time ago and that she will never forgive him.  He has only one thing on his mind – buying the Raven.

A while later, Ellie makes her way to her brother’s office, only to have Hugh arrive as well.  Even though Ellie thought the club would be hers, seems her brother has other ideas.  He makes it a competition between Ellie and Hugh to see who can come up with plans to make the Raven even more prosperous and gives them a time limit.  Whomever does the best gets the Raven.  Ellie is, of course, furious at the turn of events, but lets Hugh know she has no intention to lose to him.  He very quickly informs her he feels the very same way………. Game on.

How to Best a Marquess is a smartly written story of second chance love.  Ellie isn’t your typical Lady and her ambitions are believable.  I love her loyalty to her brother and his wife, but I adored her secret endeavors when it came to helping abused women.  Hugh was well written as well, and it was a relief to read about a male character who wasn’t brooding all of the time.  This one has some different elements that drew me in immediately.  I loved the fact that this story showed women doing something other than what we usually read in historicals, namely, a woman wanting to run a place like the Raven.  I also loved that once Hugh got over his ‘I know what’s best for you’ ways, he was completely open and honest with Ellie about what he wanted………which was for her to be happy.   If you’re a fan of this genre, you’ll truly enjoy How to Best a Marquess.  The chemistry is there, along with a little mystery and a bit of danger and it will pull you in pretty quickly.  Well done, Tina Gabrielle!  Very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

 

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Someone to Trust by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

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Someone to Trust by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
During a rare white Christmas at Brambledean Court, the widow Elizabeth, Lady Overfield, defies convention by falling in love with a younger man in the latest novel in the Westcott series.

After her husband’s passing, Elizabeth Overfield decides that she must enter into another suitable marriage. That, however, is the last thing on her mind when she meets Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges, at the Westcott Christmas house party. She simply enjoys his company as they listen to carolers on Christmas Eve, walk home from church together on Christmas morning, and engage in a spirited snowball fight in the afternoon. Both are surprised when their sled topples them into a snowbank and they end up sharing an unexpected kiss. They know there is no question of any relationship between them, for she is nine years older than he.

They return to London the following Season, both committed to finding other, more suitable matches. Still they agree to share one waltz at each ball they attend. This innocuous agreement proves to be one that will topple their worlds, as each dance steadily ensnares them in a romance that forces the two to question what they are willing to sacrifice for love. . . .

 

 

Review:

Someone to Trust by Mary Balogh is the 5th book in her wonderful Westcott series.  I have loved every single book in this wonderful series, and I couldn’t wait for Elizabeth’s story.  She has always been the one person who was there to give support to each heroine, and now it was time for her own happy ever after.

When the last book left off, there was a last minute wedding (Viola & Marcel) at the Earl of Riverdale’s mansion, and we pick up at that point, where the entire Westcott family was in attendance. It is Christmas time, and everyone was enjoying the festivities.  Elizabeth Overfield, our heroine, helps Wren (Alexander’s wife) make sure everything goes right, including greeting all the guests.  She meets Colin Handrich (Lord Hodges), Wren’s younger brother, who does not know the many Westcott family members.  Elizabeth takes it upon herself to welcome and befriend Colin, and together a friendship develops, with them enjoying the festivities and their company.

Elizabeth, who is a widow, has decided the time has come for her to possibly accept another marriage proposal, as she is now 35, and time is running out.   Colin, is just stepping into the responsibility of being Lord Hodges and taking over their mansion, knows he has to start thinking about marriage, as he is 26 years old.

What follows is the friendship between Elizabeth and Colin grows, as each talk about their prior issues with relationships; such as her deceased ex abusive behavior, and Colin’s treatment by his family in his younger days.   At the balls, Colin always makes sure Elizabeth saves him the first waltz.  This was a very charming and fun story, as both Elizabeth and Colin begin to have feelings for each other, but continue to evade any possibilities because of the 9 year age difference.  Elizabeth accepts a proposal from another Lord, but when her prospective fiancée verbally treats her badly, Colin and Alexander come to her rescue, and Elizabeth breaks up with the other man. 

Elizabeth must endure the bad word of mouth gossip, and Colin is determined to make Elizabeth his wife, despite their age difference.  Will Elizabeth give in to her feelings Colin, and ignore that Society does not approve of an older woman marrying a younger man.

 I loved Elizabeth and Colin together (one of the best couples in this series), and enjoyed the fun and exuberance they had together. Colin was great, but I adored Elizabeth, as she was a great heroine, being fun, sweet, always helpful to others, and delightful.

It was wonderful to see all the Westcott’s again.  This is a big family, and we get to see many of them in each book.  The romance between  Elizabeth & Colin was wonderful to watch, with so many emotions, both sad and sweet.

I do not read a lot of historical romances, but I will read every book in this series. I can’t say enough about Mary Balogh’s writing, as the Westcott series is a ‘do not miss’.  If you enjoy regency romance with great couples and secondary characters, you should be reading this one.  Someone to Trust is another fabulous fun heartwarming story in this fantastic series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Mary Balogh’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of SOMEONE TO TRUST to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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9.. Giveaway runs from November 27 to 30, 2018

 

 

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Betting the Scot by Jennifer Trethewey – a Review

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Betting the Scot by Jennifer Trethewey – a Review

 

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Description:
Declan Sinclair is a Highlander who believes his dreams never lie. When he spots Caya at a public house, he knows instantly she is the woman in his dreams—his future wife. Though her brother had promised never to gamble again, he engages Declan in a card game—and the prize is the lovely Caya.

Caya Pendarvis has no time for childish things like dreams or fairy-tales or love. She’s the sacrificial lamb on her way to the far north of Scotland to wed a wealthy merchant in exchange for settling her brother’s gambling debts.

Winning at cards is one of the many things Declan Sinclair does well. Unfortunately, the ability to court a woman—a talent he lacks—is the only skill he desperately needs to win Caya’s heart

 

Review:

“Declan Sinclair would have called to his wife, but he didn’t know her name. They hadn’t met. Not yet. Nevertheless, the pretty blonde seated on the far side of the tavern was his wife. Or would be. Soon. She was the wife in his dreams, and his dreams never lied.”

As crazy a premonition as that may be, it’s far less toxic than the impetus behind Caya’s decision to marry Declan. It may have even surprised Caya to be so willing. But it’s not all Bluebells and heather from the jump. Caya is a proper lady from Cornwall, England, and this arrangement to marry Declan, “a soldier by trade, a man of blood” is far from conventional. The bumps and stops, “false starts and misunderstandings”, apply nevertheless. This is when you know what really matters! Betting the Scot by Jennifer Trethewey is an enchanting journey to discover a home is truly where the heart is.

Thrust together by foul deed (you’ll rue the day you meet Caya’s brother, Jack), Declan and Caya are kept at arm’s length. While it allowed them to contemplate the enormity of marriage, it also fueled their desires. It felt as if Caya’s ruminations, which developed into realizations, went undeclared for far too long. She chastised herself for engaging in heated fantasies when she could have acted upon them with an all too willing Declan. Before you go thinking less of my man, “I’m no’ a heathen”, Declan wanted to give Caya a real future, a true happiness as his wife. Feelings and avoidance are bound to collide. And to make matters more tense, Ms. Trethewey inserts the most hurtful of words uttered by Caya that both ramps up the drama and has you changing sides, lol! Having said that, restoring feelings and/or mending fences sounds so much sexier with a trilling burr.

The Highlands of Scotland are the perfect setting for this romance. The writing and language were authentic to the culture — I looked up so many Gaelic words to hear them in their native tongue. Humor was lovingly imbued with words and thoughts. Take a bet on this book! True love was achieved, you’ll swoon alongside it, but there will be hateful, vengeful action to keep you in suspense!

Lucky me just discovered this is book 2 of the series. I’ll rewind to the courtship of Alex and Lucy…and await the romance that is sure to sweep big Magnus off his feet in book three!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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Lady Gone Wicked by Elizabeth Bright – a Review

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Lady Gone Wicked by Elizabeth Bright – a Review

 

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Description:
 Nicholas Eastwood is finally about to get everything he ever wanted. As a reward for his service to the Crown, he has been offered the title of marquess. All he has to do is stay scandal-free until the papers are signed. There’s just one problem: His ex-lover, presumed dead, is remarkably alive.

Adelaide Bursnell is determined to right her wrongs. She will be a dutiful daughter and loving sister. Most importantly, she must marry before her scandal catches up to her. Nicholas was once her ruin, but now he is determined to be her salvation. If he can find her a suitable husband, their shared past can stay buried.

But old temptations prove impossible to resist and scandal can never stay secret for long…

 

 

Review:

Although Lady Gone Wicked is considered book #2, in the Wicked Secrets series, you don’t have to read the first.  It does feature characters from the first book “Twice as Wicked” but it doesn’t really detract from the book.

Nicholas is a spy and soldier for the crown. But he’s a rogue and the black sheep of the family. And he’s finally come good, if he can stay out of trouble he will be given the title of “Marquess” and he will be able to hold his head up high in society again, but there is trouble coming round the corner…… 

Adelaide had the misfortune to fall in love with Nick and have his baby. She was then sent was to a convent in France by her parents to have her baby in secret (the shame of a child out of wedlock). But she disappeared and was thought to be dead for the last two years.

Adelaide has a twin sister called Alice. (Yes the same Alice from book 1). In Alice’s book, Alice came to avenge Adelaide’s death and downfall at Nicholas’s hand, and tried to kill him. Needless to say, all she did was fall for his “twin” brother. (Well ….. maybe she tried to shoot him a few times ?) 

The two sisters are reunited and it becomes clear that Adelaide wants her past to disappear and to marry into a good family. But there are twists and turns that keep Adelaide and Nicholas bumping into each other. 

Nicholas wants Adelaide to marry into a good family and will try to “help” her regain her good name. But with the heat simmering away between them, it’s only a matter of time before something explodes. 

Lady Gone Wicked is a well written story, and again the characters come to life, and the secondary characters make you hope that they get stories too. A few laugh out loud moments, and a few moments where you almost reach for the tissues. 

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy provided by Publisher

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Winning Violet (Flower Girls #1) by Becky Lower – a Review

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Winning Violet (Flower Girls #1) by Becky Lower – a Review

 

Winning VioletAmazon / B&N / Kobo

Description:
Everything’s coming up roses for an English miss and an American gentleman in this delightful new series from the author of the Cotillion Ball saga!

After British soldiers killed his wife and child during the War of 1812, Parker Sinclair vowed to never set foot on English soil. But as Thomas Jefferson’s landscaper, one must sometimes make the ultimate sacrifice. The last thing Parker expects to find is an educated English beauty who can teach him so much more than how to plant a magnificent garden.

An expert at cross-pollinating roses, Violet Wilson’s dreams of becoming the first woman recognized by the Royal Horticultural Society are fading because she’s afraid to leave the quiet solitude of her family’s nursery. Distrustful of men after a traumatic encounter, she’s not keen on disrupting her routine to help the American landscaper, but she soon blossoms under his kindness and respect.

As they fall in love, can this shrinking Violet take the risk of leaving behind all she knows for a new life with Parker? Or is he considering a different ending altogether?

Review:

5 out of 5 for this reader!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!  

Christmas day and one of my all time fave historical romance author, Becky Lower.  YES PLEASE AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH!  LOL  What an awesome day to have this book released!

Winning Violet by Becky Lower is the first book of her new series called “Flower Girls” and I absolutely loved it!  I have been lucky to review all of Becky’s books and I absolutely can recognize her style a mile away.  She reminds me of my other fave authors Grace Burrowes, with her mature storyline and sides of fun, love and adventure.  Alright so clearly you know I love Becky, so let’s get on with this review.

Parker Sinclair is our leading man and he has a sincere dislike for anything English.  He is an American who suffered great loss during the War of 1812 and despite having sworn to never see England he is found travelling there for business.  Parker is distrustful, a remarkable man, who is trying to heal from the loss of his family.  He is a gardner (incredibly talented by the way), closed off to anything romantic or lovely and just wants to get into England and then out as fast as he can and move on with his life .. a life that will not include anything British.  Fate has a whole other plan for Parker however, and it involves much more than learning the art of flowers .. well real flowers anyways!  LOL

Violet Wilson is one of four siblings who all share responsibilities with regards to the family business.  She is kind but somewhat of an recluse, content to stick to what she knows despite having the ability to really progress the science of flowers.  She is also trying to heal from a trauma, and when Parker shows up to learn her skills with flowers, she feels conflicted, wants to experience a little bit more of life, and begins to find herself falling in love.

This is an oversimplified review of what the story is all about, but I don’t do spoilers.  I will tell you this is a feel good story about two people overcoming brutality, sharing a common passion and healing with the other in their own unique way.  I’m a flower girl, so I ADORED that aspect of this book.  This book flowed so easily from one page to the other and of course there are the typical roadblocks one will find in a historical romance.  Big decisions are made in the end though and I will say this couple gets their HEA.  SO WELL SUITED these two Becky!  I love their intense sexy moments and I loved their friendship.  

We are introduced to other characters which will be featured as part of this series, so I am eagerly anticipating the next release.  This is not an overly long novel, but most definitely one that you can enjoy in front of the fireplace with a cup of tea over the holidays!  While you are at it, please check out Becky’s Cotillion Ball series … I am so hoping I fall in love with these Wilson’s as much as I did the Fitzpatrick’s .. so far amazing start!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS ALL and HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

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A Perilous Passion by Elizabeth Keysian – a Review

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A Perilous Passion by Elizabeth Keysian – a Review

 

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Description:
Miss Charlotte Allston is unwittingly ensnared in a sinister web of traitors and spies when she is literally swept off her feet by a handsome stranger on the beach. Fiercely determined to redeem his honor after a humiliating military defeat, the Earl of Beckport is living incognito, hunting a band of smugglers at the center of a French plot to invade England.

The enigmatic Miss Allston instantly becomes a person of interest to the earl…and not just in the smuggling case. Passion flares swift and hot between the two. But when her attempts to help with his secret mission only endanger it, he must question where her loyalty truly lies.

Stunned by the sudden revelation that the woman he is falling for is the daughter of a notorious smuggler, Beckport feels duty-bound to report her. But then Charlotte is captured by the very traitor he’s after, forcing the earl to decide between redemption…and love.

 

Review:

A Perilous Passion by Elizabeth Keysian begins with Charlotte Allston walking along the shore one minute and being plucked from her feet in the next.  Seems a stranger who observed her on the beach thought she was in need of assistance, even though she was perfectly fine.  After they part ways, it doesn’t take Charlotte long to wonder just what the handsome stranger is up to.  The next day, she heads out to snoop around to see if she can find out just who he is, only to find herself swept up in another encounter with said stranger, whose name is Rafe “Seabourne”.  He insists on escorting Charlotte home, even though she tells him repeatedly it’s not necessary.

Once they arrive at her home, he introduces himself to Charlotte’s overbearing mother.  Her mother almost immediately knows Rafe’s true identity: Rafe Pomeroy, the Earl of Beckport.  He tries to deny it, but fails miserably.  Rafe finally comes clean about who he is, but insists they must keep his identity a secret.  What follows is a story of espionage and danger where Charlotte insists she help Rafe with his secret mission, which often lands them in trouble.

A Perilous Passion has a good plot.  Charlotte’s character was nicely written.  I liked her tenacity and her loyalty.  Rafe was nicely written as well, even though, I have to admit, the back story of why he was trying to redeem himself made me laugh a little.  However, I did feel that their chemistry was a little lacking and the story was a bit slow in places.  With that said, this was an enjoyable read.   Rafe’s sense of honor and Charlotte’s tenacity kept me turning the pages.  The humor was also a plus.  If you’re a fan of this genre, you’ll  enjoy the book as well.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Twice as Wicked by Elizabeth Bright -a Review

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Twice as Wicked by Elizabeth Bright -a Review

 

Twice as WickedAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
Miss Alice Bursnell is determined to wreak revenge on Nathaniel Eastwood, Viscount Abingdon, for the seduction, ruin, and death of her beloved twin sister. But how to expose a seducer without falling prey herself? As she gets closer to Nathaniel, she finds she is in serious danger of following in her sister’s much-too-tempted footsteps. The man is nothing like the heartless rake she expected…and his kisses are truly divine. Could she be wrong about him? 

When a mysterious and gorgeous woman confronts Nathaniel at a fancy ball, he suspects she has murder on her mind—his own. But the more he tries to determine who the deceptively innocent beauty is—and what she’s up to—the deeper he falls under her alluring spell. Nathaniel fears he’s in imminent danger of losing his life…or worse, his heart.

 

 

Review:

Twice as Wicked by Elizabeth Bright is a steamy romance that is mixed in with some mystery.  

Alice needs someone to blame for the death of her sister, So Alice goes on a hunt for revenge and her search leads her to Nathaniel, as far as Alice can tell, it’s totally Nathaniel’s fault that her twin sister died.  So she decides to face him and make him pay for what he did. 

Nathaniel is not your typical hero or rogue turning over a new leaf, he is shy and awkward, not at all like Alice thinks he should be. He seems kind, shy and very self conscious, and does not always appear comfortable in his position as Viscount. 

Nathaniel has been finding himself in life threatening situations whenever Alice seems to always be around, causing him to grow suspicious of her. But he’s totally enamoured with the mystery lady. 

As the story develops, we see that things are not what they seem. As few twists and turns kept me turning the pages in an otherwise predictable story. Even when Alice learns the truth about Nathaniel’s twin brother. She still wants revenge. 

Nathaniel wants to stop her, which as you can imagine creates conflict between the two, and the added fact of their attraction and fondness for the other.  Confuses him no end. 

As Nathaniel falls in love with Alice, he is frustrated she cannot get past her revenge. And he still needs to resolve issues with his brother. 

Alice realizes she is falling in love with Nathaniel, but she needs to make a choice between avenging her sister or the man she loves.  Twice as Wicked was a very enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to what’s next in this series.

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Duke Meets His Match by Tina Gabrielle – a Review

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The Duke Meets His Match by Tina Gabrielle – a Review

 

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Description:
The daughter of an infamous art forger, Chloe Somerton grew up poor. Desperate to aid her sisters, she’d picked a pocket…or two. Now circumstances have changed, and Chloe has a chance to marry a young, wealthy lord. Only his mentor—a dark, dangerous duke—stands in her way. The duke knows about her past, and she’ll do anything to keep him from telling.

The moment Michael Keswick, the Duke of Cameron, sees Chloe Somerton, he recognizes her as a fraud. The stunning beauty with sapphire eyes and golden hair now appears to be a proper lady, but he knows better. What begins as a battle of wills soon escalates into a fierce attraction. In Chloe, Michael finds peace from the memories of war, but he refuses to marry…and she won’t settle for anything less.

 

Review:

The Duke Meets His Match begins with Chloe attending a party with her sister, who is bound and determined to play matchmaker for Chloe.  Of course, Chloe had rather make her own match, but appreciates her sister’s interest….most of the time.  As Chloe sets her eyes on a handsome young Earl named Henry, she can’t help but notice Michael Keswick, the Duke of Cameron, who just happens to be Henry’s guardian.  Michael and Henry’s father were in the war together, and only Michael made it home.  Henry’s father took a bullet meant for Michael, which has caused Michael a great deal of guilt.  Once home, he has made it his mission to teach the young Henry about managing his estate and his affairs. 

Once Michael sees Chloe, he immediately recognizes her and knows that there is a shady past that Henry knows nothing about.  He attempts to warn Chloe away from Henry, and call her bluff (if you will).  What he does not expect is Chloe’s reaction.  As their mutual attraction grows, the Duke knows that he has indeed, met his match….

The Duke Meets His Match is a wonderfully written story that has relatable characters.  I love the Somertons, and Chloe is by far my favorite.  Don’t get me wrong, I like the other two books and their heroines, but I LOVED Chloe.  Determined to distance herself from her torturous past, she stands up for herself in a way that will endear herself to everyone who reads her story.  Michael was a bit of a surprise for me.  Yes, he started out as an antagonist whom I couldn’t see myself liking (at all!), only to turn out to be a multi-layered character that I fell in love with.  His reasons for saying he would never marry are actually valid ones, but Chloe being Chloe, makes him see reason.  She also makes him see that asking for help does not make you weak.  The Duke Meets His Match is ultimately a story about pushing past preconceived notions to truly see a person for whom they really are.  If you’re a fan of this genre, you will never go wrong with any of the Somertons’ stories, but this one will make you a true fan of the author.  Well done, Tina Gabrielle!  Very, very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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