Category: 4 Star

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews One Charmed Christmas by Sheila Roberts

TITLE: One Charmed Christmas
CHARACTERS: Catherine & Rudy
AUTHOR: Sheila Roberts
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An enchanting new Christmas novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Sheila Roberts, brimming with hope, love and humor.

Catherine Pine is hoping her Christmas is a bit more jolly than last year’s. That one was her first without her husband, and with her kids and their families absent this year, she’s worried. But things change when her good friend invites her on a Christmas cruise to lift her spirits. Suddenly every day is an adventure and she’s making a bunch of new friends, including the lovable Sophie Miles.

It’s like a gift from Santa when Sophie and Catherine meet the charming Dr. Rudy Nichols, a perfect match for hypochondriac Sophie. But he comes with a two-legged lump of coal, his guard-dog daughter. And then there’s chocolatier Trevor March, who’s also interested in the scrumptious Sophie. Can he convince her that chocolate is the perfect cure for what ails her? Who knows what Santa has in store for these holiday travelers? Anything could happen this charmed Christmas!

REVIEW:
Another great holiday read by Roberts. The thing I enjoyed was all the different romances happening but not only a lot of romances but a lot of age ranges too. Young to old fall in love or fall in love again and this brings that to light.

I enjoyed the characters very much and enjoyed learning who and why each character was the way they were and why they deserved to fall in love during the holiday season.

A great story to put you into the Christmas spirit. Grab a warm blanket, a cup of cocoa and this book and your holiday season will have begun.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Daylight by David Baldacci

TITLE: Daylight
SERIES #: Atlee Pine #3
CHARACTERS: Atlee Pine
AUTHOR: David Baldacci
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/17/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
FBI Agent Atlee Pine’s search for her sister Mercy clashes with military investigator John Puller’s high-stakes case, leading them both deep into a global conspiracy — from which neither of them will escape unscathed.

For many long years, Atlee Pine was tormented by uncertainty after her twin sister, Mercy, was abducted at the age of six and never seen again. Now, just as Atlee is pressured to end her investigation into Mercy’s disappearance, she finally gets her most promising breakthrough yet: the identity of her sister’s kidnapper, Ito Vincenzo.

With time running out, Atlee and her assistant Carol Blum race to Vincenzo’s last known location in Trenton, New Jersey — and unknowingly stumble straight into John Puller’s case, blowing his arrest during a drug ring investigation involving a military installation.

Stunningly, Pine and Puller’s joint investigation uncovers a connection between Vincenzo’s family and a breathtaking scheme that strikes at the very heart of global democracy. Peeling back the layers of deceit, lies and cover-ups, Atlee finally discovers the truth about what happened to Mercy. And that truth will shock Pine to her very core.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I love the writing style of Baldacci.

For years Atlee has wondered what happened to her sister, Mercy and finally she is going to get some answers. But finding answers also has her finding herself causing a problem in the arrest of a wanted man. And now she has to right the wrong she caused. Leading to a global search.

Any fan of suspense/crime thriller will LOVE this book. There is so much going on and it is non-stop. This could easily be turned into a movie with all the ins and outs that happen.

Baldacci has a way of writing that pulls you in and leaves you wanting more. At time I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know what was going to happen.

Great book.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews All That Glitters by Danielle Steel

TITLE: All That Glitters
CHARACTERS: Nicole Martin
AUTHOR: Danielle Steel
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/17/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Danielle Steel’s dazzling new novel, a young woman must overcome tremendous adversity in her quest to find herself and achieve real happiness.

Nicole “Coco” Martin is destined to have it all. As the only child of doting and successful parents, she has been given every opportunity in life. Having inherited her mother’s stunning beauty and creativity, along with her father’s work ethic and diligence, she has the world at her feet. Her graduation from Columbia is fast approaching, and with it the summer job of her dreams working at a magazine. Between work, leisurely weekends at her family’s home in Southampton, and spending as much time as possible with her best friend, Sam, life couldn’t be better—until tragedy strikes. Coco’s beloved parents are killed in a terrorist attack while on vacation in France.

Now devastated and alone, Coco must find a way to move forward and make her way in the world without the family she loved. Determined to forge her own path and make her parents proud, Coco pursues her dreams, dazzled by exciting opportunities that come her way. Her goals are to think outside the box—and always play by her own rules. As she finds herself drawn to charismatic, fascinating men, each relationship will teach Coco new lessons, some delightful, some painful. She will come to realize what matters, and how strong she truly is—and in the end, she will discover herself.

Richly exploring one woman’s poignant journey through life, All That Glitters is a compelling tale of challenges, heartbreak, discovery, and triumph, a powerful reminder that all that glitters is not the essence of life. And what is truly worth having was right there in our hands all along.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I love Danielle Steel. I have been reading her books off and on for decades. Sometimes she is exactly what I need to read and other times I have a bit of a hard time. This one was one of the latter.

I had a hard time liking Coco. While I realize she has had a lot to deal with but slutting around is not the way to handle it. And it seemed like she changed men with the snap of a finger but for no reason.

I liked the relationship between Coco and Sam but wish the ending was a bit different instead of so stereotypical (trying not to have a spoiler).

Let me just say that I am basing my review against other Steel books and what/how I know she can write and giving it less stars than I have for her in previous books. But that being said Steel is head and shoulders above many other authors.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Nothing Good Happens After Midnight by 12 different authors

TITLE: Nothing Good Happens After Midnight
SERIES #: A Suspense Magazine Anthology
CHARACTERS: Various
AUTHOR: Jeffery Deaver, Linwood Barclay, Rhys Bowen, Heather Graham, Alan Jacobson, Paul Kemprecos, Jon Land, John Lescroart, Kevin O’Brien, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Joseph Badal, D. P. Lyle
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/17/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The sun sets. The moon takes its place, illuminating the most evil corners of the planet. What twisted fear dwells in that blackness? What legends attach to those of sound mind and make them go crazy in the bright light of day? Only Suspense Magazine knows…

Teaming up with New York Times bestselling author Jeffery Deaver, Suspense Magazine offers up a nail-biting anthology titled: “Nothing Good Happens After Midnight.” This thrilling collection consists of thirteen original short stories representing the genres of suspense/thriller, mystery, sci-fi/fantasy, and more.

Readers’ favorites come together to explore the mystery of midnight. The ‘best of the best’ presenting these memorable tales, include: Joseph Badal, Linwood Barclay, Rhys Bowen, Jeffery Deaver, Heather Graham, Alan Jacobson, Paul Kemprecos, Shannon Kirk, Jon Land, John Lescroart, D. P. Lyle, Kevin O’Brien, and Hank Phillippi Ryan.

Take their hands…walk into their worlds…but be prepared to leave the light on when you’re through. After all, this incredible gathering of authors, who will delight fans of all genres, not only utilized their award-winning imaginations to answer that age-old question of why “Nothing Good Happens After Midnight”—they also made sure to pen stories that will leave you…speechless.

REVIEW:
12 authors all with one rule… Write about “late night” or “midnight”… that is what Jeffrey Deaver put to 11 other authors and, of course, himself.

Some authors are my go-to authors already (Deaver, Graham) and some I do not recall I have ever read before so this was a great mix of authors to enjoy the ones I knew and find new-to-me authors.

Because these are short stories (what Deaver calls magazine stories) there was just not enough time to get to know each character from each story. There were a number of stories I wish had been a full length novel and some I was happy with just the way they are.

A great collaboration of authors and a lot of great quick reads to have on hand.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Swept Away by Skye Jordan

TITLE: Swept Away
SERIES #: Wildfire Lake #3
CHARACTERS: Chloe & Xavier
AUTHOR: Skye Jordan
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/16/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The steamy conclusion to Skye Jordan’s Wildfire Lake series.

I knew the day we met, Chloe Hart wasn’t a woman you fuck and forget. She’s the kind of woman men dream about–hotter than sin and sweeter than sugar. Her last lover scarred her heart, and despite our wicked chemistry, she’s got me locked in the friend zone.

She can try to ignore the heat between us, but I’m not going away. I transferred here to support my goddaughter through her teens after her father–my partner–was killed in the line of duty. And this kid is as good at finding trouble as Chloe is at sidelining me.

When Chloe’s ex shows up for the lake resort’s first big retreat, things shift on a dime. Without a second thought, I step in, publicly claiming her as mine.

It seems like a harmless lie in the moment, but when one lie creates another, which creates another, the truth unravels, threatening everything I’ve come to love.

REVIEW:
I love Skye Jordan. There is something about the way she writes and her characters are always wonderful. This is Chloe’s story and she is not looking for love. I mean I felt she didn’t even want it if it was standing in front of her waving its arms. Xavier and Chloe have been friends but it’s a romance so come on your know there will be more!!!

Sure some of the scenario is the same… friends to lovers to soulmates… but that is ok. The way Skye writes it is worth the read.

I love the relationship between Xavier and his teenage God-daughter, Piper.

You can count on Skye Jordan having hot men, strong women, sweet romance and steamy sex scenes and all of that and more are part of this great story. A must read!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Shades of Darkness by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Shades of Darkness
SERIES #: Guardians Of Eternity #16
CHARACTERS: Chaaya & Basq
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/10/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Guardians of Eternity think they’ve averted the disaster that could destroy them. But in New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Ivy’s world of temptation, lust, and secrets, one slip could change everything…

Chaaya endured centuries as a sacrifice, protecting her people from an evil that could destabilize all magic. At long last, her servitude is over—and she’s raring to have some fun. The baddest ghost-girl in Las Vegas has a talent for causing mayhem. And for getting under the skin of her solid, silent bodyguard, the vampire Basq . . .

Basq doesn’t let anyone close. He’s learned the costs of companionship. But reckless, disrespectful Chaaya, with her fiery temper and her fierce loneliness, isn’t like anyone else. Staying near her isn’t just a duty, it’s a hunger. When a prisoner of Chaaya’s last battle escapes, possibly seeking Chaaya’s nemesis, Basq isn’t letting her chase through a hellscape mirror London alone. But when the choice is between abandoning everything that’s kept them alive, or each other, survival will take not only desire—but trust . . .

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is the 16th in the series and by now you would think the stories would be getting old… but nope! This is Alexandra Ivy and that woman can write a book that leaves you wanting more as soon as you close the book.

We now have Chaaya and Basq’s story. I loved the relationship they have. Chaaya is strong but sad. Basq is a diamond in the rough. And somehow they are perfect for each other.

Ivy is easily one of the best in the genre. I have enjoyed every single story Ivy has written and wait impatient for the next one. I would suggest reading the whole series but it can be read as a stand alone but you will not have the whole experience as you should.

Another great story!!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Holding Out For Christmas by Janet Dailey

TITLE: Holding Out For Christmas
CHARACTERS: Conner & Megan
AUTHOR: Janet Dailey
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Janet Dailey combines the beloved holiday traditions of small-town Branding Iron, Texas, with sparkling romance . . .

She’s all he wants for Christmas. Maybe even forever . . .

Conner Branch still hasn’t stopped thinking about the sultry singer he spotted on stage during last year’s Cowboy Christmas Ball. So imagine his surprise when he discovers the demure kindergarten teacher who comes home for the holidays to Branding Iron, Texas, is the very same woman. And once he’s up close and personal with the mesmerizing Megan, he’s downright determined to keep her by his side for good . . .

If only Conner Branch were simply the star struck cowboy she once believed him to be, Megan wouldn’t have to worry about losing everything to the rugged–and wildly romantic–rancher. With Christmas in the air, it’s a little too easy to imagine spending the holidays, not to mention her whole life, wrapped in Conner’s loving arms. But this songstress has hopes for a big career back in Nashville. And no little holiday romance will ever get in the way of that. So what’s a woman to do when she finds herself facing down a love as bold and exciting as Texas itself?

REVIEW:
Ok so the bad first… Where are the puppies from the cover? Ok I got that off my chest….

Janet Dailey is one of the best for romance but when you add the Christmas/Holiday season she becomes a Queen.

In this story we meet Conner and Megan. Last year Conner saw a woman sing and knew she was supposed to be his. So he is off to find her. But when he finds Megan is a “humble” school teacher and not the sultry singer he has to think about it.

But I liked that Conner liked both sides of Megan. He wanted all of her, not just the sultry singer he saw last year.

This is another great holiday story by Dailey. Dailey has a way of writing that draws you into the story from the first page. Grab a hot cocoa, a comfy blanket and enjoy because the season has begun.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews The 10 Greatest Conspiracies Of All Time by Brad Meltzer & Keith Ferrell

TITLE: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies Of All Time
CHARACTERS: Various
AUTHOR: Brad Meltzer & Keith Ferrell
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/20/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Master storyteller Brad Meltzer counts down and decodes the world’s top 10 most intriguing conspiracies stories.

Wanted: the truth. In a riveting collection, Brad Meltzer guides us through the 10 greatest conspiracies of all time, from Leonardo da Vinci’s stolen prophecy to the Kennedy assassination. This richly illustrated book serves up those fascinating, unexplained questions that nag at history buffs and conspiracy lovers: Why was Hitler so intent on capturing the Roman “Spear of Destiny?” Where did all the Confederacy’s gold go? What is the government hiding in Area 51? And did Lee Harvey Oswald really act alone?

Meltzer sifts through the evidence, weighs competing theories, separates what we know to be true and what’s still––and perhaps forever––unproved or unprovable, and in the end, decodes the mystery and arrives at the most likely explanation.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I am a big fan of Brad Meltzer. I enjoy the way he writes and puts whatever he is saying into terms we can understand. And never do I feel that he doesn’t believe what he is saying. In this one he is talking about the conspiracies of 10 times in history including Kennedy, Area 51 and more.

In this set of stories he is letting us know what others say may have happened and what he believes himself. But never once does he say “This is the truth” he says what he believes and what the conspiracies are.

I love the history the way Meltzer explains it and I enjoyed this book very much.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Leopard’s Rage by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Leopard’s Rage
SERIES #: Leopard People #12
CHARACTERS: Sevastyan & Flambe
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/10/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It will take more than desire to tame the animal within in this Leopard novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan.

Leopard shifter Sevastyan Amurov has an anger inside of him that burns so hot it’s almost impossible to control. His barely leashed rage relentlessly threatens to break free, until he meets a woman who soothes his restless soul.

Sevastyan wants Flambe Carver with every breath. He’s determined that the fiery-haired woman will want to be his completely. But his would-be mate comes with strings attached—a relentless stalker who intends to claim her for his own.

They barely know each other, but with a very real threat looming just out of reach, Sevastyan takes Flambe under his protection. And as their connection grows, the embers of desire sparking between them soon burst into an inferno that will consume them both.

REVIEW:
This is one of the most erotic stories I have read from Feehan I believe but it is very well written. Sevastyan needs to keep his anger at bay and going to erotica clubs helps that. Flambe is wanted by many but something about Sevastyan’s leopard and Flambe’s leopard connects and that is it. Flambe spends her time helping female leopards out of abusive relationships so how will she deal with the way Sevastyan deals. And then add a stalker to the mix and you have another great story from Feehan.

Feehan always writes strong independent females and diamond in the rough, alpha males and this is no different. I liked that Flambe was willing to try to understand what Sevastyan wants and needs.

Feehan has a way of writing that brings you right in and leaves you wanting more. Feehan is simply one of the queens of paranormal shifter romance.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Buried Deep by Susan Wilkins

TITLE: Buried Deep
SERIES #: Detective Megan Thomas #1
CHARACTERS: Megan Thomas
AUTHOR: Susan Wilkins
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/06/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Megan has to climb round and step across the body to get a proper view. What’s left is like a chalk white mask in the rough shape of a face. The innocence is still there, and a hint of the cheekiness. But perhaps she is imagining that.

Detective Megan Thomas moved to Devon for a fresh start, after years spent undercover. She’s staying with her sister and swimming in the sea daily, battling the tides and letting the waves wash her past away. But she can’t outrun everything.

On her first day back, she’s called to a murder. The body lies deep in an underground bunker, and when Megan forces herself to look, it triggers a panic attack. As her heart races and her breathing stalls, she realises she’s not sure if she can go back to life in a regular crime unit. Her memories are too powerful to be buried – maybe too powerful to let her do her job.

But when another body is found on the stretch of beach where she swims every day, Megan remembers why she joined the force, and what she’s fighting for. The victim came to the police for help, and Megan knows they failed her. She won’t rest until she gets answers. But how can she find justice for others, when she’s no longer sure of herself?

A completely gripping new series from bestselling author Susan Wilkins, introducing the tough and determined Detective Megan Thomas. For fans of Ann Cleeves, LJ Ross and Mari Hannah, this will keep you hooked from the first page to the last.

REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this story. With it being a first in a new series I expected a lot of getting to know the characters but I was totally wrong. We dive right in to Detective Megan Thomas and learn of her history as the story progresses. She was undercover but moved to Devon and is now a detective. Feeling like it is a step down but her first day doesn’t go slowly.

She is set on to two cases, which I loved since usually books and tv shows act like officers only work one thing at a time, one of murder and one of rape of a teenager. And with her PTSD it is a heck of a 1st week.

I really enjoyed each of the characters in this story. The reader knows exactly who each of them is and didn’t need chapter after chapter of how they got to this place in life. And I liked that I couldn’t figure everything out.

I can’t wait for the next in the series. And more interesting characters.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Christmas On Reindeer Road by Debbie Mason

TITLE: Christmas On Reindeer Road
SERIES #: Highland Falls #2
CHARACTERS: Mallory & Gabriel
AUTHOR: Debbie Mason
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Fans of RaeAnne Thayne and Debbie Macomber will love this USA Today bestselling author’s latest holiday romance about two single parents whose holiday wishes come true in the small town of Highland Falls.

Can the magic of mistletoe bring together two busy single parents?
Mallory Maitland knows all too well what it’s like to feel abandoned, which is why she’s sworn never to give up on her two stepsons – her late husband’s children. But when the teens land in hot water, she’s got a whole new problem: how to resist the caring and incredibly hot Chief of Police Gabriel Buchanan. All Mallory wants is to give the boys a magical holiday. She doesn’t need the distraction of wondering what it would be like to kiss Gabriel under the mistletoe.

After his wife died, Gabriel left his job as an adrenaline-chasing New York City homicide detective to focus on raising his three sons. But back in Highland Falls, he doesn’t have to go looking for trouble. It finds him – in the form of a beautiful neighbor and her troublemaking stepchildren. With Gabriel’s mother-in-law looking for any excuse to gain custody of his sons, Gabriel can’t risk getting involved with Mallory, even though she’s the only woman capable of making this Christmas – and all the rest to come – his best ever.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts What a sweet story. This is a complicated family drama set in a small town ready for Christmas.

Mallory has a lot in her past like the death of her mom, foster care, married an older man, and more. But now she is responsible for her two step-sons and decides to move them to her hometown but they are not happy with it.

Gabriel is a single dad of three boys, twins and a younger boy who wants Santa to bring him a mom.

This is a great romance to get you into the Christmas/Holiday spirit. Teddy is too adorable for words and makes me long for my teenager to be a little one again and see Christmas through his eyes.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Crazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

TITLE: Crazy Stupid Bromance
SERIES #: Bromance Book Club #3
CHARACTERS: Alexis & Noah
AUTHOR: Lyssa Kay Adams
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/27/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A hacktivist and a cat café owner decode the friend zone in this romantic comedy from the author of Undercover Bromance.

Alexis Carlisle and her cat café, ToeBeans, have shot to fame after she came forward as a victim of a celebrity chef’s sexual harassment. When a new customer approaches to confide in her, the last thing Alexis expects is for the woman to claim they’re sisters. Unsure what to do, Alexis turns to the only man she trusts—her best friend, Noah Logan.

Computer genius Noah left his rebellious teenage hacker past behind to become a computer security expert. Now he only uses his old skills for the right cause. But Noah’s got a secret: He’s madly in love with Alexis. When she asks for his help, he wonders if the timing will ever be right to confess his crush.

Noah’s pals in The Bromance Book Club are more than willing to share their beloved “manuals” to help him go from bud to boyfriend. But he must decide if telling the truth is worth risking the best friendship he’s ever had.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Alexis has become a voice in the #metoo movement and now has brought other women together to join safe places. When a woman comes up to say “their” father is dying and needs a kidney. She didn’t know about him or her siblings. Noah has been smitten with Alexis for years but is in the friendzone but now he is willing to try…. Talk about crazy timing!

But the guys in the bromance book club are there for Noah to help him out.

I thought this was a cute book. The guys in the book are funny. Some people in the book were a bit irritating but mostly the characters were fun to read.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts