Category: 4 Star

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Kimberly reviews Looking For A Cowboy by Donna Grant

TITLE: Looking For A Cowboy
SERIES #: Heart Of Texas #5
CHARACTERS: Cooper & Marlee
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/27/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A cowboy finds love in the most unlikely place in New York Times bestseller Donna Grant’s newest Heart of Texas novel, Looking for a Cowboy

A beautiful stranger has come to Clearview, asking questions that are nobody’s business. Cooper Owens also wasn’t born yesterday. He knows that this out-of-towner is hiding a dark secret of her own. Much as he knows he should head in the other direction, he can’t make himself turn away. . .

P.I. Marlee Frampton always wanted to lead a nice quiet life, working as a cop in her local police department. But that dream came to an end when her sister was murdered―and her baby kidnapped. Now Marlee’s come to Texas to investigate the Harpers, who may be linked to shady adoption agencies. Cooper can’t believe that his friends could be involved in anything so sinister…and soon he makes it his mission to help Marlee discover the truth―and keep her safe in his arms.

REVIEW:
This is the 5th in the series but the first I have read. While it is a stand alone I did feel like there were other background characters that I should have known from previous stories but it did not take away from the story of Marlee and Cooper.

Marlee always seems to see the bad side of life and now she is in Texas investigating when Cooper walks into her life. He knows right off that Marlee is the one for him so he will do what he needs to so that Marlee becomes his.

I really enjoyed the story of these two but I am sure I am missing a bit from the previous books. But I think it would be a good series to catch up on especially since the way the story ended left a few unanswered questions.

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

4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews I Loved You First: Anthology by Suzanne Enoch, Molly Harper & Karen Hawkins

TITLE: I Loved You First: Anthology
AUTHORS: Suzanne Enoch, Molly Harper & Karen Hawkins
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
RUN TIME: 8 Hours & 19 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: August 25, 2020
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Escape with three warm-hearted romantic comedy novellas about women’s second chance at first love from beloved romance authors, Suzanne Enoch, Molly Harper, and Karen Hawkins.
Take Two by Suzanne Enoch
Eleanor Ross has it all: fame, fortune—and Brian MacCafferty, the perfect combo of bodyguard and assistant who makes every day a breeze. MacCafferty anticipates her needs, puts out her fires, and—once upon a time—nearly put a ring on her finger.
And when a scandal erupts that could ruin El, it’s Brian who rushes to the rescue and joins her in hiding. Will El discover there’s no hiding from true love? And is she finally ready to take a second chance for her own, real life Happily Ever After?
Pasties and Poor Decisions by Molly Harper
Anastasia Villiers has hit rock bottom. And that rock is named Espoir Island.
Abandoned by her disgraced investment banker husband who liquidated all of their assets and fled the country, Anastasia is left with nothing—except for Fishscale House, a broken-down Queen Anne in the Michigan hometown she swore she’d left for good.
If Ana quickly renovates and flips the dilapidated building, she can get back to Manhattan and salvage her life. The problem? The only person on the island with historical renovation cred is Ned Fitzroy—Ana’s first love—who insists she help him with the labor herself. As Ana gets reacquainted with Ned, and her hometown, she realizes home may be just what she’s always wanted.
The Last Chance Motel by Karen Hawkins
Every big romance deserves a second chance. But Evan and Jessica Cho Graham are looking at the last chance: more specifically, The Last Chance Motel in Dove Pond, NC where Jessica has escaped to start a happily independent life, separate from her smart, sexy, but driven husband.
Evan has been wildly successful in every endeavor, except keeping the heart of the one woman he loves more than anything. If he’s going to repair this mess, he’s going to need all the help he can get—even if it’s from the crankiest handyman in B&B history—to turn his second chance with Jess into a perfect storybook happy ending.

REVIEW:
All three of these stories were great! Each was a second chance/redemption romance. So if you like those kinds of stories then you need to pick up a copy of I Loved You First!!

Take Two by Suzanne Enoch: This was a super sweet story. Eleanor Ross and Brian MacCafferty are both fun characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. I do truly enjoy the lengths that Brian has to go through to get what he ultimately wants 🙂
Pasties and Poor Decisions by Molly Harper: Once again Molly writes a story that makes me want more. I loved Ana & Neds story. I do truly hope that we will get a future peek at these two.
The Last Chance Motel by Karen Hawkins: Awe Jessica and Evan. It was fun to see how much Evan was willing to do to get back the love of his life. I really liked the twist in this story.
As always Amanda Ronconi does a phenomenal job narrating these stories!!

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book from Audible.com and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews One Left Alive by Helen Phifer

TITLE: One Left Alive
SERIES #: Detective Morgan Brookes #1
CHARACTERS: Morgan Brookes
AUTHOR: Helen Phifer
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/01/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She knelt down by the side of the first girl. She had to force herself to breathe as she lifted the soft white cloth covering the girl’s beautiful face…
When the body of a woman is found hanging from a tree in her front garden, rookie Detective Morgan Brookes is first on the scene. But Olivia Potter is past saving. And when her husband and daughters cannot be traced, Morgan knows there is more to this tragedy. And then she finds them. Lying huddled together in the dark basement, each of their faces covered with a small cotton cloth, their bodies cold to the touch.
But as Morgan kneels beside the family, she realises that one of the girls is still breathing. As she holds Bronte’s fragile hand in hers, begging her to hold on, she vows to find out who has done this.
Every day Morgan wakes at 4:25 AM, her old insomnia now mixed with a new fixation on the case. But every clue about the murdered family leads to a dead end. Until, trawling through old files, she discovers a link to a cold case from years ago. Another family was murdered in this house, and the killer was never caught.
When Morgan returns to the scene of the crime to discover more about this forgotten case, she finds another body. With Bronte still unconscious in hospital, Morgan must act fast to solve this case and lay two families to rest, before the killer returns for the girl left alive…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is a new series from an author I have not read before so I thought I would try it. And I really enjoyed it.

A woman’s body is hanging from a tree and her family has been brutally murdered except one daughter miraculously left alive. And then another body is found. What is going on?

I found the suspense of this book really well written. I was trying to figure it out and kept thinking about it even when I would put the book down for a bit.

I would change a couple of things. One, I think the couple (Morgan and Ben) is being a bit rushed. And speaking of rushed the ending felt a bit rushed too. I would like a little bit of time before the two come together. Yes, we know they will but let it build. And the ending needed some time as well. I was happy with the ending but it seemed once we knew what happened it was “let’s wrap this up”.

There are a couple of things I would change but all in all this is a really good read.

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 A Little Country Christmas

TITLE: A Little Country Christmas
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Carolyn Brown, Rochelle Alers, AJ Pine, Hope Ramsay
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From matchmaking carolers to a festive lights competition, four bestselling authors explore the magic of the holidays in these heartwarming small towns.

The Perfect Christmas by Carolyn Brown
Rugged cowboy Landon Griffin can’t help being smitten by single mom Dixie Boudreaux and her baby girl. To help win their hearts, he wants to give them both the perfect holiday at Longhorn Ranch — baking cookies, trimming the tree, building snowmen, and the whole works. But when nothing seems to go right, he might need a Christmas miracle to help him out of the mess.

Joy to the World by Hope Ramsay
Retired music teacher Brenda McMillan has lost her holiday spirit, but reluctantly agrees to fill in for the director of the Magnolia Harbor Christmas Chorale — even though Dr. James Killough, the town’s biggest Christmas enthusiast, is the group’s accompanist. Will he have enough Christmas magic to mend her broken heart?

Home for the Holidays by Rochelle Alers
Pastry chef Iris Nelson is looking forward to spending Christmas on Cavanaugh Island with her best friend’s family. But she wasn’t expecting to celebrate with their very handsome visitor on leave from Afghanistan. Is their attraction just the glow of the season or a gift to enjoy forever?

Cowboy Christmas at Heart by A.J. Pine
For Deputy Sheriff Daniela Garcia, no hometown tradition makes her happier than the Meadow Valley Holiday Light Parade. This year she’s planning for the sheriff’s office to have the most dazzling lights. But when the new mayor — and certified grinch — threatens to cancel the event, Dani will have to show him the true meaning of Christmas.

REVIEW:
I was going to review these separately but they all fell under the same number of hearts so I figured I would combine them.

These are sweet holiday romances that perfectly put you in a holiday mood. Since they are short novellas they are great for a quick read.

I picked this up because of the novella by Hope Ramsay but enjoyed all four of the stories equally.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews The Highland Laird by Amy Jarecki

TITLE: The Highland Laird
SERIES #: Lords Of The Highlands #8
CHARACTERS: Emma & Ciar
AUTHOR: Amy Jarecki
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/13/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Fans of Hannah Howell and Diana Gabaldon will love this Scottish romance that combines a high-stakes action and sizzling romance.

Emma Grant has been sheltered and underestimated her entire life. Her blindness may set her apart, but she’s just as fierce and loyal as any of her clansmen. So when she catches word that her brother’s best friend is in jail, she doesn’t hesitate to race to the brawny Highlander’s rescue.

Laird Ciar MacDougall is on a vital mission for Scotland when he witnesses a murder—and then is blamed for the death and thrown into a Redcoat prison to rot. He never thought he’d be broken out by a slip of a lass and her faithful hound. But now they’re outlaws on the run. And as their enemies circle ever closer, he will have to choose between saving his country or the woman who’s captured his heart.

REVIEW:
Another sweet Scottish romance. But what I loved about this story was that Emma is blind. I loved that she wasn’t a helpless lass that couldn’t do anything because she is blind. And I loved the scenes where she works at teaching a dog to help her even though I doubt seeing eye dogs was a thing back in the day.

Ciar is a sweet guy. Ok, maybe more of a diamond in the rough but still I thought he was sensitive and understanding and perfect for Emma.

I am glad we finally got their story since we have met them both before. But now they have their HEA and it was worth the wait.

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 A Princess By Christmas by Julia London

TITLE: A Princess By Christmas
SERIES #: A Royal Wedding #3
CHARACTERS: Mareki & Hollis
AUTHOR: Julia London
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/13/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’s discovered his secret.

Now the trouble really begins…

After three years of mourning—and turning her dear deceased husband’s gazette into the ton’s sauciest source of fashion and gossip—Hollis Honeycutt feels her life has been strangely bereft of late… Her sister is living abroad, and her best friend moved to the country. What must a young widow of rank and reputation do? Why, transform her society gossip sheets into serious investigative news, starting with a rumored coup…and the rather dashing, mysterious gentleman whom Hollis suspects might be the villain of her first real story, and she is the only one who can write it.

Marek Brendan is investigating terrible rumors of treachery and treason that threaten his home country of Wesloria, but he must proceed with caution. No one can discover the truth. After all, who would ever believe he is Wesloria’s lost crown prince? Only Hollis Honeycutt’s cerulean-blue eyes seem to know more than she’s letting on—and worse, Marek can’t seem to resist her curious charms. But even as betrayal threatens a nation and a throne, nothing is quite so dangerous as the lovely young widow who’s determined to find the truth…and a prince of her own.

REVIEW:
Talk about opposites attract… Marek is so quiet and just a nothing and Hollis is so well a bit obnoxious. But that is only in the beginning. Once you get to know the characters they bloomed. I watched both characters grow into each other and I enjoyed them falling in love.

Julia London has a knack for writing romance. She somehow takes characters that and turns them into friends. In this one we learn how the loss of her husband has affected Hollis. And how Marek is feeling when his home country is threatened.

It took a while but I really enjoyed these characters and the story that London weaved around the holiday season.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Guardian’s Grace by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Guardian’s Grace
SERIES #: Dark Protectors #12
CHARACTERS: Adare & Grace
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/13/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Duty—or desire?

Vampire soldier Adare O’Cearbhaill’s default setting is cranky. Or irritated. Or down-right hostile. Still, as a Highlander of honor and duty he stepped up to save an enhanced and special human female by mating her—with merely a bite and a brand. The last person he wants in his life is a fragile human, yet he can’t get her out of his mind as she regains her strength before taking off for parts unknown. And when he discovers she is in danger, nothing can stop him from hunting her down—whether she likes it or not.

There’s only one way to find out . . .

Photographer Grace Cooper has had it with vampires, demons, and the rest of an immortal world she was happier not knowing about. She also doesn’t believe she’s destined for some great battle because of an old birthmark. Forget the fact that her mate is the sexiest thing on two stubborn feet, or that her brand is fading along with her health. She’ll handle things on her own—until an old enemy reappears and she learns the only way to stay alive is to actually mate, wild sex and all, with that ripped and dangerous Adare—a powerful, captivating Highlander who demands nothing less than everything . . .

REVIEW:
I have been waiting so long for Grace and Adare’s story. I mean Grace and Adare have been a part of each other for so long I was thinking this book would never come along. And I did wonder how it would be explained that someone as protective and possessive as Adare would let Grace be free until he claimed her. But this is Rebecca Zanetti and she never disappoints.

Zanetti has quickly become one of my favorite paranormal authors. I love the way she writes and how her characters jump right off the screen. I really wish a station like NetFlix would turn her books into one of their made for station series. Because these characters deserve to be available to everyone.

Another incredible story in the Dark Protectors series!

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Return To Virgin River by Robyn Carr

TITLE: Return To Virgin River
SERIES #: Virgin River #19
CHARACTERS: Kaylee & Landry
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/13/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr returns to the beloved town of Virgin River with a brand-new story about fresh starts, new friends and the magic of Christmas.

Kaylee Sloan’s home in Southern California is full of wonderful memories of the woman who raised her. But the memories are prolonging her grief over her mother’s recent death. A successful author, Kaylee hoped she could pour herself into her work. Instead she has terrible writer’s block and a looming deadline.

Determined to escape distractions and avoid the holiday season, Kaylee borrows a cabin in Virgin River. She knows the isolation will help her writing, and as she drives north through the mountains and the majestic redwoods, she immediately feels inspired. Until she arrives at a building that has just gone up in flames. Devastated, she heads to Jack’s Bar to plan her next steps. The local watering hole is the heart of the town, and once she crosses the threshold, she’s surprised to be embraced by people who are more than willing to help a friend–or a stranger–in need.

Kaylee’s world is expanding in ways she never dreamed possible. And when she rescues a kitten followed by a dog with a litter of puppies, she finds her heart opening up to the animals who need her. And then there’s the dog trainer who knows exactly how to help her. As the holidays approach, Kaylee’s dread turns to wonder. Because there’s no better place to spend Christmas than Virgin River.

REVIEW:
I will say that I have not read all of the books in this series… yet! I read some here or there but now that I have seen the NetFlix series I have really enjoyed this series and want to catch up on all of them.

In this one we meet Kaylee and Landry when she needs a place to rent. She comes to Virgin River to get away after her mom’s death and figures it’s a good place to finish her novel. Landry becomes the friend and love interest that she didn’t know she needed or wanted.

I love the way that Carr writes. The pain Kaylee felt for the loss of her mother was palpable and I felt horrible for her. But I loved how Landry was with her.

Another great story by Carr in the wonderful town of Virgin River!

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Going Under by Skye Jordan

TITLE: Going Under
SERIES #: Wildfire Lake #2
CHARACTERS: KT & Ben
AUTHOR: Skye Jordan
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/14/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Another sweet & steamy read from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Skye Jordan!

Some women want roses and I love yous. I want hot guys and great sex.

Maybe I’ve absorbed too much testosterone employed in the male dominated world of mechanics, only, I’m no longer working on a cruise ship with sexy men around every corner. I’m building a business with my two best friends in a small town where reputation is everything.

But it’s only six months before I can take my money and run–straight back to the sea. Only this time I’ll have my own sailboat, choose my own destinations, and live by my own rules.

When I meet Dr. Delicious over stitches, we’ve got instant heat, but he comes with major drawbacks, starting with an affinity for dating and ending with his status as a single dad.

Before I know it, I’m putting together a frilly “dream bed” for Christmas and teaching his oldest to repair a carburetor.

Dr. Delicious is the very definition of commitment, and falling for him is a non-negotiable no way.

Too bad my heart hasn’t gotten that memo.

REVIEW:
This is the second in the series and Skye Jordan never disappoints. Her men are strong and have a heart of gold. Her women are independent and confident. And this story is no different.

KT is a bit of a tomboy who works in a male driven world of engineering and is in town to work on a Marina for Wildfire Lake with her two best friends. When she gets hurt she goes to see Dr Ben who is a single dad and committed to his work.

But when they meet there is something more than a one night stand and while neither one of them want to admit it we as a fan of romance know they have no say in where their hearts take them.

Another great story from Skye Jordan. She is easily one of my favorite go-to authors because he never disappoints.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Murder, Forgotten by Deb Richardson-Moore

TITLE: Murder, Forgotten
CHARACTERS: Julianna Burke
AUTHOR: Deb Richardson-Moore
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/18/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Julianna Burke, bestselling mystery novelist, has a secret that those closest to her are hiding from the world. Julianna is losing her memory, and with it her powerful gift for storytelling that propelled her to fame.

A further devastating blow comes when Connor, Julianna’s beloved husband, is murdered. Even this is not something Julianna’s mind can hold on to, and every day her assistant has to break the heart-wrenching news all over again.

Julianna is desperate to know what happened to her husband. As she battles her failing mind to investigate, a detail of the murder surfaces that makes Julianna question everything she’s ever known. Somehow she must fight to find the truth, even though her grip on reality is fading…

REVIEW:
I picked up this book since it is set in North Carolina, I live in NC albeit on the other side of the state, and I am glad I did.

Julianna is an author who is trying to finish her book before dementia sets in completely but then her husband is murdered and she takes off to Scotland in case she is in danger as well. But within days she heads back to NC where her daughter has moved in.

The investigation deepens when we learn just how many people had keys to the house, and with Julianna’s memory fading quickly she wonders if even she could have done something.

I enjoyed the story. The suspense was palpable and I felt so bad for Julianna at times. Her confusion is heartbreaking. The story was unique and enjoyable. I will be looking for more from this author.

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 A Heartfelt Christmas Promise by Nancy Naigle

TITLE: A Heartfelt Christmas Promise
CHARACTERS: Vanessa & Mike
AUTHOR: Nancy Naigle
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A perfect gift that captures the spirit of the season, USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle’s A Heartfelt Christmas Promise celebrates the holidays, small-town traditions, and the generosity of love between two lost souls who find everything they ever wanted in each other.

Vanessa Larkin was supposed to be spending Christmas in Paris, France on a business trip she hoped to enjoy as a working vacation. Instead, she’s been assigned to Fraser Hills, North Carolina—home of the Best Fruitcake in the USA—to convert her company’s property into warehouse space and shut down Porter’s, the fruitcake factory. Offering retirement packages and selling locals on new job opportunities may not spread holiday cheer, but Vanessa believes she’s helping secure the town’s future.

Mike Marshall’s family founded Porter’s. For decades, the factory served as the lifeblood of the community until his grandfather sold the business to a Chicago corporation. The sale cost the town its independence—and the Marshalls their family ties. A horse farmer, Mike was never involved with his grandfather’s company, but still felt Fraser Hills lost part of its identity. And as a widower raising a teenage daughter, he’s suffered enough losses in one lifetime. News of the factory’s closing means losing another piece of the town’s legacy.

Far from the skyscrapers and rapid pace of the city, Vanessa finds herself enjoying the easygoing rhythms of rural living. With Mike as her guide, she learns to appreciate the simple pleasures found in shared holiday festivities among friends. Fraser Hills is a town she is growing to love—and Mike is someone she is falling in love with. Now all Vanessa needs is a Christmas miracle to give her newfound friends and home a gift they’ll cherish for many New Years to come.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I mean who wouldn’t pick up this book with that adorable puppy on the front? But I honestly can’t remember reading a book by Naigle before I am glad that puppy sucked me in. This is a Hallmark movie in the making!

Set about a fruitcake factory in Fraser Hills, NC (I live in NC and love my small town!). Vanessa comes back to help with her grandfather’s company not realizing she was going to fall in love not only with a man but with the small town.

This is a wonderfully written Christmas/Holiday romance. It has everything a person needs to get into the spirit. Hallmark…. Are you listening????

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews All The Missing Pieces by Julianna Keyes

TITLE: All The Missing Pieces
CHARACTERS: Reese Carlisle
AUTHOR: Julianna Keyes
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/21/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Reese Carlisle hates her life.

Three years after her father’s arrest for one of the largest embezzlement schemes in history, twenty million dollars is still missing, and the world believes she knows where it is.

Two years after her brother’s death, they still think she killed him.

One year later, she’s still hiding.

When the loneliness is too much, she seeks out strangers for one dark night, no questions asked. She makes up a name, puts on a disguise, and tries to forget.

One night she meets a new man. She tells him her name is Denise, she’s a dental assistant, and she loves dogs. He tells her she’s smart, she’s pretty, she’s funny. Things she hasn’t heard in too long.

Things that are too good to be true…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts A bit romance, a bit mystery and a whole lot of good read. After Reese’s dad goes to jail for stealing a butt-load of money Reese goes into hiding, sorta. She is still out in the world but under a bunch of pseudonyms and back stories. Then she meets Chris.

There are a lot of things to figure out while we enjoy the HOT romance between “Denise”/Reese and Chris. Does Reese have or know where the missing $20M went? If Reese isn’t who she says she is, how do we know Chris is?

Fun fast read that has a bit of everything.

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

4 Hearts