Category: 4 Star

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Kimberly’s review of For A Good Time Call by Trish Jensen

TITLE: For A Good Time Call
AUTHOR: Trish Jensen
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/31/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“I’m just a nosy little ad exec who’s dying to see who invited me to meet you.”“Listen, Sherry Whoever-You-Are, I’m very, very busy,” Kit Fleming answered. “If you could just speed this up, I’d be wildly grateful.”Sherry became uncomfortably aware that he had a very sexy phone voice. “Well, you see, I got a delivery tonight, and I didn’t have anything smaller than a fifty, so the kid had to give me change.”“Uh-huh,” he said, the grunt tinged with annoyance. “Fascinating.”“The twenty he gave me had some writing on it.”“Writing?”“‘For a good time, call Kit.’ And of course, your phone number.”

REVIEW:
This was a adorable short read. I am a fan of Trish Jensen but had not read this story. This is a reprint and I am glad I found it. I enjoyed the characters very much.

I will be honest… As a fan of Fifty Shades of Grey this had all the makings of a PG rated version… He is a big time CEO with control and love issues and she is a woman who is looking for love and yet is independent when it comes to work. But keep in mind the original of this story was out long before Fifty Shades was…. I just could not let the similarities go without notice.

This is a enjoy quick read for an afternoon curled up on the couch (or in a sick bed in my case) that will having you smiling and wishing for Mr. Right to come along.

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

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Rev It Up by Julie Ann Walker

TITLE: Rev It Up
AUTHOR: Julie Ann Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/02/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He Never Misses a Target
Jake “the Snake” Sommers earned his SEAL codename by striking quickly and quietly – and with lethal force. That’s how he broke Michelle Carter’s heart. It was the only way to keep her safe – from himself. Four long years later, Jake is determined to get a second chance. But to steal back into Michelle’s loving arms, Jake is going to have to prove he can take things slow. Real slow…

She Aims to Make Him Beg
Michelle Carter has never forgiven Jake for being so cliché as to “love her and leave her.” But when her brother, head of the Black Knights elite ops agency, ticks off the wrong mobster, she must do the unimaginable: place her life in Jake’s hands. No matter what they call him, this man is far from cold-blooded. And once he’s wrapped around her heart, he’ll never let her go…

REVIEW:
This is the third in the Black Knights, Inc series which I did not realize when I picked the book and coming in at this point I was lost with the background story. Yes I kind of caught up but it was a bit confusing. There is a lot about the background characters and not knowing their story and how the BKI got started made it hard to understand why someone was after them and like I said it does eventually explain but I wish I had read the other two books before this one.

The story of Jake and Shell is different. There past is explained pretty much right away and you understand why things were done the way they were. When I picked up the book I expected it to be about the guy who was in love with his best friends girl and now that the best friend is gone he wants to “take care” of her for the friends sake but that is not even close. Jake has loved Shell since they first met but he was so messed up as a SEAL he didn’t know good from bad and did what he thought was best for her but now he is ready to be the man she needs and she doesn’t believe he has changed.

The story is very interesting. I am not sure about the writing… Jake’s conversations are written very juvenile (“yo”, “dude”, etc) but the rest of the story is not so young. I think the author wanted us to see Jake’s softer fun side by making him the surfer who grew old but not up but I could be wrong. It would be interesting to read another one of Walker’s stories to see if it is the character or the writing.

I think any fan of the romantic suspense or a woman who loves a good old fashion SEAL story will enjoy this book but I suggest starting at book one.

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Sultry With A Twist by Macy Beckett

TITLE: Sultry with a Twist – Sultry Springs series #1
AUTHOR: Macy Beckett
Charactes: Luke Gallagher & June Augustine
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/1/2012
ORDER LINKS: Amazon 

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hilarious, heartwarming, sexy and real-you’ll fall in love, guaranteed!”-Lori Foster, New York Times bestselling author

Welcome to Sultry Springs, Texas: where first loves find second chances…

Nine years after June Augustine hightailed it out of Sultry Springs with her heart in pieces, one thing stands between her and her dream of opening an upscale martini bar: a bogus warrant from her tiny Texas hometown. Now she’s stuck in the sticks for a month of community service under the supervision of the devilishly sexy Luke Gallagher, her first love and ex-best friend.

If Texas wasn’t already hot enough, working side-by-side with June would make any man melt. Luke wants nothing more than to strip her down and throw her in the lake-the same lake where they were found buck naked and guilty as sin all those years ago. In their heads, they’re older and wise. But their hearts tell a different story.

REVIEW:
HOT DOG!!!! This was a great way to start my new year. New Author. New Series. New Obsession!!! Sultry with a Twist takes us to Sultry Springs Texas and with a name like Sultry Springs how can we not get hot and bothered?

Macy’s 1st book is a second chance at love story and boy howdy does this girl know how to write a story. From page one I was in love with June & Luke. I also loved that Macy took a body issue that many woman have and showed how men don’t see it as an issue but an extreme turn on.

This was a fabulously great story and is going on my keeper shelf. If you have not had a chance to visit Sultry Springs Texas yet I would highly recommend you grab your cowboy boots and hang on tight, because this is a must read for the new year.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Instant Temptation by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Instant Temptation – Wilder #3
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
Characters : TJ Wilder & Harley Stephens
PUBLICATION DATE:
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
T.J. Wilder is the perfect package of breathtaking adventure and raw sex appeal. Even better, he’s about to reconnect with the one woman he’s never been able to forget…
Get Your Pulse Racing
To Harley, the landscape around Wishful, California, is exhilarating, untamed, and more than a little dangerous. The same could be said for T.J. Wilder, who’s invited himself along on her trek to study a rare coyote. Harley’s career is riding on this trip, and she doesn’t need a stubborn, incredibly sexy distraction. But T.J. is a professional guide who knows when to stay back and when to provide invaluable expertise-just like he’s done since they were in high school. And Harley, as usual, is torn between throttling him and giving in to the raw attraction that’s been smoldering all these years.
T.J. knows how proud and capable Harley is, but he’s damned sure not letting her put herself at risk when there are illegal hunters in the area. She needs him, with the same soul-stirring urgency that he’s always craved her. And here, in this beautiful place days from civilization, he’ll finally have a chance to prove it-over and over again..

REVIEW:
Another great book and great series for Jill Shalvis. The girl really knows how to suck me into her stories. I had to force myself to put the book down and get a little sleep. But all the while i was thinking about how stubborn both TJ and Harley are. But you know what they say “the bigger they are the harder they fall”. And these two are about to fall.

I am a little sad that this is the last book in the Wilder Series and really hope that JIll will bring us back to Wishful, California at some point in time for an update on the Wilder boys and the very strong women they fell in love with.

If you love Jill or any of her books and have not read the Wilder series you really need to go pick up this trilogy. It is so with the time to read.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
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Jennifer’s review of Boyfriend From Hell by Jamie Quaid

TITLE: Boyfriend From Hell
AUTHOR: Jamie Quaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 9/25/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Justine (Tina) Clancy is just an ordinary law student with a faulty arrest record, a part-time job in Baltimore’s radioactive Zone, and a family secret so bizarre even she doesn’t believe it. That is, until in a fit of fury she damns her boyfriend to hell–and it’s exactly where he ends up.

Much to her surprise, Tina is apparently one of Saturn’s daughters, with the power to wield vigilante justice. But poor Max didn’t deserve to go up in flames, even if he did almost run her over with her own car. Tina’s convinced someone cut the brakes–and now a relentless nemesis is stalking her through the Zone’s back alleys, where buildings glow, statues move, and chemical waste exposure comes with interesting consequences. Tina’s usually a loner, but now she needs a posse like no other: a shape-shifting kitten, an invisible thief, a biker gang, a snake-charming private detective, a well-meaning cop, and her sleazy, sexy boss. But in between freeing Max from hell, saving her own neck, and solving a mystery that threatens the Zone and her newfound friends, how is she ever going to study for finals?

REVIEW: This book grabbed me from the very beginning and I immediately connected with Tina’s character. I liked how Tina was this smart, tough young woman who was trying to work her way through law school at a time when her situation seemed hopeless. She was broke, living with a damaged leg as a result of a college riot years prior and working part-time in the radioactive Zone until she was able to take the bar exam. Everything seemed to be normal for her up until the day that she had her bank deposit stolen outside the bank while witnessing a hit and run involving a group of teenagers. To top it all off, her boyfriend Max, then tried to hit her with her own car and she wishes him to hell in a fit of anger. For Tina, things start to go from bad to worse as she learns that she is one of Saturn’s daughters with the power to dish out vigilante justice on people that have wronged others with interesting results.

Jamie Quaid has created a fascinating paranormal world with Boyfriend from Hell and I enjoyed this book immensely. I liked the funny cast of characters and the crazy environment of the Zone, where things aren’t always what they seem and even then you can’t always trust what you see. This book was action-packed from the first page and I was hoping that everything would work out for Tina and she would finally be able to reach her goal of finishing law school. I would definitely like to see this book be the start of a series because I would love to catch up with these characters and see what dangerous situation Tina may find herself in next.

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

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Light My Fire by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Light My Fire
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/10/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Wearing jeans, boots, and a reckless, knowing grin, T. J. Delahaye is six feet and seven inches of pure danger. As a covert agent, T. J. saves people for a living. But when he tumbles down a mountain to rescue a wayward hiker, it’s T.J. who needs a helping hand. He falls—hard—for a gorgeous goddess named Jenna whose strength and fierce determination matches his own.

Tormented by the demons of her past, Jenna King once called herself an elite firefighter. She’s nobody’s damsel in distress, but now survival means joining forces with T.J.—and soon sparks are flying between them. Though Jenna has known as many wild men as wildfires, this maverick just may be the one to heal her heart and teach her the dark, secret thrill of surrender.

REVIEW:
This is the third in the Delgado’s Dirty Dozen series. As a recent fan of Donna Kauffman’s I am going back to find her older books which are being re-released having read Santerra’s Sin (1st) and Silent Warrior (2nd) I wanted to read this book but even if I hadn’t read the other two this book can stand alone and in my opinion is better than the first in the series and just as good as the second. There is an immediate pull when you start reading it because of the intensity of the first chapter. Finding out Jenna’s backstory right away really draws the reader in. The book takes place in less than 24 hours so having a connection between characters that soon is pretty far fetched but they do have a very intense 24 hours for sure. T.J. is very alluring in the strength of his character but also his easy way about him. And Jenna is fighting some demons but is up for the fight and willing to fight alone until T.J. comes along. There is not much suspense since there is no aggressor in the book but there is a lot of tension in what they go through in these short hours together. The story is great and a quick read. I think any fan of romance will enjoy it. And Bob is not to be missed.

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

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Perfect Fit by Carly Phillips

TITLE: Perfect Fit
AUTHOR: Carly Phillips
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/31/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
MIKE
Always feeling like the odd man out in his family, Michael Marsden wanted to make it on his own. So he escaped Serendipity to become an undercover cop in Manhattan, where the Marsden name wasn’t known. But Michael’s independence is compromised when he returns home to replace his sick father as chief of police. Back in the shadow of his family, he’s as lost and restless as ever, until he’s challenged by someone he never anticipated.

CARA
Cara Hartley is the Serendipity cop with whom Mike had a one night stand three months earlier. Neither expected anything more but fate has other things in store. When Mike returns as Cara’s boss, the sexual tension between them is impossible to ignore – and the unexpected emotional connection continues to grow. But Cara’s a small town girl while Mike has a wanderer’s blood in his veins.

Together their chemistry explodes but …
Both are convinced a future together is impossible. Until Mike’s real father’s secrets come back to haunt him and he realizes there are some things worth staying and fighting for. Including Cara.

REVIEW:
This is the 4th in the Serendipity series and the 1st in the “Serendipity’s Finest” part of the series. Having not read books 1-3 yet (even though I will) I was slightly lost with some of the background characters but not too bad. You can tell their stories have been told but it just makes you want to read the other books as well.

Mike is a diamond in the rough. He is a really good guy and I enjoyed the way he was written. He has these inside feelings that he is not the man that everyone else knows he is. His father left before he was born and he believes because blood runs deep that he is just like him but no one else believes that. I enjoyed reading about Mike. I loved that when he was an all around good guy especially to Cara. Now Cara is an interesting character too. She has been through so much and while on the outside she has become tough she really is just soft-hearted. I really enjoyed her as well. I think Phillips matched these characters perfectly.

I can’t wait to read Sam’s story but it looks like Erin’s story is up next and I look forward to reading that too. Carly Phillips books are always a “perfect fit”.

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Immortal Craving by Kendra Leigh Castle

TITLE: Immortal Craving – Dark Dynasties #4
AUTHOR: Kendra Leigh Castle
Main Characters: Tasmin Singh & Bailey Harper
PUBLICATION DATE: 1/29/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The last-and most lethal-of his kind . . .

Wild, uncontrollable, and powerful, the lion-shifting Rakshasa were hunted down by vicious rival vampires who feared their dark, magical abilities. Somehow one survived, and now, after centuries of hiding, Tasmin Singh reemerges as fierce and fearless as ever at the door of the Lilim queen, seeking answers . . . and sanctuary.

The human best friend to a vampire queen, Bay Harper traded her quiet, comfortable life for a world filled with immortal assassins, warring werewolves . . . and this hauntingly sexy shifter. Only Bay’s gentle touch can subdue Tasmin’s inner demons, even as he brings out a passion and sensuality she never imagined she could feel. But when a bloody struggle threatens to tear them apart, can Bay risk everything on her faith in him-or will his dark side be stronger than even their all-consuming desire?

REVIEW:
I really like the Dark Dynasty world. I love the twists and turns that Kendra has put into this book and her vampires. They are not your typical vamps which I really like. I have not been able to get back to book 1 or 2, but I have read book 3 and now book 4. I can say that you can read these books easily as stand alones, but I am going to go back and read the first two.

I loved Tasmin. I love that he has been asleep for the last 4 hundred years and doesn’t know anything about the new world, except for the fact that he is draw for some reason to a human woman who is best friends with the Queen of the Lilim’s. And Bay, she is one tough cookie. She finds herself in an impossible situation and instead of curling up in a ball or running with her tail between her legs she grabs the bull by the horns or the lion by the mane and shows everyone who is in charge here.

I really did like this book. But I would have loved for the battle scene to be a little more, uuummm of a battle. It was over just a little too fast for me. But other than the battle being a bit short I enjoyed Tasmin & Bay’s story. I am looking forward to what Kendra has in store for the Dark Dynasty world.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Killing Time by Cindy Gerard

TITLE: Killing Time – One-Eyed Jacks #1
AUTHOR: Cindy Gerard
Characters: Mike & Eva
PUBLICATION DATE: 1/22/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An exciting new series featuring Mike “Primetown” Brown, a character from her popular “Black Ops, Inc.” series.

For the seven years after Operation Slam Dunk went south, Mike Brown got drunk on each anniversary. The eighth year was no different–until he was drugged by a woman and woke up to her questions about what had happened eight years ago in Afghanistan. CIA attorney Eva Salinas has her own theory behind what happened to Mike’s team–which included her husband–in Afghanistan eight years ago, and she’s determined to prove foul play. Though she doesn’t trust him, Mike is the only person she can turn to for help. Under an assumed name, Eva convinces Mike to assemble a new team and go after the traitor who screwed up both their lives. As they track down the rogue who started it all, Eva and Mike discover they can’t live without each other. But can they stay alive while an enemy is still on the loose?

REVIEW:
Killing Time is Cindy Gerard’s first book in her new One-Eyed Jacks series, which is a spin off of her Black Ops Series. While I have not read any of the Black Ops books, I didn’t feel lost at all when some of the Black Ops characters popped into this book. If anything it makes me want to go buy the whole Black Ops series and read them. But back to Killing Time.

Mike & Eva don’t really get off on the right foot in this book. I love that Eva was able to get a jump on him, seeing he was thinking with the wrong brain and all. But they make a great team and you always need some you trust at your six.

There is a lot of history in this book, but Cindy does a great job of laying it out for us, so we don’t feel lost. I had a hard time putting this book down. I kept wanting to know who…. Who did this to Mike & Eva….. Who, Why and Oh please don’t let it be…… (you know I don’t give spoiler’s silly)

Over all I really enjoyed this book and so look forward to what Cindy has in store for Coppe & Taggart, Mike’s fellow One-Eyed Jack Team members

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
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Jennifer’s review of How To Misbehave by Ruthie Knox

TITLE: How to Misbehave
AUTHOR: Ruthie Knox
PUBLICATION DATE: 1/28/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

As program director for the Camelot Community Center, Amber Clark knows how to keep her cool. That is, until a sudden tornado warning forces her to take shelter in a darkened basement with a hunk of man whose sex appeal green lights her every fantasy. With a voice that would melt chocolate, he asks her if she is okay. Now she’s hot all over and wondering: How does a girl make a move?

Building contractor Tony Mazzara was just looking to escape nature’s fury. Instead, he finds himself all tangled up with lovely Amber. Sweet and sexy, she’s ready to unleash her wild side. Their mutual desire reaches a fever pitch and creates a storm of its own–unexpected, powerful, and unforgettable. But is it bigger than Tony can handle? Can he let go of painful memories and let the force of this remarkable woman show him a future he never dreamed existed?

REVIEW:
This was a charming little romance with enough hot steamy sex that it could melt the words off the page. Amber was a sweet young woman who was attracted to Tony, but was afraid to even talk to him until the day of the tornado. They are then thrown together in a dark, small space and the sparks fly. I loved how she was so willing to lose her good girl image to spend time with this gorgeous man. Tony was a nice guy that had a troubled past and was trying desperately to find forgiveness for his past sins. He wasn’t interested in starting a relationship because he felt he wasn’t worthy while Amber felt that she was too “innocent” to attract a man such as Tony.

I was very impressed with Ruthie Knox’s writing style and I was immediately involved with these wonderful characters from the beginning. This is a novella to introduce her upcoming series and I can’t wait to read more from this author in Along Came Trouble and learn about the other inhabitants of Camelot.

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Forever A Lord by Delilah Marvelle

TITLE: Forever A Lord – The Rumor Series #3
AUTHOR: Delilah Marvelle
Characters: Lord Nathaniel James Atwood & Lady Imogene Norwood
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/18/2012
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lady Imogene Norwood lives a sheltered life of quiet respectability and routine…until she meets the wild and broken Lord Atwood. He is wholly unexpected among London’s elite, and the very shy English rose suddenly realizes that a little chaos might just be what her heart desires.

Lord Nathaniel James Atwood doesn’t believe true love exists. Since scandal tore him away from his family at an early age, he has spent his life fighting for what he wants. That attitude has made him a rising star in bare-knuckle boxing, and now leads him back to London to reclaim the life that was stolen from him. But upon meeting the innocent Imogene, his beliefs are trounced…as guarding his heart against her proves to be the fight of his life.

REVIEW:
As the final book in Delilah Marvelle’s Rumor series Forever a Lord brings us full circle with the story of what happened to Lord Nathaniel Atwood. if you have read the Rumor series today (which I would highly recommend you read this series in order) we all know that Lord Atwood went missing when he was just a young boy. What we didn’t know was the why, how and where he has been. Until now.

Forever a Lord gives us these answers. Yet this story so much more then what just happened to Lord Atwood as a child. Throughout the series we have seen Nathaniel yet never knew he really was. Nathaniel learns a lot about himself in this book and learns that love, trust and forgiveness are very important if one is to ever truly be happy. Lady Norwood is a great fit for Lord Atwood. She is kind, understanding and stands up to Lord Atwood when it is necessary.

I am happy that Atwood finally got his Happily Ever After, but I am sad that this series is over. I am still upset with Delilah for killing off one of my favorite characters early on. But I forgive you D. Over all I really, really enjoyed this series and it is now on my keeper, read over again shelf.

If you have not started the Rumor series I would suggest you start with the Novella Forever Mine and go from there.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Barefoot In The Rain by Roxanne St. Clair

TITLE: Barefoot In The Rain
AUTHOR: Roxanne St. Clair
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/30/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

They say you can never go home again . . .
When “Life Coach to the Stars” Jocelyn Bloom is embroiled in scandal, the only place she can hide is the one place she wishes she could forget. She left Barefoot Bay-and the boy next door who knew all her secrets-years ago. Now nothing about the tiny island off the coast of Florida is quite how she remembers it, especially Will Palmer. He’s even more gorgeous and tempting . . . and still capable of turning her world inside out.

But what if someone is waiting for you?
To Will Palmer, Guy Bloom is more than the elderly, senile neighbor he looks after-he’s the last connection to Jocelyn, the woman Will loved and lost. But the reunion with Jocelyn doesn’t go smoothly. Shocked by the change in her father’s personality, Jocelyn struggles to reconcile her dark childhood with the sweet, confused man who has grown close to Will. Jocelyn has guided countless clients to happiness-but can she escape the rainy days of her past for a new sunny future with Will?

REVIEW:
Wow.. This book… Lets see… It is a really good book but a bit on the sad side. In short (and not giving anything away) Jocelyn returns to her hometown after a scandal in California. Her dad was abusive when she was young but now he is suffering from Alzheimers and doesn’t even recognize her. The man who she always loved but had to leave, because of her father, is now her fathers caregiver and Joss is trying to deal with everything.

Here is the hard part. How does a person forgive an abusive father even when that father is not the man he used to be? There is so much anger/hurt in this story but when you realize that people have to deal with this situation every day you wonder how they can do it.

And the relationship with Joss and Will is sweet and heartbreaking at the same time. The reader wants so badly for Joss to trust Will and yet the reader understands why trust and love can be so foreign to her.

This book is a wonderfully sad story. It is not a light read at all. However, it is written really well and is really a interesting story. It is just not a light-hearted feel good kind of story. But worth the read. It is the second in the Barefoot series but while you can tell there was a previous story with other characters it can stand alone.

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

4 Hearts