Alexandra Ivy – Page 2 – Books-n-Kisses

December 26, 2016December 25, 2016

Kimberly reviews Kill Without Shame by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Kill Without Shame
SERIES #: ARES Security #2
CHARACTERS: Lucas & Mia
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/27/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Five brave military heroes have survived the hell of a Taliban prison to return home—and take on civilian missions no one else can. They’re the men of ARES Security. Highly skilled, intimidating, invincible, and one by one, tested again and again…

Lucas St. Clair’s prestigious family had a political future neatly planned out for him—one that didn’t include his high school sweetheart, Mia Ramon. Under their pressure, Lucas gave her up. But since surviving captivity, he’s a changed man—and a crucial member of ARES Security. When he discovers a dead man clutching a picture of Mia that bears a threatening message, his fiercest protective instincts kick in, and he knows he must go to her.

Mia has never forgiven Lucas for breaking her heart, and she’s convinced her feelings for him are in the past. But it’s soon clear that isn’t true for either of them. Now, determined to solve the crime and keep Mia safe, with his ARES buddies backing him up, Lucas will have to reconstruct the murder victim’s last days—and follow a lethal trail that leads right back to the fate of the woman he still loves…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I want to start by saying I am a huge fan of Alexandra Ivy’s and have read almost everything she has written. Now that being said this was not one of my favorites. First issue was I had it figured out almost immediately and never got that “oh maybe it is someone else” feel.

Second Lucas is a good character but not one I really fell for. I just never warmed up to him. And Mia is nice but again I didn’t warm up to her either. I am not exactly sure why not. I could never put my finger on it but something was just off about them.

The story is good and if I was reading this same story from a new author I would probably go to 4 stars but knowing how Ivy usually writes I just didn’t enjoy it as much as I hoped. But I am looking forward to the next ARES story.

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

December 1, 2016November 27, 2016

#TBT Kimberly reviews Burned by Darkness by Alexandra Ivy ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Burned By Darkness
SERIES #: Dragons Of Eternity #1
CHARACTERS: Tayla & Baine
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/30/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Dragons of Eternity were once creatures of myth and legend. Now they’ve returned to the world, prepared to claim what’s rightfully theirs…

Tayla is desperate for a place to call home. After years on the run, the young imp impulsively buys a teahouse and is determined to build a new life. Unfortunately, she’s barely opened the doors when she’s tracked down by the dragon who purchased her from troll slave-traders. He demands she pay off her debts…in his harem.

Baine has devoted a quarter of a century to tracking down his beautiful concubine. And now that he has her in his grasp, he’s not about to let her go. But it’s soon apparent that he isn’t the only demon hunting her. He must uncover her secrets or risk losing her forever.

REVIEW:
This is the first in the new Dragons Of Eternity series by Ivy. Having read her Guardians Of Eternity I was excited to read this story. It is short. Only about 130 pages but it keeps your interest the entire time.

Tayla is an imp who was kidnapped and sold to Synge but his son, Baine, bought her from his father. But before Bain can claim her she disappears and hides. After 25 years he locates her but so do a number of others and so the desire to keep Tayla safe is all Baine can think about… well that and the desire for Tayla herself.

Both are interesting characters. Tayla is a bit of a strong independent woman but yet can also need a lot of saving. Not sure I liked the mixed signals of the character but I liked Tayla in general. And Baine is sweet in all his Dragon-ish way. Possessive and protective but loving.

If you liked Ivy’s GOE series you will enjoy this as well. It has a bit of the feel from the previous series and yet is clearly the start of something new. But who doesn’t enjoy a visit from Levet.

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

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November 15, 2016November 13, 2016

#TBT Kelly & Kimberly review Born In Blood by Alexandra Ivy ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Born In Blood
SERIES #:The Sentinals #1
CHARACTERS: Duncan O’Conner & Callie Brown
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: December 31, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In a stunning new paranormal romance series—even edgier than her bestselling Guardians of Eternity books—New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Ivy lures readers into the dark, seductive world of the Sentinels—humans outcast by their hidden abilities, treading the line between life and death, good and evil, pleasure and pain…

Born In Blood

Sergeant Duncan O’Conner has seen it all before. A beautiful erotic dancer is found murdered in her home—no suspect, no motive. But there’s one clue: she’s missing her heart. It’s enough to make the hard-bitten Kansas City cop enlist the help of a necro—one of the dead-channeling freaks who live in the domed city of nearby Valhalla. It’s a long shot, but desperate crimes call for desperate measures.

Unlike the other “high-bloods” in Valhalla, Callie Brown considers her abilities a gift, not a curse. But when she reads the dancer’s final thoughts, she senses a powerful presence blocking her vision. This is no ordinary homicide. This is the work of a legendary necromancer who controls souls. A ravenous force that will put Callie’s skills to the test, O’Conner’s career at risk, and both their hearts on the line…literally.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts Born in Blood is book one in Alexandra Ivy’s new Sentinel series. This is an interesting world that Alexandra has created. You have the norms (normal people) and the “freaks” (people with talents) both are trying to learn how to work with the other, but not very successfully.

This was a great start to a new series. I fell in love with Duncan & Callie and the cast of sub characters are awesome. I loved the determination of Duncan to go after what he wants. But I loved that Callie did challenge him at least for a little bit 🙂 I am looking forward to what is next in this series. Fingers crossed for Fane & Serra although I would love to for Mave & Wolfe next.

One of my only real gripe is what is up with the cover. Yes it is hot. I know. But the heroine is not right at all. Callie doesn’t have long red hair. It is short and kinda all over the place. I wonder why no one pointed that out to the cover artist?

Fan’s of Alexandra will love this new series!

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts This is a new series by Ivy. It is very different from her Guardians of Eternity series. I enjoyed the Sentinels, Callie and Duncan very much. Valhalla is an interesting place to read about as well. I was not too thrilled with the whole Zombie thing. I know it is the “in” thing right now but it is not something I am into. I also had a hard time with the “freak” word being used so much. It just seemed overkill on the word.

Now those two things aside I enjoyed the book and couldn’t wait to get to each new chapter. Duncan is a great character and Callie is sweet and innocent. They make a great pair. I can’t wait for the next in the series. I hope the foe’s are something other than Zombies and if they are I know I will love the Sentinel and his woman.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Kensington Publishing (Zebra) in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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August 3, 2016August 1, 2016

Kimberly reviews Miss Frazer’s Adventure by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Miss Frazer’s Adventure
CHARACTERS: Kate & Lucius
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/02/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Dear Reader,

Long before I wrote my sexy paranormal romances, I wrote traditional Regency romances as Debbie Raleigh. Now I’m thrilled to have them made available once more, as fresh and adventurous as ever…

To avoid the taint of her mother’s scandalous reputation, Miss Kate Frazer stifles her naturally high spirits to become a model of propriety. But when she is rewarded with a suitor who cares only for her dowry—and leaves her waiting at the altar on her wedding day—Kate determines that she will live as she chooses. Her first adventure will be a trip to London under an assumed name to enjoy the city’s delights. And woe to anyone who stands in her way—particularly her fiancé…

Lucius Calfield wasn’t looking forward to wedlock with the tediously suitable Kate Frazer. Still, he is chagrined when a violent storm makes him late for the ceremony. But embarrassment turns to astonishment when he finds that his fiancée has vanished entirely! And that is the least of the surprises his unaccountably changed—and unexpectedly irresistible bride—has in store…

I’ve fallen in love with these timeless books all over again, and believe that you will too.

REVIEW:

This book was originally published in 2005 under the name Debbie Raleigh and is a very quick historical romance. The problem is I never really connected to Kate. Luce was cute in his own way but I never really understood why he was so interested in Kate.

Because this was written so long ago I know that Alexandra Ivy has come into her own writing and usually I enjoy everything I read from her but this just wasn’t one of my favorites. However, that being said a fan of sweet historical romance novels will enjoy it. This is not a story of sec but a story of romance .

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

June 9, 2016June 7, 2016

Kelly reviews Blood Lust by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Blood Lust
SERIES #: The Sentinels #3
CHARACTERS: Bas & Myst
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: May 31, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Blessed and cursed by their hidden abilities, the Sentinels have no choice but to live, and love, on the edge of humanity…

The Sentinel assassin, Bas, is facing the greatest challenge of his outcast existence. His young daughter, Molly, has been kidnapped. But her disappearance has brought the return of her mother, Myst, whom Bas has never forgotten–or forgiven.

Haunted by a vision that she’s destined to create a weapon that will destroy thousands, Myst was never impulsive–until she met the irresistibly handsome Bas. But with the Brotherhood, the enemy of the high-bloods hunting for her, Myst had to stay on the run, to keep her child, and the world, safe. Now, with the most important thing in both their lives at stake, she and Bas must embark on a treacherous journey to save Molly, to confront the truth of Myst’s fate–and to face their fierce desire for one another.

REVIEW:
Bas!!! Finally!!!
I was so happy to get a review copy of Blood Lust. I have been wanting to read Bas’ story for a while now. He is such a good daddy to Molly! And how can you not love a badass assassin who is like putty with his little girl. You can’t!! I was also happy to learn more about how Bas met Molly’s mom and what happened between them.

I really enjoyed this story. The tension between Bas & Myst is fun. They are so good together. And Molly… oh sweet little Molly!!! I just want to hug her. She is one tough little girl.

I will say that you will want to start this series from the beginning so that you can get a better understand of Bas and he past. I can’t wait to see what is next for us in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Kensington Books, Zebra in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

June 8, 2016June 7, 2016

Kimberly reviews Wicked Burn by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Wicked Burn
SERIES #: Realm Enforcers #3
CHARACTERS: Simone & Nikolaj
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/07/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Simone Brightston knows she can beat the rap her enemies are pinning on her. An Irish witch is nobody’s fool, and she didn’t get to her position on the high council without serious power. But her cousins want her to hide out—and they somehow convinced her arch nemesis to play getaway driver. Of all the men she’s known, Nikolaj Veis is the hardest to intimidate. With his demondark eyes and his inscrutable beauty, he’s as desirable as he is dangerous. And he knows better than to underestimate Simone. So when he pulls up on a roaring bike and tells her to climb on or fight it out, she grabs a handful
of jacket and holds on tight. Running from the law may not be the smartest plan. But when it comes to Nick, hot pursuit and a blazing fast ride are exactly what Simone’s looking for . . .

REVIEW:
It seems we have known Simone for years. I mean she has been a part of all the D.P. and R.E. books by Rebecca Zanetti. And we have also known that Simone and Nick have a connection that has been there for over a century and now we know why.
Simone is facing some serious charges and Nick is going to make sure she comes out ok no matter what. Nick is totally not what I expected. Having met him through the books I never saw the side of him that this book shows. Trust you will want to read this book. But then if you are like me and have read both series you have been waiting for Simone’s story for quite a while.

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

June 1, 2016May 29, 2016

Kimberly reviews Blood Lust by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Blood Lust
SERIES #: The Sentinels #3
CHARACTERS: Bas & Myst
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/31/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Blessed and cursed by their hidden abilities, the Sentinels have no choice but to live, and love, on the edge of humanity…

REVIEW:
I have been waiting for Bas’s story. And what a story it is. When Molly is kidnapped Bas and Myst will do anything to get her back. Myst dropped Molly off with Bas after she was born and never cared. Or that was at least what Bas thought but now he realizes that Myst did what she had to so Molly would be safe.

I enjoyed Myst. She is a strong woman but at the same time vulnerable. Bas is totally alpha and man he is hot!

Do not read this as a stand alone. You really need to meet Bas from the beginning. You will not regret it.

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

March 31, 2016March 27, 2016

#TBT Kimberly reviews When Darkness Comes by Alexandra Ivy – Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: When Darkness Comes
SERIES #: Guardians Of Eternity #1
CHARACTERS: Abby & Dante
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/15/07
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It’s been a hell of a day for Abby Barlow. In just a few hours, she’s survived an explosion, watched her employer die, had a startling dream, and now she finds herself in a seedy Chicago hotel with the sexy, unearthly Dante, a vampire she both desires and fears.

For 341 years, Dante has stood as guardian to The Chalice, a mortal woman chosen to hold back the darkness. A terrible twist of fate has now made Abby that woman. Three hours ago. Dante would have used all his charms to seduce her. Now she is his to protect. And he will do so until his very death.

A terrifying plan has been set in motion, one that will plunge Dante and Abby into an epic battle between good and evil – and a desperate race to save their love…

REVIEW:
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

This is the book that started my love affair with paranormal and Alexandra Ivy… The vampire Dante is sex personified… hot!!! There is so much to this story and so many characters that it will keep your turning the page and never wanting the story to end.

I could tell you everything about this story and not stop talking but then I would say too much and trust me you want to read this one for yourself.

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

February 11, 2016February 6, 2016

Kelly reviews Rage/Killian by Alexandra Ivy & Laura Wright

TITLE: Rage/Killian
SERIES #: Bayou Heat #17/#18
CHARACTERS: Rage & Lucie/ Killian & Rosalie
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy & Laura Wright
PUBLICATION DATE: August 11, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Get Wild in the Wildlands

From New York Times Bestsellers, Alexandra Ivy and Laura Wright, the heat of the bayou is back with Rage/Killian in an all-new dual ‘tail’. Enter the Wildlands, where a new, volatile danger threatens the sizzling hot Pantera.

RAGE
Rage might be an aggressive Hunter by nature, but the gorgeous male has never had a problem charming the females. All except Lucie Gaudet. Of course, the lovely Geek is a born troublemaker, and it was no surprise to Rage when she was kicked out of the Wildlands.

But now the Pantera need a first-class hacker to stop the potential destruction of their people. And it’s up to Rage to convince Lucie to help. Can the two forget the past—and their sizzling attraction—to save the Pantera?

KILLIAN
Gorgeous, brutal, aggressive, and human, Killian O’Roarke wants only two things: to get rid of the Pantera DNA he’s been infected with, and get back to the field. But the decorated Army Ranger never bargained on meeting the woman—the female—of his dreams on his mission to the Wildlands.

Rosalie lost her mate to a human, and now the Hunter despises them all. In fact, she thinks they’re good for only one thing: barbeque. But this one she’s guarding is testing her beliefs. He is proud and kind, and also knows the pain of loss. But in a time of war between their species, isn’t any chance of love destined for destruction?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I am not catch up on this series, but Rage & Killian’s story can easily be read as a stand alone novella. Yes, it might be a tad bit spoilery for some. I didn’t have an issue, but just a warning.
Both Rage & Killian’s stories are very fast paced novellas. A lot happens very quickly in each story. I really enjoyed Rage & Lucie and would love to know more about these two. I have a funny feeling Rage is going to have his hands full with her ;). Killian & Rosalie have both suffered so much in the past it is great to see two lost souls find happiness.
I really need to get on the horse and get catch up on this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Evil Eye Concepts & in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

December 29, 2015December 28, 2015

Kelly & Kimberly review Kill Without Mercy by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Kill Without Mercy
SERIES #: ARES Security #1
CHARACTERS: Rafe Vargas & Annie White
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: December 29, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the hellhole of a Taliban prison to sweet freedom, five brave military heroes have made it home—and they’re ready to take on the civilian missions no one else can. Individually they’re intimidating. Together they’re invincible. They’re the men of ARES Security.

Rafe Vargas is only in Newton, Iowa, to clear out his late grandfather’s small house. As the covert ops specialist for ARES Security, he’s eager to get back to his new life in Texas. But when he crosses paths with Annie White, a haunted beauty with skeletons in her closet, he can’t just walk away—not when she’s clearly in danger…

There’s a mysterious serial killer on the loose with a link to Annie’s dark past. And the closer he gets, the deeper Rafe’s instinct to protect kicks in. But even with his considerable skill, Annie’s courage, and his ARES buddies behind him, the slaying won’t stop. Now it’s only a matter of time before Annie’s next—unless they can unravel a history of deadly lies that won’t be buried.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Great start to a new series. I really enjoyed the first installment in Ms. Ivy’s new ARES Security series. The ARES Security series follows a band of brother who came together and survived the worst that life could throw at them. The security company is there second chance at everything.
Rafe finds himself going to the small town where his grandpa lived and dies. He thought that it would be faced with cleaning up the house and putting it on the market. But what Rafe finds waiting for him in Newton will forever change his world.
Annie White has lived with the knowledge that she is the daughter of a murder for 15 years. But then she starts having vision of the killer starting again she does the only thing she can think of. Return to Newton and see if she can stop a killer for good this time.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this story. I won’t tell you what, who or why you will have to pick up a copy for yourself and find out.
I can’t wait to see what is next in this series.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I truly enjoyed this new story from Alexandra Ivy and the men that are on the ARES Security team. I looked really forwarded to starting a new series by Ivy and I was not disappointed.

The first thing I want to say is I love the bro-mance between the 5 men. They went through hell together and came out better friends and men for it. They are all completely different and yet the same in their loyalty to each other. They became brothers and that is something that will stay with them no matter what the future holds.

Now there is Annie. She has been through alot herself but more as a by-stander forced to live with the fact that her dad was a serial killer in her childhood small town. But as expected there is always more to the story.

The story pulls you in from the first couple of pages and certainly by the first chapter or two you are drawn into the pages as Ivy always does. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the romantic suspense genre. And if you are a fan of alpha men who have a heart of gold then this is the book for you.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 20, 2015October 18, 2015

Kelly reviews Darkness Eternal by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Darkness Eternal
SERIES #: Guardians Of Eternity #7.5
CHARACTERS: Uriel & Kata
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: April 1, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
For the Guardians of Eternity, battle is a way of life—whether the plight of their world is at stake, or the fate of their heart…

After being held captive by one vampire for four centuries, Kata had no intention of taking another one to the underworld with her. Yet even in the pits of Hell, there’s no ignoring the intoxicating desire awakened by Uriel’s touch…

REVIEW:
Darkness Eternal was filled with a lot of action, smexy time and of course a hint of crazy. This was a very quick read. And just like any good novella it made you want more even after you are done.
I will say that I am not catch up on this series ( I know, I know I am working on it) but Darkness Eternal can easily be read on it’s own.
I am looking forward to getting catch up on this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & Zebra | Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

August 27, 2015August 23, 2015

Kelly reviews On The Hunt by Alexandra Ivy, Rebecca Zanetti, Dianne Duvall & & Hannah Jayne

TITLE: On The Hunt
SERIES #: The Sentinels #2.5, The Scorpion Syndrome #0.5, Immortal Guardians #5.5, Underworld Detection Agency #6.5
CHARACTERS: Multi
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy, Rebecca Zanetti, Dianne Duvall & & Hannah Jayne
PUBLICATION DATE: August 25. 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Four of today’s most intriguing paranormal authors entice readers deep into the shadows, where vampires, immortals, and other supernatural creatures heat up the night…
ON THE HUNT by Alexandra Ivy: Mika Tanner has loved Bailey Morrell, a beautiful Healer, since childhood. But his duty as a Sentinel, a supernatural guardian of an ancient race, clashed with her rebellious spirit. Now a dangerous new anarchist group not only threatens life as they know it—but any chance of their being together again…
SCORPIUS RISING by Rebecca Zanetti: While searching for a meteorite, Nora Mendina is arrested by her sheriff ex-husband—who’s only gotten hotter than the Nevada desert since she last saw him. When the meteorite breaks open, the few survivors gain extraordinary powers, unleashing a crazed super genius killer. Can Nora and her ex stop the murders…while igniting a new love affair?
PHANTOM EMBRACE by Dianne Duvall: Immortal Yuri Sokolov was born with the ability to see spirits, yet he’s never seen one as lovely as Cat Seddon, the woman who haunts his home and his dreams. But amid their star-crossed love, a new danger may have Yuri facing a different kind of eternity.
STAKE OUT by Hannah Jayne: Vampire fashion designer Nina LaShay has a lot on her plate—just two days until fashion week and the model who was flirting with her photographer boyfriend is now a corpse in her studio. But when dead turns into undead and dangerous, Nina must find out who’s responsible…before the beautiful baby vamp takes too many bites out of the Big Apple.

REVIEW:
ON THE HUNT by Alexandra Ivy- This was a great story in Ms. Ivy’s Sentinels series. In “On the Hunt” we get to see in to the mind of Mika. One of the scariest Sentinels on staff. But in On the Hunt we not only get to see his softer side, but we get to meet the woman who has won and broke his heart.
I enjoyed this quick novella and hope that we will get to see these two again in future books.

SCORPIUS RISING by Rebecca Zanetti- Scorpius Rising is the start of Ms. Zanetti’s The Scorpius Syndrome series. The novella is not stop from the from paragraph one. We get to meet Deacan McDougall and Nora Mendina. Both are brought in to help fight a new enemy. An enemy that kills almost everyone one it comes into contact with. I am very much looking forward to this series. I can’t wait to see all the trials and tribulations that the world will go through in the fight against Scorpius.

PHANTOM EMBRACE by Dianne Duvall-Oh my gosh Yuri’s story. If you are a fan of Ms. Duvall’s series you have an insight to Yuri’s life already. If not, never fear this novella will not ruin the series. I don’t want to say too much, but it was so great to read Yuri’s story and learn more about the Russian Immortal and his best friend Stanislav.
STAKE OUT by Hannah Jayne- I had a hard time with this story. It just didn’t click for me.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.