Category: Jill Shalvis

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Kimberly reviews The Family You Make by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: The Family You Make
SERIES #: Sunrise Cove #1
CHARACTERS: Levi & Jane
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/11/22
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Beloved New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis begins a new series–Sunrise Cove–set near beautiful Lake Tahoe, with a heartwarming story of found family and love.

During the snowstorm of the century Levi Cutler is stranded on a ski lift with a beautiful stranger named Jane. After strong winds hurl the gondola in front of them into the ground, Levi calls his parents to prepare them for the worst…but can’t bring himself to say goodbye. Instead, wanting to fulfill his mother’s lifelong wish, he impulsively tells her he’s happily settled and Jane is his girlfriend–right before his phone dies.

But Levi and Jane do not.

Now Levi’s family is desperate to meet “The One.” Though Jane agrees to be his pretend girlfriend for just one dinner, she’s nervous. After a traumatic childhood, Jane isn’t sure she knows how to be around a tight-knit family that cherishes one another. She’s terrified, and a little jealous. But an unexpected series of events and a host of new friends soon show Jane that perhaps this is the life she was always meant to have.

As Jane and Levi spend more time together, pretend feelings quickly turn into real ones. Now all Jane has to do is admit to herself she can’t live without the man she’s fallen in love with and the family she has always dreamed of.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts This is the first in a new series by Jill Shalvis and I was so excited. I love Shalvis and have enjoyed each of her books and this was no exception.

This book is just adorable. Every part of it. From strangers, Jane and Levi, becoming fake partners to the family and friends the “couple” have.

Shalvis is really one of the best and doesn’t get enough love for her books, characters and her writing skills. I would love to see her books come to life on a streaming service.

Any fan of the romance genre will love Shalvis and since this is a new series it is a perfect time to discover (or rediscover) such a wonderful 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 Holiday Ever After by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Holiday Ever After
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Three fan-favorite Jill Shalvis novellas are together for the first time in this holiday anthology!

One Snowy Night
It’s Christmas Eve and Rory Andrews is desperate to get home to her family. Problem is, her only ride to Lake Tahoe comes in the form of the annoyingly handsome Max Stranton, her long-time crush, and his big, goofy, lovable dog. A long road trip in a massive blizzard might be just what they need to face their past…and one steamy, snowy night is all it takes to bring Max and Rory together at last.

Holiday Wishes
When Sean O’Riley shows up for his older brother’s bachelor weekend, the last person he expects to see is Lotti Hartford, the woman he lost his virginity to a decade ago. As the weekend continues, Sean realizes he wants to leave his hook-up life behind, but can he convince Lotti to open her heart to him again?

Mistletoe in Paradise
Years after their secret fling ended, Hannah isn’t eager to see James during their families’ annual joint holiday-themed yacht adventure. But when they’re the only people who show up, James and Hannah are stuck together on the high seas for days. As the former lovers try to make the best of the Christmas snafu, they soon realize the best things in life can’t be planned, and sometimes love is sweeter the second time around.

REVIEW:
As a huge fan of Jill Shalvis this felt like a holiday gift for me. Getting to read three novellas just in time for Christmas.

Shalvis has a way of drawing you in from the very start and all three novellas did just that. I loved all the characters.

In One Snowy Night, Rory and Max have a chance to finally fall in love like each of them wants to. They have a history, but each knows their love can make for a great future.

In Holiday Wishes Sean and Lotti were high school loves but when Lotti moved Sean broke her heart but now he gets a chance to make things right when they meet up a decade later and a snowstorm strands them at her family inn.

In Mistletoe in Paradise we get another second chance at romance story. James and Hannah were torn apart once but when their families decide to meet for Christmas in the Caribbean like they used to they get a chance to reconnect.

Each story is a great little Christmas package with a bright bow. You can not go wrong with Jill Shalvis and a Christmas story so the combination makes for a wonderful read.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Love For Beginners by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Love For Beginners
SERIES #: Wildstone #7
CHARACTERS: Emma & Simon
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/08/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A Paperback Original—Also Available as a Hardcover Library Edition

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis continues her Wildstone series with the moving story of a young woman who has to start her life—and her love life—over again.

When Emma Harris wakes up from a coma, she learns that her fiancé and her BFF have fallen in love, she’s lost her job, and the life she knew is gone. Overwhelmed but grateful to be alive, she decides to start over from scratch. Not as easy as it sounds, of course. But she’s never been a quitter, even if she wishes she could quit rehab, where her hot but evil physical therapist, Simon, puts her through the wringer.

Desperate for a new start, Emma opens a doggy day care. Unfortunately, the only space she can afford is owned by her childhood nemesis Ali Pratt. But hey, she’s been through worse, right? She tries to roll with the punches, but a friend drops his grandpa off at the doggy day care because he can’t find senior care. On top of that, she and Ali bring the term “frenemies” to a whole new level. And then another grandparent shows up. And another.

In the midst of all that, Emma realizes she’s accidentally fallen for her Evil PT. But the most horrifying thing of all is that Ali just might have turned into the best friend she’s ever had. And as Emma grows from the pain of her past and takes on her new path, she comes to learn that life isn’t what you’re given, it’s what you make of it.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This is the 7th in the Wildstone series by Jill Shalvis and probably the most emotional. At least for me. This wrung me out. The emotions in this book are palpable and leave the reader breathing heavy and thinking about their own lives..

This has two love stories but the romance is second, at least to me. I think this story is more about what really makes a person happy and are you really happy if you aren’t fully happy and invested in your life.

There is so much that happens in this story. I, honestly, believe this is one of Shalvis’ greatest works. Yes, there were a couple of little things as with most books that the reader would change but I doubt there is anyone who could have made this emotional journey such a delight to read.

I can’t wait for the next in the series!

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews The Forever Girl by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: The Forever Girl
SERIES #: Wildstone #6
CHARACTERS: Maze, Heather, Walker & Caitlyn
AUTHOR: Jill Shlavis
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/12/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis does it once again with a heartfelt story of family, forgiveness, and secrets that have the power to change the course of more than one life.

When Maze returns to Wildstone for the wedding of her estranged bff and the sister of her heart, it’s also a reunion of a once ragtag team of teenagers who had only each other until a tragedy tore them apart and scattered them wide.

Now as adults together again in the lake house, there are secrets and resentments mixed up in all the amazing childhood memories. Unexpectedly, they instantly fall back into their roles: Maze their reckless leader, Cat the den mother, Heather the beloved baby sister, and Walker, a man of mystery.

Life has changed all four of them in immeasurable ways. Maze and Cat must decide if they can rebuild their friendship, and Maze discovers her long-held attraction to Walker hasn’t faded with the years but has only grown stronger.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I have been a fan of Jill Shalvis’ for years now and this book is a great example as to why.

This story is about the family you choose or more maybe the one handed to you when the biological family wasn’t the way it was supposed to be. Caitlin’s family takes in the others as foster kids. They become “siblings” and inseparable but then things change and everyone goes their own ways.But now Caitlin is getting married and she wants everyone back where they should be… by her side.

There is so much emotion in this story. I am not a crier but a number of times I wanted to. And more than once I laughed or shook my head. The dynamics of these characters is fantastic. I really love each of them.

The Forever Girl takes you on an emotional journey that shows you what is really important. It makes you want to call your best friend/sister and tell her how important she is to you.

A great story by Shalvis and any fan of women’s lit needs to have on your shelves to read again and again.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: The Summer Deal
SERIES #: Wildstone #5
CHARACTERS: Brynn, Kinsey & Eli
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/02/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Brynn Turner desperately wishes she had it together, but her personal life is like a ping-pong match that’s left her scared and hurt after so many attempts to get it right. In search of a place to lick her wounds and get a fresh start, she heads back home to Wildstone.

And then there’s Kinsey Davis, who after battling serious health issues her entire twenty-nine years of life, is tired of hoping for . . . well, anything. She’s fierce, tough, and pretty much the opposite of Brynn except for one thing: they’re half-sisters. Kinsey is keeping this bombshell, and a few others as well. Long time frenemies from summer camp, there’s no way she’s going to tell Brynn they’re related.

But then Brynn runs into Kinsey’s lifelong best friend, Eli, renewing a childhood crush. He’s still easy-going and funny and sexy as hell. When he gets her to agree to a summer-time deal to trust him to do right by her, no matter what, she never dreams it’ll result in finding a piece of herself she didn’t even know was missing. She could have a sister, love, and a future―if she can only learn to let go of the past.

As the long days of summer wind down, the three of them must discover if forgiveness is enough to grasp the unconditional love that’s right in front of them.

REVIEW:
Oh how I love Jill Shalvis! I have never been disappointed in what she has written and this is another story I just enjoyed. There were characters that drove me nuts but somehow that just made them family. There is a bit of weird dynamics here so let me see if I can help a reader out. Brynn and Kinsey are frenemies for childhood but actually they are half siblings. Brynn had a crush on Eli who is now Kinsey’s boyfriend and more like bro/sis with Brynn. Brynn has a sorta boyfriend in Deck. Brynn knows she is half siblings but keeps it and so much more from Kinsey but tells Eli and makes him promise not to tell his girlfriend because she has been through health issues.

Caught up? Yeah it can be confusing but Jill Shalvis writes it so perfectly that you just fall into her writing and enjoy.

Grab this book and bring it along this summer to where ever you are going…. Ok you can read it at home since we are mostly stuck here… but no matter where you are it will be a read you will enjoy every word of.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Closer To You by Jill Sanders

closer to youTITLE: Closer To You
CHARACTERS: Tyler & Kristen
AUTHOR: Jill Sanders
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/10/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Jill Sanders strikes gold with a sizzling series about oil-rich playboys whose hearts are up for grabs.

No one’s more surprised than Tyler McGowan when he discovers he has a knack for running the family’s oil business—a role he took on after his father’s sudden passing. Now, to keep the old man’s legacy afloat, Tyler’s giving up his playboy ways and settling into small-town life. But his newfound resolve is tested when trouble strides into his office in five-inch heels.

Kristen Howell has spent the last five years working her way up the corporate ladder. And somehow it’s landed her smack-dab in the middle of nowhere: Haven, Montana. It’s her job to convince the head of McGowan Enterprises to sell. But the tall and rangy hunk is proving to be exceedingly stubborn—and overwhelmingly hot. When someone attempts to derail her negotiations, Kristen is ready to get down and dirty. But the sparks she and Tyler are throwing near the oil field may be dangerously combustible…

REVIEW:
Too dang adorable and yet it had so much content. The romance of Kristen and Tyler is slow and steady but has so adorable scenes. There is a bit of suspense to the book which fortunately I never figured out until I read it which to me is a sign of a good suspense.

This is the first book I have read from Jill Sanders but it will not be the worse by a long shot.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Lost & Found Sister by Jill Shalvis

lost found sisterTITLE: Lost & Found Sister
SERIES #: Wildstone #1
CHARACTERS: Quinn Weller & Mick
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: June 20, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis comes her first women’s fiction novel—an unforgettable story of friendship, love, family, and sisterhood—perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover, Susan Mallery, and Kristan Higgins.

They say life can change in an instant…

After losing her sister in a devastating car accident, chef Quinn Weller is finally getting her life back on track. She appears to have it all: a loving family, a dream job in one of L.A.’s hottest eateries, and a gorgeous boyfriend dying to slip an engagement ring on her finger. So why does she feel so empty, like she’s looking for a missing piece she can’t find?

The answer comes when a lawyer tracks down Quinn and reveals a bombshell secret and a mysterious inheritance that only she can claim. This shocking revelation washes over Quinn like a tidal wave. Her whole life has been a lie.

On impulse, Quinn gives up her job, home, and boyfriend. She heads up the coast to the small hometown of Wildstone, California, which is just a few hours north, but feels worlds apart from Los Angeles. Though she doesn’t quite fit in right away, she can’t help but be drawn to the town’s simple pleasures…and the handsome, dark-haired stranger who offers friendship with no questions asked.

As Quinn settles into Wildstone, she discovers there’s another surprise in store for her. The inheritance isn’t a house or money, but rather something earthshattering, something that will make her question everything she thought she knew about herself, about her family. Now with a world of possibilities opening up to Quinn, she must decide if this new life is the one she was always meant to have—and the one that could finally give her the fulfillment she’s searched so long for.

REVIEW:
A wonderful start to a new series for Ms. Shalvis!
Quinn Weller has it all the perfect family, the perfect boyfriend, the perfect job, the perfect everything. Up until her sister was killed in a car accident. From that point on Quinn’s life has been anything but perfect.
So when she learns she has just inherited something from her birth mom her world is turned upside down. But when she learns that she has a real sister Quinn drops everything and rushes to find her.
This was a really good story. I loved Quinn!! She is hilarious! The bee scene in the tree too funny (once we know she was okay). How Quinn and Mick meet is hilarious too!!

I can’t wait for the next visit to Wildstone!!!

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Accidentally On Purpose by Jill Shalvis

accidentally on purposeTITLE: Accidentally on Purpose
SERIES #: Heartbreaker Bay #3
CHARACTERS: Archer Hunt & Elle Wheaten
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: January 24, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible 

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
There’s no such thing as a little in love…

Elle Wheaton’s priorities: friends, career, and kick-ass shoes. Then there’s the muscular wall of stubbornness that’s security expert Archer Hunt—who comes before everything else. No point in telling Mr. “Feels-Free Zone” that, though. Elle will just see other men until she gets over Archer . . . which should only take a lifetime . . .

There’s no such thing as a little in lust…

Archer’s wanted the best for Elle ever since he sacrificed his law-enforcement career to save her. But now that she’s earned happiness and success, Archer just wants Elle 24/7. Their chemistry could start the next San Francisco Earthquake, and Archer doesn’t want to be responsible for the damage. The alternative? Watch her go out with guys who aren’t him . . .

There is such a thing as…

As far as Archer’s concerned, nobody is good enough for Elle. But when he sets out to prove it by sabotaging her dates, she gets mad—and things get hot as hell. Now Archer has a new mission: prove to Elle that her perfect man has been here all along

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Archer is dark and mysterious. But while he seems to have it all together there is always more than meets the eye. Elle puts on a great front of being totally in control and not needing anyone. But she has to learn that sometimes you need a little help from your friends.
I am always excited to pick up one of Ms. Shalvis’ books and from book one in this series I have been waiting and excited about Archer’s book. It is safe to say that I loved it. I can’t wait to see what is next for this series!

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly reviews The Trouble With Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis

trouble-with-mistletoeTITLE: The Trouble with Mistletoe
SERIES #: Heartbreaker Bay #2
CHARACTERS: Keane Winters & Willa Davis
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: September 27, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
If she has her way …
Willa Davis is wrangling puppies when Keane Winters stalks into her pet shop with frustration in his chocolate-brown eyes and a pink bedazzled cat carrier in his hand. He needs a kitty sitter, stat. But the last thing Willa needs is to rescue a guy who doesn’t even remember her …
He’ll get nothing but coal in his stocking.
Saddled with his great-aunt’s Feline from Hell, Keane is desperate to leave her in someone else’s capable hands. But in spite of the fact that he’s sure he’s never seen the drop-dead-gorgeous pet shop owner before, she seems to be mad at him …
Unless he tempers “naughty” with a special kind of nice …
Willa can’t deny that Keane’s changed since high school: he’s less arrogant, for one thing—but can she trust him not to break her heart again? It’s time to throw a coin in the fountain, make a Christmas wish—and let the mistletoe do its work

REVIEW:
Ms. Shalvis is one of my favorite authors and I always love picking up one of her stories. The Trouble with Mistletoe, book two in her new Heartbreaker Bay series, is another really good read. I love that Ms. Shalvis is able to create a world that makes me want to move to that town and create characters that make me wish were my group of friends.
Willa and Keane’s story is so much fun. I really enjoyed reading their story. I also love Ms. Shalvis ability to make us fall in love with the secondary characters. I really can’t wait to see what is next in this series!

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly reviews One Snowy Night by Jill Shalvis

one-snowy-nightTITLE: One Snowy Night
SERIES #: Heartbreaker Bay #2.5
CHARACTERS: Max Stranton & Rory Andrews
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: November 8, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis returns to Heartbreaker Bay with a fun and festive holiday novella!

It’s Christmas Eve and Rory Andrews is desperate to get home to the family she hasn’t seen in years. Problem is, her only ride to Lake Tahoe comes in the form of the annoyingly handsome Max Stranton, and his big, goofy, lovable dog Carl.

Hours stuck in a truck with the dead sexy Max sounds like a fate worse than death (not), but Rory’s out of options. She’s had a crush on Max since high school and she knows he’s attracted to her, too. But they have history… and Max is the only one who knows why it went south.

They’ve done a good job of ignoring their chemistry so far, but a long road trip in a massive blizzard might be just what they need to face their past… and one steamy, snowy night is all it takes to bring Max and Rory together at last.

REVIEW:
QUICK!!!! This was a super quick read. I really wanted more to happen. But the tension between Max and Rory has been building over the last two books. I don’t think that you have to read this series in order, but I would. It will give you a better insight into Max and Rory’s relationship. I don’t want to give away any details, but we finally learn in One Snowy Night why Max has been so stand offish to Rory over the years.
Really enjoying this new series my Ms. Shalvis and I can’t wait for the next installment.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Kimberly reviews Nobody But You by Jill Shalvis

nobody-but-youTITLE: Nobody But You
SERIES #: Cedar Ridge #3
CHARACTERS: Jacob & Sophie
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/29/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
SOMETIMES YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN…

After an overseas mission goes wrong, Army Special Forces officer Jacob Kincaid knows where he must go to make things right: back home to the tiny town of Cedar Ridge, Colorado. All he needs to scrub away his painful past is fresh mountain air, a lakeside cabin, and quiet solitude. But what he discovers is a gorgeous woman living on a boat at his dock.

Sophie Marren has nowhere else to go. She’s broke, intermittently seasick, and fighting a serious attraction to the brooding, dishy, I’m-too-sexy-for-myself guy who’s now claiming her dock. Something about Jacob’s dark intensity makes her want to tease—and tempt—him beyond measure. Neither one wants to give any ground . . . until they realize the only true home they have is with each other.

REVIEW:
It is about dang time. Jacob “just up and left” the family but there is more than what can be seen that makes this story good. I was so happy to have Jacob home. Even though we hadn’t met Jacob he felt like he was missing from the last few stories. It was great to have him home.

Sophie is great. She is the type of woman I would love to hang out with on a Friday night and just relax with. She is funny and caring and just a great character.

I have never read a book by Shalvis that I would not recommend and this falls into the same category. I would say to read the rest in this series first though so you can understand what is going on with Jacob and why his character is worth waiting for.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis

sweet little liesTITLE: Sweet Little Lies
SERIES #: Heartbreaker Bay #1
CHARACTERS: Finn O’Riley & Pru Harris
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: June 28, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Choose the one guy you can’t have . . .

As captain of a San Francisco Bay tour boat, Pru can handle rough seas—the hard part is life on dry land. Pru loves her new apartment and her neighbors; problem is, she’s in danger of stumbling into love with Mr. Right for Anybody But Her.

Fall for him—hard . . .

Pub owner Finn O’Riley is six-foot-plus of hard-working hottie who always makes time for his friends. When Pru becomes one of them, she discovers how amazing it feels to be on the receiving end of that deep green gaze. But when a freak accident involving darts (don’t ask) leads to shirtless first aid, things rush way past the friend zone. Fast.

And then tell him the truth.

Pru only wants Finn to be happy; it’s what she wishes for at the historic fountain that’s supposed to grant her heart’s desire. But wanting him for herself is a different story—because Pru’s been keeping a secret that could change everything.

REVIEW:
As always Ms. Shalvis has given me a story that I fell head over heels in love with. I also love that we have a new series and a new cast of characters for fall in love with. I am already looking forward to the next two installments in this series. But back to Sweet Little Lies.
Pru Harris is a local ship captain that has been trying to right the wrongs of her parents past actions. While most people she has help have been thankful there is one that has been stubborn. One stubborn person that Pru just happens to have a serious lust problem with.
These two were great fun to read. I loved the tension between them. I really can’t wait for the next installment of this series. I want to see what is in store for the other characters and to get glimpse of Finn & Pru.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts