Category: Kelly’s Review

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Kelly’s review of Moonglow by Kristin Calliahan

TITLE: Moonglow – Darkest London #2
AUTHOR: Kristin Calliahan
PUBLICATION DATE: 7/31/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Once the seeds of desire are sown . . .

Finally free of her suffocating marriage, widow Daisy Ellis Craigmore is ready to embrace the pleasures of life that have long been denied her. Yet her new-found freedom is short lived. A string of unexplained murders has brought danger to Daisy’s door, forcing her to turn to the most unlikely of saviors . . .

Their growing passion knows no bounds . . .

Ian Ranulf, the Marquis of Northrup, has spent lifetimes hiding his primal nature from London society. But now a vicious killer threatens to expose his secrets. Ian must step out of the shadows and protect the beautiful, fearless Daisy, who awakens in him desires he thought long dead. As their quest to unmask the villain draws them closer together, Daisy has no choice but to reveal her own startling secret, and Ian must face the undeniable truth: Losing his heart to Daisy may be the only way to save his soul.

REVIEW:

Moonglow is book 2 in Kristin’s Darkest London series.  The Darkest London series is a mixture of a historical and paranormal romance.  Kristin does a great job of bring to life the characters in this story.  Daisy is a widow that is very thankful to be out of her horrible marriage.  She is strong, determined and very stubborn. Ian, is very aloof, doesn’t trust anyone. But these two are great together.  They are like magnets at times the repeal each other and time they are drawn together beyond their control.

Both are gun shy on trust, but when they have to team up to catch a murderer they both learn quickly that the other will have their back no matter what.

I enjoyed this story.  Even if at times I was a little lost about the world, I would suggest reading Firelight (bk 1) first.   But other then that I enjoyed this book.  I am looking forward to the next book in this series Winterblaze, and what is next.

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

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Kelly’s review of Fear The Darkness by Alexandra Ivy

Fear the Darkness 

Guardians of Eternity #9
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE:   08/28/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Her visions lead her to danger

Beautiful Cassandra is a Were, a prophet both vulnerable and defiant, blessed with visions that portend the fate of the world. A rare and delicate creature, Cassie must be protected at all costs. Enter Caine, a powerful cur turned pure blooded Were whose recent tangles with a demon lord have left him in serious need of redemption. Caine is duty-bound to keep Cassie out of danger—and that means resisting his potent urge to seduce her…

And only he can save her

As Cassie’s mysterious visions lead them in and out of danger, Caine believes he has found his true mate, the woman with whom he is bound for all eternity. Cassie is both charmed and frightened by Caine’s magnetism, and unsure if he–or her feelings for him–can be trusted. But Cassie can’t afford to doubt Cain now. A deadly enemy bent on destruction is closer than they realize—and only they can keep chaos from ruling the world.

Review:
Fear the Darkness was a fabulous book.  Caine & Cassie’s story sucked me in so completely that I read this story so fast.  If I didn’t need sleep to function I would have read in one sitting.

I have to admit that I have not read all the books in the Guardians of Eternity series.  But that didn’t stop me from understanding what is happening in Fear the Darkness.  While I would recommend reading the books in order, it is not a must.

While I don’t know much about Caine and Cassie’s histories.  I love these characters in this book.  I loved the struggle these two have to go through.  I love all the drama that is surrounding them.

I am really looking forward to the next installment in this series and really need to do some backtracking and read the books I have missed.  If you are a fan of Alexandra Ivy, Fear the Darkness will not disappoint you.  We get a little of everything in this book, love, lust, trust, betrayal, dark and light, enemy and foe.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of The Chocolate Thief by Laura Florand

The Chocolate Thief
by Laura Florand
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/31/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Paris
Breathtakingly beautiful, the City of Light seduces the senses, its cobbled streets thrumming with possibility. For American Cade Corey, it’s a dream come true, if only she can get one infuriating French chocolatier to sign on the dotted line…

Chocolate
Melting, yielding yet firm, exotic, its secrets are intimately known to Sylvain Marquis. But turn them over to a brash American waving a fistful of dollars? Jamais. Not unless there’s something much more delectable on the table…

Stolen Pleasure
Whether confections taken from a locked shop or kisses in the dark, is there anything sweeter?

REVIEW:
What do you get when you mix an American determined to get a hold of on very hot French chocolatiers secrets, no matter the cost?  You get a super sweet love story wrapped in a nice little package.

This was a really fun book.  I loved Cade’s determination in what she wants.  Even if she doesn’t really know what she wants.  But what better way to get to get what you want but to steal it.
Sylvain has a touch for chocolate that most don’t.  He understands it, he feels it, he lives it.  Similar to what he knows about women.  But Sylvain is not prepared for the feisty American that just walked into his shop.

It was really fun to read the world that Laura has created in the book.  At times I was craving chocolate so bad it was not even funny.  If you are looking for a sweet romance story, I would suggest picking up a copy of the Chocolate Thief.

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

4 Hearts
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Kellys’ review of A Woman Made For Pleasure by Michele Sinclair

A Woman Made for Pleasure
AUTHOR: Michele Sinclair
PUBLICATION DATE: 8/7/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Known as the Daring Three, a trio of exquisite young women are taking London by storm. But if Lady Millie Aldon has her way, no man will win her hand in marriage—not even the one she loves.

A Passion For Adventure

Drawn to a life of excitement and risk, Lady Millie Aldon made a pact to forsake marriage. But her plans are thrown into chaos when Chase Wentworth returns to town. The lanky lad she remembers from childhood is now the Marquess of Chaselton, possessing an air of mystery Millie can’t resist. As Chase moves through London’s elite circles, his stealth manner has Millie convinced he harbors a secret—one she is determined to reveal.

A Dangerous Seduction

As Millie makes a game of observing Chase’s every move, she finds her attraction to him unsettling. When a stolen kiss threatens to turn their flirtation into something more powerful, she questions her vow of freedom. But Millie has no idea of the danger she’s facing. Chase has a complicated past—and his clandestine efforts to expose a traitor will soon provide a more perilous—and passionate—adventure than Millie could ever have planned.

REVIEW:
The Daring Three…. So much fun I loved that three young girls make a pact to never marry, well except for the amendments that each put on the pact.  Amendments that no man could ever fulfill.   Or could he?

Millie has always been the hardheaded ringleader of the Daring Three.  But Millie never planned for the biggest adventure of her life.  Falling in love.  Chase has finally come home at the pleds of his mother.  But the last thing he ever planned to find when he came home was Lady Aldon.

I enjoyed this story and found the three girls fun.  Millie is a little pushy, stubborn and fiercely independent.  But I think she is a lot of these things because she is scared to fall in love.  Scared to trust people other than two closed pals.  I really liked Chase’s character.  He has a goal that he was to obtain, but finds that long his journey he has found a much better prize.

I am looking forward to the next adventure of the Daring Three.

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

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Kelly’s review of Eternal Beast by Laura Wright

Eternal Beast – Mark of the Vampire #4
AUTHOR: Laura Wright
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/17/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A Taste of Blood

Ever since his abduction by the Eternal Order of Vampires, Gray Donohue has finally found his true calling: vengeance. He will stop at nothing to bring his fellow Impure vampires the freedom they deserve. Now if he could just release his primal need for the beautiful vampire who saved his life—and rules his thoughts and desires…

After nearly killing the senator she was assigned to protect, Dillon is now in mortal danger. The jaguar within her has been unleashed, and she can no longer control it. Sex is the only thing that can tame her shift. And Gray is the only man who can make her surrender to a passion strong enough to overpower her inner beast. But she doesn’t want to surrender—she wants her life back. Because she is determined never to belong to anyone, especially not Gray—the male whom destiny claims is her mate

REVIEW:
Ahhh the wonderful Laura Wright has done it again.  She has made me fall in love with her Mark of the Vampire series all over again.  I was very excited about Gray & Dillon’s book and it really lived up to what I hoped and dreamed it would be.  I will not give too much away, but……..

From the very first time we meet these two back in Eternal Hunger (bk 1) I knew they were going to be a fun couple to read about.  Both have been through hell and back in their lives.  Each has their own demons they have to face. Individually they are both strong and determined, but together (if they would stop fighting it for just a second) they are a powerhouse couple that can’t be stopped.

This was a great book!!!  Laura adds a lot of new dimensions to the Mark of the Vampire world, in both Eternal Captive (bk3) and Eternal Beast (bk 4).  But in EB we get into the mindset of the Order and why they think they way they do (sneaky, sick b*st*rds).  We also learn about the Impure Resistance that Gray is now a part of (looking forward to learning more about Rio, Vincent & Piper)and thier role in the world.   We also get to learn more about the newest Romans, The Mutore’s:  Lycos, Helo, Phane & Erion. We learn who and what they are and we actually see a very sweet and soft side of them (even if you only see it for a blink of an eye)

Which in classic Laura form, she leaves us hanging for the next installment in the Mark of the Vampire series.  ERION’s story!!!!    I am very much looking forward to this next installment in the wonderful series.

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of An Inconvenient Affair by Catherine Mann

An Inconvenient Affair – The Alpha Brotherhood #1
AUTHOR: Catherine Mann
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes Wrong Feels Oh-So Right Hillary Wright has always been a magnet for Mr. Wrong. Her latest left her in trouble with the law, and to clear her name, she’s agreed to an undercover sting-as the “date” for infamous Troy Donavan. The notorious hacker is now a government good guy…and a sexy billionaire playboy. Troy has a reputation as the sort of man she’s vowed to avoid, and his secretiveness adds fuel to Hillary’s distrust. But with his kisses like molten sin, her fierce resistance is melting. And being sensible in the face of such overpowering desire is just not an option

REVIEW:
The Alpha Brotherhood:
A groups of three very troubled but very brilliant young men who meet in boarding school from an unlikely friendship that has stood the test of time over the last 17 years.  They call themselves The Alpha Brotherhood and have become the brothers they never had grouping up.  Brothers that are there for them, through thick and thin.

An Inconvenient Affair is book one in the Alpha Brotherhood trilogy.  We meet Troy Donavan, a notorious hacker turned billionaire playboy who moonlights as secret government agent.  Troy’s latest assignment is Hillary Wright.  He is to learn what she knows and get out.  But Troy doesn’t like to play by the rules and when he changes his plans and ends out on Hillary’s plane, neither of them will ever be the same.

Troy and Hillary are a great couple to read about.  They banter like an old married couple.  They both are stubborn and don’t take being lied to very well.  But when it come down to the end both are willing to go the extra mile to get what they want.

This was a fun quick read.  I am looking forward to the next installment in The Alpha Brotherhood series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
OR
The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I received this book free as part of the blog tour.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Consumed by Rebecca Zanetti

Consumed
Dark Protectors #4
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/05/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes You Mate For Life

Katie Smith is the best of her class, part of an elite hunting force trained to eliminate werewolves from the hills of Western Virginia. She’s good at it because she has the kind of focus and drive that won’t back down no matter how steep the odds. Call it southern sass. Whatever it is, there’s no denying her willingness to risk everything for the only man she’s ever cared about–a man on the verge of losing his very humanity. . .

Sometimes You Mate To Stay Alive

For the past ten years Jordan Pride has dedicated his life to protecting his people from a deadly shifter virus. But in a rare moment of distraction, Jordan’s guard drops just long enough for his fate to take an irreversible twist. Unless the woman he loves surrenders everything to him, again and again, under a full moon rising.

REVIEW:
As we begin Consumed we jump 10 years into the future after Hunted.  Katie is stilling dealing with the effects of the virus, but she has learned that she is good at hunting the werewolves that are created by the virus.  Katie has finally settled into her life, but the one thing she is missing is Jordan.  She has no illusions that Jordan will never be hers, he still sees her as a little kid.  But all of that is about to change.

Jordan has been fighting his feeling for Katie for years and years.  But now at the end of his time he realizes he needs to protect her from the monsters that she hunts, which means she needs protection from him too.

Really enjoyed Jordan & Katie’s story.  So much going on in this book.  So many twists and turns happening that will alter the future the characters.  I will say that I was just a little confused when I started to read until I realized that we jumped 10 years into the future.  Overall this was another great book by Rebecca.  I would suggest reading the books in order so that you have a better understanding of the world and the characters.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of West of Want by Laura Kaye

West of Want
Hearts of the Amenoi #2
AUTHOR: Laura Kaye
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/10/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Betrayal is all he’s ever known, but in her, he’ll find a love strong enough to be trusted…

When Marcella Raines’ twin brother dies, she honors his request to be buried at sea, never expecting the violent storm that swamps her boat. Recently divorced over her infertility and gravely injured, Ella still fights to survive.

Zephyros Martius is the Supreme God of the West Wind and Spring, but being the strongest Anemoi hasn’t saved him from betrayal and loss—worse, he’s sure his brother Eurus is behind it. When Zeph’s heartbreak whips up a storm that shipwrecks a human, his guilt leads him to save her, but he vows not to get involved.

Ella’s honesty, empathy, and unique calming influence attract Zeph like no other, and he finds himself wanting…everything. Ella knows Zeph’s different and fears rejection, but falls for his otherworldly masculinity and ancient, sad blue eyes. When Eurus threatens Ella, she and Zeph struggle to let go of the past, defend their future, and embrace what they most want—a love that can be trusted

REVIEW:
After almost losing her own life Ella finds herself face to face with a stranger.  A stranger that she is drawn to beyond explanation.  But Ella is a little gun shy she has been hurt in the past.  Trusted blindly and been burned.  So how can she learn to put her full trust into someone she just met?

Zephyros suffered betrayal and loss many times in his very, very long life.  So when he learns that he is the cause in almost killing a innocent human he does what ever it takes to protect her.  But Zeph never thought that he would fall for her.  But is he willing to put his heart on the line again?

Ella & Zephyros are two peas in a pod.  Both have suffered from loss and betrayal.  But can they both learn to trust each other blindly?  Because that trust is the only thing that will keep them safe from the Eastern storm that is heading their way.

West of Want is Laura Kaye’s 2nd book in her Hearts of the Anemio Series.  While I enjoyed this story I felt at times it was a little rushed.  I mean, I am all for the lust at first sight, but Ella really just jumps into this relationship with Zeph with both feet and never looking.  But other then that I really like this story a lot.  I love the world that Laura has created and I am looking forward to what is next for the Gods.

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Kelly’s review of The Night Beat by Gini Koch

The Night Beat
AUTHOR: Gini Koch
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/02/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The majority of Prosaic City’s residents don’t know that their town exists on top of another place — Necropolis, City of the Undead. For the most part, the two planes of existence manage to remain separate. And when they don’t, Necropolis Enforcement has beings in place to ensure the general human population remains blithely clueless.

Victoria Wolfe is more than just a policewoman. She’s an undercover werewolf assigned by Necropolis Enforcement to work Prosaic City Police’s Night Beat. Victoria’s comfortable working the shift where all the weird comes out to play, especially since her partner is also her perfect man. Or would be, if Victoria could ever work up the nerve to tell him she isn’t like other girls.

It’s hard enough being a werewolf in disguise, but when a creature from the Depths of Hell shows up in an alley preferred by junkies, bums, and hookers, it’s going to take more than just Victoria’s special gun and werewolf skills to subdue the ancient Sumerian demon. Especially when the demon is merely the start of what appears to be a major takeover attempt by the Prince of Darkness.

Soon all of Necropolis Enforcement’s Undead Brigade is involved in the fight to stop the Prince’s Major Minions from taking over Prosaic City and the rest of the human plane. But it’s Victoria who has to face the Adversary and figure out what intricate plan Lucifer has up his wings before everyone she cares about is destroyed.

In other words, it’s just another day on the Night Beat

REVIEW:

A new book and a new series from the wonderful Gini Koch.  Okay I have to be honest.  This book was hard for me.  I am not sure if it is just the Urban Fantasy genre that messes with me.  But I have tried reading multiples of them in the last few months and I just have a hard time connecting with the story and characters.
That being said The Night Beat has all the classic Gini humor, twist, and bet you need to re-read that one more time moments.   If you are a Urban Fantasy fan I believe that you will love this book.  Gini Koch fans will surely enjoy this new book too.   I didn’t summarize the book, I felt the blurb gives you a great idea of what might or might not happen.  Please I know Gini lives spoiler free.  So it was hard for me to try to summarize without giving out spoilers.

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Kelly’s review of Lucky In Love by Jill Shalvis

 Lucky In Love
Lucky Harbor #4
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/22/12

ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Mallory Quinn has had enough of playing it safe. As a nurse and devoted daughter, she takes care of everyone but herself. And as the local good girl, she’s expected to date Mr. Right. But for once, she’d like to take a risk on Mr. Wrong. And who could be more wrong than Ty Garrison? The mysterious new guy in town has made it clear that he’s only passing through, which suits Mallory just fine. Besides, his lean, hard body and sexy smile will give her plenty to remember once he’s gone…

For the first time in his life, Ty can’t bear to leave. Helping this sexy seductress-in-training walk on the wild side is making him desire things he shouldn’t — including leaving the military for good. As their just-for-fun fling becomes something more, Mallory and Ty wonder if they could really be this lucky in love. After all…anything can happen in a town called Lucky Harbor.

REVIEW:
When Mallory Quinn wants to go bad she doesn’t hold back.   As the good girl in the Quinn Family, Mallory had always keep her nose clean and has always tried to keep her family out of trouble.  Which is easier said than done.   But when a chance blind date happens Mallory jumps in with both feet, never expecting that this one night would ever last longer then one night.

Ty knows he is only in Lucky Harbor for a short period of time, trying to recover from his latest injury.  Ty is hoping he gets the good Doctor’s okay to get the heck out of dodge soon.  But when the town’s sweet heart wrangles him into her blind date he is instantly smitten and soon realizes that leaving so soon might not be an option.

Ahh, Ty & Mallory.. Love these two.  Love the dynamics of their relationship. A storage loft will never look that same *wiggles eyebrows*

Another wonderful, wonderful Lucky Harbor book.  It is safe to say after 3 books I am totally in love with Jill Shalvis and her books!!

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of At Last by Jill Shalvis

At Last
Lucky Harbor #5
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE:   6/26/2012
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
HER LOVE HAS COME ALONG . . .
Amy Michaels loves her new life in Lucky Harbor. A waitress in the local diner, she’s looking forward to her first weekend hike through the mountains. But when a wrong turn takes her off the trail, she finds herself up close and personal with forest ranger Matt Bowers. And even though she’s tempted to kiss that sexy smile right off his face, she won’t make the mistake of getting involved with the town heartthrob.

A former cop whose life went south, Matt doesn’t let anyone get too close. But something about the feisty beauty caught his eye the moment he first saw her in the diner. After a hot night under a starry sky, Matt can’t deny their attraction-or the fact that for the first time in a long time, he feels the stirrings of something more. Now it’s up to Matt to help Amy see that, no matter what is in their past, together they can build a future in Lucky Harbor

REVIEW:
Amy is only in Lucky Harbor because she is retracing the steps of her grandmother’s journey to find peace, hope and love.  Amy is hoping that maybe she will be able to find a little peace from her past, hope for her future, but she has no illusions that she will find love.  While that is until a very sexy forest ranger has to come save her from the wilds of nature.

Matt is an in Lucky Harbor to get away from everything and everyone in his life.  He has failed so many people that living a life of solitude is the right thing to do.  But one very feisty, stubborn and determined female keeps getting under his skin.  So when a chance to save her turns up Matt ups at the chance.

I loved Matt & Amy together.  They are so good for each other.  They both have troubled pasts that makes it hard for them to trust, love and let go.  But sometimes letting go is the only way that you can move on to find the happiness you never dreamed you could have.

I am so in love with Jill Shalvis Lucky Harbor Series.  I have now read the last 3 books in the series and will be reading the 1st 3 very soon.  If you are looking for a great feel good love story. You really need to stop in Lucky Harbor, because you are guaranteed to find love.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Forever And A Day by Jill Shalvis

Forever and A Day
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE:   7/31/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

LOVE CAN HAPPEN IN A HEARTBEAT.

Grace never thought she’d be starting her life over from scratch. Losing everything has landed her in Lucky Harbor, working as a dog walker for overwhelmed ER doctor Josh Scott. But the day his nanny fails to show up, Grace goes from caring for Josh’s loveable mutt to caring for his rambunctious kids. Soon Grace is playing house with the sexy single dad…

With so many people depending on him, Josh has no time for anything outside of his clinic and family–until Grace arrives in town. Now this brainy blonde is turning his life inside out and giving a whole new meaning to the phrase “good bedside manner.” Josh and Grace don’t know if what they have can last. But in a town like Lucky Harbor, a lifetime of love starts with just one day

REVIEW:
I have to admit this is my 1st Jill Shalvis book.  Yes, I started with book 6.  But really Forever and A Day can easily be a stand alone read.  But I have already started book 5 and will be working my way back to book 1.  Yes, not my normal way of doing it, but I have found that I am in love with the town of Lucky Harbor and more in love with Jill.

Grace has always done what everyone else expects of her.  But Grace now finds herself at a crossroads.  She is not sure who she wants to be or what she wants to do.  She has not been being true to herself.  Determined to make her life her own she starts having to pick up odd jobs, doing some very odd things.  But when a wrong number looking for a dog walker  for the day offers her a ridiculous about of money, she can’t turn it down.  But what Grace finds from this mistaken dog walking job will forever change her future.

Josh.  1st I have to say *sigh*, love him.  Josh is a single father of a very sweet and loving little boy who thinks he is a Jedi/dog (trust me you need to read the book to understand). On top of being a dad, he also takes care of his sister, and a doctor, running his own practice.  Needless to say Josh is a very busy man, that doesn’t have time for his little boy or sister,  let alone a love life.  But when Josh hires his new dog walker, he could never imagine the outcome of this one choice.
Okay, from page one I fell in love with this little town called Lucky Harbor.  So much so I want to pack up my bags and move there right now, find my prince charming and live happily every after.  Okay fine, I won’t go.  But still Jill, does an amazing job of getting me connected with the characters.