Category: Kimberly’s Review

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas by Sugar Jamison

have yourself a curvy christmasTITLE: Have Yourself A Curvy Little Christmas
SERIES #: A Perfect Fit #1.5
CHARACTERS: Dina & Ben
AUTHOR: Sugar Jamison
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/01/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A Special Holiday Novella!

On the first day of Christmas, Dina Gregory, former wild child and prodigal daughter returns home to New York on a mission. Finding her young son’s father and making him take responsibility for the child he created is the only thing on her wish list. But instead of finding the man she was looking for she runs into his stuffy older brother Ben.

Ben has never liked Dina, but being trapped together on the holidays allows him to see a different side of her. She brings back his Christmas spirit and in the process reminds him what it feels like to love. Dina’s past makes her wary of falling in love, but Ben is determined to make her stay as his permanent Christmas gift.

REVIEW:
I love the way that Sugar Jamison writes. Having read Dangerous Curves Ahead I couldn’t wait to read this story even before I knew what/who it was about and I was not disappointed. The story is sweet and has the true holiday spirit in every page.

I also enjoyed the bit of karma in the pages. We met Dina in the first book and she was skinny spoiled woman and here she comes back after having a baby and has gained more weight than she wanted to. So it was nice to see her kind of see the other side of the weight issue.

Thank you Sugar Jamison for giving us such great characters to enjoy!

Disclaimer:
The following review is my opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Gabriel’s Outlaw by Sandra Chastain

Gabriels OutlawTITLE: Gabriel’s Outlaw
CHARACTERS: Jessie & Gabriel
AUTHOR: Sandra Chastain
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/14/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jessie James gets more than she bargained for when she agrees to participate in her hometown’s Gold Rush Days celebration. She’s supposed to lead a historical reenactment of a wagon train delivering gold to the capitol building in Atlanta. But after an anonymous phone call tips off a planned robbery, the governor sends someone to protect the payload—the man who broke Jessie’s heart. And when he strides into her bar, looking tempting in his cowboy boots and jeans, Jessie is consumed by righteous fury . . . and overwhelming desire.

Haunted by old memories of the sexy, enigmatic Jessie, Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent Gabriel St. Clair isn’t too keen on returning home. His goal is to complete his assignment and skip town as soon as possible. But there’s no way Gabriel will be able to make a clean getaway once he feels the pull of the fierce daredevil he loved and lost.

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts Well I really didn’t enjoy this story. While I usually enjoy these re-releases, even though some sections are dated, this one just didn’t have the same appeal.

The characters didn’t have any chemistry. The story was different but it didn’t flow very well. There are some dated sections but not many. The problem wasn’t the time period but the story itself I am sad to say.

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

2hearts

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Kimberly reviews First Bite by Danie Harper

First BiteTITLE: First Bite
SERIES #: Dark Wolf #1
CHARACTERS: Neva & Travis
AUTHOR: Dani Harper
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/15/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Geneva “Neva” Ross doesn’t want to die. But now that she’s been turned into a werewolf against her will, she’ll do anything to protect her family and friends…even if that means taking her own life.

After witnessing Neva’s leap from a high ledge, Travis Williamson—a Changeling with a dark past—uses his powers to save her life. He feels a connection to the strong-willed woman whose eyes flash that familiar Changeling green. While Neva is hospitalized, Travis risks everything to kidnap her, knowing the approaching full moon will put everyone in jeopardy.

Bickering constantly to hide their growing attraction, Travis and Neva run from the authorities…and from Neva’s sinister sire, Meredith de la Ronde. Meredith delights in creating new shape-shifters and compelling them to do her dark bidding; now Neva must join Meredith’s murderous wolf pack…or die.

Intensely suspenseful with deliciously sexy twists, this paranormal romance—the first in (the title of series)—intertwines sensual passion with an epic, thrilling battle between good and evil.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is an interesting story of werewolves/Changlings (you will understand that when you read the book). It is different in not only is there shapeshifters but also a bit of magic. What I really appreciated was that Neva became a shapeshifter but had a hard time with it. Her character references what she has seen on movies and tv and is scared. So many of these books the person is turned and 2 pages later they are fine with it. But really wouldn’t you be freaked with a bunch of questions?

I liked Travis too but he is not the alpha wolf so many of these books are known for. He is the lone wolf. They bicker a lot and I am not sure the chemistry is there as much as the need for each other is. But I liked them.

I am guessing this is not the end of the story since this is the first in the series so it will be interesting to see where the author takes the next one.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Secret Santa by Michael, Levine, Bostwick and Myers

Secret SantaTITLE: Secret Santa
CHARACTERS: Various
AUTHOR: Michaels, Levine, Bostwick and Myers
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/29/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Christmas is the time for miracles, mayhem, and holiday romance in these wonderful stories from four of today’s most beloved authors…

“Mister Christmas” by Fern Michaels
A week before Christmas, attorney Claire O’Brien is summoned to Ireland to change her wealthy client’s will–only to encounter resistance from his handsome nephew. Will Claire be forced to spend the holidays up close and personal with her irresistible Irish nemesis?

“The Yellow Rose of Christmas” by Marie Bostwick
Though Miss Velvet Tudmore wrote off romance years ago, rumor has it she has a secret admirer. And when her surprise suitor promises to reveal himself at the annual Christmas ball in Too Much, Texas, Velvet starts to wonder: is it ever too late to find love?

“Nightmare on Elf Street” by Laura Levine
Aside from the mortifying costume, how bad can a gig as a mall Santa’s elf be? Jaine Austen finds out when she’s teamed up with the Santa from Hell. But things go from bad to worse when he’s found murdered on the job–and Jaine is a suspect. Now all she wants for Christmas is to find the real killer…

“Room at the Inn” by Cindy Myers
When a Rocky Mountain blizzard forces Barb and her husband to spend Christmas in a remote Colorado cabin with their fellow travelers, Barb struggles to cope–especially when her husband reveals troubling news. But sometimes a holiday shake-up is all a woman needs to discover what she’s truly made of…

REVIEW:
I was going to review each story separately but in all honesty they were all equally boring. There was no true connection between any of the characters. There was no real feel of the holidays either.

I just couldn’t get into these stories and I love the holiday stories when they come out. I’m sorry I just couldn’t enjoy this book.

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

2hearts

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Kimberly reviews For Love Of Lacey by Sandra Chastain

For The Love of LaceyTITLE: For Love Of Lacey
SERIES #: Holland-Winter #2
CHARACTERS: Lacey & Tyler
AUTHOR: Sandra Chastain
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/14/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The last time Lacey Lee Wilcox saw straight-laced corporate type Tyler Winter, he was wearing a permanent scowl with his perfectly tailored suit. So when he shows up at her best friend’s bohemian wedding, Lacey takes it upon herself to keep the cynical exec out of the way. But underneath the pinstripes, Lacey finds an old soul—not to mention an incredible body—and what was supposed to be a vexing day turns into a wild time that leaves Lacey wanting more.

Lacey’s taste for adventure stirs something in Tyler he wasn’t sure he still possessed. It’s something that worries him just a little—after all, he hasn’t become Atlanta’s most successful real-estate mogul by letting loose. But maybe, just maybe, there is such a thing as working too hard . . . and there’s no one Tyler would rather play hooky with than lovely Lacey.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a re-release from 1988 and while there are a few things things that are dated it is worth the read. Tyler is so adorably cute. He made me smile a number of times. Lacey cracks me up too. They are quite the pair.

The mood does change some about half way through the story and turns a little more serious but it is still a really good read…. it just looses some of the fun element of it.

This is a quick read and worth having around for the in between books pick up.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Kimberly reviews The Devil’s In The Details by Kimberly Raye

Devils in the DetailsTITLE: The Devil’s In The Details
SERIES #: Devil #1
CHARACTERS: Jess & Cutter
AUTHOR: Kimberly Raye
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/08/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jess Damon’s life is…complicated. Not only is she a man-eating succubus (albeit recently reformed), but she has the mother from hell—literally. Yep, Houston’s hottest wedding planner is the daughter of the devil. Though as far as her mother knows, Jess is only in the business to hook up with hunky groomsmen, not to find true love.

But when demon hunter Cutter Owens rolls into town, turning her back on her evil birthright proves harder than Jess thought. Cutter is out to take down the devil once and for all—and he wants Jess’s help to do it. There’s no denying Cutter is gorgeous, in that sexy “a demon stole my soul” sort of way. And, sure, Lillian Damon is the queen of evil. But she’s still Jess’s mom. Now Jess must outfox the world’s greatest demon hunter without revealing her true identity or—devil forbid!—falling in love. Sexy, funny, and fiendishly clever, this bewitching paranormal romance is one hell of a read.

REVIEW:
I have read a couple of Raye’s books but never a paranormal one by her and I am just not sure I enjoyed it. The story is interesting but a little common. And while Raye’s sense of humor is usually enjoyable to me this one just seemed silly.

There is also too many characters. I know that is odd but Raye seems to have needed to add every Hellish character she has ever heard of. I also didn’t realize this is a continuous story which I didn’t enjoy. I will probably pick up the next book hoping it is better.

There are good points to this book. The story is funny in and of itself and some of the background characters are fun to read about too. This one just didn’t make me impressed.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Nantucket Christmas by Nancy Thayer

A Nantucket ChristmasTITLE: A Nantucket Christmas
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: NancyThayer
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/29/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Known for her heartwarming observations of family life, New York Times bestselling author Nancy Thayer showcases her beloved Nantucket’s snowy off-season in this emotionally gratifying and utterly entertaining story.

Holidays on this Massachusetts island are nothing short of magical, from the jolly decorations on the Brant Point lighthouse to the much anticipated Christmas Stroll, in which merrymakers promenade through quaint streets adorned with Yuletide cheer. The season’s wonderful traditions are much loved by Nicole Somerset, new to Nantucket and recently married to a handsome former attorney. Their home is already full of enticing scents of pine, baking spices, and homemade pie.

But the warm, festive mood is soon tempered by Nicole’s chilly stepdaughter, Kennedy, who arrives without a hint of holiday spirit. Determined to keep her stepmother at arms’ length—or, better yet, out of the picture altogether—Kennedy schemes to sabotage Nicole’s holiday preparations. Nicole, however, is not about to let anyone or anything tarnish her first Christmas with her new husband.

Nancy Thayer’s wonderful tale reminds us that this is the season of miracles. Before the gifts are unwrapped, surprise visitors appear, and holiday joy comes to all, both naughty and nice.

REVIEW:
Honestly this story is just sad. Yes it has a happy ending but most of it is just down right depressing. First it starts with Nicole and Sebastian who are an older couple finding second love and then Kennedy (Sebastian’s grown daughter) makes for trouble on the first Christmas for the older couple.

Kennedy is a spoiled brat. She acts like a child wanting her divorced parents to get back together and doing everything to drive away the new wife. For a grown woman with a child she is just obnoxious and unlikable.

To be fair the writing is good but I can’t imagine how it would get anyone into the holiday spirit.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Kelly & Kimberly review Shadowed by Rebecca Zanetti

ShadowedTITLE: Shadowed
SERIES #: Dark Protectors #6
CHARACTERS: Jase Kayrs & Brenna Dunne
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: Oct 3, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jase Kayrs was the fun brother. The warm, charming, easy-going brother of the vampire leaders. Until he was taken and tortured by demons with their evil mind tricks for nearly five years. Upon his return, he’s dark, violent, and not the man they all thought they knew. Not the man he once was. He’s haunted that the only reason the demons would have let him live was to use him as a weapon against his family—but he can’t figure out when or how he’ll explode. Plus, once again the demons are after Jase with a vengeance…or rather, a female demon he rejected is out to destroy him.

Then the king asks Jase for a favor…a big one. To mate with one of their allies in order to save her. She’s everything that’s good and light in the world…while he’s at home with darkness. Yet he agrees…knowing mating may be the only chance to save them both.
KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Jase was always the fun loving brother. But all that changed when he was captured by demons. After five years at the tortuous hands of the demons Jase is finally free of his prison but not the demons. In order to try to get some of his power backs Jase decides it time to take a mate. But this mating will not before love. This mating will be only about regaining power and possible saving Brenna from the poison in her system.

Brenna is at the end of the line. There is nothing more that doctors can do for her. Her only chance is to mate and hope that can save her. But there is no guarantee. And not just any mate will do. Brenna will need a non witch and preferable someone she at least likes a little. The last thing Brenna ever expected was Jase Kayrs offer to mate.

HOLY WOW!!!! I loved this book, love this world, love Jase & Brenna and love Rebecca for writing this series. If you are a fan of Rebecca’s Dark Protectors series you know Jase’s story. You know all that he has been through, how much he has changed and the hope that we all have for him. I can promise that Shadowed will not let you down.
If you are new to the Dark Protectors series I would highly suggest starting from the very beginning. There is so much that happens in each book that is important to the next. But I do think that you could pick up Shadowed and read it as a stand alone if you really wanted too.
I so can’t wait to see what is next!!!!

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars I have been waiting and waiting for Jase’s story and I was not disappointed! Zanetti has a way of bringing you right into her world and makes you never want to leave.

If you have read the Dark Protectors then you have been waiting just like me. However while some of Zanetti’s books can be picked up and read as a stand alone I believe Jase’s story is different we have been watching his story unfold pretty much from the beginning so really pick up the other 5 before you read this one… you will not be disappointed.

I can not wait for the next in the series… for that matter I can not wait for any book from Zanetti. She is one of the best!

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
4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Against The Ropes by Sarah Castille

Against The RopesTITLE: Against The Ropes
CHARACTERS: Makayla & Max
AUTHOR: Sarah Castille
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/03/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He scared me. He thrilled me. And after one touch, all I could think about was getting more…

Makayla never thought she’d set foot in an underground mixed-martial arts club. But if anyone needs a medic on hand, it’s these guys. Trouble is, at her first sight of the club’s owner she’s the one feeling breathless.

All sleek muscle and restrained power, the man they call Torment plays to win at any cost. Whether it’s in the ring or in the bedroom, he knows exactly when to use a soft touch and when to launch a full-on assault. He always knows just how far he can push. And he’s about to tempt Makayla in ways she never imagined.

REVIEW:
I wasn’t sure when I first started this book how it was going to be. The writing seemed a little off even though I honestly can not say why it was off it just was. But as I read more of the story I realized how much I was enjoying it.

Max is one in the many of the controlling millionaires in the romance genre today but something is a bit different about him. While rich and controlling he is also a down to Earth kind of guy. He has his own demons but he enjoys the way he deals with them. Makayla is funny, sweet and just a average girl with debts and demons of her own. The connection between them is immediate.

I really enjoyed this story. I liked the humor and the sincerity of this story. Looking forward to another story from Castille.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Desired By Shadow by Cynthia Luhrs

Desired By ShadowTITLE: Desired By Shadow
SERIES #: Shadow Walkers #2
CHARACTERS: Maggie & Robert
AUTHOR: Cynthia Luhrs
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/07/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A modern-day ghost story with a twist.

Betrayed. Kidnapped on her way home from work, Maggie is thrown into a terrifying world of shadow. Narrowly escaping death, she flees her kidnappers only to come face to face with the enemy.

Coming across a dying stranger, Maggie unleashes a terrible curse when she saves Robert. Now with only a week to break the curse, time is running out as they are locked in a deadly fight with forces that will stop at nothing to destroy them before they succeed. Intensely romantic and thrilling, Desired by Shadow portrays the struggle between redemption, retribution and the desire to find a love that transcends time.

REVIEW:
To be honest this book was just too weird for me. I just couldn’t get into it at all. Maybe if I had read the first in the series (I didn’t realize it was one when I got it) I might have understood it more but it was just too out there.

I like ghost stories (like Heather Graham) and from the synopsis I thought it was something like that but it is so far from that it is hard to even say they both write ghost stories. First the ghost are able to manifest to physical form which I didn’t like. There are all kinds of supernatural creatures which I might have been able to appreciate if that is what I thought the book was about. The romance part is weird too and I didn’t like how Robert was sleeping with three women at the beginning of the book.

Maybe it is your style and I wouldn’t tell you not to read it but I think you need to know the real synopsis of the book before you choose this story.

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

2hearts

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Kelly & Kimberly review Carved In Stone by Kate Douglas

Carved in StoneTITLE: Carved in Stone
CHARACTERS: Nate Murdock & Alexandra Martin
AUTHOR: Kate Douglas
PUBLICATION DATE: September 13, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Archeologist and folklore expert Nate Murdock has discovered ancient stone carvings that will either revolutionize thinking in his field or get him laughed out of it entirely, and he’s hired world-renowned photographer Alex Martin to document his find and bolster his claim. When the alluring Alexandra Martin, not Alex, shows up for the job, Nate’s not sure whether to send her packing or take her into his arms.

Alexandra Martin, the daughter of the famed photographer and just as talented with a camera, is a dark-haired and dark-eyed beauty. Years ago her father built his reputation on photographs he’d stolen from her, and she’s out to prove once and for all that she’s the real deal. When the opportunity to work with the celebrated and ruggedly handsome Nate Murdock falls into her lap, she jumps at the chance—whether he likes it or not.

As tempers flare and accusations fly, the two dig in for a battle of wills and an uneasy truce at their remote mountainside camp. But when drug smugglers trap them in a cave and leave them to die, Nate and Alexandra realize they must trust each other—and the fiery passion growing between them—and surrender to a mysterious force as it guides them through a perilous escape and the acceptance of a powerful love as primal and compelling as the mountain itself.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.25 Stars This was a pretty quick read. While not my favorite of Kate’s story it was still a good story. I like the tension between Nate & Alex. Both are stubborn and hardheaded. But Alex has been burned one too many time in the past, so she takes no crap from anyone especially men. But after an adventure up the side of a cliff, being shot at, beat up, trapped in a cave in it might be time for both of the to learn to trust. Or the both can continue to be stubborn and let their future fly away from them.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
3 Stars This book was just “ok” for me. While an interesting storyline I had a hard time with the characters. The chemistry seemed forced to me and while I do not mind some tension between the main characters I do not enjoy constant bickering. There was too much getting close then pulling away and control issues on the part of Alex for me. And Nate was just too short tempered.

Like I said the storyline is interesting and the sex scenes are good without being over the top. But there is just something about this story that made me feel like I was forcing myself to finish it.

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.

3hearts-68-77

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Kelly & Kimberly review Always On My Mind by Jill Shalvis

Always On My MindTITLE: Always On My Mind
SERIES #: Lucky Harbor #8
CHARACTERS: Jack Harper & Lean Sullivan
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: Sept. 24, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
THERE’S NOTHING LIKE THE REAL THING
After dropping out of pastry school and messing up her big break on a reality cooking show, Leah Sullivan needs to accomplish something in her life. But when she returns home to Lucky Harbor, she finds herself distracted by her best friend, Jack Harper. In an effort to cheer up Jack’s ailing mother, Dee, Leah tells a little fib – that she and Jack are more than just friends. Soon pretending to be hot-and-heavy with this hunky firefighter feels too real to handle.

No-strings attachments suit Jack just fine – perfect for keeping the risk of heartbreak away. But as Jack and Leah break every one of their “just friends” rules, he longs to turn their pretend relationship into something permanent. Do best friends know too much about each other to risk falling in love? Or will Jack and Leah discover something new about each other in a little town called Lucky Harbor?

KELLY’s REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Jack & Leah have been the best of friends since they were kids. They did everything together. Leah was there for Jack when his dad died and Jack was there for every time that Leah’s dad mistreated her. Both have loved each other forever, but Leah was scared and ran not only from a poor home life but from her best friend. Now Leah is back in Lucky Harbor, but only for a short time. Just to help her grandma get back on her feet.
When Leah slips up and tells Jack’s mother that they are dating. She only said it to put Jack’s mom’s mind at ease Leah was not prepared for the follow out of a pretend relationship in Lucky Harper. Not only is the whole town talking about their upcoming wedding, but Jack is really mad at her.
Another great Lucky Harbor story. I so very much love my visits to Lucky Harbor. With each trip I fall more and more in love with this town, this series and Jill Shalvis.
I was so happy that I had the opportunity to read Always On My Mind early. The only bad part is that now I have to wait for the next book in the Lucky Harbor series.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Oh how I adored this story! I loved Jack. He is so endearing that it is hard not to enjoy his every moment. When he is strong, courageous and determined he is something to behold but when he puts his sweetness to use WATCH OUT! Leah is sweet too. I guess way to describe her is having self-esteem issues but somehow she still manages to stay on her feet and work through it all.

I will be honest. I will a little worried about the bakery and firefighter thing happening in this book. I mean really doesn’t every book have one or both going on? But something about this story pulls you in from moment one. There were so many points where I had to smile and even a couple times of a quick chuckle and there was also a few times of deep sadness for the characters at what they had to endure.

This book is worth the read whether you have read the series or not. I so look forward to the next book in which Ben and Aubrey are featured. Ben is so funny in this story. And trust me no one should miss meeting KEVIN!

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
4 Hearts