Category: Review Sunday

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Kimberly reviews Cinderella Screwed Me Over by Cindi Madsen

Cinderella Screwed me overTITLE: Cinderella Screwed Me Over
CHARACTERS: Darby & Jake
AUTHOR: Cindi Madsen
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/22/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Darby Quinn has a bone to pick with Cinderella. Burned one too many times by ex-boyfriends, Darby has lost all belief in the happily-ever-after that the fairy-tale princess promised her. She’s sworn off love, Prince Charmings, and happy endings and she’s happy about it. Really. Or at least she was…until she met Jake, her gorgeous neighbor and the manager of her favorite restaurant. But Darby has rules about dating, ones she’s culled from her years spent with so-called “princes,” and starting something with Jake would break all of them.

Charming, fun, and unwilling to give up on her, Jake doesn’t fit any of the profiles Darby has created from her case studies of ex-princes-gone-bad. Finally presented with her own Prince Charming, can Darby take a chance on a happily-ever-after?

Full of wit and sarcastic humor, Cinderella Screwed Me Over proves that sometimes the perfect love, like a perfect pair of shoes, is just within your grasp.

REVIEW:
I enjoyed this story. I will be honest and say it was not exactly what I expected but I found myself wanting to read every word. Ironically enough while reading the story a friend posted a comment about Disney princesses not being a bad role model for little girls and I found myself commenting back that while the girls were strong the stories gave an unrealistic view of relationships. Once I realized what I was writing I realized that this is what makes a good book. One that makes you think and yet you still enjoy it.

Now there were somethings that I had a hard time with. First there was just too much “I can’t break my rules for him. He makes me want to break my rules. etc”. Darby is a bit too cynical if you ask me. Honestly the relationships she describes are not all that horrible and are something that most women have been through at some point (or know of a friend who has been through it) and yet Darby feels these are reasons to stop trying. I actually thought there would be a moral. Something like learning from the past means you find what you don’t want so it is worth it, blah, blah but it never came. Also based on the title I expected more humor. I thought there would be some silliness but there is not. There is snide humor and almost a sad humor sometimes but not a fun humor.

Ok now do not get me wrong. Yes there are some flaws but the story is good and if you enjoy the Disney Princesses then you will enjoy the connection and actually wonder what “prince” catagory your ex-boyfriends fall into.

PS: I wonder if the author purposely used the name Darby which is a character in the new Winnie The Pooh and Friends show…. Was she trying to subconsciously tell the reader the best guy to love is a teddy bear? hmmm… or is that just me being cynical?

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 Red Hot Dragon by Lolita Lopez

Red Hot DragonTITLE: Red Hot Dragon
SERIES #: Dragon Heat #2
CHARACTERS: Avani & Griffin
AUTHOR: Lolita Lopez
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/01/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Griffin Cadogan is shocked to see Avani Monroe, sworn enemy of his dragon family, walk into his gym. With his mating phase soon approaching, Griffin is curious as to why she has to come enemy territory knowing the risks. Not only does she surprise Griffin and his cousin, Mad, by coming to enemy territory, but what she wants is borderline insane-Griffin must help her have a baby.

After her mother’s line was annihilated by the Knights, Avani accepted her duty to ensure the continuation of their unique dragon breed. She’s searched the dragon registries and Griffin is the most likely candidate for her crazy plan. Working up the courage to approach a man who considers her an enemy wasn’t easy but she manages to calmly lay out her carefully orchestrated plan.

But Griffin isn’t about to agree to her harsh terms. If she wants him to father her child, he intends to play an active role in his offspring’s life, not simply walk away as she requires. Shocked by her instant attraction to him, she agrees to his terms. Once together, they realize their connection is about more than creating a child, but that happiness is short-lived when Mad suddenly disappears. Knowing the dragon slayers are behind it, Griffin must risk it all to save the ones he loves.

REVIEW:
This is a very short story of about only 80 pages but somehow the author gets the full story into these pages. The characters connect immediately and while there is a bit of drama most of it is romance. I enjoy the dragon shape-shifters. Until the first in the series I had not read a dragon shape-shifter but it is different and enjoyable.

This is a great short paranormal romance to have ready to read between books and while second in the series it can be read as a stand alone.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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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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Kelly reviews Darkness Rises by Dianne Duvall

darkness risesTITLE: Darkness Rises
SERIES #: Immortal Guardians
CHARACTERS: Etienne & Krysta
AUTHOR: Dianne Duvall
NARRATOR: Kristen Potter
PUBLICATION DATE: Oct 1, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N  | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Krysta is used to getting the drop on vampires. Her “special abilities” aren’t much, but the plan is simple–she plays helpless pretty young thing to lure them in. Then her shoto swords come out and it’s bye-bye, bloodsucker. Until one night she finds herself with an unexpected ally. He’s a vampire, all right, but different. Mysterious. Handsome. And more interested in saving her skin than draining it.

Etienne has been an Immortal Guardian for two hundred years–long enough to know that Krysta is special. He can’t stop thinking about her long legs, even more than her short swords. Then he discovers the vamps she’s exterminating have friends in high places, and the Guardians are in danger too. He’ll have to accept Krysta’s help to save them. The stakes for a mortal are high. But the cost to his heart might be higher.

REVIEW:
Immortal Guardians are suppose to protect the humans from the threat of vampires. But what is an Immortal Guardian suppose to do when a human takes it upon themselves to fight vampires? Well be amazed, a little shocked and a whole lot intrigued. Well that is if you are Etienne and you just happen to stumble upon Krysta kicking some serious vampire butt!!

Etienne & Krysta make an awesome couple. They are so much fun yet fierce. They both love to fight, to protect and to keep their loved ones safe. Together they are stronger than ever. But the only problem is that Krysta is human and Etienne is Immortal. But neither seem to care about that. That is until Krysta almost gets herself killed during a battle.
But this is not the only threat that the Immortal Guardians have. A threat from the past has raised it’s heads and this time the stakes are even higher.

I am totally in love with Dianne Duvall’s Immortal Guardians. They are all so dreamy and kick a$$. Darkness Rises is an amazing book. I had the great pleasure of reviewing this book for Tantor Media. I love Kirsten Potter as a narrator. Kirsten is amazing and reading the story to you. It feels like she is telling the story not reading. By this I mean that if never feels like she is just reading words. Kirsten is in gulfed in the story. She makes you feel like you are there in the middle of the action. And the voices!!! Dang this girl is talented with voices. If you love audio books and love Dianne I would recommend picking up a copy of any of the Immortal Guardian books. All 4 are narrated by Kirsten and all are fabulous.

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.

5hearts-68-77

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Kelly reviews Black And Blue by Gena Showalter

black and blueTITLE: Black and Blue
SERIES #: Otherworld Assassin #2
CHARACTERS: Corbin Blue & Evangaline Black
AUTHOR: Gena Showalter
PUBLICATION DATE: Oct 22, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The sizzling second book in New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter’s Otherworld Assassin paranormal romance series.

He is every woman’s fantasy…

Corbin Blue is a man of many talents. One of the most powerful otherworlders ever born, he is wealthy, a professional football star, and a legend in the bedroom. But only a select few know he is also a black ops agent…and there is no better killer. When he and his crew are attacked and separated, he’s forced to turn to his boss’s daughter for help—a woman with even more secrets than Blue.

She becomes his only obsession…

Evangaline Black has always been wary, guarded. No man has ever breeched her walls. Until Blue. He has never been denied something he wants, and now, he’s decided he wants her. As he sweeps her into his double life of seduction, intrigue, and danger, he helps her see beyond the darkness of her own past. But as an enemy closes in, Blue will have to let Evie go to keep her safe—even though he’d rather die than live without her

REVIEW:
You know you love a book when you stay up until 1:30 am reading after being up since 5:30 am and having to wake up at 6am the next morning. Yes that is how much I loved Black and Blue. How can you not love this book.
Let’s start with the cover: amazingly gorgeous!!
The Hero: Tall+ tattooed + brooding + famous + football player + lady killer + violet eyes = YUMMY with an edge of if you mess with me I can kill you with a thought.
The Heroine: Dark + mysterious + fierce + determined + closed off + has a thing for poisons = a lady you don’t ever want to mess with and always hope is on your side.
In short this book was AWESOME!!!!

I really want to go on and on about this story. But I try not to do spoilers in my reviews. So let’s just say I loved Blue & Evie’s story. These two are so beyond perfect for each other it is not funny. This story will tug on so many of your heart strings. We learn so much about Blue and Evie. Blue & Evie are a great example of never judge a person without walking in their shoes. So loved this book. I am looking forward to the next book in this story. I don’t want to say excited because of what happens in this books but a serious case of anxiety has set in for John’s book.

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.

5hearts-68-77

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Kelly reviews First Exposure by Elisabeth Naughton

first exposureTITLE: First Exposure
SERIES #: Aegis Security 0.5
CHARACTERS: Cade Blackwell & Avery Scott
AUTHOR: Elisabeth Naughton
PUBLICATION DATE: Oct 1, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A film that could make her career…

America’s sweetheart, Avery Scott, is up for the biggest role of her life, one with Oscar potential. When her girl-next-door fame prevents Avery from doing the in-depth research for the sensual role herself, her assistant insists on traveling to an exclusive couples resort to handle the job. But when her friend goes missing, Avery’s focus shifts from landing the role of a lifetime to finding out what happened on the sultry Caribbean island.

A weekend that will change her life…

Avery contacts Aegis Securities and hires one of their elite operatives to accompany her to the resort. She just doesn’t expect to get former undercover FBI agent Cade Blackwell—the man who ripped out her teenage heart twelve years before. Avery’s a good actress. With a little work and a convincing disguise, she’s confident she can fool the staff at the resort. The question is…can she fool Cade? Because one weekend at the sexiest resort in the world with the only man she’s ever loved will expose her to more than just a kinky new lifestyle. It’ll expose her to numerous wicked firsts that will test every ounce of her self-control. And if she’s not careful, she could lose her heart—and her life—in the process.

Author note: First Exposure is part of the Wicked Firsts anthology. It can be purchased as part of the multi-author box set or individually.

REVIEW:
This was a fun yet gut wrenching story. But that being said this is a novella so my review will be short and sweet and that I am looking forward to the first full length in the Aegis Security series.
Avery & Cade have a past. It might not have been glamorous. But the secrets that each are keeping from each other maybe too much to handle. But they will both have to learn to work together in order to make it off the island alive. Will they be able to put the past behind them long enough?
You will have to pick up a copy of First Exposure to find out.

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 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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Kelly reviews First Rapture by Alexandra Ivy

first raptureTITLE: First Rapture
SERIES #: Rapture #1
CHARACTERS: Luc Angeli & Madison Philips
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: Sept 28, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
FROM NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLER the first book in a new erotic series.

Madison Philips has only one reason to return to Las Vegas: Luc Angeli. The tall, dark bad boy took her virginity on her eighteenth birthday and then walked away, now she’s back, and ready for revenge. Luc Angeli spent his youth trying to earn the approval of his philandering father. Now he’s his own man, but there’s still something missing from his life. He doesn’t know what it is until he catches sight of Madison across a balcony. Suddenly he knows this woman is what he’s been searching for, and this time he’s not walking away.
Approximately: 20,000 words
Author note: First Surrender is part of the Wicked Firsts anthology. It can be purchased as part of the multi-author box set or individually.

REVIEW:
Who doesn’t love a chance at second love? But what do you do when you want revenge more?
This was a great story. I don’t want to give too much away since this was novella. But I did love Luc & Madison’s story. I loved the strength of both characters. I do wish the story was a little longer, I would love to learn more about Luc’s past. And I would love to see what the future holds for these two. I hope that Ms. Ivy revisits them soon.
If you are looking for a quick, steamy read filled with love, torment and forgiveness you need to pick up a copy of First Rapture.

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 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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Kelly reviews Fury Of Desire by Coreene Callahan

Fury Of DesireTITLE: Fury of Desire
SERIES #: Dragonfury #4
CHARACTERS: Wick & J.J. Solares
AUTHOR: Coreene Callahan
PUBLICATION DATE: October 15, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
No warrior of the Nightfury pack is more complicated or damaged than Wick.

Scarred from a childhood of slavery and torture, Wick cannot bear the touch of another person. But all bets are off when he meets J.J. Solares. When she is unjustly imprisoned, Wick agrees to help rescue and keep her from harm. But Wick lives a life of self-imposed isolation and venturing into the world to seek justice for J.J. may be more than he can bear.

Brutalized by the harsh reality of prison, J.J thinks she is hallucinating when a majestic dark-haired god sweeps in to save her—and Wick is shaken to his core by the attraction he feels for J.J. But neither is out of harm’s way yet. When they find themselves at the center of a Dragonkind war, they are forced to make the ultimate choice—surrender to their fears or accept each other’s love.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I love Wick. He is a man of very few words but shows his loyalty with his actions. So when he wants to payback Mac ,his fellow Nightfury, for saving Venom’s life he decided to rescue Tania’s little sister Jamison (aka J.J.). Not everything goes quite according to plan while getting Jamison out of the hospital . And thing get even worse the moment Wick touches her.

This was a great Nightfury story. Wick and Jamison are perfect for each other. Both have a past that allows them to understand the others pain. Wick really does try to do what he thinks is the right thing. He tries to stay away from Jamison, he really wants to let her go because she deserves better. Or what Wick thinks is better. But Jamison has other plans. 🙂

If you have read the other Nightfury books you will really like Wick’s book. A lot of things happen. And I have a new soft spot for Venom. All I will say is poor Venom, this boy needs some serious love. I can’t wait to see what is in store for the Nightfury’s and I really wish the bad guys would get their just desserts very soon.

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 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