Category: Review Sunday

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Kimberly’s review of Dream Keeper by Storm Savage

TITLE: Dream Keeper
SERIES #: Blood Bites #2
CHARACTERS: Savaant & Angel
AUTHOR: Storm Savage
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/22/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Angel’s arrival on Dunalino creates quite a stir. As Savaant’s chosen one, her blood is highly sought after for the high it delivers. Her scent has become irresistible to all men. The threat escalates when other males seek to steal a taste of her sensual blood. They long to experience the intense orgasm said to accompany a stolen blood-bite from the woman in the legend.

Let the games being. Can Angel wriggle her way out of a game of blood-bites? Will trust in her new found love be enough to save her? Or will a cunning male seal her fate before Savaant is able to find her?

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars This is the second part and I would recommend you read the first book or you will most certainly not understand this book at all. It is a short read (at 80 pages it is even shorter than book1 Dream Seeker) so it will not take long to read. The connection of the characters are palpable and they make you want to read what is going to happen.

This book had more erotic sex than book 1. And more intrigue. This series is good even though I can not explain why. The writing is not very good but I really enjoyed the books. I don’t know why it is good but I really think for a short read it will be something a fan of the paranormal would enjoy.

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

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Kimberly’s review of A Passion For Him by Sylvia Day

TITLE: A Passion For Him
AUTHOR: Sylvia Day
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/29/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Miss Amelia Benbridge is ready to leave behind a past filled with heartbreak for a sensible marriage. Until temptation itself comes calling, with an invitation to seduction…

She Loved and Lost Him Once…

Amelia Benbridge and the Earl of Ware are the most anticipated match of the Season. Lord Ware is handsome, wealthy, and kind, and he understands that her love will always belong to her childhood sweetheart, Colin. When Colin died, Amelia believed she would never feel such passion again. But her primal reaction to the brooding stranger who approaches her at a masquerade, coaxing her into a moonlit minuet and a single, sensual kiss, proves otherwise…

Colin Mitchell knew a pairing between a peer’s daughter and a gypsy stable boy was impossible. Amelia’s mistaken belief in his demise afforded him the opportunity to return to her as a man of means. But time has slipped through his fingers. She is preparing to wed another, and danger prevents him from revealing the truth. Colin can only bid her a secret farewell, but he underestimates her determination to unmask her phantom admirer. A forbidden kiss leads to her ardent pursuit and a soul-scorching affair. Amelia is perfectly attuned to his every desire, every thought—and hungry for stability he can’t offer her. For deception lies at the heart of their love, waiting to drive them apart once again…

REVIEW:
I really did not enjoy this book. I couldn’t stand the fact that Colin doesn’t just tell Amelia who he is and plays the game of “come to me, I must let you go” and he sleeps with other women while he is supposedly so in love with Amelia. Colin did nothing for me and I really couldn’t care less if he had stayed away from Amelia. In fact I like Ware much better than Colin.

Amelia is just too much of a contradiction in how she is written. She is supposedly so chaste and innocent and protected but at times she is exactly opposite. She has mourned Colin for so many years and feels that she should marry Ware because they are such good friends and yet she goes and sleeps with Colin before she even knows who he really is.

I think people will either like or dislike this book. Unfortunately I am in the dislike category.

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

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Kelly’s review of How Beauty Saved The Beast by Jax Garren

TITLE: How Beauty Saved The Beast – Tales of the Underlight #2
AUTHOR: Jax Garren
PUBLICATION DATE: 2.11.13
Characters : Wesley “Hauk” Haukon & Jolie Beniot
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jolie Benoit left her old life behind to become an agent of the Underlight. Training under Sergeant Wesley Haukon, she’s honing her combat skills, all the while coping with the intense sexual attraction she feels for Hauk. She keeps their friendship casual, but when his high school sweetheart transfers into their division, Jolie finds herself grappling with jealousy.

The Underlight gave Hauk a purpose, but he can’t escape his past completely. The physical and emotional scars from the fire that killed seven fellow Army Rangers will mark him forever. Jolie sends his protective instincts into overdrive, but he’s convinced he’ll never be worthy of her love.

Hauk is determined to keep Jolie from harm. But when the Order of Ananke ambushes them with a new weapon that neutralizes Hauk, making him vulnerable, it’s Jolie who must tap into her hidden strengths to rescue him—or risk losing him forever.

REVIEW:
The second book in Jax Garren’s Tales of the Underlight Series brings us back together with Hauk & Jolie pretending that there is nothing more between them then friendship. But after a scorching hot kiss between them in the work out room the door to more is finally open. But who is going to take that first step in.Just when things look like they are finally going to go right for Hauk & Jolie in walks Hauk’s old high school flame. But the real question is who is this old girlfriend and what does she really want with Hauk.

Oh my goodness these two are killing me. I just wanted to grab them throw them into a room and lock the door. Hauk & Jolie are perfect for each other and I so can’t wait to see what Jax has in store for them in the next book in this series. This was another great story from Jax.

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
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Kelly’s review of Midnight Alias by Elle Kennedy

TITLE: Midnight Alias – Killer Instinct #2
AUTHOR: Elle Kennedy
Characters: Luke Dubois & Olivia Taylor
PUBLICATION DATE:
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’s smart, seductive, and in way over her head.
He’s her only way out.

An undercover DEA agent has gone off the radar. Suspecting an internal mole, the government needs Luke Dubois and his elite team of operatives to recover their man, and the New Orleans native thinks he’s found his way inside the dark underbelly of Manhattan: Olivia Taylor, the girlfriend of a mob boss and the sexiest woman he’s ever laid eyes on. His new mission objective? Get past Olivia’s defenses and convince her to take a chance—on him.

All Olivia wanted was to finish law school and live a normal life, but that dream was shattered when one dangerous night put her deeply in a mobster’s debt. Now Luke and his team will help her escape—in exchange for intel on the missing agent. But Olivia doesn’t anticipate her intense attraction to the reckless Louisiana charmer or that she’ll be forced to risk everything—including her heart

REVIEW:
Under cover. Trying to find a missing DEA agent. Catch in a tangled web of lies and fear. Drugs, lies and guns. But through it all love will win. Or will it?

Olivia had never thought that her life would turn out the way that it has. But sometimes a girl has to do what a girl has to do. It is only a matter of time before she can make her escape. But just as Olivia is ready to make her more fate throws a wrench in her plans. Know Olivia finds herself helping out who she hopes are the good guys.

Luke could have never guessed the twists and turns his latest mission has taken him on. But I am sure that he is darn glad he did. All except maybe getting catch claiming out of that window and down the fire escape. What you want to know what I am talking about? You will just have to pick up a copy of Midnight Alias.

This was my first Elle Kennedy book and boy did I love this book. Luke is well in a word YUMMY!!!! I really did love this book. It kept my attention from page one. I am looking forward to more of the Killer Instinct series. There are so many pain in the butt characters that need to fall in love so badly. And Yes, I will be going back and reading book 1.

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
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Kelly’s review of Rush by Maya Banks

TITLE: Rush – The Breathless Trilogy #1
CHARACTERS: Gabe & Mia
AUTHOR: Maya Banks
PUBLICATION DATE: Feb 5, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Gabe, Jace, and Ash: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Gabe, it’s making one particular fantasy come true with a woman who was forbidden fruit. Now she’s ripe for the picking…

When Gabe Hamilton saw Mia Crestwell walk into the ballroom for his hotel’s grand opening, he knew he was going to hell for what he had planned. After all, Mia is his best friend’s little sister. Except she’s not so little anymore. And Gabe has waited a long time to act on his desires.

Gabe has starred in Mia’s fantasies more than once, ever since she was a teenager with a huge crush on her brother’s best friend. So what if Gabe’s fourteen years older? Mia knows he’s way out of her league, but her attraction has only grown stronger with time. She’s an adult now, and there’s no reason not to act on her most secret desires.

As Gabe pulls her into his provocative world, she realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know about him or how exacting his demands can be. Their relationship is intense and obsessive, but as they cross the line from secret sexual odyssey to something deeper, their affair runs the risk of being exposed—and vulnerable to a betrayal far more intimate than either expected.

REVIEW:
I liked this story, like the character well enough to keep reading. But I had a few issues with this book.

I didn’t like the mousey little Mia in the beginning of the book, but by the end I did kinda like her. She finally grow up enough to stand up for what she wants.

Gabe while he might be dreamy, he was a bit of a……butt (to put it nice). Who the heck signs a contract to have a relationship? He is dominant, controlling and well a real pain in the butt. But in the end he learns, or will learn.

I will admit that I was a little nervous. When reviews or people refer to books with a 50 Shade of whatever compariance I normally will stay far away from that books. I am glad that I read and do plan on reading the next two books in this series.

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.

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Kelly’s review of Finding Abigail by Carrie Ann Ryan

TITLE: Finding Abigail – Holiday Montana #3
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
Characters: Tyler & Abigail
PUBLICATION DATE: Feb 5, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tyler Cooper is the town sheriff and, in the past, had been the only person keeping Holiday steady. Though the community is now finding out that it’s town is magical, Tyler has always known it—it’s in his blood. He has always known his fate of becoming a cupid, striking love into the hearts others, but an enemy from his past is set on keeping him from finding his own destiny—and love.

Abigail Clarke is leaving Holiday for good. She has to. After years of trying to fit in and make Tyler notice her, she’s giving up. She’s watched her friends fall in love and it’s heartbreaking. Acknowledging that the one man she’s always loved doesn’t want her, it’s time to move on and find her own future.

Right when the stars align and Tyler opens his eyes, his enemy is back and has his sights on Abigail. Abigail is in danger and Tyler may be the only one to stand up to him and save her.

Warning: Contains one sexy sheriff who turns into cupid, complete with bow and arrow, the sweetest teacher you’ll ever meet who needs to find her bad girl side, and a love of candy hearts that’s sure to bring them together.

REVIEW:
Finding Abigail has to be my favorite book so far in the Holiday Montana Series (well we haven’t got to Jackson’s book yet, but so far out of the three this is my favorite). I really like Tyler. He is all stuffy and hates love. Blah, blah, blah Poor guy. Love is about to become his new job.
Abby can’t take anymore. The darn small town of Holiday is closing in on her. But when she goes to say goodbye to the one and only man she has ever loved something very strange happens.
But will it be enough?
If you have read the Holiday Montana Series to date you know all about Tyler and Abby. But in Finding Abigail you will get to see a side to both of them we didn’t know about. And we find out why and what has been keeping them apart for so long.

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
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Kelly’s review of The Reunited by Shiloh Walker

TITLE: The Reunited – The FBI Psychics #3
CHARACTERS: Joss Crawford & Drucella Chapman
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: Feb 5, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the national bestselling author of The Departed comes an all new novel of danger, intrigue, and a love stronger than death…

AN ETERNAL DESIRE

With his strong psychic ability, FBI Agent Joss Crawford longs for the woman he loved in a past life. But after years of searching, a new case is drawing him into the last place he’d ever want to find her: an underground slave ring. Going undercover to infiltrate the network, he meets Drucella Chapman–the mastermind’s fiancee. Joss has every reason to believe she’s evil. So why is he irresistibly drawn to her?

A DANGEROUS GAME

Drucella has made it her personal mission to bring the slave ring down. But the sadistic ring leader is even more careful than he is cruel. In order to gain information, Dru has had to get close to the very man she wishes to kill, psychically reading his memories bit by bit. she’d do anything to finish the job, but agreeing to marry him may have been a step too far–even for her.

A FATEFUL ENCOUNTER

Though Joss and Dru are both undercover, nothing can disguise the sense of deja vu they experience when they meet. Neither can afford to be distracted from the mission at hand, but perhaps their reunion is exactly what this mission needs.

REVIEW:
This was a strange book for me. I am not sure if it was because I have not read book one or two in this series. Or maybe it was my mood. I am not 100% sure. But The Reunited didn’t draw me in like a normal Shiloh Walker book. I guess I just never really connected with the characters.
Still this was an okay read and I will be putting it on my list of need to read the series from book one.

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.

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Kimberly’s review of Countdown To First Night by Hart/Daley/Minton

TITLE: Countdown To First Night
AUTHOR: Hart/Daley/Minton
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/02/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ten, nine, eight, seven…
Winter’s Heart by Jillian Hart
Shelby Craig comes to Snow Falls for a First Night job, but secretly hopes it will be a respite from her grief and a haven for her two young kids. A sympathetic cop becomes the determined widow’s staunchest ally—though helping her may break his heart.

Six, five, four…

Snowbound at New Year by Margaret Daley
This was supposed to be a done deal! Children’s book author Ellie Summers came to the festival to meet her new illustrator. She didn’t expect him to turn down her proposal. And then to find the obstinate man so charming… Is it wrong to hope his matchmaking twin daughters succeed?

Three, two, one…

A Kiss at Midnight by Brenda Minton
Pride is a hard thing to swallow, but Jolie Godwin does her best to ignore her grievances with Jake Wild this one time. The man is graciously letting her exhibit her artwork in his luxury resort for First Night. He seems like a good person and a devoted uncle. If only he’d always been so perfect. Because his kiss is something she can’t forget….

Cue the fireworks!

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars First let me say in general each story was sweet. I am not one who enjoys the whole “We meet, we aren’t meant to be together, we need to be together, we love each other” in a matter of a couple of chapters but these stories were sweet enough to keep me interested.

Winter’s Heart by Jillian Hart
This was a very cute story. I liked that the main couple already knew each other as children and had reconnected. I really enjoyed the main male character of Ronan when he interacted with the children. Very sweet story.

Snowbound at New Year by Margaret Daley
This was cute but not as cute as the first one. I was a little tired of the main male character Brody’s attitude. He should have been named Brooding because that is what it seemed he was doing the whole time. I enjoyed the children of the story too even though trust me no 6 year old speaks the way they do.

A Kiss at Midnight by Brenda Minton
Once again I enjoyed this story as much as the first story. I liked that the characters had a history and in this case a very long history. The characters are really interesting and I loved that little Anna spoke sign language. There is true romance in this story.

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

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Kimberly’s review of For A Good Time Call by Trish Jensen

TITLE: For A Good Time Call
AUTHOR: Trish Jensen
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/31/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“I’m just a nosy little ad exec who’s dying to see who invited me to meet you.”“Listen, Sherry Whoever-You-Are, I’m very, very busy,” Kit Fleming answered. “If you could just speed this up, I’d be wildly grateful.”Sherry became uncomfortably aware that he had a very sexy phone voice. “Well, you see, I got a delivery tonight, and I didn’t have anything smaller than a fifty, so the kid had to give me change.”“Uh-huh,” he said, the grunt tinged with annoyance. “Fascinating.”“The twenty he gave me had some writing on it.”“Writing?”“‘For a good time, call Kit.’ And of course, your phone number.”

REVIEW:
This was a adorable short read. I am a fan of Trish Jensen but had not read this story. This is a reprint and I am glad I found it. I enjoyed the characters very much.

I will be honest… As a fan of Fifty Shades of Grey this had all the makings of a PG rated version… He is a big time CEO with control and love issues and she is a woman who is looking for love and yet is independent when it comes to work. But keep in mind the original of this story was out long before Fifty Shades was…. I just could not let the similarities go without notice.

This is a enjoy quick read for an afternoon curled up on the couch (or in a sick bed in my case) that will having you smiling and wishing for Mr. Right to come along.

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

4 Hearts
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Jennifer’s review of Strictly Forbidden by Shelley Bradley

TITLE: Strictly Forbidden
AUTHOR: Shelley Bradley
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/17/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Miss Kira Melbourne is anything but a proper English rose. Her exotic beauty, courtesy of her foreign mother, has marked her as an outsider, and her ghastly reputation as a woman of loose virtue has only added to that status. The victim of a devious viscount’s horrible lies, Kira has the chance to redeem herself and become a member of polite society as the fiancee of a respected country clergyman. She’ll finally have a place to belong…even if it’s in the arms of a tepid man she doesn’t love.

Gavin Daggett, Duke of Cropthorne, isn’t about to let his naive country cousin marry a scandalous woman like Kira Melbourne. The solution is a simple one: Gavin will seduce the vixen and prove her unworthiness, thereby releasing his cousin from any obligation. But spending time with Kira is like awakening to a world of color and beauty, and it stirs the fiery desires that Gavin has fought to suppress his entire life. Caught in his own dangerous game, sharing forbidden pleasure with Kira, Gavin knows the price of loving her is high–and yet it is one that he will willingly pay..with every beat of his heart.

REVIEW: I have read other novels from Shelley Bradley that I have absolutely adored and I couldn’t wait to read another historical romance from this author. Kira Melbourne is a beautiful young woman that is trying desperately to escape the vicious rumors that she is a woman of loose morals by marrying James Howland, a country pastor. Gavin Daggett, James’ cousin, is instantly attracted to Kira because of her beauty and plans to seduce her to prove that she is unworthy of being his cousin’s wife. This plan ultimately backfires because he finds that Kira is a lovely woman that seems to be the perfect match for him instead of his cousin.

I enjoyed Kira’s character because she was very sweet and trusting but she seemed so naive at times about how things were going to turn out with Gavin. Gavin was a hero that I had a hard time connecting with due to the fact he wasn’t very nice to Kira for most of the novel. He acted like a complete jerk and didn’t really redeem himself until the last few pages of this book. I almost had the feeling that Kira could have found somebody better than Gavin just by the way that he acted toward her. I also wish that Kira’s brother, Darius, had more interaction in this story because he was a great character. I loved that he was so protective of Kira and I wanted him to find his little piece of happiness with someone.

I am going back to read Strictly Seduction which was Brock and Madeline’s love story, who played a minor role in this book. This book wasn’t a winner for me but I still love Shelley’s books and can’t wait to read the next one that she releases.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Rev It Up by Julie Ann Walker

TITLE: Rev It Up
AUTHOR: Julie Ann Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/02/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He Never Misses a Target
Jake “the Snake” Sommers earned his SEAL codename by striking quickly and quietly – and with lethal force. That’s how he broke Michelle Carter’s heart. It was the only way to keep her safe – from himself. Four long years later, Jake is determined to get a second chance. But to steal back into Michelle’s loving arms, Jake is going to have to prove he can take things slow. Real slow…

She Aims to Make Him Beg
Michelle Carter has never forgiven Jake for being so cliché as to “love her and leave her.” But when her brother, head of the Black Knights elite ops agency, ticks off the wrong mobster, she must do the unimaginable: place her life in Jake’s hands. No matter what they call him, this man is far from cold-blooded. And once he’s wrapped around her heart, he’ll never let her go…

REVIEW:
This is the third in the Black Knights, Inc series which I did not realize when I picked the book and coming in at this point I was lost with the background story. Yes I kind of caught up but it was a bit confusing. There is a lot about the background characters and not knowing their story and how the BKI got started made it hard to understand why someone was after them and like I said it does eventually explain but I wish I had read the other two books before this one.

The story of Jake and Shell is different. There past is explained pretty much right away and you understand why things were done the way they were. When I picked up the book I expected it to be about the guy who was in love with his best friends girl and now that the best friend is gone he wants to “take care” of her for the friends sake but that is not even close. Jake has loved Shell since they first met but he was so messed up as a SEAL he didn’t know good from bad and did what he thought was best for her but now he is ready to be the man she needs and she doesn’t believe he has changed.

The story is very interesting. I am not sure about the writing… Jake’s conversations are written very juvenile (“yo”, “dude”, etc) but the rest of the story is not so young. I think the author wanted us to see Jake’s softer fun side by making him the surfer who grew old but not up but I could be wrong. It would be interesting to read another one of Walker’s stories to see if it is the character or the writing.

I think any fan of the romantic suspense or a woman who loves a good old fashion SEAL story will enjoy this book but I suggest starting at book one.

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Sultry With A Twist by Macy Beckett

TITLE: Sultry with a Twist – Sultry Springs series #1
AUTHOR: Macy Beckett
Charactes: Luke Gallagher & June Augustine
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/1/2012
ORDER LINKS: Amazon 

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hilarious, heartwarming, sexy and real-you’ll fall in love, guaranteed!”-Lori Foster, New York Times bestselling author

Welcome to Sultry Springs, Texas: where first loves find second chances…

Nine years after June Augustine hightailed it out of Sultry Springs with her heart in pieces, one thing stands between her and her dream of opening an upscale martini bar: a bogus warrant from her tiny Texas hometown. Now she’s stuck in the sticks for a month of community service under the supervision of the devilishly sexy Luke Gallagher, her first love and ex-best friend.

If Texas wasn’t already hot enough, working side-by-side with June would make any man melt. Luke wants nothing more than to strip her down and throw her in the lake-the same lake where they were found buck naked and guilty as sin all those years ago. In their heads, they’re older and wise. But their hearts tell a different story.

REVIEW:
HOT DOG!!!! This was a great way to start my new year. New Author. New Series. New Obsession!!! Sultry with a Twist takes us to Sultry Springs Texas and with a name like Sultry Springs how can we not get hot and bothered?

Macy’s 1st book is a second chance at love story and boy howdy does this girl know how to write a story. From page one I was in love with June & Luke. I also loved that Macy took a body issue that many woman have and showed how men don’t see it as an issue but an extreme turn on.

This was a fabulously great story and is going on my keeper shelf. If you have not had a chance to visit Sultry Springs Texas yet I would highly recommend you grab your cowboy boots and hang on tight, because this is a must read for the new year.

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