Category: Romance

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Kelly reviews Smoldering Hunger by Donna Grant

smoldering hungerTITLE: Smoldering Hunger
SERIES #: Dark Kings #8
CHARACTERS: Darius & Sophie
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: December 29, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
TEMPTING FATE
Darius is back. Edinburg thought it had seen the last of this seductive Dragon King, but that was before Darius found something worthwhile. He just can’t stay away from the impossibly beautiful Dr. Sophie Martin-even though he knows that a passion this strong could prove detrimental…for them both.

CRAVING DESIRE
Sophie tried to forget her encounter with smoking-hot Darius to no avail. He’s in her dreams, tempting her. But her association with Darius catches the attention of another, putting her
in mortal danger. . .and Darius, who has vowed to protect her, is her only hope. But can she trust the notorious dragon shapeshifter? The only thing she knows for sure is that she cannot resist him..

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Another good installment in the Dark Kings series. I really enjoyed Darius and Sophie’s story. Both have been hurt in the past and both believe that there can never be a happy ending for them. It was great to finally learn more about Darius, his past and his relationship with Rhi.
I will say that Rhi is driving me nuts. I am so much stress and anxiety over her and her journey. Smoldering Hunger takes an already complicated story and thrown more fuel on the fire. I am scared, nervous and excited to see what happens next. I have to believe that it will all work out in the end. But getting to the end might just kill me.
Oh and Con is on my bad list again.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews A Fantasy Medley 3 by Kevin Hearne, Laura Bickle, Aliette DeBodard & Jacqueline Carey

fantasy medley 3TITLE: A Fantasy Medley 3
SERIES #: Iron Druid Chronicles #0.3
AUTHOR: Kevin Hearne, Laura Bickle, Aliette DeBodard & Jacqueline Carey
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/31/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In “Goddess at the Crossroads,” Kevin Hearne shares a thrillingly memorable episode from the past of his popular Iron Druid Chronicles hero Atticus O’Sullivan, revealing how one night’s dark encounter with the cult of Hecate served as inspiration for Shakespeare’s witches in the Scottish play.

With “Ashes,” Laura Bickle revisits Detroit arson investigator and powerful spirit medium Anya Kalinczyk as she, her five-foot-long salamander familiar Sparky, and Hades’ Charon pursue a destructive fire elemental named the Nain Rouge through the city’s festival in his dubious honor.

“The Death of Aiguillon” finds Aliette de Bodard exploring an episode sixty years prior to the start of her latest novel, The House of Shattered Wings, in which the survivors of an ongoing magical conflict in Paris eke out a grim existence, and one woman’s wish for a better life is granted at a terrible price.

And in “One Hundred Ablutions,” Jacqueline Carey, author of the much-beloved Kushiel’s Legacy series, tells the tale of Dala—a young woman chosen by her people’s overlords to be an exalted slave among slaves—and of the twining in her life of ritual, rebellion, and redemption.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I read this one for Kevin Hearn’s Goddess at the Crossroads
As with all of Kevin’s IDC stories it is so much fun to watch and learn more about Atticus’ past. It was a lot of fun to listen to Atticus tells Granuaile and Oberon his adventure with Mr. William Shakespeare. And of course it is great to hear Oberon’s take of this harrowing tell. Silly dog.
As one who has listened to all of the IDC via audio (Thanks Luke Daniels) it is sometimes hard to read these short stories because I miss Luke reading to me. Maybe Luke will get his hands on this story and read it to me (hint, hint Luke). I can’t wait for January 2016 for the next installment of the IDC series.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Dream Of You by Jennifer L. Armentrout

dream of youTITLE: Dream of You
SERIES #: Waiting for You #4.5
CHARACTERS: Colton Anders & Abby Erickson
AUTHOR: Jennifer L. Armentrout
PUBLICATION DATE: June 23, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Abby Erickson isn’t looking for a one-night stand, a relationship, or anything that involves any one-on-one time, but when she witnesses a shocking crime, she’s thrust into the hands of the sexiest man she’s ever seen – Colton Anders. His job is to protect her, but with every look, every touch, and every simmering kiss, she’s in danger of not only losing her life but her heart also.

REVIEW:
Loved this story. Abby is the girl that we can all relate too. She is dealing with heartbreak and learning to live again. She is also learning that what she sees is not what everyone else sees.
Colton Anders is the man that we all dream of. He is amazingly good looking, humble ;), will bring you pastries in the morning and will fix your broken window on his day off. But what is best about Colton is that he loves with his whole heart!!
These two were great!!

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Headed For Trouble by Shiloh Walker

headed for troubleTITLE: Headed For Trouble
CHARACTERS: Ian Campbell & Neve McKay
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: December 29, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
SHE’S A SMALL-TOWN GIRL WITH BIG DREAMS.

Nine years ago, Neve McKay fled her small Southern town and disapproving family to seek a career in the big city. Now she’s finally coming home – and hoping for a fresh start. But the relationship that shattered her world still haunts her. And even among her nearest and dearest, she doesn’t feel safe.

CAN THIS BAD BOY BE THE ANSWER TO HER PRAYERS?

Ian Campbell is a pure Scottish muscle – as hard and handsome as they come. But when Neve walks into his bar, his heart melts . . . and he vows to have this gorgeous and somewhat vulnerable woman in his life – for better or for worse. What is Neve’s tragic secret? And how can Neve expect Ian to protect her, when doing so could put his own life at risk? The only thing Ian knows for sure is that he will do whatever it takes to keep her out of harm’s way – and in his loving arms.

Read an excerpt HERE

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Neve’s story is heart breaking. She was so young and navie when she left home and sadly she had to learn a few of life’s lessons the hard way. But she has finally returned home, but she knows that it will only be a matter of time before trouble comes knocking on her door again.

Another great start of a series by Ms. Walker. I really enjoyed reading about the McKay family. In Headed for Trouble we meet Moira (the oldest), Brannon (the middle) and Neve (the baby). While we get to see each of the McKay’s and learn a little bit about each of them and the issues that they are having, but in Headed for Trouble we focus Neve.
While Neve’s story is heartbreaking. It was great to see her grow and learn how to trust. But had to be kinda easy with a hunky man like Ian Campbell. Because we all know that deep down we all want some hot scottish, kilt wearing guy to sweep us off our feet. I loved Ian. He is great and totally perfect for Neve.
I enjoyed this story a lot, even if it gain me anxiety while I was reading 🙂
I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The New Year’s Wish by Dani-Lyn Alexander

TITLE: The New Year’s Wish
CHARACTERS: Olivia & Garrett
AUTHOR: Dani-Lyn Alexander
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/01/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Typing out memos is anything but torturous when your boss is this hot! Dani-Lyn Alexander’s irresistible new yuletide romance is a lighthearted office romp that will make you long for the company holiday party.

Olivia Calloway isn’t cut out for the nine-to-five life. She’s a born entrepreneur. She just has to figure out her soul’s true calling—and she’s given herself until the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve to do it. With her trust fund dwindling and only two and a half months to go, she takes an assistant position at prestigious law firm Harris & Harris. The problem is, Olivia’s a terrible employee—incessantly late, forgetful, and clumsy. Not that her gorgeous new boss Garrett Emerson seems to mind. Beautiful, charming Olivia has been on his mind ever since she ran into him, literally, sprinting to the interview. But Olivia’s first big assignment—to plan an elaborate last minute New Year’s Eve party for the entire company—could make or break her job entirely. With Ms. Harris herself demanding perfection, a jealous office rival rooting for Olivia to lose, and even Garrett dreading the affair, can Olivia finally prove herself—or will an unforeseen complication send her back to the drawing board? All she wants for the holidays is to be her own boss—and to ignite the flirtatious sparks between her and Garrett…so she can file their relationship under love.

REVIEW:
Ever had one of THOSE days? Well Olivia has one of those lives. She can’t get anywhere on time. She forgets important things. She is just a mess. The problem is so much happens to Olivia that it got old kind of quickly. And giving this book is only about 75 pages that is saying something.

Garrett is a single dad who is trying to make his daughter his first priority while still making a living. I liked Garrett even though really this was not his story. This story is more about Olivia and her blunders. There is also his daughte.. And the author did a pretty good job of speaking for her even though sometimes she sounds older than her 5 years.

All in all this is a cute short story. Will it get you in the holiday mood? Nope but it is a quick read and enjoyable.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Spotlight Feature: Maya Banks’ Mastered

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Surrender Trilogy and the Breathless Trilogy knows what makes readers hot. Now she turns it up in Mastered, the explosive first book in a new series of a desire too dangerous to resist.
 
What he wants, he takes with no remorse or guilt.
 
She stood out in his club like a gem, unspoiled and untouched. A lamb among wolves, she clearly didn’t belong. Drawn to her innocence he watched as she was surrounded by men who saw what he did—but no one but him could touch her. He summoned her to his private quarters. He sensed her fear. He also recognized the desire in her eyes. And he knew she wouldn’t leave before he possessed her. She had no need to know his secrets. Not until he had her under his complete and utter control.
 
What he wants, she isn’t sure she can give him.
 
The moment he told her want he wanted, she couldn’t resist. Instinct told her to run, but her heart said stay and walk the fine line between pleasure and pain. Though she wasn’t sure she could ever completely surrender, the primal part of her wanted to try, even knowing this man could break her in ways she never imagined. Because once he possessed her, he owned her and it would be too late to turn back. She can only pray that he doesn’t destroy her in the end.
 *****
MayaBanks02_bioAuthor Bio: Maya Banks is the #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 50 novels. A wife and mother of three, she lives in Texas. Visit her website at www.mayabanks.com.

 

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Kelly & Kimberly review My Kind Of Wonderful by Jill Shalvis

my kind of wonderfulTITLE: My Kind of Wonderful
SERIES #: Cedar Ridge #2
CHARACTERS: Hudson Kincaid & Bailey Moore
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: December 22, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
UNEXPECTED AND UNDENIABLE…

Bailey Moore has an agenda: skiing in the Rockies, exploring castles in Europe, ballroom dancing in Argentina. Now that she has a second lease on life, she’s determined not to miss a thing. What she doesn’t realize is that item #1 comes with a six-foot-one ski god hot enough to melt a polar ice cap. She doesn’t want to miss out on him either, but Hudson Kincaid isn’t the type of guy to love and let go. And as gorgeous as Cedar Ridge is, she’s not planning to stick around.

As head of ski patrol at his family’s resort, Hud thinks he’s seen it all. But never has he run into someone like Bailey. She might look delicate, but her attitude is all firecracker. And her infectious joy touches something deep within him that he’s been missing far too long. Now he’ll just have to convince Bailey to take a chance on her biggest adventure yet . . . something rare and all kinds of wonderful.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts It was awesome to be back in Cedar Ridge!! I love the Kincaid family. I love how they ban together to tease each other and make each others lives less than fun, because that is what family does. But family also stands by you and pushes you when you have screwed up beyond belief and the only thing left to do is to grovel.
I loved Hudson and Bailey. Hudson is such a sweet guy trying so hard to not let people in, too not feel and to not ever hurt again. But poor Hudson just walked into a storm unlike any other storm he has ever experienced. That stroms name is Bailey Moore.
Bailey has a new lease on life and she is going to live every day to the fullest. She has even made a list of all thing she plans to do. There was one thing that Bailey has not put on her list. Hudson Kincaid.
I really enjoyed this story. I can’t wait to see what happens next to all the Kincaids!!!!

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts Another adorable story from Jill Shalvis. In this story we are back in Cedar Ridge in the beautiful winter with snow falling everywhere and love in the air. This is Hudson’s story.

Hudson is all about work. He has thrown himself into his job so he doesn’t have to think about what has happened between him and his twin brother, his mom’s dementia and just life in general. And then Bailey comes around and changes it all. Bailey is a survivor and has decided she will live her life to the fullest and her first stop is a ski slope with a big wall just waiting to be painted.

I really enjoyed this story. Hudson is totally an alpha man but he is so sweet and takes care of Bailey while not even letting her know he is. He can be romantic and a pain the butt in a matter of moments. Bailey is light-hearted and just wants to live and yet has a stone around her neck all the time. But weirdly enough they are perfect together.

But the best part of the story is the family connection. The way they play off of each other, the can joke and yet be serious when need be. They give each other grief but at the same time they have each other’s back and I enjoy them immensely. I can’t wait for the next in the series which is about Jacob and if he is anything like his twin it will be a heck of a story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Forever (Grand Central Publishing) 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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Natasha’s review of Delilah Marvelle’s The Christmas Wager

christmas wagerTITLE: The Christmas Wager
SERIES #: A Happy Christmas #1
CHARACTERS: Miss Barrington
AUTHOR: Delilah Marvelle
PUBLICATION DATE: December 1, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N 

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A mysterious key to an attic that cannot be found…
A ghost with good but overly ambitious intentions…
And a forgotten wager that is about to turn Miss Barrington’s life into a holiday mess.

Are you ready for the outrageously funny and Happy Christmas Series?
WARNING: THERE IS A LOT OF MAGIC AND ROMANCE IN THIS BOX.

London, England – Winter of 1860
When all the ladies of London realize that handsome and refined gentleman, the Duke of Ainsley, is formally looking for a wife, only weeks before Christmas, a mad dash to claim him begins. Miss Barrington knows her chances with the duke are incredibly good given what her close gypsy friend had once foretold, but a forgotten wager with her greatest nemesis, American millionaire, Mr. Redstone, is about to bring on complications and…chaos.

Will she claim the dashing and respectable duke once foretold by the stars? Or will she fall for Mr. Redstone and go against destiny? Only the days leading up to Christmas will tell!

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Natasha House
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 5
REVIEW: Oh my gosh, Delilah has such a great idea! 10 Christmas novels released every December for the next 10 years! I am jumping up and down in excitement! I loved this first installment in her new Christmas series. Felicity and Maxwell are so fun together from the first time they meet! We get an excellent amount of character building (as always with Ms. Marvelle) and we get soooo much drama! Felicity is super feisty, and Maxwell so lovable and sweet. I was stressed out for a lot of this book, and I loved every second of it. I felt so much sadness for both characters for different reasons, but when they were together I was so happy! I loved all supporting characters, and I loved the paranormal aspect of the story mixed with the historical romance. Really, what more could a reader ask for? Oh! I almost forgot the tears! I was choked up a lot of this book, and laughing out loud at other moments. In typical Delilah fashion, her story sucks you in and refuses to let you go until you finish. I cannot wait for next December for the next installment!

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

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Kimberly reviews Make A Christmas Wish by Julia Williams

make a christmas wishTITLE: Make A Christmas Wish
CHARACTERS: Livvy, Adam, Emily & Joe
AUTHOR: Julia Williams
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/01/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
What’s your secret wish this Christmas?
*What will you wish for this Christmas?*
Last Christmas, when Livvy was knocked down in the supermarket car park she certainly wasn’t ready to actually be dead! For months now she’s floated on the edge of the afterlife, generally making a nuisance of herself.
And she’s not ready to go just yet! She’s furious about the new woman in her husband’s life and she’s worried about her beloved son who doesn’t seem to be adjusting to life without her at all.
This Christmas, Livvy is given one last magical chance to make everything right. Will she take the gift she’s been given to create the perfect family Christmas?

REVIEW:
This is a simple holiday ghost story of a woman who loves her family and wants to make sure they are taken care of before she moves on. But it’s not as simple as find a new love for her husband and drift away.

Her son sees her but nobody believes him since he has Aspergers and his dad doesn’t believe in ghosts. Then there is Adam who was already having an affair with Emily and of course Livvy can’t imagine Adam being with Emily since she was already coming between their marriage.

Then there is also Malaki, Livvy’s spirit guide, who shows her how her life really was and how much she drank that caused the separation with Adam. And she also has a chance to live again for 24 hours. She has to decide what is right and what is best for the man she once loved and her son.

This is a well written story with perspectives of different family members in different forms. To be honest I can imagine this making a great made for tv Christmas movie. Are you listening Hallmark Channel?

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 Snowflake Wishes by Maggie McGinnis

snowflake wishesTITLE: Snowflake Wishes
SERIES #: Echo Lake #1.5
CHARACTERS: Noah & Piper
AUTHOR: Maggie McGinnis
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/13/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Noah Drake was that guy–the one always on the lookout for his next adrenaline high, so it was no surprise when he took off across the world, seeking adventure as a travel writer. But one thing he could never escape was Piper Bellini, the girl who got away–the girl he let get away, a fact he’s never let himself forget. When he returns to Echo Lake to see if there’s any chance the flame between them can be rekindled, he never expects to spend the night holed up with Piper in a roadside diner while a blizzard rages outside. It’s exactly the kind of situation that sent Piper running years ago. But this time, Noah may have been handed a Christmas miracle, and he intends to make all of his and Piper’s wishes come true…

REVIEW:
This is a short 70 page story. I would say it is a holiday story but really there is not much holiday involved in the story. Now that being said it is a fine story. Not great but not bad either. I just never felt any connection between the two characters.

Weirdly enough this story felt way too long. There was too much drama that really just wasn’t all that interesting to me. But I will say that I liked the idea of the snowflake wishes. That is a really sweet idea that the reader included in the story.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Kimberly reviews Snowflakes On Silver Cove by Holly Martin

snowflakes on silver coveTITLE: Snowflakes On Silver Cove
SERIES #: White Cliff Bay #2
CHARACTERS: Libby & George
AUTHOR: Holly Martin
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/30/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Libby Joseph is famous for her romantic Christmas stories. Every December, readers devour her books of falling in love against the magical backdrop of the Christmas season. If only Libby believed in the magic herself…

Struggling to finish her current novel, Libby turns to her best friend and neighbour George Donaldson to cheer her up. But George also needs a bit of support himself. Nervous about getting back into the dating saddle after splitting from his wife, he and Libby strike a deal. She will teach George how to win over the ladies, and Libby will in turn be inspired to inject her novel with a good dose of romance.

As Libby and George explore the beautiful White Cliff Bay on a series of romantic Christmas-themed dates, Libby finds herself having more fun than she’s had in ages and…discovers feelings that she never knew she had for George.

But is it too late? Will George win someone else’s heart or can Libby act like the heroine in one of her stories and reach for her own love under the mistletoe this Christmas?

Snuggle up with a piece of Christmas cake and mulled wine, and spend the festive season at White Cliff Bay. You won’t want to leave! Christmas at Lilac Cottage also out now.

REVIEW:
This is a wonderfully written sweet holiday story that will put you in the Christmas mood.

Libby and George are friends who both need a bit of help. Libby needs some inspiration for the book she is writing and George needs to learn how to romance again after his divorce. The dates are a humorous time. I enjoyed reading them very much and yet they are still romantic and sweet. George is a little insecure for me but a good guy. I wish he had been more alpha than he was but he is still a guy you would want your best friend to date.

I enjoyed the secondary romance of Amy and Seb as well.

Grab a cup of cocoa, a warm blanket and curl up and read. You won’t want to stop.

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 A Cold Creek Christmas Story by RaeAnne Thayne

a cold creek christmas storyTITLE: A Cold Creek Christmas Story
SERIES #: Cowboys of Cold Creek #14
CHARACTERS: Celeste, Flynn & Olivia
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/17/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sparkle In The Snow Leads To So Much More

Celeste Nichols has always preferred to keep to herself in her hometown of Pine Gulch, Idaho…until she becomes an instant celebrity! When one of her children’s stories becomes a major success, she’s suddenly the talk of the town. Celeste should be gloriously happy…but something, someone, special is still missing from her life. Could the return of her childhood crush be the answer?

Flynn Delaney has moved back home for his daughter’s sake. Yet all the millionaire’s resources can’t help the little girl heal from the tragic loss of her mother. Shy librarian Celeste and her stories do hold some indefinable magic, though. Flynn came home looking for support—can he find that, and true love, in the one who got away?

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts This was a sweet perfect get you in the holiday type story with all emotions that can possibly be felt.

In the last book Celeste wrote a book about Sparkle the reindeer and in this story the book has hit the bestsellers list and is even up for a movie deal. As a quiet small town librarian and with the history she has she just wants to be out of the limelight. And then Flynn comes in with his adorable daughter who has been through her own traumatic experience. And Celeste doesn’t think she can stop her heart from loving either of them.

I really liked Celeste even though she is very quiet and not one for big adventures but she has a heart of gold and wants nothing more than to please her family and the children who patron the library and The Christmas Ranch. Even though she is quiet something about her really calls to the book lover in all of us. Flynn is a father who is trying to get the little girl back to herself after her experience that caused her physical and emotional scars. And then there is Olivia who was written wonderfully. So many times children are written either too old or too young for the age the book claims they are but Olivia really sounded like a 7 year old.

This story is really more about Celeste and Olivia than about Celeste and Flynn even though the romance is there and sweet between them this is more about the relationship two children have with the past both recent and a decade before. It is very touching. It is a read any fan of romance will enjoy.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts