Category: Romance

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Kimberly reviews Dangerous Ground by Rachel Grant

TITLE: Dangerous Ground
SERIES #: Fiona Carver #1
CHARACTERS: Fiona Carver & Dean Slater
AUTHOR: Rachel Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/17/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the remote and unpredictable Aleutians, danger comes without warning in an adrenaline rush of a novel by USA Today bestselling author Rachel Grant.

Archaeologist Fiona Carver has unfinished business in the Aleutian Islands. After an emergency evacuation cut her first expedition short, she’s finally back. But time is not on her side as she races to finish documenting the remnants of a prehistoric village, recover missing artifacts, and track down missing volcanologist Dylan Slater.

Having bluffed his way onto Fiona’s team with fake credentials, wildlife photographer Dean Slater is willing to risk more than federal prison to find his missing brother, but he needs Fiona’s help. She knows the inhospitable terrain better than anyone.

When the two set out together on a perilous journey, it becomes more than a recovery mission. In their fight for survival, nature isn’t the only threat. They aren’t the only ones on the hunt. Mile by dangerous mile, someone is hunting them.

REVIEW:
I will say I picked this book thinking it was a different author (same last name) but once I realized I figured it was the first in the series so let’s give it a try. There are a few things that made me give this book a low rating.

One: it is more suspense than romance. Two: there is no true ending to this story because it is ongoing into the series, which I did not realize. Three: I really did not like Dylan at all. He thinks he is God’s gift to women, he actually thinks Fiona is his brother’s girlfriend and still hits on her, and he just doesn’t appeal to me at all. And finally: I have no idea why Fiona was written the way she was. She is so busy stroking Dylan’s ego that she seems like a doormat to me.

This was just not my cup of tea.

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

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Kimberly reviews The Steal by MJ Rose and CW Gortner

TITLE: The Steal
CHARACTERS: Ania & Jerome
AUTHOR: MJ Rose & CW Gortner
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/10/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend—until they’re stolen.

Ania Throne is devoted to her jewelry company. The daughter of one of the world’s most famous jewelers, she arrives in Cannes with a stunning new collection. But a shocking theft by the notorious thief known as the Leopard throws her into upheaval—and plunges her on an unexpected hunt that challenges everything she believes.

Jerome Curtis thinks he’s seen it all, especially when it comes to crime. Until he’s hired to investigate the loss of Ania Thorne’s collection, his every skill put to the test as he chases after a mysterious master-mind responsible for some of the costliest heists in history—and finds himself in a tangled web with a woman he really shouldn’t fall in love with.

From the fabled Carlton Hotel to the elegant boulevards of Paris, Ania and Jerome must race against time to catch a thief before the thief catches them. With everything on the line, can they solve the steal or will the steal take more than diamonds from them?

Set in the late 1950s, THE STEAL is a romantic caper by bestselling authors C.W. Gortner and M.J. Rose.

REVIEW:
Set in the 1950’s this is a throwback to the type of book written “for women” in the 70’s. At least that was my feeling.

Priceless jewelry has been stolen before the Cannes Film Festival is set to begin and the rich and famous are ready to wear the jewels. This story takes place in all the high end areas you expect. Besides Cannes there is Paris and NYC. And the race is on with Ania and Jerome to find the jewels before time runs out.

What I found most interesting about this book was the writing. I am used to the writing of MJ Rose but have not read anything by CW Gortner. Each author seemed to take the role of one character, Rose with Ania and Gortner with Jerome. Each gives us a history into their lives up until the present. However, I certainly enjoyed Rose’s chapters more than Gortner’s. Gortner seemed to get stuck on certain phrases that were repeated way too often.

This book was an interesting combination of the 1970’s and 2020’s.

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

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Kimberly reviews Love For Beginners by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Love For Beginners
SERIES #: Wildstone #7
CHARACTERS: Emma & Simon
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/08/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A Paperback Original—Also Available as a Hardcover Library Edition

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis continues her Wildstone series with the moving story of a young woman who has to start her life—and her love life—over again.

When Emma Harris wakes up from a coma, she learns that her fiancé and her BFF have fallen in love, she’s lost her job, and the life she knew is gone. Overwhelmed but grateful to be alive, she decides to start over from scratch. Not as easy as it sounds, of course. But she’s never been a quitter, even if she wishes she could quit rehab, where her hot but evil physical therapist, Simon, puts her through the wringer.

Desperate for a new start, Emma opens a doggy day care. Unfortunately, the only space she can afford is owned by her childhood nemesis Ali Pratt. But hey, she’s been through worse, right? She tries to roll with the punches, but a friend drops his grandpa off at the doggy day care because he can’t find senior care. On top of that, she and Ali bring the term “frenemies” to a whole new level. And then another grandparent shows up. And another.

In the midst of all that, Emma realizes she’s accidentally fallen for her Evil PT. But the most horrifying thing of all is that Ali just might have turned into the best friend she’s ever had. And as Emma grows from the pain of her past and takes on her new path, she comes to learn that life isn’t what you’re given, it’s what you make of it.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This is the 7th in the Wildstone series by Jill Shalvis and probably the most emotional. At least for me. This wrung me out. The emotions in this book are palpable and leave the reader breathing heavy and thinking about their own lives..

This has two love stories but the romance is second, at least to me. I think this story is more about what really makes a person happy and are you really happy if you aren’t fully happy and invested in your life.

There is so much that happens in this story. I, honestly, believe this is one of Shalvis’ greatest works. Yes, there were a couple of little things as with most books that the reader would change but I doubt there is anyone who could have made this emotional journey such a delight to read.

I can’t wait for the next in the series!

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Rebel’s Karma by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Rebel’s Karma
SERIES #: Dark Protectors #13
CHARACTERS: Karma & Benjamin
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/08/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
There’s no denying destiny . . .

For too long, Benjamin Reese has masked his deadly skills and temper with loyalty and humor. A vampire-demon hybrid, he fiercely protects his family, guards his brothers, and destroys the enemy without mercy. But when he discovers one fragile, beautiful blonde—a woman once mated to a Kurjan, no less—every primal instinct he has buried for centuries roars to life. With the mating mark she roused on his hand entwining their fates, no one will prevent him from keeping her safe and making her his, forever . . .

Or desire . . .

Karma wishes she could remember her last name. Or if she even had one. All she has in this confusing new world is a desperate duty to save the innocent. That means destroying the dark, dangerous, and desirable Benjamin Reese and everything he loves—an impossible task even before his touch arouses a passionate hunger she can’t afford. She’s certain a deadly enemy watches her every move, but it’s not until Benny kisses her that she tastes true danger…

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts As a fan of Rebecca Zannetti I look forward to every book that comes out but honestly I have waited for what seems like forever for Benny’s story. And I was not disappointed.

Benny and Karma are meant for each other but they do now know it… Well, maybe they do but Zanetti doesn’t make it easy on them.

I could tell you the synopsis and give you a short view but you can read that in other reviews. What I want to say is this series is on #13 with more planned but Zanetti has not let this series go stale. Each character is one that begins to live with you and the reader will automatically recall her characters when someone asks you your go to PNR series. Talon, who has a cameo in this book, is a favorite of many fans.

I will say you can read each story as a stand alone but I am not sure why you would. You need the background to really appreciate each story.

If you are a fan of PNR then you probably already know this author and series but if not you will not be disappointed.

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

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Kimberly reviews Undercover Wolf by Paige Tyler

TITLE: Undercover Wolf
SERIES #: STAT #2
CHARACTERS: Harley & Sawyer
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/25/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An unexpected partnership leads two wolves to reconsider everything they know…

Alpha werewolf Harley Grant isn’t exactly comfortable with her inner wolf. Even though she’s on a STAT Team where she can use her abilities because her teammates know about her, she refuses to do so, putting herself and sometimes them at risk.

Alpha werewolf Sawyer Bishop would give anything for his M16 Team to know about his inner wolf, but his teammates are mistrustful of anyone or anything with inhuman abilities. When he meets Harley on an overlapping case and realizes she’s a fellow wolf, he’s more than a little intrigued.

Now that STAT and MI6 have to team up to stop a crew of supernatural bad guys intent on causing a nuclear meltdown, Harley can no longer deny her wolf and Sawyer can no longer hide his. As they grow closer to resolving the case and grow closer to each other, they discover things aren’t what they seem and revenge could cost them their lives.

STAT (Special Threat Assessment Team) Series:
Wolf Under Fire (Book 1)

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts So here is the deal. I read so many books by Tyler in the SWAT series that two things happened… 1. I kind of got tired of her werewolf stories and 2. I decided to give the STAT series a try because, well, I had read so many of the SWAT series.

And this is the best she has written in a while. I really believed Tyler needed to change her writing completely. I mean the SWAT series was near 20 books. But she came back in this book. The action packed story kept me interested the whole time. The romance was well written and Sawyer is just yummy!

This book is why a reader should always give new series a chance to stand on its own.

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

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Kimberly reviews Shadow Storm by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Shadow Storm
SERIES #: Shadow Riders #6
CHARACTERS: Emmanuelle & Valentino
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/25/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Danger inspires fierce passion when a new threat targets Chicago’s Ferraro crime family in this novel in Christine Feehan’s New York Times bestselling series.

A long-simmering feud between two families comes to a head in this gripping novel in Christine Feehan’s New York Times bestselling Shadow Riders series.

As the youngest member of the Ferraro family, Emmanuelle has watched each of her brothers find happiness in love while her own heart was shattered by a lover’s betrayal. For two years she’s stayed as far away from Valentino Saldi as possible—until she learns that he’s been shot during a hostile takeover of his family’s territory.

Emme’s first instinct is to call her brother Stefano for help, and soon the entire Ferraro clan arrives to bring Val back from the brink of death and protect the Saldis from further attack. With one choice Emme has re-exposed herself to Val’s intoxicating pull and dragged her family into the Saldis’ private war.

A deadly storm is brewing, and only time will tell who survives…

REVIEW:
Is it just me or has everyone been waiting for Val and Emme’s story? It seems like forever!

Val and Emma always had a spark between them but their families are at odds so it was not meant to be. And even though they had that pull the break up of their hidden romance broke Emme’s heart.

But now the families have to come together against a common enemy which brings Val and Emme together again and their hearts or bodies can stay apart any longer.

Sometimes when you wait for a story of characters you have met in other stories you can be disappointed when their story is finally read. But not when Feehan is writing the story. Feehan knows her characters but she also knows her readers and what they want. And she gave us just that in this fun, funny (thanks Dario) and sexy novel.

A paranormal Hatfield & McCoy story at it’s best!

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Darkness Betrayed by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Darkness Betrayed
SERIES #: Guardians Of Eternity #17
CHARACTERS: Brigette & Xi
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/25/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When a conspiracy threatens what’s most precious to The Guardians of Eternity, they must depend upon their one-time enemy to protect them in the latest from New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Ivy . . .

Once, Brigette was the conduit through which the ultimate evil reached Earth. Now she’s just a lonely Were isolated in an Irish cottage, cut off from her animal and humanity alike. When a band of rebels approach her to take down the king of the vampires, she knows denying them means certain death—but even if she warns the king, he may not listen to the likes of her.

From the moment Xi slips into Brigette’s bedroom to escort her to his king, he sees the heartbreak that hides behind her guilt. The elusive vampire has fought for centuries to master his own regrets, and his word will convince the king to value hers. Neither can escape the attraction between them, even as partners on an undercover mission. But there’s no room for pleasure when their work might redeem her to the Guardians completely—or send them to the death they’ve evaded for so long . . .

REVIEW:
It’s about time! We are finally getting Brigette’s story. I was so glad and here is why. I knew there was more to Brigette than the evil we have seen in some of the previous books. Brigette is, well, hard to like. At least until this book.

Brigette really does things for what she thinks is the greater good. She is trying to protect the people she loves and, for that matter, the world as a whole. She might not do it in the right ways but it really is with good intentions. I knew she had it in her!!!

Xi is a cool character who I really enjoyed. How many times have you thought “If I could be a fly on the wall” and know what happened in another room. Well Xi can sorta do that. He can fade into other objects which is pretty cool. But it is also helpful to Brigette while she is undercover. They are perfect for each other.

Ivy is one of my favorite authors. I have liked every book she has written and this book is no exception. I can say that this book “can” be a stand alone but it is a better read when you have the history that Ivy has imagined as you read the entire series.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Smoke And Mirrors by Skye Jordan

TITLE: Smoke & Mirrors
SERIES #: Forged In Fire #2
CHARACTERS: Isabel & Logan
AUTHOR: Skye Jordan
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/31/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Another sizzling firefighter romance from New York Times bestselling author, Skye Jordan.

I’m taking a break from women. I’ve been lied to once too often, and I’m over it.
Then Isabel, my best friend’s little sister, blows into town without notice, bringing the past with her. Her secret past.
From the moment she crashes poker night and hustles the whole firehouse out of a couple hundred bucks, I know she’s not telling the truth about why she’s here.
Lies have influenced my entire life. They’ve also torn my world apart too many times already.
But by the time the truth comes out, she’s tangled around my heart like barbed wire, and there’s no way out unscathed.

REVIEW:
This is the second in the Forged In Fire series by Skye Jordan. I have enjoyed Jordan’s work for a number of years and I enjoyed this story as well.

Logan and Tucker could be a bit much. Actually at times it was down right irritating. But Isabel is who really made this book for me. Logan and Isabel were childhood sweethearts so they are getting a second chance at love.

Isabel is great. She isn’t afraid to work or get her hands dirty. Yet she is all woman. She is sensitive and loving but also cautious and has been hurt before. I want to be friends with her.

Another great story from Skye Jordan. And it can be a stand alone but since it is only the second in the system I suggest getting book one, Flashpoint.

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

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Kimberly reviews The Lady Has A Past by Amanda Quick

TITLE: The Lady Has A Past
SERIES #: Burning Cove #5
CHARACTERS: Lyra & Simon
AUTHOR: Amanda Quick
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/04/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Beauty and glamour meet deception and revenge in this electrifying novel by New York Times bestselling author Amanda Quick.

Investigative apprentice Lyra Brazier, the newest resident of Burning Cove, is unsettled when her boss suddenly goes on a health retreat at an exclusive spa and disappears without another word. Lyra knows something has happened to Raina Kirk, and she is the only one who can track her down. The health spa is known for its luxurious offerings and prestigious clientele, and the wealthy, socialite background Lyra desperately wanted to leave behind is perfect for this undercover job. The agency brings in a partner and bodyguard for her, but she doesn’t get the suave, pistol-packing private eye she expected.

Simon Cage is a mild-mannered antiquarian book dealer with a quiet, academic air, and Lyra can’t figure out why he was chosen as her partner. But it soon becomes clear when they arrive at the spa and pose as a couple: Simon has a unique gift that allows him to detect secrets, a skill that is crucial in finding Raina.

The unlikely duo falls down a rabbit hole of twisted rumors and missing socialites, discovering that the health spa is a façade for something far darker than they imagined. With a murderer in their midst, Raina isn’t the only one in grave danger—Lyra is next.

REVIEW:
I am a huge fan of Jayne Ann Krentz, who writes as Amanda Quick, when she writes historical romance.

Lyra has had a pretty rough time so she does what we all would do… She becomes a PI. When her boss goes missing Lyra knows she needs to use her powers of investigation to find her. Raina’s friend asks/tells Lyra that she will be working with Simon. But Lyra can’t figure out why he is adamant that Simon work with her.

There is a lot going on in this story but Krantz/Quick has a way of writing so you are not overwhelmed but still stay involved in the story.

The characters are very well written and the background characters are well formed as well. Some have returned from previous books in the series.

Another great read from a wonderful author.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Highland Warriors by Heather McCollum

TITLE: Highland Warriors
SERIES #: Sons Of Sinclair #2
CHARACTERS: Joshua & Kara
AUTHOR: Heather McCollum
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/27/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Joshua Sinclair, second brother of the mighty Sinclair clan of Northern Scotland, has been raised by his father to love war above all else. Frustrated with the way his older brother, the new chief, is bringing peace to the land, he strikes out on his own as a mercenary on Orkney Island and spends months helping a powerful Norse chief beat back threats to his rule.

Kristin Muir, the daughter of a fallen Viking chief, is determined to help her exiled people survive and grow in number on the northern isle. As a young widow in her broken clan, she must find a man to help her start the next generation of warriors by getting her with child. When she watches the massive Sinclair warrior defeat four thieves bent on taking his life, she chooses him.

Joshua doesn’t question his good fortune when the beautiful warrior woman brings him back to a cottage sitting on the windswept land. Stormbound for days, they come together in explosive passion. But he’s furious when she disappears as soon as the storm dies out. When he arrives back at the Norse Chief’s castle to find Kristin a prisoner, being forced to wed the man who killed her father and stole their clan castle, his strategies put Kristin’s people and her very life at risk. Joshua begins to question the need for war and the basis of his entire life.

REVIEW:
The best way to describe Joshua is a diamond in the rough but the coal is cracking off this diamond. He wants peace. But then Kara walks into her life and she needs him to fight against her Clan Lord. A man Joshua knows well.

I loved Joshua. He was an alpha man but with such a good heart. He just wants to be done with the life he has led but now he also wants Kara. Kara was a bit harder to like. Once they warmed up to each other I warmed up to Kara.

I love the way Heather McCollum writes. She has a way of dragging me in from the first chapter. And I didn’t want to stop reading. I have never been a huge fan of Scottish Romance but have enjoyed a handful of authors and McCollum is one of them.

Can’t wait to read #3.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews A Wedding On Lilac Lane by Hope Ramsey

TITLE: A Wedding On Lilac Lane
SERIES #: Moonlight Bay #4
CHARACTERS: Ella & Dylan
AUTHOR: Hope Ramsay
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/27/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After leaving her old life behind and starting over for good, a former country star finds herself at odds with a handsome new man. But is he the enemy . . . or her only ally?

Musician Ella McMillan can’t believe she just walked away from her life. So long, boyfriend. Goodbye, country music career. Coming home to Magnolia Harbor could be a fresh start with her mom—until Ella discovers that her mother is getting married again. Now Ella’s been roped into planning an engagement party with the groom’s utterly gorgeous and infuriatingly buttoned-up son. Fortunately, they have one thing in common, even if they don’t agree on what to do about it . . .

Dr. Dylan Killough strongly objects to his father’s upcoming marriage. He’ll do almost anything to sabotage the engagement, andhe needsElla’s help. But despite her own feelings, Ella is determined to throw the perfect party and give her mother the wedding of her dreams. Between sampling party hors d’oeuvres and visiting romantic wedding venues, sparks are suddenly flying between Ella and Dylan-and Dylan is questioning everything he thought he knew about relationships. Now can he convince Ella that he believes in happily-ever-afters after all?

REVIEW:
I pick up a Hope Ramsey book anytime I see it so I didn’t even read the synopsis when I requested this from NetGalley. And then when I did I couldn’t help but laugh. Why? Because My high school sweetheart and I just got married…. 30 years after our break up. So this book was going to be right up my alley.

I really liked this story. The romance of the parents is sweet but the connection of Ella and Dylan who are trying to break up the upcoming marriage of their parents. But somehow it brings them close together and how now they each really do believe in love.

Ramsey is great at writing for “real” people. The characters are just like us and I love that about her writing.

Worth every page. Can’t wait for the next in the series!

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Finding Ashley by Danielle Steel

TITLE: Finding Ashley
CHARACTERS: Melissa Henderson
AUTHOR: Danielle Steel
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/27/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Melissa Henderson is leading a quiet life. Once a bestselling author, she now pours all her energy into renovating a Victorian house nestled in the foothills of rural New England. Six years ago, she lost her young son to cancer, and her marriage dissolved. She stopped writing. It was only when she bought the old house that Melissa found a purpose, and came alive as she made it beautiful again.

After a wildfire that threatens her home appears on the news, Melissa receives a call from her sister, Hattie. They were close once, but that was before Melissa withdrew from the world. Now Hattie, who became a nun at twenty-five, is determined to help Melissa turn a new page, even if it means reopening one of the most painful chapters of her life.

At sixteen, a pregnant Melissa was sent to a gloomy convent in Ireland to have— and give up—her baby, to spare the family shame. All these years later, Hattie feels compelled to embark on a journey that will change both their lives forever, and track down the child Melissa gave up.

Finding Ashley is a masterpiece of contemporary drama and tells a gripping story of the strength of the human spirit to chase an impossible dream. It is the story of two strong, brave women turning wrenching loss into reconnection, and a family reunited after bringing dark secrets into the light.

REVIEW:
Danielle Steel. Any fan of women’s lit knows this name. And Finding Ashley is one of the reasons she has lasted so long in this business.

In this story we read about two sisters who have both been through a lot but still believe they can find happiness and contentment. There are some tough moments in the story but Steel puts them there so we can see exactly what the sisters have gone through and what they continue to go through.

I have always liked Danielle Steel. There has never been a story of hers that I was disappointed in and this is the same. There is so much to these characters that we can find in ourselves or someone we love.

Another great read from Danielle Steel.

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

4 Hearts