Tag Archives: slow burn

Review: Bad Reputation by Emma Barry

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In this whip-smart workplace romance from the author of Chick Magnet, a former teen star and an accidental intimacy coordinator have a plan to fix their images—and falling in love would ruin everything.

Cole James’s reputation as Hollywood’s favorite himbo no longer suits him. His fans can’t separate the real man from the character he played on a soapy teen drama decades ago. But that’s going to change with Waverley, the hit streaming historical romance series.

Maggie Niven hates her own notoriety. Fired for directing a divisive play, Maggie takes her fight against censorship public. When Hollywood comes calling, she becomes the new intimacy coordinator for Waverley. But it’s harder than she imagined to focus on the job.

Cole isn’t what she expected—and Maggie is more than he dreamed of. As filming gets underway, the cast’s old traumas lead to real intimacy, and Cole and Maggie struggle with feelings they shouldn’t have. Having an affair on set could destroy his comeback and her new career.

The show must go on. But if Cole and Maggie want a happy ending, they’ll have to start doing things their own way.

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MY REVIEW

Bad Reputation is a well-written and entertaining slow-burn romance. I loved the premise, thought the story was unique, and found the characters intriguing. I enjoyed the romance and appreciated how the author handled the complicated situations.

My biggest issue with this book was the pacing. The pacing was too slow at times which made it hard to stay in the moment.

Overall, I thought this was an okay read and look forward to checking out more from this author in the future.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

Review: The Wrong Bride by Gena Showalter & Jill Monroe

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Vacationing in Scotland, schoolteacher Elizabeth “Elle” Darcy anticipates picturesque landscapes, castles of old and kilt-wearing charmers, not awakening in someone else’s body. Worse, that someone just married enigmatic billionaire Callen Bruce. Though that’s not the biggest problem. To the rest of the world, her new “husband” runs an elite empire. But behind his public persona, he’s a king of berserkers locked in an ancient, supernatural war with wolf-shifters.

Determined to reclaim her normal life, Elle will do anything necessary to switch back with Callen’s real wife. First, she must ditch the disciplined warrior. An impossibility when he refuses to relinquish the bride chosen for him by fate, even though he despises her. Or does he? The growing heat in his eyes says otherwise. Not that it matters. There’s no way this temporary queen will fall for the moody, broody secretive warrior who belongs to another woman. Nope. Not Elle. Not ever. Probably.

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MY REVIEW

What do you do when a vacation of a lifetime turns into an utter nightmare? An innocent life switched and thrust into an unknown world. Left with no other choice, Elle must conform and play the part if she has any chance for survival or getting her old life back…

What a wild, wild ride. The Wrong Bride was filled with so many love/hate moments as the story began to unravel. Not knowing who you could really trust or what would happen when the truth came out. At one point, it felt like the hits would never stop coming, and I had no clue how Elle would get out of this predicament.

Right off the bat, I knew Callen and Elle were going to be a force to be reckoned with. Their story utterly complex, yet entertaining, and filled with the most delicious angst. The angst was out of control and utterly consuming, leaving my emotions at war with themselves.

The stakes had never been higher, and only time would tell if truth and love would overcome the obstacles set before Elle and Callen.

One thing I say for certain is that The Wrong Bride certainly kept me on my toes. I couldn’t and didn’t want to put this book down. This book has great world-building and character development. The paranormal aspects intrigued me, while the chemistry and banter left me salivating for more.

I know it may not seem like it, but my thoughts are a jumbled mess in the best possible way. All I can say is I absolutely loved this book and can not wait to read more from this duo.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *

Pre-Order Blitz for Rival Hearts by W. Million

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Grady Castillo isn’t the biggest fan of Mayor Maggie Sullivan and when he sees she’s up for reelection, he can’t help but throw a wrench into her plans. However, as the race heats up and unwanted feelings arise, Grady begins to realize there’s more to Maggie than meets the eye. Pre-order this sexy, slow-burn, friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance from W. Million today!

Title: Rival Hearts

Author: W. Million

Release Date: 10/04/2024

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Small-Town Romance

Word Count: 91,000 words

Tropes: Small-Town, Enemies-to-Lovers, Second Chance, Rockstar MMC, Slow Burn, Girl Next Door FMC, Secrets, Angsty, Rivals, Brother’s Ex-Girlfriend

Blurb

Coveting my brother’s girlfriend is one thing, but acting on it is a step too far. It’s too bad it’s a step I’ve already taken.

The first time I met Maggie Sullivan, she was my brother’s guest at Sunday dinner. That should have been enough to keep me away. It wasn’t.

The night I lost control and gave into my passion was also the night of my brother’s arrest for selling drugs—a business I was sure Maggie must have had a hand in.

Overwhelmed with guilt, I seized a chance to try out for Center Stage, a televised singing competition. Winning changed my life.

Now, years later, I’ve returned to Little Falls to reconnect with my family, and Maggie Sullivan has somehow managed to become mayor.

With only twenty-four hours until she’s reelected uncontested, I decide to throw a wrench into her perfect life.

When the race heats up, and old, unwanted feelings surface, I start to realize that Maggie might not fit the box I’ve shoved her into all these years.

Soon, I’m wondering if I want to steal the election, or if the real victory lies in winning Maggie’s heart.

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About W. Million

W. Million is an award-winning author whose contemporary romances about strong women and troubled men have captivated her loyal readers. She is the author of the Bellerive Royals series and the Tucker Family Billionaires series. Writing as Wendy Million, she is the author of the contemporary second chance romances, When Stars Fall and Miss Matched.

When not writing, Wendy enjoys spending time in or around the water. She lives in Ontario, Canada with two beautiful daughters, two cute pooches, and one handsome husband (who is grateful she doesn’t need two of those).

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Release Blitz: Married With Lies by Cora Brent

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MARRIED WITH LIES BY CORA BRENT 

Release date: August 22nd

Genre/Tropes: Sunshine Animal Lover and Grumpy Mafia Prince / ONE BED Antics / Hilarious ‘Opposites Attract’ Banter / Age Gap / Slow Burn / Small Town Mischief / Protective Hero

MARRIED WITH LIES by Cora Brent is NOW LIVE!!

Make sure to grab this all-new fake marriage of convenience romance TODAY!

NOW AVAILABLE!

https://books2read.com/u/bz2rzj

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Sunshine Animal Lover and Grumpy Mafia Prince

ONE BED Antics

Hilarious ‘Opposites Attract’ Banter

Age Gap 

Slow Burn 

Small Town Mischief 

Protective Hero

BLURB

See this diamond ring on my finger? 

A grouchy mafia hitman put it there and I barely know him. 

If you think that sounds wild, wait until you hear the rest of the story…

Everyone knows Carmine ‘Cale’ Connelly is the second in command to his terrifying uncle, head of the Amato crime family. A decade older and formerly one of my brother’s best friends, Cale has always been a man to steer clear of. The fact that he’s a towering monument of muscled sin and piercing eyes is irrelevant.  

Anyway, I haven’t seen much of Cale in years. He’s practically a stranger by now. I had no reason to change that. 

All I cared about was finding a way to save my beloved animal sanctuary. This wasn’t easy, especially when my family and I were barely on speaking terms after I ditched wedding plans to the horrid son of my father’s business partner.  

When Cale suggested we could help each other, I thought he was kidding. 

But Cale was looking for a way out of a marriage arrangement. 

Meanwhile, I needed enough cash to save my rescue ranch. 

All we had to do was tie the knot, convince everyone that we’re in love and hope that Cale’s mafia boss uncle doesn’t catch on. 

Just a few simple lies, right?   

But something happened while we were pretending. 

Our arguments turned flirtatious. Our kisses became passionate.

And Cale Connelly turned out to be far more than a fearsome enigma. 

Now this little game of make believe we’ve been playing is the biggest lie of all. 

And I’m in WAY over my head…

About the Author:

Cora Brent was born in a cold climate and escaped as soon as it was legally possible. Now, she lives in the desert with her husband, two kids and a prickly pear cactus she has affectionately named ‘Spot’. Cora’s closet is filled with boxes of unfinished stories that date back her 1980’s childhood and all her life she has dreamed of being an author.  Amazingly, she is now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling writer of contemporary romance and begs not to be awakened from this dream.

Connect w/Cora:

Website: http://corabrent.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CoraBrentAuthor/

Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/541636375991776/

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Review: King of Nothing by Aurora Rose Reynolds

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I met him when my ship was sinking, and I clung to him through the storm. Little did I know he needed me as much as I needed him.

The first time I saw Roman Dante King, he stuck out like an odd puzzle piece that got mixed up in the wrong box. It wasn’t his blue eyes in the dim light of the bar, the tattoos that covered his arms and hands, or even his arrogant personality. It was something else—something I couldn’t see—that told me he didn’t belong in our small beach town on the Oregon coast.

Elora Mazie Barlow reminded me of a hummingbird zipping from one flower to another, never stopping, never allowing anyone more than a glimpse before she was gone. Never letting anyone in… until me. Then she gave me her smiles that were more valuable than anything I ever owned and wrapped me in her peace without asking for anything in return.

Her tragic story sounded achingly familiar to my own.

Our connection is knotted up in loss. The journey we’re on together will eventually come to an end. But will we be able to untangle the mess of strings that have tied us together?

Will we even want to?

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MY REVIEW

Aurora Rose Reynolds never ceases to amaze me. The queen of unforgettable insta-love romances delivered a touching and emotional slow-burn romance.

Elora was a loving and devoted daughter whose life was turned upside down when her mother passed away. Determined to live each moment and finish seeing all the places her mom wanted to visit, Elora finds herself on a road trip none of her friends or family could understand. What she never planned on was meeting Roman. Their chance meeting sparked off a series of events and an unexplainable connection. You see, Roman was no stranger to loss and wasn’t ready to face the reality waiting for him back home. Roman and Elora set out on an unforgettable journey of healing and might just fall in love along the way….

King of Nothing is the kind of story that sneaks up on you and consumes you. The characters are so easy to connect and relate to. Roman and Elora are dealing with their own grief and tragedy, and find comfort in having someone who understands what they’re going through. The connection they form is deep, yet unexpected. I loved that their romance had a slow build to it. Roman and Elora were complete opposites and took the time to get to know one another but didn’t try to fight the pull they felt either. Roman was the alpha hero every girl wishes for. He knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. If there was something he can do to make Elora’s life even a smidgen easier, he’ll stop at nothing to make it happen. Being together was as easy as breathing for Elora and Roman; it was effortless.

King of Nothing is so much more than romance. It’s a beautiful and touching story filled with grief and healing. It’s a story of finding peace and your soulmate when you least expect it. With her signature writing style and ability to make you fall head over heels for her characters, Aurora Rose Reynolds knocked it out of the park with this book If you’re looking for an unforgettable love story with a deep connection and stubborn characters you won’t want to miss this King of Nothing.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

Review: The Best of All by Karla Sorensen

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He’s commitment phobic. She believes in happy endings. The twist of fate that binds them is a surprise they never saw coming in a bittersweet romance about instant family—and not-so-instant love.

A decade-old animosity is the only thing Liam Davies and Zoe Valentine have in common. Until their mutual best friends pass away and they’re appointed co-guardians of the trusting couple’s precocious toddler, Mira.

Liam is committed only to professional football. Relationship-wise, he’s even better at defense. Still wrestling with a tough childhood, he’s not cut out to be a father. Why his late best buddy believed in him, Liam has no idea.

An optimistic romantic, Zoe has always dreamed of a fairy-tale life. But even though Liam’s biceps make her dizzy and she can’t stop thinking about his lips on hers, he’s not exactly Prince Charming. With or without that brooding Brit, she is determined to make good on her friends’ last wish.

Forced into a predicament they never expected, Zoe and Liam are discovering things about each other that could scorch through boundaries, warm hearts, and change minds. And best of all, with their shared love for a pint-size surprise like Mira, they might just turn a house into a home.

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MY REVIEW

The Best of All is a sweet, heartwarming, instant family romance that will take readers on a rollercoaster ride of emotion as Liam and Zoe navigate their way through the cards life has dealt them.

Liam had to be one of the most frustrating characters I’ve encountered in a long time. While he’s got his reasons, he’s grumpy and extremely closed off. He comes across as a total jerk; the kind of guy you wouldn’t want to bother unless you absolutely had to. So when he finds himself as one of the guardians of his friend’s daughter, Mira, he’s like a fish out of water and utterly clueless. But, as time goes on, Mira manages to break down his walls and bring out a side of Liam that no one knew existed. That brings us to Zoe. Zoe has always wanted a family, but it never seemed to be in the cards for her. It wasn’t until after her divorce that she found herself as one of the caregivers of Mira. She provides Mira with the strength and stability she needs, however, it’s tough doing it all on her own. So, imagine her surprise when Liam steps up and provides a helping hand.

I really enjoyed Liam and Zoe’s story. It starts off utterly heartbreaking and consumes you right from the first page. As you get to know Zoe and Liam, you discover their relationship is anything but friendly. They rocked the enemies-to-lovers vibe like no other. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Liam and Zoe’s world gets turned upside down, and find themselves partners in a situation they never expected. Of course, the more time, Liam and Zoe spend together, the more you discover a delicious tension simmering beneath the surface. There is more to these two characters than meets the eye and I loved watching them navigate their way through the challenges set before them.

This book is the definition of slow burn. And while there isn’t a ton of steam, what’s there is satisfying. This romance is worth the wait and left me with a big smile on my face.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*

RELEASE BLITZ – Pack Reject by Merri Bright

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RELEASE BLITZ

Title: Pack Reject

Series: The Splintered Bond #1

Author: Merri Bright

Genre: Paranormal Wolf Shifter Romance

Tropes: Reverse Harem/Soulmates

Touch Her and Die

Release Date: June 26, 2024

BLURB

I’m the pack reject. The prey. 

For years, I’ve kept myself safe from my small pack’s males, hiding in sewers and sleeping in trees to keep their teeth out of my neck. They don’t really want me, just the power and prestige that comes with winning the Hunt. I only want to survive. 

In three days, at the Enforcer Games, I’ll have one chance to escape. But when the Games begin, and the most powerful shifters in the world arrive at my packlands and scent me, a new Hunt begins. 

They’re the princes of our world. And they’re willing to break the rules to get me.

Pack Reject is the first book in a new reverse harem paranormal wolf shifter series from Amazon Top 50 and Vella bestselling author Merri Bright. Fated mates who are driven to reject each other, powerful enemies in unlikely places, and a fierce heroine who will change the world…if she can survive the Hunt.

This is a slow burn, medium-dark romance with a cliffhanger, fated/rejected mates, possessive MMCs, a morally gray, unhinged MMC, and a badass/traumatized FMC. Please read the content advisories in the Author’s Note. 

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213443987-pack-reject

PURCHASE LINKS

US: https://amzn.to/3QO65zX
UK: https://amzn.to/3JZqHkZ
CA: https://amzn.to/3K0Y1rR
AU: https://amzn.to/4bjS2Kq
Universal: https://bit.ly/4azLC8N

Free in Kindle Unlimited

COMING SOON IN THE SPLINTERED BOND SERIES

#2 Pack Refuge

US: https://amzn.to/3xkTg9T

UK: https://amzn.to/3RJg0Hw

CA: https://amzn.to/4bjyEN5

AU: https://amzn.to/3VTfZ6g

Universal: https://bit.ly/4cbEUI0

AUTHOR BIO

Merri Bright writes stories filled with magic, since those are the books she loves to read. She spends her days dreaming about naughty angels, misunderstood demons, sexy shifters, growly Alpha males, and frequently refuses to limit her heroines to just one love interest. Please join Merri’s Mischief Makers on Facebook where you’ll discover random giveaways, sneak peeks of new novels, book recommendations, and silly/sexy/funny stuff.

AUTHOR LINKS

Website: http://www.merribright.com

Newsletter: http://www.merribright.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merribright

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merribrightdark

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/merribrightauthor

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Release Blitz with Review: Indigo Ridge by Devney Perry

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Release Blitz with Review: Indigo Ridge by Devney Perry

Indigo Ridge by Devney Perry is now live!

From USA Today Bestselling Author Devney Perry comes a small town, enemies-to-lovers contemporary romance.

Winslow Covington believes in life, liberty and the letter of the law. As Quincy, Montana’s new chief of police, she’s determined to prove herself to the community and show them she didn’t earn her position because her grandfather is the mayor.

According to her pops, all she has to do is earn favor with the Edens. But winning over the town’s founding family might have been easier if not for her one-night stand with their oldest son. In her defense, it was her first night in town and she didn’t realize that the rugged and charming man who wooed her into bed was Quincy royalty.

Sleeping with Griffin Eden was a huge mistake, one she’s trying to forget. He’s insufferable, arrogant and keeps reminding everyone that she’s an outsider. Winslow does her best to avoid Griffin, but when a woman is found dead on Eden property, the two of them have no choice but to cross paths.

As clues to the murderer lead to one of Quincy’s own, Griffin realizes Winslow is more than he gave her credit for. Beautiful and intelligent, she proves hard to resist. For him. And the killer. 

Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Audible, Kobo, Barnes & Noble!

Amazon: https://geni.us/lx0xr7A

Apple Books: https://geni.us/uLzjfUh

Nook: https://geni.us/I9YiN

Kobo: https://geni.us/SUfD9

Audible: https://adbl.co/3BbMSh3

Narrated by: Vanessa Edwin & Jason Clarke

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3hbPdCe

My Review

“One morning spent in a rocking chair, and the world had shifted. Like going for a ride and veering off the main path to get a look from a different angle, and then discovering that the trail you’d been on was lacking in every way imaginable.”

“…Sank in with her. Deeper and deeper. She pulled. I followed.”

“I don’t think I could quit you if I tried.”

I loved, loved, loved this book!! What an amazing start to the Edens Series! Winslow and Griffin had me hooked from page one and left me hanging on each and every word…

Indigo Ridge is the first book in The Edens Series and it follows the story of Winslow and Griffin. When we first meet up with Winslow, she’s new in town and is determined to make a name for herself, win over her co-workers, and the town’s founding family, the Edens….The last thing Griffin has time for is the newest resident in Quincy. Every chance he gets, he reminds Winslow that she’s an outsider. Winslow does her best to stay away from Griffin, but fate had other plans for these two…

Winslow was one tough cookie! Life hasn’t exactly been a walk in the park for her and she dealt with everything life threw at her with an unimaginable grace. She is the type of person who never gives up, listens to her gut, and always sticks to her guns. And then we have Griffin. Griffin loves his family and loves his community. He’s not a fan of newcomers and can be a jerk when you don’t really know him. There is more to Griffin than meets the eye and he is definitely an unforgettable book boyfriend.

I loved the romance between Griffin and Winslow. The moment these two were around each other, you just knew that one night was never going to be enough. Their chemistry was off the charts and just oozed off the pages. I loved the way their relationship just flowed. It was an incredible slow burn that just left you aching for more. Ugh! I just couldn’t get enough of these two together.

If the incredible romance wasn’t enough to keep you glued to the pages, Devney Perry threw in a mystery that will keep readers guessing. I loved trying to figure out what was going on and putting all of the clues together. I had my suspicions and was pleasantly surprised when it all came together in the end.

Indigo Ridge hit all the marks for this reader. Indigo Ridge is a captivating and entertaining read. It’s well written and will easily consume all your thoughts. If you’re like me, you won’t be able to put this book down. I personally devoured it in just a few short hours. Indigo Ridge is the perfect blend of romance, drama, and suspense. I loved all the small-town feels and enemies to lovers vibe. I loved the danger and I loved that this author kept me on my toes. Honestly, I loved every moment of this story and can not wait to dive further into this series!

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

Meet Devney

Devney is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in Washington with her husband and two sons. Born and raised in Montana, she loves writing books set in her treasured home state. After working in the technology industry for nearly a decade, she abandoned conference calls and project schedules to enjoy a slower pace at home with her family. Writing one book, let alone many, was not something she ever expected to do. But now that she’s discovered her true passion for writing romance, she has no plans to ever stop.

Connect with Devney

Website: www.devneyperry.com

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2kncXnb.

Amazon: https://geni.us/nAXkP

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/devneyperrybooks

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/324585607979213/

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/devneyperry

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Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/devneyperry

Book Review – Room For You (Cranberry Inn) by Beth Ehemann

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This book has been out for a little while now and I had looked at it a few times but passed it by in favour of something else. I’m glad I finally one-clicked it. What a cute story! The twins sealed the deal for me. There are few things I love more in this world than twinos and redheads and this book had them both.

Kacie has been burnt by men. First, when her father walked out on her and her mother when she was a teenager, and then again when her boyfriend left her and their twin daughters with nothing more than a scribble “see ya” on the back of an old receipt. Now Kacie lives a quiet life. Her days are spent helping her mother out around the family Inn, studying to become a nurse, and bringing up her twin daughters.

Brody Murphy, a local hockey star, is seeking refuge from a nasty storm when he comes across the Inn. An undeniable bond is formed between them but Kacie is struggling to move on from the past. The story that follows is a sweet story of two different people from different worlds trying to find a way to live their lives together.

First off, I love the romance in this book. There was instant attraction but not instant love. They agreed to take things slowly and spent time with each other before…getting down to business. I’m not a prude by any means but I love that they took the time to get to know each other first! There was a good base to start a relationship on.

This story was told in dual POVs and both Brody and Kacies personalities shone through. Brody was so sweet, but also had a very funny & stubborn side to him. They had an intense conversation about the word “moist” that made me snort like an idiot. He was golden.

“Oh I see you’re back again, smiley face. I hope you’re ready to get your ass kicked this time. I’m gonna turn that on eye into a wink if it kills me.”

Kacie was lovely. I would have liked her to have a liiiittle bit more spunk though. I actually found myself enjoying her friend Alexa more. But I admire the way she loved her children. So many young mothers in her position wouldn’t do half as good of a job and she did. She was a strong character and I loved her for it!

Room For You didn’t end on a relationship cliff-hanger BUT the epilogue did have a cliff-hanger at the end of it in the form of her ex-boyfriend (and father to the Twinkies) showing up at the hospital where Kacie worked. So there is definitely more of this story to be told. I won’t be rushing off to buy the sequel,  Room For More, immediately because I’m just not a huge fan of drawn out romance series. I know some people will want to shoot me for this, but I just kind of feel like it’s pointless and I get bored of the story. I will however be picking it up when I next have a book lull to see how Kacie and Brody’s story ends.

“You were scared, Kacie, just like you are about life. I wanted you to see that sometimes, even when something terrifies you, if you just give it a chance its actually pretty incredible.”

All in all, a cute read. My husbands on holiday at the moment so I managed to get him to entertain our kiddos while I devoured this in an afternoon.