Blog Tour: Million Dollar Devil

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour. I have to say that this book looks pretty interesting, and I can’t wait to jump in!

Million Dollar Devil by Katy Evans

Release Date: May 28, 2019

Million Dollar Devil, a devilish contemporary romance where big-city sophistication meets carnal hunger from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katy Evans.

Heir apparent to her father’s company, Lizzy Banks needs a man. The perfect man. But when the rich “fundbabies” she usually rubs shoulders with prove impossible to hire, she takes a chance on a raw beast of a man salvaged from the wreckage of a bar brawl.

James Rowan earns a modest income as a YouTube daredevil, but he can’t refuse Lizzy’s million dollar deal. As she polishes his rough edges, creating a sophisticated gentleman fit for the highest circles of society, not only does she bring out the perfect man—it’s like she’s making the man of her dreams. How can she resist?

Though Lizzy loves seeing James in his clothes—and out of them—he isn’t the kind of man you bring home to Daddy. Her father’s disapproval and the pressure of the campaign have her eyeing the straight and narrow, but Lizzy’s finding it awfully hard to resist the devil on her shoulder…

A stand-alone, contemporary romance.

Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2WFkkby

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/MillionDollarDevilKE

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2UkaXSg

Excerpt:

He has a face that—until now—only existed in my dreams. Hard jaw, chiseled to perfection. Firm, plush, kissable lips. Sharp, pristine blue eyes that feel like lasers zeroing in on me. He catches my gaze, and the devil’s smile suddenly playing on his lips is worth a million bucks. That’s exactly how much it cost me. What this guy cost me. I would’ve paid so much more. It’s like he’s the only man in the room. Like he belongs here. Confidence oozes out of his every pore. Masculinity envelops him as perfectly as his custom black suit. He walks like he owns the place. My heart beats harder and harder for him. I can’t believe I got him to agree to this. Women are vying for his attention. His moves are smooth. Sophisticated. Elegant. “An autograph?” a young woman asks shyly. He takes the notepad and pen she extends and scribbles his name, his voice low and rough. “There you go.” Beneath all that polish is his raw masculine energy. The determination that brought him here. “James . . .” I halt him before we go any farther. “Whatever happens . . .” He looks at me. A thousand words lingering in his look. “I know.” But does he? I’ve fallen in love with my own creation. I polished a diamond, and now it’s flawless. Perfect. But it’s not mine to keep. He is not mine to keep. This elite world he’s about to join isn’t one he was born into. These fans only know him because of me. His place at the top? That’s not where I found him.

About Katy:

Katy Evans is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her debut REAL shot to the top of the bestselling lists in 2013 and since then 9 of her titles have been New York Times bestsellers. Her books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages across the world.

Connect with Katy:

Email: katyevansauthor@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorKatyEvans

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorkatyevans

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6997072.Katy_Evans

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

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/katy-evans

Amazon Author: https://amzn.to/2rdox8A

May 23, 2019May 23, 2019

Review and Blog Tour: Undeniable

Let’s be honest right off the bat: this book had me at “distillery” and “rye whiskey.” I knew I was going to like it based on that alone.

But for you guys, I’ll talk about the other stuff as well.

I loved the way the author rolled out the relationship between Chloe and Oliver and how we got to see it from both of their perspectives. It gave the story more depth and allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations. I also liked how it was nearly the end of the book before we finally got the full story and background. That curiosity helped move the plot along.

(Yeah, I know it’s a romance and all that, but sometimes I like to have a little bit of substance in between the sexy, romantic times. So sue me)

And as to those sexy, romantic times? I make notes in my Kindle when I’m reading, because it helps me write my reviews. There is a scene in the bedroom about 1/3 of the way through that I just typed “Holy hell that’s hot.” But there was also another about 1/2 way through where I commented “le sigh.” I love that the author balanced hot sex and romance and got them both perfect.

Oh, and about that rye? I absolutely got into the story that Oliver told Chloe about the growing of the rye. That was a fantastic historical piece and added a lot to the story.

When I received this, I didn’t realize it was the second in a series, so I’m going to find the first one, and believe me, I will be looking out for the rest in the series.

Undeniable by Melanie Harlow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Undeniably sweet, undeniably sexy, and undeniably romantic (with a little bit of snark), the author couldn’t have picked a better title for this book. Oliver and Chloe are a study in missed opportunities, but the inevitability that they will end up together cannot be denied. Everyone seems to know it except for them. The author deftly maneuvers between present and past and between Oliver and Chloe. It sounds complicated, but it all worked smoothly, and I was never confused. I loved how Chloe was no pushover and that she was a strong character in general (not just when it came to romance). At times dreamy and then steamy, this book covered all the bases, and I can’t wait to read more from this author. Visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews for a more detailed review. This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release digital ARC.

View all my reviews

May 17, 2019May 12, 2019

Excited to be a stop on this Blog Tour!

Read why I loved this book, and then go pick up a copy for yourself.

Meet the Author:

Rebecca Brooks lives in New York City in an apartment filled with books. She received a PhD in English but decided it was more fun to write books than write about them. She has backpacked alone through India and Brazil, traveled by cargo boat down the Amazon River, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, explored ice caves in Peru, trekked to the source of the Ganges, and sunbathed in Burma, but she always likes coming home to a cold beer and her hot husband in the Bronx. She likes outdoorsy guys with both muscle and heart and independent women ready to try something new.

Connect: Site | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

About the Book:

Falling head-first into the wrong woman’s bed was not how Reed Bishop’s night was supposed to go. Now a gorgeous, half-naked ballet dancer was threatening his manhood…with a book. He can’t blame her.

It wasn’t how it seemed—he was just doing his job, tracking down his lead informant, who, unfortunately, took off, leaving him to figure out what to do with her friend. Staying in her apartment was no longer safe.

And that’s how he got himself into this mess.

Now she’s sleeping in his bed while he tosses and turns on the couch.

There are pink tights in his bathroom.

Pointe shoes next to his boots.

He swears he won’t touch her like that…but he can’t ignore his fantasies.

As a tattooed, muscled DEA Agent, Reed’s seen some things. Drug dealers, murderers…He can’t let Talia get close. Even though she’s made it clear they’re both fighting the same hunger. And he definitely can’t use his handcuffs on her…no matter how much she begs.

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | AppleBooks | Kobo

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Giveaway:

$15 Amazon Gift Card

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May 9, 2019May 9, 2019

Blog Tour/Book Review: Better Than Me

As y’all know, I read a lot of romances, so I am pretty well-versed in the usual romance tropes. I love it when I find a book that tackles a romance from a different angle and doesn’t fall into the usual patterns. Better Than Me by Kimberly Kincaid falls into this category.

I appreciated the depth that the author put into the characters’ backstories. It made their actions much more believable and real. There was just enough quirkiness and humor to make it real without being over the top; sometimes subtlety is the key to building a relationship. The writing style perfectly mirrored how the characters related to each other.

I also liked that the characters were equals – both doctors. While the “female in a lesser job meets guy who gives her better chances” has its place in romance novels, it’s refreshing to find a book where the characters can spar with each other on a level playing field. This added to Nat and Jonah’s connection; they worked with each other very well.

As I mentioned in my Goodreads review (see below), this book gave me all of the feels. I snorted with laughter at some of the scenes, especially involving the staff at the hospital, and I got choked up with tears a few times as well (I’m not going to spoil it for you, you’ll know the parts when you read them). I also got that neat butterfly feeling in my stomach when the characters came to their senses and made important decisions. The emotion of the characters practically spilled off the pages for me.

I especially liked how the author set up the next book in the series. Instead of “Hey, here’s the end of this story, on to the next couple,” it was more of a “stay tuned to find out what happens.” I don’t feel like Nat and Jonah’s story is over yet. And I will be reading the next books in the series (as well as going back and finding the first one). These are characters I’m not ready to let go of just yet.

Oh, and one final word. Natalie’s view on adoption made me love her even more. It’s personal for me and I appreciate when an author gets it right.

Better Than Me by Kimberly Kincaid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You gotta love a book that starts with a bathtub in a living room. With that setup, Better Than Me takes what could have been a standard friends-to-lovers story and gives it an edge. Nat and Jonah have always been close, but each has baggage that prevents them from thinking of each other as anything but best friends. Of course, as the plot progresses, they start to realize that there may be more there for each of them. This book gave me all of the feels: I laughed out loud and shed tears. I even liked that the book didn’t exactly end with a conventional HEA and I look forward to reading more of Nat and Jonah’s stories in future books. Visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews for more on thoughts on this book. My review was written based on a pre-release digital ARC.

View all my reviews

May 8, 2019May 8, 2019

BLOG TOUR: Sweet Home Louisiana

IT’S AVAILABLE NOW! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!? (Here’s a reminder as to why you should be excited to read this)

Sweet Home Louisiana, an all-new sexy, small town, second chance rom com from New York Times bestselling author Erin Nicholas, is available now!

Thanks to a drawn-up-while-drinking-moonshine partnership agreement, Madison Allain has to spend thirty days back on the bayou before she can sell her part of the family business.

And if the heat and humidity and freaking alligators of Louisiana aren’t enough to agitate the cool and in-control California girl, then Owen Landry, the equally hot guy who stole her heart twelve years ago, will sure do the trick.

Owen just has to remember three simple-ish rules: Do not fight with her. Do not fight *over* her. Do *not* kiss her. He can do this. He’s charming and friendly for a living after all. But this is Maddie. The only woman to ever shake up this laid-back bayou boy.

Besides, she’s not staying. No way. These people and this town make her crazy. She doesn’t want to be crazy. She definitely does *not* want to own a swamp boat tour company. She just wants to paint. In her quiet, beautiful, alligators-not-allowed, *air-conditioned* art studio.

As for that hot bayou boy? Well, he’s…amazing. But he belongs here in the South. And she definitely doesn’t. Even if her heart stays behind when she leaves.

Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2IeBN7M

AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2FZZE7q

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/SweetHomeLA

Nook: http://bit.ly/2Gg0fDw

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2GfO3T3

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2X5aLmK

Excerpt:

Owen felt his mouth curve into a grin as he heard the familiar clap, clap, clap behind him. That was one of his favorite sounds—high heels on the wooden dock of the Boys of the Bayou swamp boat tour company. He took his time turning and once he did, he started at the shoes. They were black and showed off bright red toenails. The straps wrapped sexily around trim ankles and led the eye right up to smooth, toned calves. The heels matched the black polka dots on the white skirt that thankfully didn’t start until mid-thigh, and showed off more tanned skin. He straightened from his kneeling position in one of the boats as his eyes kept moving up past the skirt to the bright red belt that accentuated a narrow waist and then to the silky black tank that molded to a pair of perfect breasts. He was fully anticipating her lips being bright red to go with that belt and her toenail polish. God, he loved red lipstick. And high heels. In any color. But before he could get to those lips, she used them, to say, “Oh, dammit, it’s you.” Owen’s gaze bypassed her mouth to fly to her eyes. Because he’d know that voice anywhere. Madison Allain was home. A day early. Not that an extra day would have helped him prepare. He’d been thinking about her visit for a week and was still as wound tight about it as he’d been when Sawyer, his business partner and cousin, had told him that she was coming home. For a month. Owen stood just watching her, fighting back all of the first words that he was tempted to say. Like, “Damn, you’re even more gorgeous than the last time I saw you.” Or, “I haven’t put anyone in the hospital lately.” Or, “I’ve missed you so fucking much.” Just for instance. She blew out a breath and now he did focus on her lips. Yep, red. Terrific. That wasn’t going to make ignoring them any easier. “I was hoping you were Sawyer,” she said, propping a hand on her hip. Owen tossed the wrench he held into the toolbox at his feet. “Nope. Sorry.” So she wasn’t happy to see him. Big shocker. He hadn’t always been the perfect Southern gentleman around Maddie, that was for sure. He wiped his hands on his jeans. Okay, he was supposed to be niceto her. That meant treating her like she was one of the tourists who frequented this dock. Polite. Friendly, but not I’ve-known-you-my-whole-life-and-kissed-you-a-whole-bunch friendly. Just mildly hey-how’s-it-goin’ friendly. So that she didn’t sell off her portion of the business that not only fed him and his other two partners, but that was their pride and joy. And the only thing he was really good at. Nice. Polite. A little friendly—but not too much. He could do that. Annoyed that within thirty seconds of seeing her again he was already thinking about kissing her, he kicked the toolbox, trying to slide it into the nook under the bow of the boat. Of course, he kicked it too hard and it tipped, spilling tools over the floor of the boat with loud clangs of metal against metal. He shoved a hand through his hair. That was typical. Everything was an overreaction when it came to how he acted around Maddie. Even the little stuff. Certainly the big stuff. Always had been. “Sawyer’s over at Ellie’s.” Owen pulled himself up out of the boat and onto the dock. That took him about two feet closer to her and he instantly became aware that he wasn’t wearing a shirt. Very aware as Maddie’s eyes tracked over his shoulders, chest and abs. The heat that arrowed through him was unwelcome. Though not unexpected. There had always been this crazy chemistry between them. Key word: crazy.

Start the series of standalones with My Best Friend’s Mardi Gras Wedding

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2UBLtPk

AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2VkWIZ4

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/MardiGrasErin

Nook: http://bit.ly/2WRqc1M

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2YTnZoj

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2TXbuo0

Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2WWEVIT

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2BRrdPo

About Erin Nicholas

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Erin Nicholas has been writing romances almost as long as she’s been reading them. To date, she’s written over thirty sexy, contemporary novels that have been described as “toe-curling,” “enchanting,” “steamy,” and “fun.” She adores reluctant heroes, imperfect heroines, and happily ever afters. Erin lives in the Midwest, where she enjoys spending time with her husband (who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books), her kids (who will never read the sex scenes in her books), and her family and friends (who claim to be “shocked” by the sex scenes in her books).

Connect with Erin

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2Ghek4N

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2BqNKSU

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2WSZxlR

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

Website: https://erinnicholas.com

Stay up to date with Erin by joining her mailing list: http://bit.ly/2Gj56oC

May 8, 2019May 9, 2019

Blog Tour: Well Suited by Staci Hart

Well Suited, the final standalone in the Red Lipstick Coalition Series from Staci Hart, is available now!

Chemistry is my love language.

I’ve always been able to separate feelings from chemosignals. A shot of dopamine, a dash of serotonin, and a sprinkle of oxytocin—and bam. You’re in love.

And when egg meets sperm, you’re pregnant.

I couldn’t even be surprised as I stared down at the little blue plus sign, because I knew exactly when and how, and with whom it happened.

When: approximately five weeks ago. Who: one night stand. How: prophylactic malfunction.

The upside? I don’t have to go looking for a suitable mate.

Genetically, he’s the cream of the crop. His musculature is a study in symmetry and strength, his height imposing and dominant. He is a man who thrives on control and command, a man who survives on intelligence and resourcefulness. A perfect male specimen.

And the whole package is wrapped up in a flawlessly tailored suit.

I’m having this baby, and he insists we’re well-suited to have it together. And what’s worse? He wants more, in the way of love and marriage.

But love isn’t real. It’s just a product of chemistry.

And if he changes my mind about that, we’re both in trouble.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2V07dpi Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/WellSuitedSH

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2JjTzbd

About the Author

Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life — a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can’t forget that. She’s also been a mom, with three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She’s been a wife, though she’s certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She’s also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she’s been drinking whiskey.

From roots in Houston to a seven year stint in Southern California, Staci and her family ended up settling somewhere in between and equally north, in Denver. They are new enough that snow is still magical. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, sleeping, gaming, or designing graphics.

Connect with Staci:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2hv5OA5 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stacihartnovels Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quirkybird/?hl=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/imaquirkybird Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/imaquirkybird/ Website: http://stacihartnovels.com Stay up to date with Staci by joining her mailing list: http://stacihartnovels.com/get-the-newsletter/ Join Her Reader Group Here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stacihart/

May 4, 2019May 4, 2019

Blog Tour: Love & Ghosts

Don’t know about you guys, but I think this one looks like one to definitely pick up!

Presents : Blog Tour

Love & Ghosts

by Carrie Pulkinen

AMAZON | GOODREADS

Series: Crescent City Ghost Tours; Book One

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Love in the Big Easy shouldn’t be so hard.

Trying to add some excitement to her life, Emily Rollins accepts a dare to kiss a masked stranger at a charity ball. Fireworks ignite with that simple kiss, and she longs to learn more about the enchanting man. But Emily has lost so much of her heart already; succumbing to his charm is the last thing she needs.

Sean LeBlanc is a medium who runs the most popular haunted tour company in New Orleans. When Emily shows up on his ghost tour, with no idea he’s the mystery man from the ball, the long-buried emotions she unearthed in him are rekindled, and he’s convinced he can learn to love again. The problem is Emily doesn’t believe in the supernatural.

Just as Sean begins to open her mind to the existence of spirits and the possibility of love, a mysterious wooden box with a sinister power arrives on Emily’s doorstep, threatening her sanity and her life. If Sean can’t convince her ghosts are real, her disbelief will doom them both.

Follow the Author

About the Author

Carrie Pulkinen is a paranormal romance author who has always been fascinated with things that go bump in the night. Of course, when you grow up next door to a cemetery, the dead (and the undead) are hard to ignore. Pair that with her passion for writing and her love of a good happily-ever-after, and becoming a paranormal romance romance seems like the only logical career choice.

Before she decided to turn her love of the written word into a career, Carrie spent the first part of her professional life as a high school journalism and yearbook teacher. She loves good chocolate and bad pens, and in her free time, she likes to read, drink wine, and travel with her family.

Hosted by: RRR PROMOTION

May 3, 2019May 4, 2019

Blog Tour: The East End

This book is different from anything I’ve read in a long time. Read more of my thoughts on it, and then pick it up when it releases on May 7!

Author Bio: Jason Allen grew up in a working-class home in the Hamptons, where he worked a variety of blue-collar jobs for wealthy estate owners. He writes fiction, poetry, and memoir, and is the author of the poetry collection A MEDITATION ON FIRE. He has an MFA from Pacific University and a PhD in literature and creative writing from Binghamton University, and currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, where he teaches writing. THE EAST END is his first novel.

May 3, 2019May 7, 2019

Book Review: The East End

I was very excited to be invited to be a part of the blog tour for this book and I couldn’t wait to read it. I was not disappointed.

Right away, the reader gets the feeling of the socio-economic divide that is part of the tapestry of the area commonly known as the Hamptons. While there are people who live there year-around, it really “comes alive” in the summer when ultra-rich Manhattanites make their pilgrimage to the shores of Long Island for a few months of sun and fun.

It is ironic, then, that the characters in this novel actually feel quite dead; whether it is due to dead end jobs, or having to put up a front in one’s personal life, the main characters consistently find themselves at loose ends and without many prospects.

It was evident that the author was writing from experience (or at least personal knowledge) because his detail painted extremely vivid pictures. What was extremely illustrative, however, was how he was able to draw parallels between the characters. When faced with tragedy, they each come to some stark realizations.

The exploration of themes such as “money can’t buy love,” and “there’s no way out of a bad situation if you’re poor” are juxtaposed perfectly. Each character ultimately realizes that they DO have control over their situations, and it is very interesting to see the choices that each of them make.

I enjoyed this book immensely. It was deep and had an interesting plot. The characters were well-developed and their actions were realistic. I highly recommend this study of human nature. My Goodreads review is below.

The East End by Jason Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This page-turner set in the Hamptons perfectly illustrates that adage that money can’t buy happiness and of how quickly lives can become intertwined due to a single incident. I thought that the perspectives of the characters and how each of them reacted to their situations was extremely well-done. The character studies were a fascinating juxtaposition of roles: in some cases, the people who usually felt powerless held the most power, while the people who usually controlled everything completely lost control. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. Visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews for some deeper thoughts on the book. This review was written based on a pre-release digital ARC provided by NetGalley.

View all my reviews

May 1, 2019May 1, 2019

BOOK REVIEW: Nothing But Trouble by Amy Andrews

If you read enough books in any genre, they eventually all start to blend together. So, when you find one that stands out for any reason, it’s kind of like finding a diamond in the rough.

That’s how I feel about Nothing but Trouble by Amy Andrews. Even though it could easily fall into both the Sports Romance and Boss/Employee Romance categories, it’s much more than either one of those.

Cecilia (CC) has been the PA for former quarterback Wade Carter for nearly six years. As her contract is expiring, she is more than ready to leave the on-call 24/7 life behind and start a new life in California. Wade, however, has other plans. Fate probably has a little something to throw in as well.

I loved this book because it was different in quite a few ways. First, Wade is not the usual absolute monster/a-hole/jerk of a boss – more like just oblivious (which he eventually appropriately acknowledges). CC isn’t pining for him; she wants her contract to end so she can get on with her life. Both characters are thoroughly strong individuals.

I also liked the backstory that the author created to bring CC and Wade closer together. The plot point involving his home town was clever and unique. Even though I kind of sided with Wade initially, I loved how the author made her points about the strengths of females subtly. It all made sense when put into practice.

Some of my other favorite aspects of the novel:

The subplot concerning Wade’s brother, Wyatt, and a newcomer to town was poignant and well-written, adding a nice subtext to the overall story.
The snappy dialogue between CC and Wade. Their understanding of each other was apparent from the beginning and made me chuckle almost every time, especially during the “Gone With the Wind” references.
The author’s ability to create a picture for the scene at hand. A particularly moving passage was when Wade and CC were walking home from a party. The description of the streetlight and the sounds around them stands out.
The piglets

As I looked up the book for a reference, I noticed that it says “Credence, Colorado Book One.” I can only hope that we will get to follow Wade’s friends and some of the women in future books because Credence is a place I would love to revisit.

My Goodreads review is below.

NOW AVAILABLE!

Nothing But Trouble by Amy Andrews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been on a roll lately, finding some excellent romances that have interesting characters and well thought-out plots. Nothing But Trouble is the latest that fits the bill. Wade is a former pro quarterback; CC has been his PA for the past five+ years. It’s a trope that has been used many times (the boss finally realizes feelings for employee), but this story seemed different to me. One thing that made this book stand out is that the romance doesn’t take center stage; it almost occurs in the background as other events occur – I loved this aspect because it allowed me to get involved with the plot and other characters, which made the story more interesting. I especially enjoyed the plan for his hometown. The counterpoint sub-story of Wade’s brother Wyatt was well done and touching. All motivations and character actions seemed natural, and the events were enjoyable to read. I highly recommend this book. Please see my blog at firefliesandfreekicks.com for a more detailed review. This review was written based on a digital ARC provided by NetGalley.

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