Books On Tour (Review): Into the Darkest Day by Kate Hewitt

Epic in every sense of the word, this book is one of the finest examples of historical fiction I have read. There is so much that I liked about it that I don’t know if I can cover it all, but I’ll try.

Amazon: https://bit.ly/2YFDimH Apple Books: https://apple.co/2zmZh7h Kobo: https://bit.ly/3fs2qn1 Google Play: https://bit.ly/2W8DNnM

One thing I noticed right from the start was the attention to detail in both the contemporary and historical storylines. It is always easiest to picture something familiar, so getting an image of Abby’s apple orchard and the farmhouse was simple to imagine. The author was so descriptive with the WWII scenes that I could picture them almost as completely.

The author hits the other senses with her descriptions as well. From the pigeon coops to events during the war, I felt like I could smell and hear what the characters were; that’s how good they were. It must be said that with that depth of detail also comes the emotion that goes along with it, and I felt gut-punched by a few of them (no spoilers).

I liked how the story started out being about one thing but then took off a different direction. This felt realistic and added to the intrigue of the WWII portion of the plot. I did think that a few of the contemporary plot points were extraneous, but I understand how the conflicts were needed to give more depth to Abby and Simon. I think it was because the WWII sections were so compelling, I just wanted to get back to them.

I also liked how some of the questions propelling the plot were not answered until close to the end. That was effective because 1) it kept me reading to find out the resolution, and 2) the author was able to take the story in different directions to get to the final point (instead of just reaching it directly).

A word must be said about the history. I have often mentioned that I like historical fiction because I usually learn something new. This time I learned several things via Matthew’s experiences (again, no spoilers). His arc led me to a fascinating documentary, and also served as a reminder that even after D-Day, there was still a lot of war left to fight.

The author has spun a masterful story. If you are a fan of historical fiction, you definitely should have this on your TBR list.

Author Bio

Kate Hewitt is the author of many romance and women’s fiction novels. A former New Yorker and now an American ex-pat, she lives in a small town on the Welsh border with her husband, five children, and their overly affectionate Golden Retriever. Whatever the genre, she enjoys telling stories that tackle real issues and touch people’s lives. 

Website: https://www.kate-hewitt.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KateHewittAuthor/ 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1269244.Kate_Hewitt
Twitter: https://twitter.com/katehewitt1  

Books On Tour (Review): Can You See Her by S.E. Lynes

What began as a poignant story seemingly about a middle-aged woman who felt invisible to everyone quickly evolved into something darker and more insidious that had me turning pages to finish this in one sitting. It was just that good.

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Apple Books: https://apple.co/3ekatSt
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Google Play: https://bit.ly/2REIza5

Full disclosure, this review may seem like I am talking in riddles, but for this book, I really do NOT want to give anything away. There are so many little bits that could ruin it. So I am going to be as vague as possible while still trying to illustrate how excellent the book was.

I will admit that the first few chapters took some getting used to, as the stream of consciousness that was Rachel’s retelling of events was hard to follow at times. However, once I got to “know” her, it became easier.

The story is told primarily from Rachel’s point of view as she speaks with…someone. These chapters alternate with transcripts of police interviews of other characters. The timeframe is unclear, but it all appears to be part of an investigation. Of what, I cannot tell you.

Rachel is an infinitely relatable character. Even as her real story remains unclear through most of the book, every middle-aged woman can relate to the feeling of being invisible to those closest to her. That likability made it challenging for me to get a grip on her actual personality. It seemed like I was off-balance, changing my theories every other chapter.

The author also offers a searing analysis of the place that hate and revenge have taken in our society. The line between the two is blurred, and the ease at which people can slip between them is eye-opening.

As I mentioned above, this book was an absolute page-turner, with twists and revelations right up to the very last page. By far, one of the best psychological thrillers (in the truest definition of the genre) that I have ever read.

Author Bio
After graduating from Leeds University, S E Lynes lived in London before moving to Aberdeen where she worked as a BBC Producer. In 2002, she moved to Rome with her husband and two young children. In 2007, after the birth of her third child, she returned to the UK and gained an MA in Creative Writing from Kingston University. Currently, she writes novels and teaches Creative Writing at Richmond Adult Community College.

Twitter: @SELynesAuthor

Blog Tour (Review): The Invitation by Rachel Abbott

Wow. Just…wow.

This is one of the most tightly crafted plots I have ever read. It read like a mash-up of Ten Little Indians and The Mousetrap, and just about everything about this story brought to mind the great Agatha Christie.

I liked how the characters’ relationships were clear but, at the same time, not entirely truthful. Every single one of the childhood/teenage friends was hiding something from the others, and it took the tragedy at the center of the book for everything to come out into the open. The addition of Jemma, Chandra, and Nina, relative newcomers to the group, add an insightful perspective.

The setting is also a big part of why the story works. I mean, where else could a mystery take place but in an imposing mansion on the cliffs by the ocean. It is a favorite location of many mystery writers because of the versatility it offers. But nothing in this book seems like a retread, or “same ol’ setting.” The claustrophobia experienced by some of the characters is palpable and pours off the pages.

I pride myself on often being able to solve mysteries and figure out clues ahead of an investigation in a book. My notes in books are filled with my thoughts and ideas, and I enjoy seeing if I was right. I am thrilled to say that I had virtually no notes until about ¾ of the way through; that’s how off-balance the author kept me.

The way the information was revealed was also smart. Sometimes it was through the police investigation, sometimes through conversations between characters, often from Jemma’s point of view as an outsider. These change-ups allowed readers to be privy to information only when the author was ready for them to be – another way to keep them guessing. Loved it!

I did have a few fleeting thoughts that turned out to be accurate, but it took me most of the book (89%) to figure it all out. At that point, I kind of felt like some of the air went out of the investigation. It seemed as if there were maybe a few loose ends (as in “we’ll never know for sure”), but I think that it ultimately works because so much of the plot is nebulous that some questions being left unanswered fits the story.

This was a page-turner in the most accurate definition of the term, and it is absolutely one that you should grab right away. It will definitely take your mind off of real-life for a while.

About Rachel Abbott

Rachel Abbott’s debut thriller, Only the Innocent, was an international bestseller, reaching the number one position in the Amazon charts both in the UK and US. This was followed by the number one bestselling novels The Back Road, Sleep Tight and Stranger Child,Nowhere Child (a short novel based on the characters from Stranger Child), Kill Me Again, and her latest thriller, launched in 2017 – The Sixth Window.

Rachel’s novels have now been translated into over 20 languages.

In 2015 Amazon celebrated the first five years of the Kindle in the UK, and announced that Rachel was the number one bestselling independent author over the five-year period. She was also placed fourteenth in the chart of all authors. Stranger Child was the most borrowed novel for the Kindle in the first half of 2015.

Rachel now lives in Alderney – a beautiful island off the coast of France – and spends a few months of each year in the Le Marche regions of Italy, where she devotes her time to her love of writing fiction. For more information, see Rachel’s website, or follow her on Twitter.

Books On Tour (Review): My Husband’s Lie by Emma Davies

 A good set up is key to a good story. If the opening doesn’t grab me, it can sometimes be a slog to get through to anything exciting. Fortunately, the author of this book sets up what’s yet to come with two straightforward statements from the main characters. From there, it was a page-turning read to find out what was behind it all.

One thing I appreciated about this book was the story unfolded. Often-times, there seems to be a rush to “get to the good stuff,” which can sometimes feel manipulative. That is not the case here. Ms. Davies does a terrific job of lulling the reader into a sort of peacefulness, as we follow Thea and Drew through their move to Thea’s childhood home.

I got into the renovations of the studio and was excited that the two characters were excited. The author made me feel that much for them that early in the book. But even as everything seems to be coming together for them, there is an ominous feeling that builds right along with Thea’s odd experiences in the village.

This is another thing that I enjoyed; everything is just smooth. It’s hard to explain without giving anything away, but there was a thin line between the bad stuff that started occurring and the struggle Thea had as she tried to reconcile her memories with current events. Everything melded together into one coherent story, and neither thread got lost at the expense of the other. I thought Thea was a solid character, and I especially liked how she took control and helped her story came full-circle.

One of the things I appreciated most, and I suppose this could be considered a mini-spoiler, was that the family unit was not decimated as so often happens in this genre. I thought the author made the point about support and love at any cost crystal clear through both Drew’s and Thea’s actions.

I read this in essentially one sitting, as I was fascinated with how Ms. Davies crafted her story. It kept me interested and even got me teary as resolutions started to occur. This is one you should pick up right away.

Author Bio:

After a varied career, Emma Davies once worked for a design studio where she was asked to provide a fun and humorous (and not necessarily true) anecdote for their website. She wrote the following: ‘I am a bestselling novelist currently masquerading as a thirty something mother of three.’ Well the job in the design studio didn’t work out but she’s now a forty something mother of three and is happy to report the rest of her dream came true.

After many years as a finance manager she now writes full time and is far happier playing with words than numbers. She lives with her husband, three children, and two guinea pigs in rural Shropshire where she writes in all the gaps in between real life. It’s a county she adores, her love of its beautiful people and landscapes providing endless inspiration for her books, and in fact the only thing that would make Shropshire more idyllic is if it were by the sea. 

Pop over to her website www.emmadaviesauthor.com where, amongst other things, you can read about her passion for Pringles and singing loudly in the car. You can also wave to her on twitter @EmDaviesAuthor / https://twitter.com/EmDaviesAuthor or find her on Facebook (a little too often than is good for her):  https://www.facebook.com/emmadaviesauthor/

Books On Tour (Review): Knock Knock by Chris Merritt

For once, the tag line of “pulse-racing” and “heart-stopping” is 100% accurate. I could not put this book down. What a bang-up job for the first in a new series!

BUY LINK: 
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As always, in an initial entry to a series, there is a lot to unpack. Right off the bat, we meet the main characters, Dan Lockhart and Lexi Green, whose jobs (DI and clinical psychologist, respectively) bring them together on both a personal and, later, professional level.

She is his therapist as he works his way through all sorts of issues, from PTSD (military service) to his missing wife (vanished, still missing). He brings her on to the case at hand to try to analyze the perpetrator to help them narrow down suspects. She jumps in and gets more than she bargained for (no spoilers).

I thought the introduction of the two was very smooth, as was the background for both of them, as well as for the rest of the Major Investigation Team (MIT). Sometimes introductions can weigh down the plot, as the author wants to build a solid foundation for the rest of the series. This author manages to build that foundation while keeping the plot skipping along at a rapid pace.

The crimes in this book are unique and chilling. There were just enough hints dropped that I found myself wildly guessing at “whodunit” early on, but kept changing my mind as I proceeded to read more. I appreciated how the author gave us a real insight into the killer’s motivations. There was almost as much background for the killer as there were for the lead investigators.

Very often, the perpetrator gets a perfunctory mention of past trauma or personal history that sets them on their murderous path. In this book, however, we get treated to a real deep dive into the world the killer inhabits. It makes the story so much more well-rounded.

The investigation unfolds in an entirely natural way, and I thought the author did an excellent job of illustrating how police “connect the dots,” as well as allowing the members of the MIT to disagree (which often happens in real life). The plotting was astute and well-written and did have me turning pages late into the night to get to the resolution. I was not disappointed!

Although this is the first in a new series, there is a brief mention of a character from another series by the same author (I guess to denote a tie-in?). It’s pretty inconsequential to the plot overall, but it does illustrate that the author is working within a known and detailed world, which makes it an overall more enjoyable read. I will absolutely be looking for the next books in this series!

Author Bio

Chris Merritt is a British author whose crime thrillers combine psychology, suspense, and characters you care about.

All his novels are set in London, where he lives. He began writing fiction in 2014, after previous careers as a diplomat, based in Iraq and Jerusalem, and later as a psychologist working with victims and perpetrators of crime. He specialised in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which sparked his interest in telling stories about how people cope when faced with extreme adversity.

Now he spends most of his time writing novels and drinking coffee while *thinking* about writing novels. When he’s not writing, he loves climbing and playing basketball.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrCJMerritt
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17558172.Chris_Merritt
Website: www.cjmerritt.co.uk

Books On Tour (Review): The Lilac House by Barbara Josselsohn

This book had me at “ballet,” but held me through exceptional writing and likable characters in thoroughly realistic situations. Equal parts emotional and inspirational, Barbara Josselsohn has written a charming, winning novel.

I liked how each of the main characters had something in their past that was keeping them from future happiness. The author did a fantastic job of creating unique situations for each character. I especially appreciated how she wove them all together into a holistic message of hope and the importance of second chances and recognizing kindred spirits.

I related to both Hope and Anna, mostly through their dance backgrounds. Like Anna, I was on my way to being a professional until I, too, injured my ankle onstage. It took me a while to be able to dance again (both physically and emotionally), but the love and appreciation for the art never disappeared. I felt Anna’s pull to the studio as much as I felt my own pull back to the stage.

At the same time, I followed Hope’s trajectory. When I couldn’t dance professionally, I found a niche in local theaters, which led to choreography and directing jobs. I fell in love with the creation of dances from the artistic side, which gave my performance side a huge boost as well. Hope’s desire to be a mentor to the college students, even at the expense of them taking advantage of her, was (unfortunately) also familiar.

The author captured small-town politics and close-knit communities perfectly as well. Lake Summers came to life, as did its residents, and I found myself wanting to visit. I love it when an author creates an atmosphere so realistic that I can picture walking down the streets and patronizing the stores.

Honestly, there wasn’t anything I disliked about this book. Lyrical writing (that reminded me of ballet) and realistic emotions and motivations make this one of my favorites this year. Please don’t miss it!

Author Bio

Barbara Josselsohn is novelist and journalist. Her articles and essays appear in a range of publications including New York Magazine, American Baby, The New York Times, Parents Magazine, and Writers’ Digest. Online, you can see her work on WorkingMother.com, NextAvenue.org, and GrownandFlown.com. She teaches novel writing and creative writing at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, N.Y., and other venues. 

Website: http://www.barbarasolomonjosselsohn.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraSolomonJosselsohnAuthor
Twitter: @barbarajoss  

Blog Tour w/Review: Landon & Shay, Part One

I am not a huge fan of angst. I think there is enough of it in real life that I don’t seek it out in books that I choose to read. There is currently only one author who I make an exception for, as I am never disappointed at the depth of her characters.

It’s FREE in KU – what are you waiting for?!?!?

Landon and Shay, Part One is another of Brittainy C. Cherry’s studies of a relationship fraught with trouble, with seemingly insurmountable odds against the success of the couple. I could tell from the beginning that the animosity between Landon and Shay was mainly due to how much they actually had in common, even though they were not aware of that fact at first. Or, they might have been aware of their similarities subconsciously, which is what caused each of them to “hate” the other.

This is the strength of the author’s writing. She creates complex characters who are realistic. They have substance and personality and are intriguing enough to make the reader want to know more about them, to grow along with them. I particularly loved how she used Shay’s character, and her propensity for personality analysis, to dig deeper into the character’s psyches. That was brilliant and extremely well-done.

I know it seems as if I am speaking in riddles, but I think that one of the best things about her books is the journey that the reader undertakes right along with the characters. I can’t describe a plot point without giving away where the characters are at that time, which would, in turn, give away the beautiful arc of the plot.

And that would ruin the whole story.

Oh, and there is a twist that I absolutely did not see coming; it left me stunned, causing me to read more carefully to see what I may have missed.

Honestly, if you have read any of her books, you know what I am talking about. And if you haven’t read any of her books, why the heck not? As I said at the beginning, I am not a huge fan of angst, but her books leave me reeling and wanting more. “Epic love story” is a phrase that is often over-used, but it certainly applies to this story. I will be eagerly awaiting Part Two to finish the journey with Landon and Shay.

Landon & Shay: Part One (L&S Duet, #1)Landon & Shay: Part One by Brittainy C. Cherry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wrecked and gutted. That’s how this book left m, but in the best ways possible. The author’s ability to capture every minute detail of a relationship and make the reader feel like they are experiencing it themselves is unmatched. I have virtually nothing in common with these characters, but I felt so deeply for them it was amazing. My only complaint about this book is that we have to wait for part two! For a complete review, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. This review was written based on a complimentary, pre-release, digital ARC of the book.

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Blog Tour w/Review: Crazy Rich Cajuns

I have loved this series from the very beginning, from the introduction of Josh and Tori, through Maddie’s return to the Bayou (and Owen), and Sawyer’s rediscovery of life (with the help of Juliet). The Autre universe and its inhabitants, the crazy Landry clan, is one of my favorite places in all of the books I have read. I have patiently waited for Kennedy’s story, and I am happy to say that I was not disappointed.

Crazy Rich Cajuns is hands down my favorite of the series.  But I do have a love/hate relationship with it (more on that later).

First up, all of the good stuff. I know I am going to forget some because there was so much to love about this book. The chemistry between Bennett and Kennedy has grown throughout the series, and it bursts into flame in this book. The balancing act they do as they explore each other and come to individual realizations is both hot and touching.

(Yeah, that’s a fine line to walk, and the author does it masterfully).

Kennedy has been a spitfire all along, but she has another side that Bennett (and his family) bring out, and it is beautiful to see. Her scenes at Bennett’s house are some of my favorites I have ever read. It’s easy to say that something was funny, but the Flip Cup episode (dude, vanilla vodka) had tears running down my face. And Kennedy’s tales of treasure hunting were simply fantastic.

I loved the exploration of relationship roles. Kennedy’s interpretation of Leo and Ellie’s relationship and the recognition that both she and Bennett come to puts the convention of the Bayou on its ear, and it totally works for the story. The scene where Leo guides Bennett is priceless because it happens in typical Landry style.

I mentioned the chemistry was explosive, and that is mainly due to the juxtaposition of Bennett’s outer and inner character. On the surface, he seems very straightlaced and proper (at least in Kennedy’s eyes). But once he gets her alone and opens his mouth? Holy hell is it hot – and totally unexpected!

I know I am missing some parts, but honestly, I just loved the entire book. I devoured it in one sitting because I didn’t want to leave them, which brings me to the “hate” part of the love/hate relationship.

I hate that it’s pretty much the end of the Boys of the Bayou series. I like that we will be getting another installment with Chase (Juliet’s brother), so we will still get to visit Autre and the Landry clan, but I am so disappointed that the Landry family will no longer be central (as far as I can tell).

Oh well, I guess that’s what re-reads are for, right? And this is definitely a series that I will return to again and again. Do yourself a huge favor and pick up this entire series right now. You’ll find yourself wanting to book a trip to the Bayou.

Crazy Rich Cajuns (Boys of the Bayou, #4)Crazy Rich Cajuns by Erin Nicholas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No point in beating around the bush: this is by far my favorite book in the Boys of the Bayou series. Not only does it feature Kennedy, whose story I have been waiting for since her introduction, but the author turns convention on its head and takes the story out of the Bayou. One would think it would be a fish-out-of-water, but that’s not necessarily the case. The journey that both Kennedy and Bennett undertake as they explore their feelings is typical Erin Nicholas but with a hint of something else (no spoilers). This is one of the first books in a while that I was sad to see end because I wanted more of their chemistry. For a more detailed review, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. This review was written based on a complimentary, digital, pre-release ARC of the book.

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Books-On-Tour: My Name is Eva

Let’s get one thing straight.

This. Is. An. Amazing. Book.

The story grabbed me from the very beginning and did not let me go until the very last word. I cannot remember the last time a book had me so enthralled.

It is apparent right away that there is much more to Evelyn Taylor-Clarke (Mrs. T-C to the workers at the home she resides in) than meets the eye. From the moment that she fills in her first crossword puzzle, the reader knows that she has led a fascinating life.

The book has eleven “Parts,” with each section describing a segment of Mrs. T-C’s life. The chapters within the parts alternate between letters to her husband and the action taking place at the time. The time-shifting jumps around quite a bit; it is not entirely linear. But the author treats this with a deft hand, and I never felt lost. It made the reading that much more interesting because the events sometimes alluded to the letters and vice versa. It was a smart way to keep the narrative focused.

As Mrs. T-C’s secrets reveal themselves, the reader also learns that revenge is a motivator, both on a personal scale for her and a national level post-WWII. There are well-drawn parallels that bring emotion to the forefront of the story.

Ultimately, however, hers is a story of a life full of secrets, told in memories, and perfectly honed to the way she wants it told. Reading her perspective, and knowing her inner thoughts, gave me great respect for the life that she led. I love that the author made me feel that deeply about a character.

There were even a few twists that I did not see coming, which made me appreciate the craftsmanship of the plot even more. Additionally, the author does a fantastic job of relating some of the unspoken horrors of post-WWII life. I’m not going to elaborate, but I guarantee at least one of them is something you probably never considered. I’ve studied that era extensively, and it had never crossed my mind.

In case you couldn’t tell (and if the second line of this review wasn’t clear enough), this is an incredible book, and you do NOT want to miss it.

My Name is EvaMy Name is Eva by Suzanne Goldring
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Make no mistake; this is a stellar read! From the thoroughly realistic characters (including the mysterious main character and her real jerk of a niece) to the intricate plot, I loved everything about it. I especially liked how Evelyn (Evie/Eva) was a master of manipulation. She was one of the most intriguing characters I have ever “met.” Do yourself a huge favor and pick this one up. For a full review, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author for a complimentary, pre-release digital ARC of the book.

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Following an eventful career as a public relations consultant, specialising in business and travel, Suzanne Goldring turned to writing the kind of novels she likes to read, about the extraordinary lives of ordinary people. Two of her novels have been placed in the Winchester Writers’ Conference First Three Pages of a Novel competition. Her novel, The Way We Lied, can be read as a serial on her blog site, suzannegoldring.wordpress.com. She is currently working on a novel about delusion, deception, and death, set in Corfu. 

Suzanne drew on her experiences of living in a timbered 14th-century house, where she raised two daughters and a variety of livestock, to write Powerless. All her other novels are pure fiction and any resemblance to any persons living or dead is purely coincidental.  

Blog Tour w/Review: Kiss Me Not by Emma Hart

I have been a fan of Emma Hart for quite a while, and I was very excited to see this new release. The cover grabbed my attention (I love the style), but the story was even better.

I especially liked the setting of the kissing booth. It conveyed small-town romance, but also served as a unique way for Preston and Halley to realize their feelings for each other. That’s not to say that it happens immediately, because the two of them are stubborn – even though everyone around them knows it, they deny the attraction.

Their verbal sparring throughout the book was entertaining and added to the tension that was growing between the two of them. I thought that the focus on kissing would feel overdone after a while, but the author did a fantastic job differentiating the different types of kisses (and there were a lot of different types, thanks to the kissing booth). The descriptions of a couple, however, really allowed the reader to understand the characters’ point of view – especially Halley’s.

There were so many fun aspects to the story. My particular favorite involved Halley’s love for animals (no spoilers – you have to read it to understand). But I could see myself doing what she did. The fuzzy creatures were indirectly responsible for one of the best apology scenes I have ever read.

As far as “grand gestures” go, Preston wins in both the apology and romantic categories. But, what made them both special was that he was willing to take advice from Halley’s friends along the way (instead of being a usual guy who tried to do things on his own). I appreciated the depth that came with him being able to listen and understand a problem.

Kiss Me Not is the first in a new series (although a character from a previous novel does show up) and I cannot wait to see what is in store for Halley’s friends. Hopefully, we also get a little more of Halley and Preston along the way as well.

Kiss Me Not (Kiss Me, #1)Kiss Me Not by Emma Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You do not want to miss the latest from Emma Hart! From the unique setting at the county fair to the quirkiness of both Halley and Preston, this book is a winner. I love how the author manages to create characters who are thoroughly real – their idiosyncrasies add to their attraction. I also liked how the whole book was a slow burn, both for the characters and the reader, which made the inevitable that much sweeter. For more thoughts on this 5-star book, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. This review was written based on a complimentary, pre-release, digital ARC of the book.

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