Deception (Central Florida Stories Book 1) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Shannon Fowler

Deception (Central Florida Stories, #1)Deception by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well leave it to me to read a series out of order. Thankfully this author has written this story (and book 2) so well that each can be read as a stand alone and while there is some character overlap, everything makes sense.

Main character, Joe, is an ex-Marine and a Dom. These are the only good things about him in the beginning. I don’t like him. I was more than half way through this book and I still didn’t like him. Joe is angry and his anger is definitely misplaced. However, at about 75% Joe redeems himself and holy moly! The sex and all the good stuff in this story is REALLY good. The heartache and trauma though is really tough and explains the hardness of these characters.

Hunter is the woman in Joe’s sights. According to Joe, she is the reason for all his misery. Hunter is just trying to survive and create a happy healthy place to live for her and her son. But to be honest men suck. And family isn’t much better. The men never live up to her standards, something is always missing. Who knew sexy, grumpy Joe would be it.

The title of this book is perfect. I am glad I did not read this book first as Joe’s character in the beginning was almost a hard no, I almost needed a safe word just for him to go away. Good job Victoria Saccenti!

Looking forward to reading the next story from hot Central Florida and this author!!!

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Undeniable (Central Florida Stories Book 2) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Shannon Fowler

Undeniable (Central Florida Stories, #2)Undeniable by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My first book by this author and I can not wait to read everything she has written! This story is so hot and even though it is book 2 and I read it out of order it made complete sense! This story can be read as a stand alone.

Arely has been in love with her brother’s best friend Kurt for as long as she can remember. But since he is a few years older he only sees his best friend’s kid sister. Kurt however does see something special in Arely so he is extra nice and sweet while they grow up. Of course life goes on, things happen and these two lose contact. When circumstances and danger bring them back together and the sparks fly!

I really enjoyed this story. The characters are believable and loveable. The location of Central Florida is perfect, the weather is as hot and charged as Arely and Kurt!

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Reviewed by @shannonlovesbooks

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Jules Herbert

Talks Like Thunder: Red With Native Blood: Novella OneTalks Like Thunder: Red With Native Blood: Novella One by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have to admit I haven’t read anything like this book in quite a long time but I am so happy I picked this book up! It describes the life of an American Indian during the time of the English settlers. It is so well written that you truly can see all the characters and their surroundings so clearly in your minds eye as you read. The feelings brought forward by the authors talented writing is something you will carry with you for a very long time.

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Someone to Watch Over Me (Wounded Hearts Series Book 3) by Debbie Cromack – Review by Michelle Austin

Someone to Watch Over Me (Wounded Hearts, #3)Someone to Watch Over Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great 5 star read. This is book three in the series and I continue to be pulled right in. If you like friends to lovers you will love this one. My emotions were all over the place with this one as well. Angelo and Lucia were great, I really enjoyed their story and it was a journey to finally get to the right place. You can read as a standalone but I suggest starting with book one in the series. I look forward to reading more from this author and series. If you’re looking for a great summer read, 1-click and get started today.

Reviewed by @mab54615
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Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Jules Herbert

Underneath The WhiskeyUnderneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first time I have read a book by this very talented author and oh boy was I taken on an emotional rollercoaster!! So much so I know it will stay in my heart for a long time. It deals with some very tough issues, warnings are given at the very start so please be sure to read them if you have trigger concerns, but this author writes it so well I simply can not imagine anyone reading it not feeling every possible emotion intensely. My feelings towards some issues covered in this book were strong already but damn are they reinforced now!!

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Bound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Bound by the HinterlandsBound by the Hinterlands by Bree M Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Star’s
Bound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski

Bound by the Hinterlands is a Fantasy Romance that is a shorter story that honestly took me a bit to get into the story. But once I did I had a hard time putting it down. I enjoyed reading this book and the characters are developed, creative, real and some are raw yet relatable and they made the story come to life . This authors style of writing and world building is incredible once I got into the story. Its packed with drama, danger, turmoil, action, adventure, romance and so much more. Cressida has had one dream her whole life and that is to have her own life on her merit. Seeing as she has an abusive and controlling father its hard for her to imagine that happening considering he’s arranged her marriage to Baron Caravahl Alzeid. Follow along with Cressida on her journey to the Hinterlands and find out what happens next. There’s a few twists and turns that had me turning the pages. Can Caravahl save her darkness even if it means risking everything? I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.

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A Way Out (Rock Star Book 2) by Tami Lund – Review by Angelina Frazzini

A Way Out (Rock Star Book 2)A Way Out by Tami Lund
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book two of the series. It can be read as a standalone. It’s the first book I’ve read of this series and now I definitely need to go read book one!

Maria is finally free of her unhappy marriage. The only problem, she has no where to live. Money isn’t the issue, she just doesn’t have a plan in place. Maria decides she needs some time with her sister. However, when she gets to her sisters house, the only person she finds is Oz. Figuring they are both going to the same place, Oz offers to go with her to the wedding. There is instant attraction between Oz and Maria. The only way to complicate things? Maria offers to finance his band. Now she’s his boss and they are walking a thin line.

This book sucked me in and I couldn’t put it down! Who doesn’t love rock stars? This book has some angst, all the chemistry, and all the emotion! It was such a good read! I need to read more!!

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Acting Counsel (Kings of Screen Book 3) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Angelina Frazzini

Acting Counsel (Kings of Screen, #3)Acting Counsel by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book 3 of the series but it can be read as a standalone. I didn’t feel like I missed anything in the story. It was so good though that I plan to go back and read the first two.

Catrina is level headed. As an attorney, she is great at keeping things professional. That is until her celebrity fling ends up being a client. There is a strict rule about not sleeping with clients. They are certainly going to test that rule. Nathan has everything he could want. Until he meets Catrina. He knows she’s off limits but that doesn’t change anything.

There is so much chemistry between these characters that it’s hard to read and not root for them even if they are supposed to be off limits. The book is so well written, I couldn’t get enough! I feel like I devoured it so quickly! Definitely going to read the other books in the series.

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Ladies of the Links (Ladies of the Links Book 2) by Haley Rhoades – Review by Rayne East

Ladies of the Links #2Ladies of the Links #2 by Haley Rhoades
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Entertaining and enjoyable sports romance
This is an engaging and enjoyable contemporary romance. The writing is easy to read and draws you in. Christy and Ryan’s story is full of humour, drama, chemistry and romance. As secrets are unveiled their connection is tested. A great read for second chance romance lovers. Recommend.

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A Way Out (Rock Star Book 2) by Tami Lund – Review by Rayne East

A Way Out (Rock Star Book 2)A Way Out by Tami Lund
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Quick, hot rock star romance
This was a quick read for me and a great way to spend an afternoon. I enjoyed the writing, the characters were fleshed out, with dual POV and the romance spicy. Maria needs to do some soul searching and Oz is need of support. It’s a journey filled with humour, drama, romance and rock star goodness. Looking forward to reading more from this author. Recommend.

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Someone to Watch Over Me (Wounded Hearts Series Book 3) by Debbie Cromack – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61313820-someone-to-watch-over-me” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Someone to Watch Over Me (Wounded Hearts, #3)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1678968894l/61313820._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61313820-someone-to-watch-over-me”>Someone to Watch Over Me</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20904214.Debbie_Cromack”>Debbie Cromack</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5629201462″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Being in love with your best friend is hard. Not knowing they reciprcate those feelings until its too late is harder. Lucia and Angelo have a tug of war going on about whether or not they should be together. They grew up together so they have been inseparable, until there was one rejection too many. Lucia decided to walk away from Angelo and try to forget him. When she finds herself pregnant and unsure of what to do she runs to the one person who has always been there for her. I have enjoyed all the books I have read by this author so far. Even though this is part of a series you never once feel lost. The story flowed well and it will keep you turning the pages.
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Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Darla Yocom

Underneath The WhiskeyUnderneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a great romance story. Ben is an entrepreneur, loving husband and doting father. He remembers the trauma he previously experienced when his family learned of his indiscretion with another man, leading to him being treated in the controversial means of conversion therapy. His wife honestly believes that Ben being gay can be handled if he stays the course and focuses on what was learned in therapy and his love for his wife and children.

We find Ben struggling with his personal thoughts when confronted with an interesting moment while interviewing an intriguing young man named Caden who often frequents Ben’s coffee shop. Ben immediately finds himself wanting to know more about him and even hires him to help run his second business location. To keep things on the up and up, he mentions Caden and how interesting he is to his wife. Even in doing so, he finds himself thinking of ways to spend more time with Caden.

The reader is brought along with Ben’s journey through conflicts and awakening throughout the book. While the journey is difficult, I think it could truly be an eye opening story for anyone looking to explore their own personal journey and experiences, or simply learn how someone in this situation tries to deal with life altering situations.

The author did a great job expanding on the depth of the two main characters and the complexity of the subject matter.

I thoroughly recommend reading this book.

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite #3)Brutal Days by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really love all the twists and turns. With everything going on this book really had me in awe. Skylar has a good head on her shoulders and by far my favorite character. Skylar is also trying to be a good friend but not getting it in return and I really can relate to that. This is a really good series you won’t be disappointed.

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Someone to Watch Over Me (Wounded Hearts Series Book 3) by Debbie Cromack – Review by Ashly Renner

Someone to Watch Over Me (Wounded Hearts, #3)Someone to Watch Over Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved the chemistry between Angelo and and Lucia! They fought their attraction tooth and nail but they knew they belonged together, no matter how much they denied it!
He’s over protective and she hates it.

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Savage Truth (Hidden Valley Elite Book 2) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

Savage Truth (Hidden Valley Elite #2)Savage Truth by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So in this book we already have met Cole and Riley. And their still at war with one and another. It will be making you question if they will part ways or if they’ll overcome and have a happily after. I’m really happy with what I read in all. The series is flowing together nicely.

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

Savage Truth (Hidden Valley Elite #2)Savage Truth by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cole and Riley are playing a game of catch and chase. They’re attracted to each other but are hesitant to give in to it. I really enjoyed this book but it also had me contemplating on a similar movie. The similarities were to stop doing what she was taught and enjoy school. In all it’s a really good book and I highly recommend the series.

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Someone to Watch Over Me (Wounded Hearts Series Book 3) by Debbie Cromack – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Someone to Watch Over Me (Wounded Hearts, #3)Someone to Watch Over Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Wow….I loved this series from the beginning and I recommend highly to reading from book 1 to this story book 3 of Angelo and Lucia…I truly cannot get enough..I am a bit sad to say goodbye to the characters but looking forward to more stories from this author…..giving me just all the feels that I truly LOVE when it comes to romance stories and the storytelling….so well done.

Angelo and Lucia known each other from practically birth, but Angelo has a secret, his love for Lucia. Angelo wants nothing more to give Lucia the world, but the push and pull of their friendship that spans since forever. When Lucia ends up in a situation that is going to break Angelo’s heart hard, how will Lucia and Angelo navigate the next steps especially knowing that they have been in each other’s lives forever?

What a story, the friends to lovers, angst, heartbreak and romance..I highly recommend this series of books..you will not be disappointed.

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A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Ashly Renner

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1): A Small Town Fake Relationship RomanceA Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1): A Small Town Fake Relationship Romance by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Laurent and Phoebe! I cannot wait to read the rest of this series! There was a lot of back and forth between these two, and plenty of heat. They are definitely meant for each other.

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Kiss Away Your Pain (Wounded Hearts Series Book 2) by Debbie Cromack – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Kiss Away Your Pain (Wounded Hearts, #2)Kiss Away Your Pain by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is Book 2 of the Wounded Hearts series and I did enjoy book 1………I LOVED this story book 2 of Enzo and Candi. This story gave me quite the emotions….slow burn romance, heartbreak, forgiveness, redemption, spicy moments and the connection between two people….Enzo and Candi….the connection!!!

Candi is a strong, independent and career driven women who stops at nothing to achieve her dreams as a photographer….a chance encounter at an event she meets Enzo. Candi is not looking for anything series, her heart has so many walls up….but Enzo give her the spark and need that she needed to feel…and break down the walls. When truths come out with Enzo’s past that pull Candi back into past pain…will both Enzo and Candi survive and find the love in each other that they both seek?

I highly recommended this series and reading the books in order…but this story….my heart!!!

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Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Mandy Ott

Underneath The WhiskeyUnderneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Underneath the Whiskey is an interesting read about a man struggling to balance his life. Benjamin struggles maintaining balance between his blossoming coffee shop business, his tumultuous relationship with his wife, and the sexuality he has worked very hard to repress. I found some aspects of the story very compelling, such as the use of reparative therapy along with shock therapy in order to convince Ben he isn’t gay. But overall, I felt the story was a little slow and drawn out. I often found myself thinking of other things while reading (which rarely happens). I just didn’t feel fully connected to this book like I thought I would be. While Underneath the Whiskey wasn’t quite my cup of tea story wise, I do feel like Chelsea Lauren still delivered authentic, believable and relatable characters that the reader could connect with.

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Jennifer Crain

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood: Novella One)Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Talks Like Thunder is a strong 3 for me- I felt the beginning (where she is taken to live with her grandfather) and ending were both cut short (wanted to find out more), and the next book of the novella is about different characters, so we probably won’t.

I give it a strong 3 because of her strong character traits are exhibited throughout the book, and the Apache customs are interwoven throughout the story in logical ways instead of being a laundry list or forced upon you. I had to look up if Apache girls/woman could be warriors, and was glad to see this part of the novella rings true. I tend to not read summaries until after I read the book, so was surprised and pleased to see this is based on a true story, and one that needs to be told, and although the target age is YA/high school, felt it was worth reading.

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A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Tonya Merritt

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1): A Small Town Fake Relationship RomanceA Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1): A Small Town Fake Relationship Romance by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a must love small town romance book. You know the good lifetime feeling books? This is it. I really loved how realistic the story could be. Who didn’t make a pact as a kid with their best friend? I really enjoyed the imagery. The story is full of everything you’d want on a slow day when you want to escape into another life.

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My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez – Review by Jennifer Crain

My Goodbye GirlMy Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first novel by Anna Gomez and it won’t be my last. Fast read, perfect for summer around the college courses I am taking as well as work…. neither Simon nor Tessa got on my nerves the entire book, which usually what happens when I read romance-like books. I enjoyed the little snippets of different countries and cultures they visit together, and felt overall the story flowed well without being overally wordy or too long, just the right length.

My favorite part was when Simon is trying to figure out technology to stay connected with Tessa- very funny lines throughout that part of the story! Looking forward to reading her other two novels.

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House of Arsceneaux (Servants of Morrigan: Immortal Creatures) by Caterina Novelliere – Review by Tonya Merritt

House of ArsceneauxHouse of Arsceneaux by Caterina Novelliere
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story starts slow and can be hard to get into. The name changes did nothing to keep you following but I did love the characters, the plots, and the Morrigan. The story has a lot going on between the adventure, romance, and history; It’s a decent read. If you have some time and want to read a paranormal story this one is the one for you.

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Jennifer Crain

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The title fits this book to a T. Two girls that couldn’t be more different (Kenyan Neyah and Abby from the States) share a common dream. Parental warning- children deaths of malnutrition, cancer, and cholera are mentioned as well as physical and mental brutality. Yet, that is reality of kids around the world, and author Bleckwehl captures the eagerness of the teenagers to do something to help others.

I appreciated the closure of the book (you aren’t left hanging) as well as the banter between Neyah and her teacher, as well as Neyah and her father. Neyah’s relationships with her pen pal, family members, school peers, and people she meets at the watering hole are well developed and three dimensional, and I couldn’t wait to read what happened next.

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A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Daryian Lucas

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1): A Small Town Fake Relationship RomanceA Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1): A Small Town Fake Relationship Romance by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4/5 stars
This was my first read by this author! I thought it would be a clean romance, but it wasn’t which took me off guard. It’s still well written beyond the language used!

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A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi – Review by Nakyshia Leger

A Teacher's HeartA Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A sweet read about all the things that make teachers special. This is a beautiful compilation of teachers’ feelings for their students and a reminder that teachers vary just as much as their students do! The pictures are vibrant and bring the pages to life! My kids loved reading this book. It is great for littles who may be apprehensive about school or a reminder to those nervous about returning. A beautiful story!

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My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez – Review by Julie Johnson

My Goodbye GirlMy Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tessa and Simon meet on an airplane and things seem to stay up in the air between them for quite some time. Both are fairly successful in their chosen professions. Simon wants more out of life than Tessa does it seems. But are things really as they seem?

One truth about this book: I loved it!!

This book has a few twists and turns. It was a bit predictable for me as well, up to chapter 34 anyway. Then things changed but not as much as I thought they might.

I couldn’t put this book down until I read it all the way through though. Overall, a very well written story!

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A Way Out ( Rock Star Book 2) by Tami Lund – Review by Jules Herbert

A Way Out (Rock Star Book 2)A Way Out by Tami Lund
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Maria and Oz were wonderful characters with loads of heart who drew me straight into the story and kept me turning page after page. Oz has been through a lot and has so many personal responsibilities that even though he knows his band has what it takes to be a big thing he is reluctant to move forward with it all because he needs his 3 paycheques to make ends meet. With Maria she is newly divorced with no where to go and nothing planned. They meet just before Marias sisters wedding and the attraction is instant but the big question is what would giving in mean for both their futures especially because they have more than just themselves to think about?. I truly loved this story and this very talented author definitely has a fan in me! In fact I went and pre ordered the next book in the series as soon as I finished reading this one LOL.

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A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Emily H

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1): A Small Town Fake Relationship RomanceA Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1): A Small Town Fake Relationship Romance by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Laurent has not seen Phoebe in years. She was the girl who broke his heart and now she is back wanting his help. They made a pact years ago to marry at forty if both still single, Laurent though wants to marry for love and Phoebe did a runner before.

Phoebe has spent the years hopping from one place to another. She never thought she would reach out to Laurent but the chemistry is still there and they have an agreement that Laurent will pretend to be with her so she can get through a family event that is going to be difficult at best.

This was entertaining. It takes a bit to warm up to Phoebe but once you get to know why she did what she did you begin to understand her background. I liked Laurent from the very beginning and appreciated that he is honest with his feelings. The book definitely sets up for more books in the series.

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