Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Murder on oak streetMurder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Daniel is frustrated with his job working as a coroner’s physician in 1904 New York. After two years at his job the authorities have no interest in listening to his findings and he sees no future working there. Then his fiancée decides on their wedding day to call off their wedding, so Daniel takes it as a sign that he needs a fresh start. He accepts a job offer in Patchogue as assistant to their local coroner.

Daniel is barely in Patchogue a month when Kathleen, an attractive librarian, asks him to look into a murder that took place in New York two years ago. Daniel agrees to help her because it just happened to be a case that he worked on, and he was never happy with the verdict in the case. When a murder occurs in the peaceful little village Daniel cannot help but feel that the two cases are somehow linked.

I absolutely adored this historical mystery. It was impossible to put down and I found myself trying to solve the mystery along with the characters. The writing was superb, and the author did a fantastic job of bringing the characters and story to life. I anxiously await book two!

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Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Tanya Wall

Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday RomanceKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday Romance by Susan Renee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was the first book I have read by this author. While romance – especially steam romance are not my normal go to, I did enjoy this book. Teegan and Tenley find each other in this holiday romance. They are able to banter back and forth and set up some really spicy scenes! The Hawaiian resort and the holiday setting were a plus.

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Degrees of Innocence: Dark Mafia Romance (Cruel Deceptions Book 1) By Via Mari – Review by Juls Dick

Degrees of Innocence (Prestian Series, #1)Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Degrees of Innocence is the first book in the Cruel Deceptions series by Via Mari, I found it a little confusing as it was described as a “dark mafia” romance and there is only one small mention of the mafia at the very end of the book, the content didn’t really match the description. However, it did have a good premise and I am assuming that the mafia connection is more prominent in the later books in the series. When Kate is sent to Aruba to head a week long planning retreat for her company she is not expecting to meet a charismatic stranger who makes her feel things she has never felt before. When it turns out that this stranger is also the CEO of the company she is there to meet she is torn between love and her career. When she then becomes the victim of a series of attempts on her life she is confused as to whether the attacks are random or something more sinister. I thought this book was ok, it didn’t have the mafia romance element I was looking for, but it did have a strong female lead and a domineering sexy billionaire.

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Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Megan Watson

Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday RomanceKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday Romance by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was the perfect book to get me settled into the holidays! It got me out of my reading slump and I legitimately ugly laughed myself to tears in one scene. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for this author in the future.
Tenley has a popular podcast on Practical Adult Relationships. When she sarcastically mentions the Love Guru and his romantical couple’s retreat in her podcast he feels the spontaneous urge to issue her a challenge… If she can go to this couple’s retreat in Hawaii for a week and not fall in love with Love, he will donate a sum of money to her podcast and admit publicly that he was wrong.
I could not put this book down and laughed so hard at times that I had to stop and read tidbits to my partner. Tenley and Teagan are a blast to experience and I could have mentally stayed at that resort for so much longer than the book allowed.

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Kerry Carr

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 1st book in the Express Investigations series. The author has done an amazing job with this historical story. I love how it tells the story of 3 people and their lives and what leads them to all be at the same place at the same time when something changes their lives forever.

Each of our characters are strong and they all have a very unique story to tell.
Beau Hartwell is an lawyer who is starting to make his way in the world but when fate steps in and he loses everything he finds himself at the Mansfield Hotel.

Francie Roubideaux has had a hard life from the start. Living with her mother they were barely surviving. Until she is sent to Miss Claires. But things arent what they seem and when Francie realising it is a house of pleasure she had 2 choices. Stay and pleasure the clients or leave and be in danger. When she starts singing she is spared somewhat from the client side of thing. When she finds her way to the Mansfield Hotel to further her singing that’s when her life really changes.

Rose Donovan falls in love with a man and against advice she leaves with him. However this is all not real and when he sells her to the Mansfield Hotel as a singer.

3 different people, from 3 different backgrounds and life’s are brought together in an event that will change all of their lives.

It is an amazing read you will not be able to put it down and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

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Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Nicole Thompson

Kamana Wanalaya for the HolidaysKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

*Insert Favorite Holiday Movie Channel Here* eat your heart out! Kamala Wanalaya by Susan Renee is primed for a SPICY rom-com holiday movie! This book kept me entertained from the beginning – making me laugh out loud many times as the exceptionally relatable main characters, Teagan and Tensley, made for a perfect romance balanced with equal parts sugar and spice this holiday season. I constantly felt like I was literally right there in this Hawaiian paradise, seeing, feeling, and experiencing each of the characters throughout the storyline. It was clearly the best read to get me out of my slump and I can’t wait to read more from Susan Renee!

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Snow in Love by Libby Kay – Review by Dawn Mitchell

Snow in LoveSnow in Love by Libby Kay
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Classic book of two athletes who go away to train. At first they can’t stand each other an then realize they really don’t know each other. Once they take the time an get to know each other, past the politics, rumors and glamour they realize they really do like each other. Sienna an Connor are a match made in heaven

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Love Tools (Bluestone Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Angelina Frazzini

Love Tools (Bluestone Series, #1)Love Tools by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is book one of the series. At his was a good read.

Lily is dealing with a dead-end job and her horrible taste in men. After the death of her father, she picks up and moves. She leaves London headed for Montana to reopen the hardware store she was left. That’s where Jake comes in. Lily is not exactly happy with Jake’s presence. Unless of course she can just enjoy the view. Once they get to know each other, you can’t ignore the chemistry. The question is though, will Lily be able to ignore Jake’s reputation or is this just another one of her wrong choices?

I enjoyed this book. There were some laughs along with Lily’s feisty nature. It was a quick read but worth it!

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The Coin Audiobook by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

 

5 Stars

The Coin Audiobook by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra

 

The Coin (Audiobook) is a Romance Suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat as your listening. The narrator did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life and keeping my attention throughout the story. This is a  fast paced story that is set in the French Rivera and is about  betrayal, love ,hatred that bring forth personal greatness (triumph). Gabriela’s life is a bit complicated and she finds herself at her favorite spot while there she finds herself in unfamiliar area and discovers a coin. Then there’s Richard who is an American Intelligence officer who is  not happy with his boss after he asked him to do a favor.  Turns out that favor  has him protecting Gabriela from a killer who will stop at nothing to keep his secret safe. I truly enjoyed listening to this story and highly recommend listening/reading to find out what happens next. Im definitely looking forward to seeing what other books this author has to offer.

If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by Gillian Fawell

If I had a Magic WandIf I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a mum to a 4 year old girl, this book got me right in the feels. It echoed everything I wish for my little one and what mum hasn’t wished they had a magic wand to make the world perfect for their son or daughter? This would be a beautiful gift for a new parent or even for that special child in your life as a book to read together! Highly recommended!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch by Julia Brewer Daily – Review by April McCoy

The Fifth Daughter of Thorn RanchThe Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My first from the amazing Julia and wont be my last. This story was just wow. I went through a wide range of emotions reading it and can truly say every word took me to another world. I felt like i was in a yellowstone-esque novel and was loving every second! This is a perfect, well written book to cozy up and get lost in!

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Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Brandy Vaughn

Kamana Wanalaya for the HolidaysKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved the opening sentence of this book!!! I had to stifle my laughter since I was reading this book during nap time. The reason why women don’t propose had me laughing like crazy and it was so relatable! It was refreshing for Tenley to be a romance skeptic podcaster who tells her listeners the blunt truth of love. This story was full of fun steamy moments and an engaging story! It kept me turning page after page. The Hawaii resort is something I would love to go to and could imagine myself there in the story!

Review by @bilberrysweet

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If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by Jerricka Brown

If I had a Magic WandIf I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a beautiful story. I love the way the author used a poetic writing style. I enjoyed this book so much. The illustrations were amazing. I cannot wait to read this book to my own little bundle of joy. I highly recommend this book to parents.

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Beverly Finnie

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

All roads lead to California or in this case to the Mansfield Supper Club. Road to the Mansfield follows 3 different characters who have been broken. 3 different characters who you could say have been put through the ringer. The author expertly writes their overlapping stories reflecting the trials and tribulations they go through. The common thread, they all end up in California. They also end up at the Mansfield Supper Club. 2 of which are employees/entertainment and the other a spectator.
Francie(Ruby) finds herself in California to put herself back together. Ending up training and working at a gentlemen’s club when she was 17 she went through a difficult and trying year. Betrayal by her best friend and the stealing of her virtue. She married the man who got her out, only to lose him to death 6 years later. Now it’s time to start over and she’s hoping her voice can lead her in the right direction.
Rose is young and naive. Blinded by the words and actions of Rico Valentino. He convinces her to leave her family and friends, to marry him and move to California. Unfortunately it only takes a few months before his controlling and abusive ways present themselves. Tricked into an audition at Mansfield, she realizes despite her nerves it’s the opportunity of a lifetime, but at what cost.
Will she ever open her eyes and leave him?
Beau was broken by the death of his best friend. The death led to a domino effect of him losing everything. Best part he’s okay with that, because he feels like himself again. He also heads to California, and ends up a spectator at Mansfield. After listening to Rose and Ruby sing, he realizes he wants to help Rose any way he can. He is also mesmerized by Ruby.
Will he act on instinct?
How do these 3 characters tie together?
I feel like it’s the California move healing themselves. What do you think?
It’s one story with 3 overlapping substories, each focusing on a different character. It’s good but I have to warn you there are some dark themes that could be a little too much for some, but you should check it out!

@placexba
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The Sneaky Kitten (Invisible Magic Wand Book 4) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

The Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book FourThe Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book Four by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another cute story by Lois Wickstrom. My 5yo son and I love her books. There were a lot of unexpected surprises in here. You definitely get to use your imagination and take a quick little adventure with the main character Caspian. We both loved it.

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If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by Crystal Jimmo

If I had a Magic WandIf I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book had pulled at my heartstrings while reading to my kids. They loved seeing the different families, and as the wand was passed from family to family. My kids were ages 6 and 10 but they loved the book just the same. The message was sweet and heartfelt, and definitely should be a staple in every family. My family will be reading it as a bedtime routine from now on!

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What Actually Happened to Isaac Moore by Samantha J. Rose – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

What Actually Happened to Isaac MooreWhat Actually Happened to Isaac Moore by Samantha J. Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the first book I have read by this author, but it won’t be my last! This was such a whirlwind of action, adventure, and fantasy; I couldn’t put it down until I had finished the story. The author did a fantastic job of developing the characters and it was a journey watching how they evolved. This story was filled with vivid imagery in a whimsical fantasy world. This story takes you on a voyage of heartache and tragedy, followed by heart and humor. The author paces the story in a way that comes at you in waves. If you are looking for an offbeat story that covers adventure, heart, fantasy, magic, mystery, and well developed characters, this is a wonderful book to check out.

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Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Carla Clemmons

Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday RomanceKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday Romance by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This holiday romance is not what you expect! It has such a great story line and is not your typical story. This was my first time reading this author and I really enjoyed their writing style. Tenley has hidden insecurities that most people don’t even know about. She has a podcast telling women not to waste your time with love. And then comes Teagan who believes in love with his whole heart even though he has never experienced it. He takes a chance and makes an offer Tenley can’t refuse. Will his belief be enough to show Tenley that true love does exist? Can he really break down her walls and reach her heart? This is definitely worth the read!

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Revenge Never Rests (Tallie Brown Suspense Book) by Laurie Lewis- reviewed by Stephanie Dulac

Revenge Never RestsRevenge Never Rests by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Revenge never rests is the second book in this series from this Author. Although i have not read book one in this series i was still able to follow right along. I felt this book was a really fast read for me, it kept me engrossed. I honestly love Tallie brown’s Character dealing with her feelings with her mom and not to mention all the intensity and twists in this read. I was unable to predict what was going to happen in the book and it was so wonderfully written that you will not get board. if you like clean romance suspense reads i would highly suggest going and reading this book. Thank you to this Author for writing this book and i look forward to reading more books by you.
@stephaniedulac25

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Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Ayla Eddy

Kamana Wanalaya for the HolidaysKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable holiday romcom read that I would highly recommend. My first time reading from Susan Renee and definitely will not be my last. The romance genre is not my normal read, but the book summary caught my attention. It did not disappoint and I was hooked by the end of the first chapter.

The main characters have opposite views on what love is. Tenley has a practical view and gives advice on her podcast. Teagan is a Love Guru with an optimistic view. Is it true that opposites attract? A week in Hawaii is the ultimate test from the Love Guru to the Practical Podcaster. He pushes her buttons from the get go. She puts her foot down with her strong opinionated personality. Or does she? Pick up the book and follow the slow burn romance of these two opposites!

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Devon Pulliam

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love that all 3 stories connect at the end. This book is such an easy read that also kept my attention from start to finish.

The first story starts with Francie. Kind of reminds me of the song “Fancy” by Reba McEntire. She is living very poor, her mom is not in the best health and they have her baby brother to take care of. Francie comes back one day after selling some frog legs and her mom dresses her up all fancy and sends her off with one of her clients she sews for.

Francie’s singing voice saves her from so much until 2 crimes threaten to take all that way from her.

Then you have Rose. My heart broke for Rose through her whole story. She quickly marries a passerby to escape the life she is living and they head to California. Rose meets Francie and her life changes so much for the better. Rose quickly learns the man she “loves” and married that maybe her father was right about him. But like many marriages in the time period of this book, was trying to stick it out and make it work.

Then comes the story of Beau. The heartbreak he suffers after not being able to help a friend in a legal situation haunts him the rest of his life. However, between that and his divorce he changes his law practice and moves to California.

Oh how I can’t wait to see what happens with these 3 characters in the next book!

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Knight In The Museum, Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery Series, Alice Bienia, Review by Kristin Boutelle, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Crime

Knight In The Museum ( Jorja Knight Mystery -Book 5)Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Knight in the Museum is a very slow start, however the farther you get into the book, it does pick up the pace. The author is very detail oriented in how the main character does her investigation. Also the main character does have a private personal life other than her work as an investigator. I like how the main character appears to have emotions like an actual person.

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Return to Gallanvaig (A Quirk of Destiny Book 2) by Catherine Greenall – Review by Anastasia Dodson

Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of DestinyReturn to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny is the second part of the Quirk of Destiny series by Catherine Greenall. This book picks up a few years after the 1 part so I would highly recommend reading this series in order. This dystopian/sci-fi story is quite a bit different than my normal reads but the thriller/suspense parts kept me me intrigued and I kept turning page after page. The story was well done and the main characters were great! I am looking forward to reading the next part in this series and I will want to read other books by this author in the future! I would recommend this series to any dystopian/sci-fi/thriller lovers!
Happy reading!

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Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Trish Ann

Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday RomanceKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday Romance by Susan Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a cute, quick read. It took me a hot second to understand the title. I liked the grinch grumpiness mixes with sunshine in this story. The story flowed well and the characters were enjoyable. It was a definitely a cute read for the season.

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Super Enemies by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Trish Ann

Super EnemiesSuper Enemies by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I have read several books by this author. I did enjoy this book and could connect with it. I am conflicted on how I would use it with the children that I work with. I feel like there wasn’t a clear resolution for the siblings that younger children can understand. This would be better for children that can infer decision making. Overall, it was a nice, relatable story.

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Paula R Sayers

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a page turner that I could not put down!! Road to the Mansfield tells the stories of three individuals who all end up at the Mansfield where their paths cross. This is the first book in the series and I cannot wait for the rest of the books to be released!!

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Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by La Toya Lewis

Murder on oak streetMurder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Murder On Oak Street is the first book in the South Shore Mystery series by I. M. Foster. This is a historical mystery that has former New York coroner, Daniel O’Halleran moving to the small town of Patchogue and investigating his first mystery. He approached to investigate a two-year-old mystery that leads him to investigate a second more current mystery. I found this book very engaging and I really enjoyed the character of Daniel. I also enjoyed all the twists. The book has a bit of a slow start but really starts to pick up and becomes quite the page-turner. This is a great book for mystery and/or historical fiction fans.

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If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by La Toya Lewis

If I had a Magic WandIf I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi is a very sweet children’s book. This book is very well-written. I wish I had this book when my children were babies. I found the story to be very uplifting. I read this with my autistic boys and they very much enjoyed it. I would recommend this book to parents and children alike.

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Freedom Rings (The Circle Book 3) by Brenda Hardwick – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Freedom Rings: Book Three of The CircleFreedom Rings: Book Three of The Circle by Brenda Hardwick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this book. This is the third book in the series which I highly suggest reading the previous books in this series first. This will help with your enjoyment of the characters and know where they come from to where they are going in this book. This is a well written story where the author used her writing skills to bring the story to life. The characters gave the story a realistic feel as well as brought the story to life. I enjoyed how they pulled me into their world from the start. They are connectable and keep the story engaging. This is a fast paced story about friendship, betrayals and secrets. This is a series you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Snow in Love by Libby Kay – Review by Kerry Carr

Snow in LoveSnow in Love by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this romance. Its a perfect Christmas read. It is an enemies to lovers romance however I wouldn’t class Sienna and Connor as enemies. Both of them have had a lot to deal with in their lives so it’s made them act and respond the way they do.

Both are Paralympics athletes but they came to it from different ways. Sienna was born that way and over the years she has pushed herself to be the best paralympic skier around. She is a very focused and driver woman who won’t let anyone stand in her way.
Conner on the other hand lost his leg due to an accident, so he has the additional trauma of learning to live with this disability. Conner also used to be a bad boy, partying hard and different women every night. But that all changed after his accident. He is now trying to rebuild his life and career.

Neither Conner or Sienna are looking for romance or distraction but that is what the find when they are on deserted ski resort with just their coach.
As the couple get to know each other you can feel the push and pull as they feel each other out and push each others buttons.

The question is can they drop the images they have of each other in their minds to see the real person in front of them or will their pasts hold them back from taking a risk?

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